3 Free Agent Signings the Cowboys Should Make Following Trade Deadline
By Randy Gurzi
Leading up to the 2023 NFL Trade Deadline, the Dallas Cowboys made their position clear. They believed they were fine with their roster and were only going to be willing to trade if they received a call from another team.
Since no franchise decided to ask Jerry or Stephen Jones how they can help upgrade their roster, they did nothing. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Eagles added Kevin Byard and the San Francisco 49ers picked up Chase Young.
If the Cowboys are serious about contending, they’re going to need to fill some holes and here are three options they should consider.
3. A.J. Cann, Offensive Line
Dallas rolled the dice this year when they elected to return the same starting five offensive linemen they had from last season. Sure, they’re all talented and can be one of the best units when all are healthy. The problem is, there were two players who came into the year with huge question marks in that regard.
Tyron Smith is the larger concern, having played just 16 games over the past three seasons — and not playing a full slate of games since 2015. That’s continued in 2023, with Smith missing three games already.
There were also concerns with Terence Steele who suffered a torn ACL and MCL in 2022. He’s been able to bounce back but there have been several other issues with both Tyler Biadasz and Zack Martin missing a game. On top of this, Chuma Edoga who plays guard and tackle recently went down with an ankle injury.
With those injuries, it would have been wise to add more depth and there’s a player available with 110 career starts in A.J. Cann.
Formerly of the Jacksonville Jaguars, Cann signed with the Houston Texans last year and started 16 games. He was released ahead of the 2023 campaign in a cap-saving move and while he’s not the same caliber player he was during his seven-year run with the Jags, he would still afford them some comfort and flexibility if they had to turn to the bench.