ESPN’s list of the top 50 free agents includes two Dallas Cowboys.
The NFL’s free agency period is one of the most anticipated times of the year, where teams look to bolster their rosters for a playoff push, and players have the chance to secure life-changing contracts. ESPN’s list of the top 50 free agents often draws significant attention, as it highlights some of the best players available on the market, alongside potential team fits and the financial impact of their moves. In the latest iteration of this list, two Dallas Cowboys—both crucial pieces of the team’s recent success—made their way onto the list of the top 50 free agents. These two players are likely to have a significant impact on the Cowboys’ future, depending on their potential departure or retention.
This article will examine the circumstances surrounding these two Cowboys players, how they’ve contributed to the team’s recent success, and what their futures might look like in the upcoming free agency period. We’ll also explore how these free-agent decisions could shape the Cowboys’ plans moving forward, and what their departure (or retention) means for the franchise’s future.
Player 1: Tony Pollard – Running Back
The first Cowboys player to make the list is running back Tony Pollard. Pollard had an eye-catching season in 2023, further establishing himself as one of the NFL’s most dynamic and versatile running backs. His success has been a direct result of the opportunity he received after Ezekiel Elliott’s departure, and Pollard flourished in his expanded role as the lead back.
Contribution to the Cowboys
In 2023, Pollard posted career-high numbers, rushing for over 1,000 yards and scoring 12 touchdowns. He was a constant threat in the backfield, as his speed and agility made him difficult for opposing defenses to contain. More impressively, Pollard’s skills as a receiving back were on full display, as he added nearly 400 yards through the air with three receiving touchdowns. His ability to contribute both as a rusher and as a pass-catcher made him a key component of the Cowboys’ offense.
Pollard’s biggest strength is his ability to break off big plays. He averaged 4.8 yards per carry in 2023, a solid number in today’s NFL, but it was his explosive runs that helped turn the tide in games. Whether it was breaking through the middle of the line for a long touchdown or catching a screen pass and outrunning defenders, Pollard proved that he was a dynamic playmaker who could shift the momentum of a game.
Pollard’s contributions went beyond the box score, as he was a key component of the Cowboys’ overall offensive balance. With quarterbacks like Dak Prescott and a receiving corps led by CeeDee Lamb, Pollard’s ability to force defenses to account for the run game opened up opportunities for the passing attack. The Cowboys’ offense, though often inconsistent, benefited from Pollard’s versatility and playmaking ability.
The Free Agency Landscape
However, with free agency approaching, the question of Pollard’s future with the Cowboys becomes more pressing. The Cowboys had placed a franchise tag on Pollard earlier in the offseason, ensuring they could retain him for at least one more season, but the fact remains that Pollard is now poised to enter free agency once again. This leaves him in a bit of an uncertain situation, as he will likely be seeking a long-term deal that reflects his growth and production.
Pollard is undoubtedly one of the top free agents in this class, and there will be no shortage of suitors. Teams in need of a game-changing back could look to Pollard to fill that role. The Dallas Cowboys will have to consider whether they are willing to match or outbid the market for Pollard’s services, or whether they might let him walk and look for a cheaper option in the draft or free agency.
The Cowboys’ Decision
The decision surrounding Pollard’s future will have a huge impact on the Cowboys’ offensive plans moving forward. While they have a talented roster, their offensive identity is heavily tied to the running game, and Pollard is one of the best playmakers they have. Losing him could be a significant blow, and while the Cowboys may have capable backups on their roster, they would not be able to replicate Pollard’s unique skill set.
However, keeping Pollard might be costly, especially as he is likely to seek a sizable contract. If the Cowboys do keep him, they will need to ensure that they have the financial flexibility to also address other key roster needs, such as improving the offensive line or adding talent to the defensive side of the ball. The decision regarding Pollard could play a crucial role in shaping the Cowboys’ roster for the next few seasons.
Player 2: Leighton Vander Esch – Linebacker
The second Dallas Cowboys player on ESPN’s list of the top 50 free agents is linebacker Leighton Vander Esch. Vander Esch is one of the cornerstones of the Cowboys’ defense, known for his ability to cover ground and make plays all over the field. He has had an up-and-down career thus far, with some injury concerns that have limited his full potential, but when healthy, Vander Esch has been an impact player for the Cowboys.
Contribution to the Cowboys
When Vander Esch is healthy, he is one of the more talented linebackers in the NFL. His 6’4″, 256-pound frame allows him to be a physical presence in the run game, and his speed and agility make him a key player in pass coverage. Vander Esch has the ability to cover tight ends and running backs, which is invaluable in today’s NFL, where so many teams rely on their passing game to attack the middle of the field.
In 2023, Vander Esch recorded 104 tackles, which included several key stops in critical moments of games. His leadership on the field is also undeniable, as he helps coordinate the defense and is often seen helping young players in the linebacker corps. His ability to read offenses and make adjustments at the line of scrimmage is something that is highly valued in a linebacker.
Additionally, Vander Esch’s presence allows other players, such as Micah Parsons, to thrive. The Cowboys’ defensive scheme is built around having versatile and athletic linebackers who can make plays in all phases of the game. Vander Esch has often been a reliable presence in the middle of the defense, and when he is on the field, the Cowboys’ defense performs at a higher level.
The Free Agency Landscape
However, Vander Esch’s future is uncertain. Like Pollard, he is also set to become a free agent, and his injury history will play a role in how many teams are willing to pursue him. Vander Esch has missed significant time in the past due to neck injuries, and there are concerns about how long he can continue to perform at a high level. Still, when he is on the field, he is a difference-maker, and there will likely be suitors willing to take a chance on him.
The Cowboys will have to weigh the risk of Vander Esch’s injury history against his ability to impact the game when healthy. Given that the linebacker position is crucial to the success of the defense, the Cowboys may decide to bring him back on a short-term deal or a contract with incentives based on performance and health.
The Cowboys’ Decision
Keeping Vander Esch would be an important move for the Cowboys’ defense. His leadership and versatility are assets that cannot be easily replaced. However, they will have to make sure that they are not overpaying for a player with injury concerns, and if they decide to move on, they may look for younger and healthier options at linebacker.
The Cowboys may also explore the option of drafting a linebacker or finding a cheaper option in free agency, which could allow them to allocate resources elsewhere on the roster. But as long as Vander Esch is healthy, he remains one of the most talented linebackers available, and his value to the Cowboys’ defense is hard to overstate.
The Impact of Free Agency on the Cowboys
The decisions surrounding Tony Pollard and Leighton Vander Esch will be two of the most important for the Dallas Cowboys during the 2025 NFL offseason. Both players have been key contributors to the team’s success in recent years, and their potential departures or retention could shape the team’s future for seasons to come.
For Pollard, the Cowboys will need to decide if they are willing to commit to a long-term deal that reflects his importance to the offense, or if they will let him walk and pursue another option at running back. For Vander Esch, the Cowboys will need to balance his ability to lead and make plays with the risk of injury, and whether he is worth a long-term investment.
Regardless of the outcome, these two free agents will be critical in determining the Cowboys’ approach to both the 2025 season and the years that follow. How the front office handles these situations will set the tone for the team’s success or struggles in the near future.
