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The Dallas Cowboys secured the future of the organization Monday night by agreeing to terms on a four-year contract with quarterback Dak Prescott.
That situation consumed the early part of Dallas' offseason. With Prescott's future settled, the Cowboys will have to move quickly to plug holes this offseason.
Dallas has been one of the most inconsistent franchises in football. The talent is evident, yet the Cowboys have missed the playoffs in each of the last two seasons.
Mike McCarthy will be under a microscope in his second season as Cowboys head coach. But the onus is really on the Jones family to make impact move and execute a sound drafting strategy next month.
Here are the next three offseason issues Dallas needs to address following the Prescott contract.
1. More help in the defensive trenches
The Cowboys were absolutely ripped by opposing rushing attacks in 2020.
Dallas ranked 31st in rushing yards and 30th in yards per carry (5.0). Some of that was the result of injuries to guys like Leighton Vander Esch. There was also (at times) just a lack of effort among the guys in the front seven. Perhaps better health and effort will result in better success against the run
Still, the Cowboys need more talent up front, especially at the defensive tackle spot.
Rookie defensive tackle Neville Gallimore had a somewhat underwhelming debut. Gallimore started in nine of his 14 appearances, recording just 0.5 sacks, four tackles for a loss and four quarterback hits. The former Oklahoma star had a Pro Football Focus Grade of just 52.1 on the year.
Trysten Hill is another question mark at the other defensive tackle spot. Hill started the first five games of the season before suffering a torn ACL.
Dallas could benefit from adding beef at the tackle spot, perhaps even a couple DTs just to ensure added depth. There are some really interesting options, as well.
Jurrell Casey missed nearly the entirety of the 2020 campaign, but was a Pro Bowler in five straight seasons from 2015 to 2019. Ndamukong Suh is another veteran who could make an impact, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers might not be able to afford retaining his services.
Former Denver Broncos lineman Shelby Harris is another guy to watch as someone who can line up opposite offensive guards or on the edge.
2. Improve the safety position
The Cowboys' more obvious secondary need comes at the cornerback spot (more on this shortly), but they should also pursue a free safety type.
Donovan Wilson played the majority of his defensive snaps at free safety, but he is more of a strong safety who can stack the box and rush the passer while also making plays in coverage.
Unfortunately, a couple guys the Cowboys might otherwise have had interest in received the franchise tag prior to Tuesday's deadline. Both Justin Simmons and Marcus Williams are off the market, robbing Dallas of two potential playmakers at the free safety spot.
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That said, there are a number of interesting free agents whom the Cowboys could pursue.
Former Minnesota Vikings free safety Anthony Harris is among the potential targets. Harris tied for the NFL lead in interceptions in 2019 and was fairly strong in coverage in 2020, though he did get beat for some home run plays.
Former Carolina Panthers safety Tre Boston might actually be a more appealing and cost-efficient option. Boston had just one interception in 2020, but he had at least three in each of the three seasons prior. The 28-year-old also might benefit from playing for more of a contender type after languishing on a lackluster Panthers defense the past couple seasons.
3. Draft dilemma: corner or offensive lineman?
Perhaps this heading is a bit deceptive.
Cornerback would appear to be Dallas' biggest need. Trevon Diggs has one outside corner spot locked up, but the other outside spot is a total unknown. It was a rotating position last season.
The Cowboys could very well choose to use their first-round draft choice on a top cornerback like Alabama's Patrick Surtain II or Virginia Tech's Caleb Farley, depending on how things shake out. But is it possible Dallas will actually pursue an offensive lineman?
Realistically, the Cowboys could use depth up front. Injuries decimated the offensive line in 2o20 and exposed the lack of quality in the trenches.
Tyron Smith is one of the best tackles in football, but has dealt with various physical setbacks in recent years. There is no telling how La'el Collins will respond after a full season off. What about the guard spot? Zack Martin is an All-Pro, but might it be tempting to fortify the line with another youngster?
The Cowboys could possibly have their pick of top linemen such as Rashawn Slater, Alijah Vera-Tucker or Christian Darrisaw. Will those guys be too tempting for Dallas to pass up?
It seems the Joneses have their work cut out in terms of draft preparation. How they operate over the next few weeks might help define how they plan to go about their business in the draft.
The Cowboys are going to use their first-round pick on a player who can make an immediate impact. Whether that impact is on the offensive line or in the secondary remains to be seen.
