The Cowboys will have eyes on who they want to keep around, as well as those they want to bring in.
The Dallas Cowboys and free agency. Name a more frustrating duo.
But this offseason, under Brian Schottenheimer and a new look defensive coaching staff led by Christian Parker, the Cowboys have a chance to buck the trend.
Not known for being big spenders in the "first wave" of free agency, as teams like the Philadelphia Eagles and Los Angeles Rams go and buy their Ferarri's, the Cowboys sit tight.
That often leads them to bargain hunt.
But this time, when it comes to retaining and acquiring players, the Cowboys will have to be proactive.
And we'd suggest five semi-specific moves.
Three big-time keepers who are in-house. ... and two new additions on defense, at any level - defensive end, linebacker or secondary.
Improving the defense is a priority. That is about both keeping those they want, but also going out and signing players to help them improve.
The offense is set, but again, the signing of a couple of pending free agents is crucial.
How crucial? Let's take a look.
PFF has released its top 250 free agents this offseason, and for the Cowboys, they have three inside the top 50.
George Pickens (No. 2), Javonte Williams (No. 31), and Jadeveon Clowney (No. 38).
You could argue that all three need to be re-signed by the Cowboys.
With Pickens, what he did for the offense as a whole was superb, finishing with 1,429 yards and 9 TDs.
He developed into a trusted weapon for Dak Prescott and also allowed CeeDee Lamb, at times, to break free from the shackles of a double team. Not to mention, Pickens' presence on the outside allowed lighter boxes for Dallas' next-best free agent, Williams.
Javonte produced a career-best season, rushing for 1,201 yards and 11 TDs to be the driving force of Dallas' top-10 rushing attack.
If Pickens and Williams are both re-signed, you can make the case that Schottenheimer's offense in 2026 is "set."
That brings us to Clowney.
In a bit-part role, the former first-round pick became a dependable source of production under Matt Eberflus, and he would end up leading the Cowboys in sacks (8.5).
And considering he was signed halfway through the season, that isn't a good look for the rest of Dallas' pass rushers.
But Clowney proved he is deserving of a contract in 2026; however, the sticking point is that Jadeveon will want to be paid like a starter. Dallas doesn't view him as that.
Still, with the Cowboys having three of the top 50 free agents, the need to be active in re-signing, as much as signing outsiders, is clear.
We're not asking a lot. We're asking for two difference-making newcomers.
And let's hope Jerry once senses the urgency to get business done this offseason efficiently, and "nail" free agency for a change.