Which Tier 1 players would be a good fit in Dallas if the Cowboys truly pursue free agency? “The Athletic”

The Dallas Cowboys, one of the most storied franchises in the NFL, have long been known for their strong roster, with a mix of elite talent and high-caliber players. However, for the Cowboys to get over the hump and make a legitimate Super Bowl run, they must continue improving their roster, particularly in areas where they have struggled to put together a complete team. With free agency set to begin, the Cowboys could make some strategic moves by targeting Tier 1 players—those who are impact starters or stars in the league—that would plug gaps and bolster the team’s already talented roster.

This article looks at Tier 1 free agents who could be a good fit for the Cowboys, providing them with immediate upgrades in key positions while complementing their existing core. By adding such players, the Cowboys could give themselves a better chance to contend for a Super Bowl in 2025.

1. Javon Hargrave – Defensive Tackle

The Dallas Cowboys’ defense, led by star players like Micah Parsons and Trevon Diggs, is one of the most dominant units in the NFL. However, one area where they could use some reinforcement is along the defensive line. The Cowboys have an excellent pass rush, but adding another force in the middle would make them even more dangerous and help create more pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

Why Hargrave is a Good Fit for Dallas: Javon Hargrave, a veteran defensive tackle from the San Francisco 49ers, has become one of the most dominant interior defenders in the league. At 6’2″ and 305 pounds, Hargrave is a disruptor who excels at getting to the quarterback from the interior of the line. His ability to collapse the pocket, disrupt the running game, and draw double teams would complement Dallas’s existing edge rushers, like Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence, by giving them more opportunities to make plays.

Hargrave is coming off a career year with the 49ers, where he posted 11 sacks and was a key cog in one of the NFL’s top defenses. His ability to rush the passer from the interior would create even more havoc for offensive lines, while his run-stopping ability would make Dallas’ defense even more formidable. Pairing Hargrave with Parsons and Lawrence would give the Cowboys one of the most feared defensive lines in the league.

Fit in Dallas: The Cowboys run a 4-3 defense, which means they need a defensive tackle who can both stop the run and provide a pass-rush threat. Hargrave fits this role perfectly, as his ability to disrupt plays in both phases would provide significant value. With the ability to both pressure the quarterback and clog up running lanes, Hargrave could be a game-changer for the Cowboys, adding another layer to their already elite defense.

2. Kirk Cousins – Quarterback

The Dallas Cowboys have a very talented roster, but their quarterback play has often been inconsistent in recent seasons. Dak Prescott, while talented, has been prone to turnovers and has struggled at times in big games. While the Cowboys are unlikely to move on from Prescott in the immediate future, adding a high-level backup quarterback with the potential to start in key situations could provide stability and insurance for Dallas.

Why Cousins is a Good Fit for Dallas: Kirk Cousins, the veteran quarterback of the Minnesota Vikings, is an intriguing potential addition to the Cowboys. Cousins has been an incredibly consistent starter in the NFL, throwing for over 4,000 yards in seven consecutive seasons and maintaining a career passer rating of 98.7. He is not a flashy quarterback, but he is accurate, intelligent, and has the poise necessary to lead a team through the postseason.

Cousins would be a solid backup to Prescott, offering a reliable and stable presence behind center. While he would likely not start over Prescott unless injury or performance issues arose, Cousins’ experience and playmaking ability would make him a reliable option if needed.

Fit in Dallas: Cousins’ ability to make quick decisions, manage the game, and perform under pressure would complement the Cowboys’ offense, which has weapons like CeeDee Lamb, Tony Pollard, and a solid offensive line. Adding a seasoned quarterback who can execute head coach Mike McCarthy’s offense without missing a beat would bring depth and stability to the team.

3. Bobby Wagner – Linebacker

The Cowboys’ defense is elite, but one area where they could use some help is at linebacker. While Micah Parsons is one of the most dynamic players in the NFL, adding a veteran presence in the linebacker corps would give Dallas a leader in the middle of their defense. Bobby Wagner, the future Hall of Fame linebacker from the Los Angeles Rams, would be an excellent addition to the Cowboys’ defensive unit.

Why Wagner is a Good Fit for Dallas: At 33 years old, Bobby Wagner is still playing at an extremely high level. He is a sideline-to-sideline linebacker who excels at reading offenses, making tackles, and providing leadership in the locker room. In 2024, Wagner posted 140 total tackles and was a key contributor for the Rams’ defense. His football IQ and ability to cover both the run and pass would be a perfect complement to Parsons and Leighton Vander Esch.

Wagner is one of the best linebacker leaders in the league, and his experience in the NFC West would be invaluable to the Cowboys as they look to compete in a tough NFC East. He is not the same player he was in his prime with the Seattle Seahawks, but he remains a force in the middle of the field and would give the Cowboys an elite linebacker tandem.

Fit in Dallas: The Cowboys’ defense thrives when they can pressure the quarterback and limit big plays in the running game. Wagner’s ability to cover ground quickly and be a playmaker in the middle of the field would add another layer to their defensive scheme. Additionally, Wagner could serve as a mentor for younger linebackers, especially Parsons, helping him refine his skills and take his game to the next level.

4. DeAndre Hopkins – Wide Receiver

Although the Cowboys have a solid receiving corps with CeeDee Lamb, Michael Gallup, and rookie Jalen Tolbert, adding another top-tier wide receiver could help the offense take the next step. The Cowboys have relied heavily on Lamb, but a proven No. 2 receiver would take some pressure off him and help diversify the passing attack. DeAndre Hopkins, one of the most prolific wide receivers of the last decade, would provide that boost.

Why Hopkins is a Good Fit for Dallas: Hopkins has been one of the best wide receivers in the NFL for years, and although he’s on the older side at 31, his skills are still elite. He is a precise route runner with exceptional hands and the ability to make clutch catches in critical situations. Over his career, Hopkins has proven that he can produce regardless of the quarterback throwing him the ball.

The Cowboys are in need of a reliable, explosive playmaker opposite Lamb. Hopkins would provide that, giving Dak Prescott another high-level target in the passing game. His ability to win contested catches and stretch the field would add balance to the Cowboys’ offense, especially in critical third-down situations.

Fit in Dallas: Hopkins’ experience, route-running ability, and ability to produce in key moments make him an ideal fit for the Cowboys. Pairing him with Lamb would give Dallas one of the most dynamic receiving duos in the NFL. Having Hopkins as a secondary option would free up Lamb to do more damage as the focal point of the offense, and provide Prescott with a reliable weapon who can make plays all over the field.

5. Marcus Peters – Cornerback

The Dallas Cowboys have one of the best cornerbacks in the league in Trevon Diggs, but they could use a second cornerback to complement him, especially with the future of cornerback Anthony Brown uncertain. A veteran addition like Marcus Peters would bolster the Cowboys’ secondary and provide a veteran presence in the defensive backfield.

Why Peters is a Good Fit for Dallas: Marcus Peters, known for his ball-hawking ability and physical play, would be a perfect complement to Diggs. Peters, who is coming off a solid season with the Baltimore Ravens, is one of the NFL’s top cornerbacks and can make plays in coverage and force turnovers. His skills at reading the quarterback’s eyes and making interceptions would help strengthen the Cowboys’ secondary.

Fit in Dallas: Adding Peters would provide the Cowboys with a dynamic cornerback duo, with Peters handling the veteran leadership role and Diggs continuing to develop into one of the league’s top playmaking corners. The Cowboys’ defense thrives when they can generate takeaways, and Peters’ ability to create turnovers would be invaluable. He would add a level of toughness and intelligence to their defensive backfield.