The Dallas Cowboys successfully bounced back in 2021 as they garnered a 12-5 record and returned to the playoffs. Though they didn't last long in the postseason, there are still a handful of positives that can be drawn from the Cowboys' most recent campaign.
Certainly enough, the front office will be working towards addressing the holes on their roster in order to continuously improve moving forward. However, they should also be wary of the acquisitions that they will make as they are currently $21 million over the cap space for 2022, per Spotrac.
With that said, let's take a look at two free agents that the Cowboys must avoid in the upcoming NFL free agency.
2 free agents the Cowboys must avoid in 2022
The Cowboys successfully overhauled their defensive unit which had a great turnaround in 2021. However, their secondary defense still needs more depth in order to keep up and better defend opposing receivers on the field. Additionally, their safeties in Damontae Kazee, Jayron Kearse, and Malik Hooker are all expected to enter free agency in the upcoming offseason.
In 2022, the Cowboys will still have safety Donovan Wilson who is in contract until the end of next season. However, he has yet to prove that he can be a reliable player as he only suited up in nine games with 29 combined tackles and a pass defended.
The Cowboys would surely need more talent at the position but a player that they should avoid is safety Quandre Diggs from the Seattle Seahawks. He has been a ballhawk for head coach Pete Carroll as he recorded 10 interceptions over the past couple of seasons.
His level of production was solid although the Cowboys already have a player who has a similar playing style in cornerback Trevon Diggs. Having a safety who can defend the center of the field would be a more fitting reinforcement for Dallas next season.
Additionally, Quandre Diggs also suffered a broken fibula and a dislocated ankle in their Week 17 game against the Arizona Cardinals. It will surely take time before he can get back to full health and his availability might affect his value in the upcoming offseason as an unrestricted free agent.
Due to Diggs' fit with the team and his current injury situation, the Cowboys would be better off targeting a safety who can provide an instant impact and be a game-changer for them moving forward.
1. Zach Ertz
2021 saw the emergence of tight end Dalton Schultz who rose to the top of the depth chart and saw a breakout season for himself. He took advantage of Blake Jarwin's absence due to a hip injury to record a career-high 808 receiving yards on 78 receptions and eight touchdowns in 17 games played.
Despite having a productive season, Schultz still has limitations in his game, especially in running deep routes. Additionally, he only has one good season to account for thus far which might not be attractive for teams who are looking to acquire a tight end who can be a potent offensive weapon.
With Schultz set to be an unrestricted free agent, the Cowboys are in the crossroads of paying him his well-deserved money or going after a more proven tight end like Zach Ertz. The former Philadelphia Eagle also saw a resurgence of his own with the Arizona Cardinals after tallying 574 yards on 56 catches and three touchdowns in 11 appearances.
There is no doubt that Ertz can be a difference-maker, especially on offense as a scoring threat. Although the veteran has vast playing experience, it is also important to consider that he is already playing at the age of 31. Meanwhile, Schultz is just 25 years old and can stay relatively healthy which is a major factor as to why the Cowboys must continuously invest in their own player instead. His familiarity with the team will definitely be advantageous as both sides can easily pick up where they left off from last season.
Ultimately, there is also no assurance that Ertz will fit within the Cowboys' offense seamlessly which is why they should be more risk-averse and retain Schultz instead, especially since they are currently cash-strapped for 2022.
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