Work to Do This Offseason

The 2017 Dallas Cowboys had a season marked by drama, accomplishment and eventual disappointment.

The Cowboys played several seasons in 2017.  There was the early part of the season when they couldn't stop any offense despite starting the season at 2-2.  There was the middle of the year where the Cowboys averaged 30 points per game offensively in going 3-0, and then there was the Ezekiel Elliott suspension part of the season.

Elliott's six game suspension (3-3 over that time) highlighted his importance to both the offense and defense.  The Cowboys were blown out in three straight games before winning their final three at the end of the suspension.  Quarterback Dak Prescott was solid in 2017, but he was less efficient having to carried the entirety of the offense.

The loss of linebacker Sean Lee for portions of the season resulted in a team that looked both solid defensively and wildly clueless.  What became clear is that the Cowboys are in need of better defensive play from their linebackers when Lee is not available.

The defense also has the challenge this offseason of retaining their best pass rusher.  Defensive end Demarcus Lawrence recorded 14.5 sacks for a team that spent last offseason talking about finding a "war daddy" on the defensive line.  Lawrence provided just that.  Whether the team gets a long term deal done or applies the franchise tag to Lawrence, one can expect him to be back in Dallas for at least another season. 

Dallas is also in need of some speed on offense.  Adding a homerun hitter to the receiving core will help with the declining abilities of receiver Dez Bryant.  Competing for the playoffs in 2018 should be an expected goal. 

Offensive Ranking: 14th

Defensive Ranking: 8th

Key Free Agents:  

Demarcus Lawrence - DE - Recorded 14.5 sacks in 2017 after bouncing back from an injury-plagued 2016 season.  The 25 year old pass rusher is expected to receive the franchise tag from Dallas if a contract can't be reached with him.

Anthony Hitchens - LB - Productive in 2017 despite missing four games due to injury.  Hitchens had played in every single NFL game in his previous three seasons leading up to 2017.  Should command a quality contract in free agency.

David Irving - DT - (Restricted) - Irving served an eight game suspension to start the season before terrorizing opposing offensive lines for the remainder of the season.  Recorded seven sacks during his limited 2017.  The question is how large of a tender offer he receives from Dallas as he has immense talent but is also not trustworthy.  

Alfred Morris - RB - Had a solid season as the primary backup and eventual starter for the suspended Ezekiel Elliott.   

Jonathan Cooper - G - 13 game starter for Dallas at LG in 2017.  The former first round pick played well enough to resurrect his career.  

Potential Cuts/Restructures:  

Dez Bryant - WR - Bryant dealt with injuries in 2017 for a third straight season.  Bryant has not been a 1,000 yard receiver in the league since 2014.  Lower leg injuries have taken away his explosive downfield speed, but can still win jump balls and beat defenders with his strength.  Cap savings: $8.5M

Orlando Scandrick - CB - Dallas committed multiple draft picks to defensive backs in recent drafts.  Scandrick has missed nine games over the last two seasons after missing all of 2015 with a knee injury.  Cap savings: $3M