Grading every NFL team’s 2019 offseason
By Randy Gurzi
Dallas Cowboys
The offseason started slow for the Dallas Cowboys, and fans were losing patience. Wide receiver Cole Beasley left in free agency to join the Buffalo Bills and they were dragging their feet on a deal with DeMarcus Lawrence. Not only that, but they didn’t break the bank for safety Earl Thomas, which seemed like a marriage waiting to happen.
Then, the patience of the front office started to reap some benefits. They landed Randall Cobb on a cheaper deal than Beasley and also swung a trade for defensive end Robert Quinn. Other signings included safety George Iloka and defensive linemen Christian Covington and Kerry Hyder. Most importantly, none of these contracts were very expensive and they’re short-term deals, which gives them much-needed flexibility with contracts coming up for Dak Prescott, Amari Cooper, Ezekiel Elliott, and Jaylon Smith.
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They also found a potential starter with their 58th pick in the draft with defensive tackle Trysten Hill out of UCF — after sitting out Round 1 due to the Amari Cooper trade. After that, the draft was a mixed bag, but they showed some forward thinking. Conner McGovern felt weird at the time, but he could help them move on from La’el Collins who is under contract for just this season. Their best pick may have come after this though as they landed Memphis running back Tony Pollard who should be a game-changer as a kick returner.
Overall, it was a successful offseason — especially since they bid adieu to offensive coordinator Scott Linehan. They attacked this season while setting up the future nicely. If there was any negative, it was the lack of attention paid to the tight end spot. Jason Witten isn’t an upgrade at this point and they may have been best not pursuing his un-retirement.
Grade: B+