The Dallas Cowboys are making some noise now that the 2025 NFL free agency period is underway.
While losing names like Rico Dowdle and Chauncey Golston hasn't been fun, the Cowboys are working hard to restore fans' faith by signing outside talent and retaining familiar faces. They've added the likes of pass rusher Solomon Thomas, running back Javonte Williams, and linebacker Jack Sanborn while also re-signing long snapper Trent Sieg and punter Bryan Anger.
When it comes to the Cowboys' two returning special teamers, it turns out that owner/general manager Jerry Jones had to put in extra work to retain one of their services.
Cowboys Won Bidding War vs. Broncos to Re-Sign P Bryan Anger
According to 9NEWS' Mike Klis, the Denver Broncos "went hard" to sign Anger once free agency opened. The Broncos' pursuit forced the Cowboys to work harder and step up their offer, resulting in the veteran punter receiving a $6.4 million contract spread across two years.
Per source, Broncos went hard after punter Bryan Anger today but he’s going back to Dallas after agreeing to terms with Cowboys (2 years, $6.4m).#9sports
— MikeKlis9NEWS (@mikeklis9news) March 12, 2025
The Broncos' pursuit of Anger's services isn't surprising. Riley Dixon — their starting punter for the last two seasons — joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on a two-year contract earlier this week, so it makes sense that Denver chased after one of the NFL's best available legs.
Having said that, it's nice to see that the Cowboys stepped up and did whatever it took to keep Anger in the Lone Star State. Jones alluded earlier this month that he'd prioritize the draft and re-signing players rather than overpaying for outside names, making it encouraging that he's kept his word.
Anger, 36, was drafted 70th overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2012. The former California Golden Bear also spent time with the Buccaneers (2016-18) and Houston Texans (2019-20) before joining the Cowboys ahead of the 2021 season.
The Camarillo, CA native has since established himself as one of the league's best punters. Throughout the last four seasons, Anger has averaged 49.0 yards across 239 punts while recording 15 touchbacks and landing 38.5% of attempts inside the 20-yard line. His immaculate production has resulted in two Pro Bowl appearances as well as a pair of second-team All-Pro nods.
Hopefully, Anger's new contract encourages him to keep up the good work. Although he only finished with the 12th-best Pro Football Focus punter grade (76.4) in 2024, it's worth noting that it was only two years ago when he owned the second-best mark in the NFL (87.5)
A reliable special teams unit is crucial for any team's success. Fortunately, the Cowboys' ST situation looks promising after re-signing Anger and Sieg, along with locking elite returner KaVontae Turpin down to a three-year deal.
As for how the early offseason moves have impacted the team's outlook, the Cowboys will continue free agency with the 22nd-best Super Bowl 60 odds (+6500) on FanDuel Sportsbook.
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