3 Offseason Mistakes Already Costing the Cowboys in 2024

2. No additions at WR

CeeDee Lamb was an absolute beast in 2023. The 17th overall pick in 2020 had 135 receptions for 1,749 yards with 12 touchdowns. That was a franchise record for both receptions and yardage as well as the most catches in the league last year.

Beyond Lamb, there were still concerns about the receiver position. Brandin Cooks had 54 receptions for 657 yards and eight touchdowns but wasn’t a consistent threat. He had far too many games where he would be a non-factor and at this stage in his career, he’s arguably best served as a WR3.

That’s why Dallas would have done well to bring in either a free agent or rookie capable of pushing Cooks for his spot. Instead, they went silent in free agency while waiting until Round 6 to add a receiver — which is where they picked up Ryan Flournoy.

This approach left Jalen Tolbert as the primary WR3 with Jalen Brooks fighting for snaps. Brooks has been quiet through two games whereas Tolbert had a strong outing in Week 2 with 82 yards on six receptions. He even hauled in one of the best catches of the season after adjusting to an underthrown pass.

Week 1 was a different story as he had just 12 yards on one catch. Cooks was the opposite, with a good debut (four catches, 40 yards, one touchdown) before going silent in Week 2 (two catches, 19 yards).

Lamb was a hold out through training camp and the preseason, and hasn’t fully taken off yet. Perhaps having another solid receiving option could have helped the offense stay on task.