Dallas Cowboys Remain Quiet on Day 1 of NFL Free Agency

The Cowboys have yet to sign any new free agents despite having many defensive needs to address.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The Dallas Cowboys were expected to be active in free agency this offseason, but as of two hours into the legal tampering period, the team has remained silent. The only move they have made is a trade with the Green Bay Packers to acquire edge rusher Rashan Gary. Meanwhile, several other players have already agreed to deals with other teams. The Cowboys have focused on re-signing their own players, including franchise-tagging wide receiver George Pickens and re-signing running back Javonte Williams, but they have not added any new free agents from outside the organization.

Why it matters

The Cowboys have several defensive needs to address this offseason, and their lack of activity in free agency so far is concerning for a team that was expected to be aggressive in the open market. Their division rivals have already made some key additions, putting pressure on Dallas to keep up in the NFC East.

The details

Through the first two hours of the legal tampering period, the Cowboys have not signed any new free agents from outside the organization. Their only notable move has been trading for Rashan Gary from the Green Bay Packers. The team has focused on retaining their own players, franchise-tagging wide receiver George Pickens, re-signing running back Javonte Williams, and placing tenders on kicker Brandon Aubrey and offensive lineman T.J. Bass.

  • The legal tampering period of NFL free agency began at 12:00 PM ET on March 9, 2026.
  • As of 2:00 PM ET on March 9, 2026, the Cowboys have not signed any new free agents.

The players

Rashan Gary

An edge rusher who the Cowboys acquired in a trade with the Green Bay Packers.

George Pickens

A wide receiver who the Cowboys franchise-tagged to retain.

Javonte Williams

A running back who the Cowboys re-signed.

Brandon Aubrey

A kicker who the Cowboys placed a tender on.

T.J. Bass

An offensive lineman who the Cowboys placed a tender on.

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What they’re saying

“We must be aggressive in free agency this year to address our defensive needs. The division is only getting tougher.”

— Jerry Jones, Owner, Dallas Cowboys (Dallas Morning News)

What’s next

The Cowboys will need to act quickly to sign free agents and keep pace with their division rivals in the NFC East.

The takeaway

The Cowboys' lack of activity in free agency so far is concerning, as they have several defensive holes to fill and their division rivals have already made key additions. Dallas will need to be more aggressive in the coming days to avoid falling behind in the NFC East.