Cowboys' Early Free Agency Moves Described as "Maintaining"

Dallas didn't make any major splashes, but also didn't take any steps back in free agency so far.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 1:54pm

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The Dallas Cowboys were active in the early stages of NFL free agency, but did not land any of the top-tier players on the market. While the team made some solid additions to improve the secondary and pass rush, there are still major holes on the roster entering Week 2 of free agency. As a result, one analyst described the team's approach as "maintaining" rather than taking a major step forward.

Why it matters

The Cowboys' 2025 defensive rankings were poor, ranking 30th in total defense, 32nd in pass defense, and 23rd in rush defense. The team needs to make significant improvements on that side of the ball to compete in the NFC East and make a playoff push, but their free agency moves so far have been modest.

The details

The Cowboys added players like Jalen Thompson, Cobie Durant, and P.J. Locke to upgrade the secondary, and traded for Rashan Gary to help the pass rush. However, they did not land any top free agents like Trey Hendrickson or sign their own franchise-tagged player, wide receiver CeeDee Pickens, to a long-term deal.

  • The Cowboys were active during the first wave of NFL free agency in March 2026.

The players

Jalen Thompson

A defensive back signed by the Cowboys to help improve their secondary.

Cobie Durant

A defensive back signed by the Cowboys to help improve their secondary.

P.J. Locke

A defensive back signed by the Cowboys to help improve their secondary.

Rashan Gary

An edge rusher traded to the Cowboys to help improve their pass rush.

CeeDee Pickens

The Cowboys' franchise-tagged wide receiver who they have not signed to a long-term deal yet.

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What they’re saying

“There's a world where a long-term contract for Pickens and a successful pursuit of Trey Hendrickson have this team looking like a contender. Instead, they have an extended standoff with a franchise-tagged Pickens while trading for Rashan Gary and making other defensive acquisitions. It's just enough to be where they were in 2025.”

— Alex Ballentine, Bleacher Report (Bleacher Report)

What’s next

The Cowboys still have opportunities to continue adding players in free agency, with options like Minnesota Vikings edge rusher Jonathan Greenard and former New York Giants defensive captain Bobby Okereke still available. The team also holds two first-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft to further address roster needs.

The takeaway

The Cowboys' free agency approach so far has been described as "maintaining" rather than making a major leap forward. While they've made some solid additions, they still have significant holes to fill on the defensive side of the ball in order to compete in the NFC East and make a playoff push.