The Dallas Cowboys have a lot of work to do if they want to end their Super Bowl drought next season. While a third consecutive 12-5 season was nice, another quick postseason elimination has left the fanbase feeling like they're starring in 1993's Groundhog Day for the last 28 years.
After claiming that the Cowboys are going "all in" this offseason, it's up to owner/general manager Jerry Jones to turn things around. He's going to have to make some tough decisions concerning free agency and the 2024 NFL Draft, especially in regards to upgrading the starting lineup.
When it comes to those who underperformed in 2023, here are three starters that Cowboys fans want to see replaced this offseason.
1. RB Tony Pollard
After three decent seasons with America's Team, Tony Pollard became a household name in 2022. Backing up Ezekiel Elliott, the former Memphis running back rushed for 1,007 yards and nine touchdowns on 193 carries while converting 39 receptions into 371 yards and another three TDs.
So when the Cowboys cut ties with Elliott last March, a chunk of the fanbase was excited to see what Pollard could do as the lead back. Unfortunately, much like many players who face lofty expectations, Pollard didn't quite live up to the hype.
Despite seeing 59 more carries than he did in the previous years, Pollard finished with fewer rushing yards (1,005) and touchdowns (6) in 17 starts. He also saw 12 more targets while tallying 16 more receptions, but only recorded 311 receiving yards without a score. Even worse is that he only had one performance of 80 or more rushing yards compared to seven last year.
After proving that he isn't fit to be an every-down RB, Cowboys fans are more than fine with letting Pollard walk as a free agent this offseason. Running backs are often replaced in the NFL, so I fully expect Jones & Co. to weigh their free-agent and draft options to find the perfect fit.
Who knows? Maybe Pollard can thrive in an RB2 role again if the Cowboys can add another RB who's similar to Elliott's style of rushing.
2. Jourdan Lewis CB
After being limited to six appearances last season due to a Lisfranc injury, veteran cornerback Jourdan Lewis played 16 games (8 starts) for the Cowboys in 2023. While he had some solid moments here and there, he often left fans wishing for better results.
Lewis, who was drafted 128th overall by Dallas in 2018, struggled to defend opposing receivers throughout the season. The former Michigan Wolverine was targeted 71 times while playing 73% of defensive snaps, allowing 44 receptions for 464 yards, four TDs, and a 93.9 passer rating.
When it came to eligible cornerbacks on Pro Football Focus, Lewis was graded second-worst in coverage (39.5) and 12th-worst overall (50.1).
Fortunately, Lewis is a free agent this offseason, meaning the Cowboys don't need to bring him back. They already have Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland in the CB room, and should likely prioritize re-signing Stephon Gilmore over Lewis if they want to continue to have one of the NFL's best defense.
3. S/CB Jayron Kearse
Jayron Kearse first made his way to Dallas on a one-year deal back in 2021. After a campaign that saw him set new career highs when it came to solo tackles (67), defended passes (10), and interceptions (2), the Cowboys rewarded the ex-Clemson Tiger with a two-year, $10 million extension in March 2022.
Unfortunately, Kearse's numbers slightly declined in 2022 before further regressing last season. He finished the 2023 campaign with only 48 solo tackles, 1.5 sacks, four broken-up passes, and an interception. He also surrendered a career-worst 12.3 yards per completion and 8.1 yards per target.
Of the near-100 graded safeties who qualified to be ranked on PFF, Kearse finished fifth-worst in coverage (43.6) and second-worst overall (44.9).
Kearse is also scheduled to become a free agent. Considering how the Cowboys have one of the best pass defenses in the league, re-signing the regressing defender won't help to continue that trend. They're better off replacing the 30-year-old with a younger option at April's draft.
Kearse might have it in him to bounce back next season. He just shouldn't get the chance to do so as a starter in Dallas.
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