Michael Irvin’s Dallas Cowboys offseason wish list includes key roster improvements, emphasizing wide receiver depth and defensive enhancements for success.

Michael Irvin, a legendary wide receiver and former Dallas Cowboys star, is well-known for his passionate support of the team, both during his playing career and after his retirement. As a player who helped lead the Cowboys to three Super Bowl victories in the 1990s, Irvin’s opinion holds weight among fans and analysts alike. Now, as a prominent figure in the media, he frequently shares his thoughts on the team’s current roster and what they need to do to get back to championship contention.

With the 2024 NFL season in the rearview mirror, Irvin has once again provided his offseason wish list for the Cowboys. While the team has shown promise in recent years, particularly with their defense and offensive talent, there are still areas that need attention. Irvin’s wish list is a reflection of what he believes are the most important areas for the Cowboys to address in order to take the next step toward a Super Bowl championship.

In this article, we will break down Michael Irvin’s offseason wish list for the Dallas Cowboys, focusing on key roster improvements, the importance of wide receiver depth, and the need for defensive enhancements.

1. Wide Receiver Depth and Playmaking Ability

One of the most glaring areas of need on Michael Irvin’s offseason wish list is the Dallas Cowboys’ wide receiver position. While the Cowboys have a talented receiving core, with standout players like CeeDee Lamb, they still face some issues with depth and consistency. Irvin, a Hall of Famer and former top-tier wideout himself, understands the importance of having multiple playmakers at the wide receiver position to keep defenses honest and open up the playbook for the quarterback.

CeeDee Lamb as the Cornerstone

CeeDee Lamb is undoubtedly the centerpiece of the Cowboys’ receiving corps. The young wideout has proven himself as a legitimate number one receiver, possessing excellent route-running ability, strong hands, and the ability to make plays in clutch moments. However, while Lamb has emerged as a reliable weapon for Dak Prescott, Irvin believes that the Cowboys need more than just one elite wide receiver to compete at the highest level.

The Need for a Complementary Receiver

In the NFL, having a second or third wide receiver who can take pressure off the primary target is essential. Irvin has often stressed the importance of having multiple weapons on offense to avoid becoming predictable. The Cowboys’ offense would benefit from another reliable receiver who can stretch the field and force opposing defenses to cover more ground. This is especially crucial in the postseason, where every possession is more important, and defensive schemes are designed to shut down the top player.

While the Cowboys have players like Michael Gallup and Brandin Cooks, their performances have been inconsistent, and neither has shown the same level of reliability as Lamb. Gallup, once a promising young receiver, has struggled to regain his form after a significant injury. Cooks, while speedy and capable of making big plays, has not had the consistency the Cowboys need in their receiving corps.

Irvin has pointed out that the Cowboys need to either draft or sign a more dependable second option at wide receiver, someone who can consistently win one-on-one matchups and be a reliable target for Dak Prescott in key situations. Ideally, this new addition would have the ability to complement Lamb’s skill set while also being a threat in the deep passing game.

Draft or Free Agency: What’s the Best Approach?

Whether through the draft or free agency, the Cowboys need to bolster their wide receiver group. Michael Irvin has been vocal about the importance of drafting a young, talented receiver who can develop alongside the current core. In addition, the free-agent market could present opportunities to add a proven playmaker. Irvin has suggested that the Cowboys should keep an eye on players who can offer an immediate impact, such as veterans who might be on the market and still have something to prove.

For Irvin, this decision is clear: the Cowboys need to bring in another playmaker at wide receiver to ensure they’re not relying too heavily on Lamb, especially in high-pressure moments.

2. Defensive Line and Pass Rush Upgrades

While the Cowboys’ defense is one of the team’s strengths, Michael Irvin believes that the defensive line could use some additional help. The Cowboys have one of the best pass rushes in the NFL, thanks in large part to star defensive end Micah Parsons. However, Irvin has pointed out that the team needs to build on their success and further strengthen their pass rush to become truly dominant.

The Impact of Micah Parsons

Micah Parsons is the cornerstone of the Cowboys’ defense. The second-year linebacker turned defensive end has quickly become one of the most disruptive forces in the NFL, capable of rushing the passer, stopping the run, and covering in space. Parsons’ ability to dominate the line of scrimmage allows the Cowboys to create havoc in the backfield, and he’s the kind of player who can single-handedly change the course of a game.

However, while Parsons is a game-changer, Irvin believes that the Cowboys need to add more pieces around him to ensure consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks. In recent seasons, the Cowboys’ pass rush has been somewhat one-dimensional, with Parsons being the primary source of pressure. Adding another edge rusher or interior lineman who can disrupt plays and help Parsons would take the defense to the next level.

Building Depth Along the Defensive Line

Beyond just adding a star pass rusher, Irvin also sees a need for more depth along the defensive line. Injuries and wear-and-tear can take their toll over the course of a 17-game season, so having reliable backups is essential to keeping the defense fresh and effective. The Cowboys’ defensive line has been solid, but additional reinforcements would allow the team to rotate more players in, providing a more consistent pass rush and run defense.

In addition to an edge rusher, the Cowboys could look to improve their interior line as well. A more disruptive force in the middle would allow the outside rushers, including Parsons, to have more opportunities to get to the quarterback. This is a key area that Irvin believes needs to be addressed in the offseason.

Drafting or Trading for a Pass Rusher

Irvin has suggested that the Cowboys should consider trading for an experienced pass rusher or drafting a young, high-potential player who can contribute immediately. With the talent already present on the defense, adding another game-changing player could make the Cowboys’ pass rush one of the most feared in the NFL. Whether in free agency or the draft, Irvin believes this is a top priority for the Cowboys in the offseason.

3. Offensive Line Depth and Protection for Dak Prescott

The Dallas Cowboys’ offensive line has been one of the best in the NFL for several years, but age and injuries have started to catch up with the unit. Michael Irvin has highlighted the need for the Cowboys to continue to build depth along the offensive line, particularly to protect quarterback Dak Prescott and open up running lanes for the running back committee.

Protecting Dak Prescott

Dak Prescott is the face of the Cowboys’ offense, and his success is closely tied to the quality of the offensive line. Over the past few seasons, Prescott has had to deal with inconsistent protection at times, leading to injuries and struggles in key moments. Irvin has emphasized that improving the offensive line is crucial for the Cowboys’ success, particularly in ensuring that Prescott stays upright and can execute the offense effectively.

Building Depth on the Offensive Line

While the Cowboys have strong starters on the offensive line, depth is an area where they can improve. Injuries to key players like Tyron Smith and Zack Martin in recent years have shown how important it is to have reliable backups in place. Irvin believes that the Cowboys should target quality depth pieces in the draft or free agency to ensure that the offensive line remains strong throughout the season.

Whether through drafting a young offensive lineman or acquiring a veteran for depth, improving the protection for Prescott should be a priority on Irvin’s offseason wish list.