4 Bold Free Agency Predictions That Would Push Cowboys Back Into the Playoffs

An NFL analyst makes four predictions for the Dallas Cowboys in free agency, and it could be enough to get them into the postseason.

Feb. 20, 2026 at 12:07am

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An NFL analyst makes four predictions for the Dallas Cowboys in free agency, including signing Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. and Cleveland Browns linebacker Devin Bush, as well as re-signing defensive end Jadeveon Clowney and using the franchise tag on wide receiver George Pickens. These moves could be enough to push the Cowboys back into the playoff picture.

Why it matters

The Dallas Cowboys are looking to bounce back after missing the playoffs last season. These free agency predictions, if true, would significantly bolster their defense and offense, giving them a better chance of returning to the postseason.

The details

The analyst, Greg Auman of FOX Sports, believes the Cowboys will sign two defensive players from the AFC North: cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. from the Steelers and linebacker Devin Bush from the Browns. Samuel, 26, is seen as a reclamation project after being limited to 10 games over the last two seasons due to a shoulder injury, but he has shown promise earlier in his career. Bush, 27, is coming off a breakout season with the Browns, recording 125 tackles, three interceptions, two touchdowns, two sacks, and two forced fumbles. Auman also predicts the Cowboys will re-sign defensive end Jadeveon Clowney, who led the team with 8.5 sacks last season, and use the franchise tag on wide receiver George Pickens.

  • The start of NFL free agency is less than a month away.

The players

Asante Samuel Jr.

A cornerback for the Pittsburgh Steelers who has had success in the past but has been limited by injuries over the last two seasons.

Devin Bush

A linebacker for the Cleveland Browns who had a breakout season in 2025, recording 125 tackles, three interceptions, two touchdowns, two sacks, and two forced fumbles.

Jadeveon Clowney

A defensive end for the Dallas Cowboys who led the team with 8.5 sacks last season.

George Pickens

A wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys who the team is expected to franchise tag this offseason.

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What they’re saying

“Samuel, 26, is a tempting reclamation project, limited to 10 games over the last two seasons due to a shoulder injury, but a late-season cameo with the Steelers showed promise.”

— Greg Auman, NFL Analyst

“Bush, 27, found himself this past year in Cleveland, filling up the stat sheet with 125 tackles, three picks (two returned for touchdowns), two sacks and two forced fumbles.”

— Greg Auman, NFL Analyst

What’s next

The Cowboys will need to restructure some of their biggest contracts to free up enough salary cap space to make these moves in free agency.

The takeaway

These free agency predictions, if true, would significantly improve the Cowboys' roster on both sides of the ball and give them a much better chance of returning to the playoffs after missing out last season. The team's ability to be aggressive in free agency will be crucial to their success in 2026.