Dallas Cowboys fans across the country have been forced to say goodbye to several familiar faces as the first week of NFL free agency comes to an end.
Although owner/general manager Jerry Jones has managed to add the likes of running back Miles Sanders and defensive tackle Solomon Thomas, the Cowboys have also said goodbye to long-time veterans like RB Rico Dowdle, pass rusher DeMarcus Lawrence, and cornerback Jourdan Lewis. In other words, ex-Dallas players haven't had any issues finding new work.
Even though the door has been closed on several potential reunions, the latest Cowboys rumors hint that two free agents might not be leaving Dallas after all.
Cowboys Rumors: Brandin Cooks, Eric Kendricks Could Return to Dallas in Free Agency
On Thursday, ESPN's Todd Archer reported that " the door is not shut" on the Cowboys potentially bringing back wide receiver Brandin Cooks and linebacker Eric Kendricks this offseason. The veteran duo are currently free agents, however, a lack of outside interest could bring them back to the Lone Star State.
Cooks, 31, had been with the Cowboys since he was acquired from the Houston Texans in exchange for two draft picks in March 2023. The former Oregon State Beaver played well in a supporting role in his first year with the team, hauling in 54 catches for 657 receiving yards and eight touchdowns — just one score away from his career high.
Unfortunately, injuries prevented Cooks from experiencing similar production in Year 2. Suiting up for only 10 appearances during the 2024 campaign, the veteran playmaker ended with new career lows in receptions (26), receiving yards (259), and yards per game (25.9) while finding the end zone three times.
Even if he's no longer in his prime, re-signing Cooks isn't a horrible idea if he's expected to be the WR3/4. He still has a knack for scoring TDs despite not being an automatic 1,000-yard receiver anymore, and the Cowboys could do a lot worse than him — especially if he accepts a cheap 'prove yourself' contract after an injury-riddled year.
As for Kendricks, the Cowboys signed him to a one-year contract last offseason to reunite him with former defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer. Although some fans weren't thrilled about the deal then, the former Pro Bowl LB exceeded expectations by leading all Dallas defenders with 138 total tackles and 71 solo efforts while also adding three sacks, a trio of broken-up passes, and two interceptions.
Kendricks just turned 33 years old last month, however, it's clear he still has juice left in the tank. If newly hired DC Matt Eberflus is open to working with the veteran defender, the Cowboys would be silly not to consider a reunion after the latter's productive campaign.
Free agency is still young, meaning there's a ton of time for the Cowboys to reunite with their unemployed duo. Having said that, if there's any legitimate interest from the franchise, Jones & Co. must put pen to paper soon to avoid Kendricks and Cooks taking their talents elsewhere.