The Dallas Cowboys face critical decisions this offseason as they aim to strengthen both their defense and offense. Despite being approximately $30 million over the salary cap, the team is expected to pursue major acquisitions during the 2026 free agency period to improve their performance following back-to-back playoff misses.
After finishing the 2025 season with a 7-9-1 record, Dallas plans to leverage both free agency and their two first-round picks (No. 12 and No. 20) in the upcoming NFL Draft. FOX Sports NFL writer Greg Auman has identified four top free agents the Cowboys could target, including the highest-rated player available. Here’s a detailed look at Auman’s predictions for Dallas’s offseason moves.
Potential Addition: Steelers Cornerback Asante Samuel Jr.
Asante Samuel Jr., ranked the 95th-best free agent and 11th-best cornerback available, could be a valuable pickup if he returns to health. The 26-year-old has struggled with a shoulder injury, limiting him to just 10 games in the past two seasons. However, his late-season performance with Pittsburgh displayed promise. Samuel’s early career included six interceptions in three seasons and a memorable playoff game where he snagged three picks against the Jacksonville Jaguars. There is speculation that he might reunite with coach Derrick Ansley, who previously worked with Samuel at the Los Angeles Chargers.
Samuel, 26, is a tempting reclamation project, limited to 10 games over the last two seasons due to a shoulder injury, but a late-season cameo with the Steelers showed promise. Samuel once had three interceptions in one playoff game against the Jaguars, and his first three years in the league netted six interceptions and consistent play. Could he land with the Cowboys and his old Chargers position coach, Derrick Ansley?
?Greg Auman, FOX Sports NFL writer
Re-signing Veteran Edge Rusher Jadeveon Clowney
Jadeveon Clowney, who ranks as the 62nd-best free agent and 12th-best edge rusher, has emerged as a rare late-blooming pass rusher. Approaching his 33rd birthday, Clowney is notable for accumulating more sacks in his last five seasons (34.5) than in his first seven (32), despite having played for seven different teams during that span. Last season, Clowney tallied 8.5 sacks for Dallas at a surprisingly low cost of $3.45 million. Although his price is expected to rise, he still offers considerable value for teams seeking veteran depth combined with productive play.
Clowney, turning 33 next week, is a unicorn of a late-bloomer edge rusher, a former No. 1 overall pick who has played for seven teams in the last eight seasons and somehow has more sacks in his last five years (34.5) than he did in his first seven (32). That includes 8.5 sacks this season for Dallas as an absolute bargain, costing them all of $3.45 million. He might cost a little more this time around, but it’s still smart value for any team looking for reliable veteran depth and surprisingly good production.
?Greg Auman, FOX Sports NFL writer
Targeting Linebacker Devin Bush from the Browns
Devin Bush stands out as the 54th-best free agent overall and ranks fourth among linebacker prospects available this offseason. The 27-year-old recorded an impressive stat line in Cleveland last year, including 125 tackles, three interceptions—with two returned for touchdowns—two sacks, and two forced fumbles. Originally the 10th overall pick by the Steelers, Bush experienced a dip in performance following a strong rookie campaign but has revived his game recently. Pro Football Focus rates him as the eighth-best free agent and anticipates his market value around $12 million annually.
Bush, 27, found himself this past year in Cleveland, filling up the stat sheet with 125 tackles, three picks (two returned for touchdowns), two sacks and two forced fumbles. Once the 10th overall draft pick with the Steelers, his play there dropped off after a promising rookie year. He made $3.2 million with the Browns and should be a coveted free agent. Pro Football Focus is high on him, ranking him as the No. 8 overall free agent and projecting $12 million a year.
?Greg Auman, FOX Sports NFL writer
Considering Franchise Tag for Wide Receiver George Pickens
George Pickens, regarded as the top free agent overall and the leading wide receiver available, had a breakout 2025 season after joining the Cowboys from the Steelers. At only 24 years old, he caught 93 passes for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns. His asking price is expected to exceed $30 million annually, which presents a challenge given the Cowboys already invest $34 million yearly in receiver CeeDee Lamb. The franchise tag—estimated around $28 million for 2026—could serve as a temporary measure, though it could result in a trade if Dallas opts not to offer a long-term contract. Pickens ranks first in yards per catch (16.0) among players with over 200 receptions since 2022, maintaining an average of at least 15 yards per catch in each NFL season.
Pickens, still just 24, had a breakout year in 2025, catching 93 passes for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns after the Cowboys acquired him from the Steelers. He’s due to make $30 million a year or more, but Dallas is already paying CeeDee Lamb $34 million a year — perhaps the franchise tag, at about $28 million for 2026, is a short-term solution if they don’t want to invest more in Pickens. It seems like Pickens is a strong candidate to get the franchise tag as well, which could result in him getting traded. He’s averaged at least 15 yards per catch in each of his four NFL seasons. Out of 56 players with 200-plus catches since the start of 2022, he ranks No. 1 in yards per catch at 16.0.
?Greg Auman, FOX Sports NFL writer
In a tense offseason where salary cap constraints loom large, the Dallas Cowboys appear committed to securing critical free agents to address weaknesses, particularly on defense, while managing offensive priorities carefully. Their moves involving Samuel Jr., Clowney, Bush, and Pickens could redefine the team’s competitiveness as they enter the 2026 season. Draft capital combined with shrewd free agency signings may provide a path to returning to playoff contention.
