In the unlikelihood you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve no doubt seen or been exposed to the popular “6-7” trend that captivated our youth around the nation. It’s funny how something that is absolutely meaningless spreads like wildfire, and it continues to hold on through its dying embers. Eventually though, all things must come to an end.
Now, you’re probably asking yourself why were talking about this meaningless and definitely annoying “6-7” trend, and for good reason. In the grander scheme
of things it has absolutely nothing to do with the Dallas Cowboys. However, in a roundabout way it kind of does, as the Cowboys probably need to sign “6-7” starting-caliber players in free agency to fill all their holes. We know they probably won’t sign that many high-level players in free agency, but we’re looking at them all anyway.
As the roster stands right now, and assuming George Pickens is retained via a long-term contract or franchise tag, the Cowboys have a lot of holes to fill and the majority of them need immediate starters if the organization truly wants to upgrade things and be a serious contender next season. Some of these roster “needs” could be filled by the draft, but if Dallas wants a known commodity to start immediately, free agency is the way to go.
By signing proven commodities in free agency who can start immediately would not only free the Cowboys up to truly select the best player available (BPA) in the 2026 NFL Draft, but also quickly upgrade certain positions from the get-go instead of depending on rookies to get up to speed as quickly as possible. We all know just about every single rookie regardless of position goes through some growing pains early on.
Below are the positions we’ve identified as the ones who need starting-caliber free agents. Unsurprisingly, they are mostly on the defensive side of the ball.
EDGE (2)
What they have: Donovan Ezeiruaku, James Houston
What they’re losing: Jadeveon Clowney, Dante Fowler, Sam Williams
Jadeveon Clowney is a target to be re-signed by the Cowboys, at least according to them, but he is getting older and could decline in production at any time. That means the Cowboys probably need to sign another free agent pass rusher and probably draft one as well to fill out and hopefully upgrade the position.
Cornerback (1)
What they have: DaRon Bland, Shavon Revel, Caelen Carson, Reedy Stewart, Josh Butler
What they’re losing: Trevon Diggs, C.J. Goodwin
With another foot injury that required surgery, DaRon Bland’s future availability is up in the air and Shavon Revel needs a second-year leap. Right now they are the only two CBs with starting potential on the roster, but they also come with more questions than answers. That’s why we believe Dallas needs to sign a starting-caliber CB.
Safety (2)
What they have: Malik Hooker, Markquese Bell
What they’re losing: Donovan Wilson
With Malik Hooker being a potential salary-cap casualty, it’s quite possible Dallas could be losing both of their starting safeties in 2025. To make matters worse, there’s really no one else on the roster who screams starter. Because of that, Dallas needs to sign a couple free agent safeties who fit Christian Parker’s scheme.
Linebacker (1)
What they have: Logan Wilson, DeMarvion Overshown, Marist Liufau, Shemar James
What they’re losing: Kenneth Murray, Jack Sanborn
Logan Wilson will likely become a salary-cap casualty, joining Kenneth Murray and Jack Sanborn in free agency. This leaves a big void at MLB that will probably best be filled via free agency. There are quite a few free agent LBs available who can step in and immediately to be an upgrade over what Dallas deployed the position last year.
Running back (1)
What they have: Jaydon Blue, Phil Mafah
What they’re losing: Javonte Williams, Miles Sanders
The hope is in Dallas re-signs Javonte Williams to eliminate this roster “need”, because Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah are not yet starting-caliber RBs in the NFL. If for whatever reason the Cowboys are not able to bring back Williams, they need to replace him with another veteran RB, maybe two.
