The Dallas Cowboys front office is acutely aware of the salary cap and is consistently exploring strategies to manage costs effectively. The decisions made about which players to retain or release are pivotal, and the organization has faced scrutiny for some of their more controversial choices in recent seasons. Initially, many of these moves are met with significant criticism, yet over time, opinions can shift as the outcomes unfold. In this article, we will delve into the five most newsworthy roster decisions that the Cowboys have undertaken in the past five years, analyzing their implications and the reactions they generated.

Understanding the Impact of Trading for Trey Lance

In the last offseason, the Cowboys made headlines by trading their 2024 fourth-round draft pick to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for former third-overall pick, Trey Lance, from the 2021 draft. Lance, who starred at North Dakota State, entered the NFL with limited experience, having started only four games in his first three seasons. Remarkably, he did not see any playing time during his rookie season with the Cowboys. Although it is clear that this 24-year-old quarterback has yet to fully realize his potential at the professional level, the Cowboys remain hopeful that he can develop into a valuable asset. Given the uncertainty surrounding this decision, it is crucial to reserve judgment until the full ramifications of this move become apparent.

This trade is noteworthy because it is still unclear what the Cowboys’ long-term plans are for Lance. The investment of a fourth-round draft pick is not one to be taken lightly, indicating that the Cowboys likely have a strategic vision for his role. Are they envisioning him as a cost-effective replacement for Dak Prescott should the team choose to move in a different direction? Or do they see him as a reliable backup quarterback? Regardless of the intentions behind this decision, it is imperative for the organization to clarify their plans soon, as Lance is entering the final year of his rookie contract after the team opted not to exercise his fifth-year option.

Analyzing the Randy Gregory Contract Situation

The Cowboys faced significant backlash from fans when the situation regarding Randy Gregory unfolded. Initially, the organization announced that they would be re-signing him to a lucrative five-year, $70 million contract, which sparked excitement among the fanbase. However, later that same day, it was revealed that the Denver Broncos had secured Gregory’s services instead. This abrupt turn of events left many questioning what had gone wrong.

The crux of the issue lay in the contract language that the Cowboys included, which allowed them to void his salary if he were to be fined or suspended for any violations of the league’s substance abuse or personal conduct policies. Given Gregory’s history, the Cowboys sought to protect themselves, but he rejected their terms and quickly signed with the Broncos instead.

In the aftermath, while fans were understandably upset with the front office for their handling of the situation, it turned out that the Cowboys may have narrowly escaped a costly mistake. Gregory’s tenure in Denver was less than stellar; he found himself in a physical altercation and struggled to make an impact on the field. Ultimately, after playing in just ten games over two seasons, head coach Sean Payton decided to part ways with him. The Broncos traded him to the 49ers for a late-round draft pick, where he served as a reserve player and appeared in three postseason games, recording a tackle in each. In April, Gregory signed a one-year deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Looking back, this situation seems to have worked out favorably for the Cowboys.

Evaluating the Decision to Release La’el Collins

La’el Collins has had a tumultuous career marked by unforeseen challenges. He was initially robbed of the opportunity to hear his name called during the first day of the 2015 NFL Draft due to reports that police wanted to question him regarding a shooting incident involving a woman he had been associated with. As a result, he went undrafted and subsequently signed with the Cowboys. Following two seasons of uncertainty regarding his position, he eventually found his niche as the starting right tackle, providing a solid presence on the offensive line.

In 2019, Collins earned a five-year, $70 million contract, affirming the Cowboys’ belief in his abilities. However, his career took a downturn the following year after he was involved in a car accident that sidelined him for the entire season due to a hip injury. The following season, he faced a five-game suspension for violating the league’s substance abuse policy, and reports surfaced suggesting he attempted to bribe the testing collector. Upon returning, Collins found himself competing for his starting role against Terence Steele, another undrafted tackle who had stepped up in his absence.

Ultimately, the Cowboys opted for the younger Steele as their new right tackle. Fans had mixed feelings about Collins; some believed he was still the superior choice, while others supported the decision to save money and invest in Steele. In retrospect, the Cowboys’ decision to release Collins appears to have been the right move, allowing them to maintain a stronger roster while managing their salary cap effectively.

Reassessing the Re-signing of Ezekiel Elliott

Controversy surrounded the Dallas Cowboys’ handling of Ezekiel Elliott. After a disappointing 4-12 season marked by Tony Romo’s absence for most of the year, the team was awarded the fourth-overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft—their highest selection in 25 years since selecting Russell Maryland first overall in 1991. To the surprise of many, the Cowboys chose to draft a running back.

Elliott, who had been a standout player at Ohio State, initially proved the skeptics wrong, rushing for over 1,600 yards and 15 touchdowns in his rookie season. However, controversy soon followed, as the NFL suspended him for violating the personal conduct policy related to domestic violence allegations against his ex-girlfriend. This situation dragged on as he appealed the suspension multiple times until he ultimately accepted it in November.

After avoiding further legal trouble, Elliott averaged over 100 rushing yards per game across his first three seasons, leading the Cowboys to reward him with a six-year, $90 million contract in 2019. This deal, however, did not come without its challenges, as Elliott held out during training camp to push for the extension. Unfortunately, the toll of wear and tear on his body became evident, and he recorded a career-low in rushing yards per game in subsequent seasons. After only two years into his contract, Elliott was released, later signing with the New England Patriots. Ultimately, he returned to the Cowboys on a one-year, $2 million deal.

The Cowboys’ approach to Elliott’s contract will likely be scrutinized for their decision to draft him so high and subsequently extend his contract. While it is understandable to recognize his early career value, the longevity of running backs in the NFL is notoriously poor, and Elliott did not turn out to be the outlier the team was hoping for.

Analyzing the Trade of Amari Cooper

In a stark contrast to the earlier drama, the Cowboys made a significant move when they traded for Amari Cooper in 2018, giving up a first-round pick to the Oakland Raiders for the talented wide receiver. Cooper’s impact was immediate, enhancing the Cowboys’ passing game significantly. His performance impressed the organization so much that they rewarded him with a five-year, $100 million contract in 2020.

That same year, the Cowboys were fortunate to draft CeeDee Lamb, who fell to them for no apparent reason. The combination of Cooper and Lamb proved formidable, as they played together for two seasons. However, the team ultimately decided to part ways with Cooper to free up cap space. This decision was met with criticism, as Cooper was regarded as a top player and continues to perform well with the Cleveland Browns. Nevertheless, the front office believed reallocating Cooper’s projected $60 million over the next three seasons to other players would benefit the team in the long run.

This situation is complex and subjective, as both sides present valid arguments. While Cooper is undeniably a talented player, his $20 million annual salary is relatively reasonable in today’s market. Conversely, the Cowboys needed to manage their finances to retain other key players, making the decision to let Cooper go a strategic one. With Lamb stepping into the role of the primary receiver, the team felt confident in their ability to build a strong receiving corps without incurring the high costs associated with a WR2.

Reflecting on these offseason moves, which decision do you believe was the most detrimental? Have you changed your perspective on any of these transactions over time?