3 Underrated Dallas Cowboys NFL Free Agent Fits Still Available

Free agency has slowed down, but the Dallas Cowboys could still find help with these three underrated free agents.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 6:13pm

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The Dallas Cowboys have been active in free agency, adding players like EDGE Rashan Gary, safeties Jalen Thompson and P.J. Locke, cornerback Cobie Durant, and nose tackle Otito Ogbonnia. However, there are still holes to fill on the roster, and the team could consider these three underrated free agents: linebacker Shaq Thompson, EDGE Von Miller, and cornerback Avonte Maddox.

Why it matters

The Cowboys are looking to improve their defense after a disappointing 2025 season. These three free agents could provide valuable depth and experience to a unit that needs to take a step forward in 2026.

The details

Shaq Thompson is a former first-round pick who spent 10 seasons with the Carolina Panthers before signing with the Buffalo Bills in 2025. He's a talented linebacker who could help fill a need for the Cowboys. Von Miller is a 36-year-old pass rusher who had a resurgent season with the Washington Commanders in 2025 and could provide a veteran presence on the edge. Avonte Maddox is a versatile cornerback who has experience playing in the slot, which could be valuable for the Cowboys with Jourdan Lewis departing in free agency.

  • The Cowboys agreed to a trade with the Green Bay Packers for EDGE Rashan Gary in the offseason.
  • The Cowboys signed safeties Jalen Thompson and P.J. Locke, cornerback Cobie Durant, and nose tackle Otito Ogbonnia in free agency.
  • Shaq Thompson played in 12 games for the Buffalo Bills in 2025, recording 56 tackles, six tackles for loss, and one sack.
  • Von Miller recorded nine sacks for the Washington Commanders in 2025.
  • Avonte Maddox played for the Detroit Lions in 2025 after spending the 2024 season with the Philadelphia Eagles.

The players

Shaq Thompson

A former first-round pick who spent 10 seasons with the Carolina Panthers before signing with the Buffalo Bills in 2025.

Von Miller

A 36-year-old pass rusher who had a resurgent season with the Washington Commanders in 2025.

Avonte Maddox

A versatile cornerback who has experience playing in the slot, which could be valuable for the Cowboys with Jourdan Lewis departing in free agency.

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What they’re saying

“Jerry Jones said he made a mistake letting Jourdan Lewis leave in free agency, admitting he undervalued the slot cornerback position.”

— Jerry Jones

The takeaway

The Dallas Cowboys have been active in free agency, but there are still holes to fill on their roster. These three underrated free agents - Shaq Thompson, Von Miller, and Avonte Maddox - could provide valuable depth and experience to a Cowboys defense that needs to improve in 2026.