After losing Randy Gregory, the Dallas Cowboys could try and save face by landing one of these three star players to help improve their roster in 2022
The Dallas Cowboys thought they had Randy Gregory re-signed but then some offset language in the contract got him and his camp frustrated enough to back out of the deal.
Now, they’re going to have to go back to the drawing board to re-stock the shelves with talent. Of course, we all know this front office looks for bargain signings but what if they decided to use the money originally assigned to Gregory in order to go after a star player.
If so, here are three such stars that could come in and help Dallas make a run in the NFC during the 2022 season.
Dallas Cowboys star target No. 3: Von Miller, EDGE
Von Miller was traded to the Los Angeles Rams last season as they went after a Super Bowl, and got it. Now the veteran pass rusher is a free agent and looking for his next home.
In that search, Miller has been linked to the Cowboys and apparently has an interest in returning to his home state. Dallas would be wise to give Miller a call and see what it would take to bring him in.
Of course, he’s not a long-term answer since he’s about to turn 33 this month but Miller did still have 9.5 sacks between L.A. and Denver last season.
Miller would be a solid fit in Dan Quinn’s defense as a designated pass rusher and could be exactly what they need to replace Randy Gregory.
Dallas Cowboys star target No. 2: Antonio Brown, Wide Receiver
Before free agency opened up, the Dallas Cowboys traded away Amari Cooper. It was a pure salary cap move as they landed just a fifth-round pick while swapping sixths with the Browns.
They were able to use some of that money to retain Michael Gallup but lost Cedrick Wilson to the Miami Dolphins. This could lead to them looking for a third wide receiver and there’s a very talented one asking Jerry Jones to give him a call.
"“Maybe Jerry Jones thinks it looks sexy that I’m putting out all this motivation and all this hard work and encouragement,” Brown said via John Breech of CBS Sports. “Maybe he want to harness some of that energy.”"
Antonio Brown is undoubtedly one of the most talented receivers in the NFL. In his prime, he was in the discussion for the best in the league, and even now into his 30s, he can be tough to cover.
Having said all that, he comes with a ton of baggage. He burnt every bridge in Oakland before ever suiting up for the Raiders, was out in New England almost as soon as he arrived, and while he had a resurgence with Tampa Bay, the last image of him was when he threw off his uniform and left in the middle of a game.
Brown is a wild card for sure, but he’s talented enough to make the offense better. Jerry Jones would love this move. His son Stephen, not so much. Would be interesting to hear the two discuss it though.
Dallas Cowboys star target No. 1: Bobby Wagner, Linebacker
There was a time not too long ago when the Cowboys had one of the best linebacker duos in the NFL. Back in 2018, Jaylon Smith was joined by rookie Leighton Vander Esch and the two were amazing together.
Expectations were high after that season but Smith began to deteriorate rapidly in his performance and Vander Esch began to struggle with injuries and inconstant play.
Smith was released last season and Vander Esch appears gone as he’s headed to free agency. That leaves Dallas with Micah Parsons as their lone starting-caliber linebacker right now. Of course, Parsons was a monster as a rookie so he’s a great starter but Dallas needs more depth.
They could very well get that with someone who knows the coaching staff well. Bobby Wagner was just released by the Seattle Seahawks despite having 170 tackles last season and is looking for a new home. He has worked under defensive coordinator Dan Quinn in the past and the familiarity with his scheme could help the Cowboys bring him in.
Like the other names on this list, Wagner is over the age of 30 (will be 32 in the summer) so a long-term deal isn’t the answer. But if they could get him and Micah Parsons together for a year or two, it would be another elite linebacker duo.