FRISCO — The Dallas Cowboys essentially sat out free agency a year ago, only bringing in running back Ezekiel Elliott and linebacker Eric Kendricks as their prized signings. Kendricks served well for Mike Zimmer’s defense but Elliott quickly flamed out in his second go-around at The Star.
Many wonder if that abysmal approach will change the minds of Jerry Jones and the Cowboys brass. With a new head coach taking the helm this season, perhaps the team spends a little more to put a contending team together.
The NFL Draft in April will provide similar opportunities to land key contributors as well. Many have pegged the Cowboys as suitors for some of the premier offensive talent projected to go in the early rounds.
Nick Bolton And The Cowboys
By Tony Fisher
Focusing on this defensive though, Dallas could see some significant losses on that side. Micah Parsons is expected to sign a contract extension this summer but Kendricks, DeMarcus Lawrence and Osa Odighizuwa headline a list of free agents that could be on their way out.
For the Cowboys, they have to counter with big moves of their own. They will need replacements up front, but former NFL scout Bryan Broddus has suggested a shift of focus to the linebacker spot with an eye on Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Nick Bolton.
“I want to believe that this organization is going to take a different approach in free agency this year. And maybe not signing Osa Odighizuwa or signing Jourdan Lewis or signing Golston. But going out and signing a Nick Bolton, linebacker from Kansas City when he becomes available.”
Bolton brings more than just a big name to the table. He is entering his prime with two Super Bowls under his belt after becoming a key cog in Steve Spagnuolo’s defense.
He also comes off a campaign that ended in three sacks, two fumble recoveries and 106 total tackles. That production could be very useful for Dallas with an underlying weakness at linebacker.
Barring a Kendricks return, there are some holes to plug at that spot. DeMarvion Overshown’s 2025 is uncertain with the knee injury he suffered in December and Marist Liufau, while having shown some promise, is still relatively inexperienced.
Parsons can float from the edge to other parts of the defense, but the Cowboys need more grounded depth in the middle of the defense. Bolton solves that problem immediately and would factor in as a strong backbone to Parsons as the primary leader.
But when it comes to Bolton’s potential signing with the Cowboys, it comes down to whether or not the team is willing to spend in free agency. If Dallas changes their tune, he could be a game-changer for Matt Eberflus’ defense.
