Cowboy Roundup: Rex Ryan to the Cowboys, three free agents the team needs to re-sign?

The Dallas Cowboys are at a crucial juncture in their franchise history. Coming off yet another season full of promise but ultimately ending in disappointment, the Cowboys find themselves reexamining both their roster and coaching staff. The team, which has long been one of the most talented in the NFL, has consistently fallen short in the playoffs despite boasting elite talent on both sides of the ball. With owner Jerry Jones and general manager Stephen Jones making significant decisions for the future, it is clear that the franchise needs to find the right leadership to take the team to the next level.

Recent rumors suggest that the Cowboys may be eyeing a major coaching change that could shake up their defensive philosophy. Meanwhile, the team is also preparing for a critical offseason where several key free agents will be up for grabs. The Cowboys must make decisions that will not only bolster their roster but also ensure that they maintain a competitive edge going into the 2024 season.

In this Cowboy Roundup, we explore the potential for Rex Ryan to join the Cowboys’ coaching staff, as well as three free agents the team absolutely must re-sign to keep their Super Bowl hopes alive. The combination of fresh leadership and continuity in key roster spots will determine whether the Cowboys can rise above their recent playoff frustrations and finally secure another Lombardi Trophy.

Rex Ryan to the Cowboys: A Defensive Revolution in the Making?

One of the biggest stories surrounding the Cowboys this offseason has been the speculation about the future of their defensive coordinator position. Current defensive coordinator Dan Quinn has been instrumental in transforming the Cowboys’ defense into one of the best in the NFL, particularly with the rise of young stars like Micah Parsons, Trevon Diggs, and Demarcus Lawrence. Despite this success, Quinn has been a hot commodity as head coach for other teams, leading many to believe that he may not be with the Cowboys for much longer.

Given Quinn’s potential departure, the Cowboys have reportedly been eyeing a high-profile replacement—Rex Ryan. Ryan, a former head coach with the New York Jets and Buffalo Bills, is known for his aggressive, blitz-heavy defensive schemes. As the son of famed coach Buddy Ryan, Rex has a long lineage of defensive mastery and has made a name for himself with his ability to generate pressure on quarterbacks and create turnovers. His tenure as a defensive coordinator in the NFL has been marked by his ability to create defenses that disrupt offenses and control the tempo of games.

The Cowboys’ defense has been one of the team’s greatest strengths in recent years, but there’s still room for improvement. Ryan’s arrival could push the unit to the next level, with his aggressive scheme potentially making the most of the Cowboys’ pass-rush talent. The Cowboys’ defense already has a solid foundation, and Ryan’s ability to manipulate fronts, create mismatches, and maximize individual talent could make Dallas’ defense one of the most feared in the NFL.

But what would a Rex Ryan-led Cowboys defense look like? Ryan’s signature 3-4 defense relies heavily on creating confusion for opposing offensive lines, disguising blitzes, and sending multiple defenders at the quarterback from different angles. His scheme would allow Micah Parsons to be even more dynamic by moving him around the defense and allowing him to use his athleticism to rush the passer, drop into coverage, or even spy on quarterbacks. Additionally, Ryan is known for emphasizing the use of multiple defensive backs and has been known to get the most out of cornerbacks, which could help elevate players like Trevon Diggs and Jourdan Lewis.

Ryan’s blunt personality and passion for the game would also bring a much-needed boost of energy and confidence to the Cowboys’ defense. His fiery nature could serve as a motivating factor for a defense that, at times, has been inconsistent despite its talent. The question is whether the Cowboys are willing to make a bold move and bring in Ryan as their defensive coordinator. The potential payoff could be huge, as Ryan is capable of transforming the defense into a true championship-caliber unit.

Three Free Agents the Cowboys Must Re-sign

While the Cowboys’ coaching situation is important, the team’s success in 2024 and beyond will also depend on the roster moves they make in the offseason. As always, the NFL offseason is full of free agent signings and departures, but there are three key free agents the Cowboys must prioritize in order to keep their Super Bowl window open.

1. Tony Pollard: The Key to the Cowboys’ Offensive Balance

One of the most important decisions the Cowboys face is whether to re-sign Tony Pollard, who has proven himself to be one of the most dynamic and versatile running backs in the NFL. Pollard took on a larger role in 2023 after Ezekiel Elliott’s reduced workload, and he quickly showed that he can be a focal point of the offense. Pollard finished the season with over 1,300 total yards and 12 touchdowns, showcasing his ability as both a runner and a receiver out of the backfield.

The Cowboys have a decision to make with Pollard, as he is set to become a free agent after playing out his rookie contract. Given Pollard’s breakout performance, it’s likely that other teams will be interested in his services, and the Cowboys will need to ensure they retain him to keep their offensive balance intact.

Pollard is more than just a backup option to Elliott—he is a game-changer. His speed, agility, and receiving skills make him a threat every time he touches the ball. He has the ability to take a simple screen pass or draw play and turn it into a big gain, providing the Cowboys with an explosive weapon in the backfield.

By re-signing Pollard, the Cowboys would maintain their offensive identity as a team that can run the ball effectively while also having the option to utilize a dual-threat weapon in the passing game. With Prescott in need of a reliable playmaker in the backfield, Pollard would continue to provide stability for the offense and give the team more flexibility in their playcalling.

2. Leighton Vander Esch: The Heart of the Cowboys’ Defense

The Dallas Cowboys have one of the most talented defenses in the NFL, and Leighton Vander Esch has been an essential part of that success. The linebacker, who was drafted by the Cowboys in the first round of the 2018 draft, has been a steady presence in the middle of the defense. His leadership, coverage ability, and tackling skills make him a critical part of the defensive unit, especially against the run.

Although Vander Esch has had some injury concerns throughout his career, when he is on the field, he is one of the best linebackers in the league. His ability to read offenses, make plays in coverage, and lead the defense from the inside is invaluable for the Cowboys. His sideline-to-sideline range and football IQ allow him to cover a lot of ground and help the team against both the run and the pass.

Re-signing Vander Esch is crucial for the Cowboys because his presence on the field gives the defense a level of stability. With the Cowboys’ defense built around speed, pressure, and playmaking ability, keeping Vander Esch would ensure that the defense remains balanced and cohesive. The Cowboys have had great success when he is on the field, and his ability to be a field general would help maximize the performance of the younger players on the defense.

3. Dalton Schultz: A Reliable Target for Dak Prescott

Another free agent the Cowboys should prioritize is Dalton Schultz, the tight end who has become one of Dak Prescott’s most trusted targets. Schultz has been a consistent contributor for the Cowboys over the past few seasons, especially in critical moments. Whether it’s on third down or in the red zone, Schultz has proven to be reliable in clutch situations. His ability to make tough catches and create mismatches against defenders is essential to the Cowboys’ offense.

In 2023, Schultz finished the season with over 600 receiving yards and four touchdowns, solidifying his place as a top target in the passing game. While the Cowboys have CeeDee Lamb as the primary receiving threat, Schultz’s reliability and versatility as a tight end provide the offense with a crucial outlet, particularly in short-yardage situations and goal-line opportunities.

Given that Schultz is likely to be a hot commodity in free agency, the Cowboys must do everything they can to retain him. Without a reliable option at tight end, the Cowboys’ offense could become more predictable, with defenses able to focus their efforts solely on Lamb. Keeping Schultz ensures that the offense remains dynamic and difficult to defend.

The Cowboys’ Path Forward

As the Dallas Cowboys head into the 2024 offseason, several key decisions will shape the future of the franchise. The potential hiring of Rex Ryan as defensive coordinator could be a game-changing move that transforms the Cowboys’ defense into one of the league’s most feared units. At the same time, the team must focus on re-signing key free agents like Tony Pollard, Leighton Vander Esch, and Dalton Schultz, who provide essential depth and playmaking ability.

The Cowboys are a team with the talent to compete for a Super Bowl, but they must make the right moves in order to finally achieve that goal. Whether it’s bolstering their defense with a new coaching philosophy or keeping their core players intact, the upcoming offseason will be pivotal in determining the future success of the franchise.

With Jerry Jones at the helm, the Cowboys are always one move away from returning to greatness, and this offseason will be no different. The pieces are in place, but it will take the right decisions, bold moves, and a bit of luck to bring the team back to the top of the NFL.