Dallas Cowboys: 3 Affordable free agent options
By Randy Gurzi
![Nov 7, 2021; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars defensive lineman Taven Bryan (93) celebrates after a play during the first half against the Buffalo Bills at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-USA TODAY Sports Nov 7, 2021; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars defensive lineman Taven Bryan (93) celebrates after a play during the first half against the Buffalo Bills at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/319722395c1190832e7dd999c910b9d9ffc29287b5eb0a11826c820e6d359781.jpg)
The Dallas Cowboys will need to be creative with their free agency moves and that might lead to them looking for one of these 3 affordable targets
We all know by now how the Dallas Cowboys operate in free agency. They’re not taking big risks and they won’t spend big.
Sure, it has burnt them from time to time but after a 2021 offseason full of successful budget-shopping, they’re going to be back and more frugal than ever in 2022.
Last year, Dallas hit on Jayron Kearse while also finding success with Damontae Kazee, Malik Hooker, and Keanu Neal who all came over on one-year deals. Most likely played their way out of town and the front office will now look to add even more players who don’t break the bank.
Here we identify three such players who they could add while staying within budget.
Dallas Cowboys Free Agent Target No. 3: Arden Key, EDGE
In 2018, Arden Key was a third-round pick of the Oakland Raiders and lasted just three seasons before being waived. He finished with just 49 tackles and three sacks in 37 games but was able to find new life with the San Francisco 49ers.
Working in a rotational role, Key had 22 tackles and 6.5 sacks on the season. He had 19 total quarterback pressures, which was just three more than he had with the Raiders the prior season but he was getting home — which is huge for him.
Dallas, meanwhile, could be looking at some big changes with Randy Gregory and Dorance Armstrong both hitting free agency as well. There’s also a belief they could look to save money by moving on from DeMarcus Lawrence.
If any of those players exits, Key makes a lot of sense as a rotational pass-rusher who could shine in Dan Quinn’s defense.