Cowboys to be ‘selectively aggressive’ this offseason

The Dallas Cowboys intend to be “selectively aggressive” with their own free agents, those on the open market, and potential trades this offseason.

“Obviously, our goals historically have been to try to fill as many of our musts and needs before the draft so you can pick the best player on your board,” executive vice president and CEO Stephen Jones said Monday, according to ESPN’s Todd Archer.

“Didn’t get that totally accomplished last year, but certainly that’s always the goal. And every year is different in terms of what those musts and needs are, and then you also have to marry what’s in free agency versus where the draft is heavy and where we can help ourselves in the draft.”

The Cowboys adopted an “all-in” mantra last offseason but struggled both with and without quarterback Dak Prescott during the regular season. The team went 3-5 with Prescott through eight games before a hamstring injury ended his campaign. Dallas finished 7-10 and third in the NFC East.

The franchise plans to use the higher-than-expected salary cap, which the NFL announced will land between $277.5 million and $281.5 million, to facilitate moves. Jones also said the team will restructure Prescott’s and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb’s deals to create more cap space.

Among Dallas’ own free agents are defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence, defensive lineman Osa Odighizuwa, running back Rico Dowdle, and defensive back Jourdan Lewis. The team is also expected to begin contract extension negotiations with All-Pro pass-rusher Micah Parsons in the coming weeks.

Jones is adamant the team will improve its roster over the coming months.

“We’re going to look at everything we can,” the 60-year-old said. “You have a certain amount of resources they allow you to have. But we’re going to try to improve our football team. Not try. We’re going to improve our football team, and we expect to have success (this) year.”

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