Cowboys Lose Veteran Defender to NFC South Team in Latest Offseason Projection

The Dallas Cowboys are already eliminated from the playoffs and don't have much to play for in their remaining two games. The rest of the regular season will be an audition for players trying to make the roster next year or pending free agents playing themselves into a contract.

Understandably, Cowboys fans have also turned their attention to the offseason. Who the head coach will be and which free agents will be retained are more important questions than the scores of the Week 17 and 18 matchups.

Considering their financial situation, the Cowboys have some difficult offseason decisions to make. One of those involves long-time defender Jourdan Lewis. The veteran nickel cornerback is in the midst of one of the best seasons of his career and will hit free agency in 2025.

His performance in his contract year will help JLew have plenty of suitors on the market. In fact, Bleacher Report already projects the 29-year-old defender will be an option for the Atlanta Falcons in the offseason. In their latest article identifying the weaknesses and needs of each team heading into the offseason, Lewis is highlighted as an ideal free agent target for the Falcons.

If there is a bidding war for Lewis, the Cowboys may not have the financial means to retain Lewis. However, they should do everything in their power to re-sign him. Lewis has once again been an underrated defender this season and has a 71.3 defensive grade and a career-high 78.7 coverage grade on PFF. He has also been a menace against the run and has 19 defensive stops per PFF, the most among cornerbacks.

This will likely be Lewis' last chance for a big payday. He may prioritize guaranteed money over staying in Dallas. Whether the front office makes him a priority in free agency remains to be seen.

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