Former NFL quarterback and current ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky criticized the Dallas Cowboys after a report surfaced revealing the franchise will be selectively aggressive in NFL Free Agency.
Should The Dallas Cowboys Be More Aggressive In NFL Free Agency?
In Orlovsky’s quote reply to a video post on X from Unsportsmanlike Radio, the outspoken commentator was critical of the Cowboys’ strategy, stating, “The [C]owboys, after the embarrassing loss 2 years ago (2023) in playoffs to (Green Bay Packers) should have started over that next morning immediately. They didn’t because they’re stuck in mediocrity. Now it’ll take 2-3 years at best till they’re relevant again.”
The cowboys, after the embarrassing loss 2 years ago in playoffs to GB should have started over that next morning immediately
They didn’t because they’re stuck in mediocrity.
Now it’ll take 2-3 years at best till they’re relevant again. https://t.co/yEz3GkEEui
— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) February 25, 2025
The explosive comments ruffled the feathers of Cowboys fans.
Yeah stuck in mediocrity of winning 36 games in 3 seasons, they still have the 4th most wins of any team in the regular season the past 4 years. Mediocre tho 😂. You really just be disrespecting Dallas all the time for no reason it’s wild.
— Mike F (@Fish7718) February 25, 2025
36-15 in the 3 seasons prior and Dak just came off a borderline MVP season and they were supposed to rebuild? How does that make any sense?
— Chad Chamberlain (@Clarson_97) February 25, 2025
Mediocrity is an interesting way to describe the Cowboys. Except for the 2024 season, in which they suffered numerous injuries to key players, Dallas went 12-5 in each of the previous three seasons from 2021-2023 and claimed two division titles. The playoff performance has been woeful, but the team has been a top-echelon competitor with only 2 losing seasons since 2005.
Orlovsky’s reaction does highlight a common criticism of the Cowboys’ front office, particularly owner Jerry Jones, regarding their free agency strategy. Dallas has been cautious in the free agent market, opting to build through the draft and re-sign their players rather than signing big-ticket free agents.
This conservative, homegrown approach has led to backlash from fans and analysts who believe the team missed opportunities to improve the roster. Yet, there are numerous examples of teams “winning” free agency, only to underperform and cut ties shortly thereafter.
Dallas Cowboys’ History In Free Agency
The truth is the Cowboys haven’t signed a big-name free agent from another team in a long time.
Top Free Agent Signings
- Deion Sanders (1995)
- Jay Novacek (1990)
- Terrell Owens (2006)
- Anthony Henry (2005)
- Leonard Davis (2007)
- Zach Thomas (2008)
One of their best free-agent signings came on a low-risk, low-cost contract. Safety Jayron Kearse in 2021 signed a one-year deal worth $1.1 million then inked a two-year extension with Dallas.
Key Free Agency Priorities For The Dallas Cowboys
As the Cowboys approach the 2025 free agency period, they face several important decisions:
1. Extending All-Pro pass rusher Micah Parsons, which is considered a top priority.
2. Potentially re-signing defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa, who had a breakout year in 2024.
3. Addressing the retirement of long-time offensive lineman Zack Martin.
4. Evaluating the 22 players from the 2024 roster set to become unrestricted free agents.
How The Cowboys’ Salary Cap Situation Impacts Free Agency Strategy
Dallas is $2.8 million over the cap, placing them 26th in the league. The team could trade Micah Parsons without a cap hit or part ways with DaRon Bland, Jalen Tolbert, Jake Ferguson, and Damone Clark.
There’s also the option of restructuring the massive contracts signed by Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, Terence Steele, and Trevon Diggs. Those restructurings could free up $72 million in space.
While the Cowboys’ recent history suggests a cautious approach to free agency, the team’s statements and current roster situation indicate they may be more active in the 2025 offseason.
However, it remains to be seen how “selectively aggressive” they will actually be when free agency begins.