6 Cowboys Preparing for their Final Season in Dallas

5. Eric Kendricks, LB

The Dallas Cowboys have been the kings of adding a veteran for just one season regardless of their impact. We saw this in 2019 when they signed Randall Cobb and traded for Robert Quinn.

Cobb had a throwback campaign in Dallas, recording 55 receptions for 828 yards with three touchdowns. As much as he helped the offense, it was nothing compared to what Quinn did for their defense.

The veteran defensive end had his first campaign with double-digit sacks since 2014. He finished with 34 tackles and 11.5 sacks, parlaying that into a contract with the Chicago Bears. Cobb also left, signing with the Houston Texans after the Cowboys showed no interest.

Dallas was guilty of this again in 2023 when they picked up Stephon Gilmore in a trade with the Indianapolis Colts. He played well, especially considering he was the No. 1 corner after Trevon Diggs tore his ACL, but wasn't re-signed. Gilmore remains on the open market but Dallas has no plans for a reunion.

The same fate could be in store for Eric Kendricks. A 10-year veteran, Kendricks spent 2023 with the Los Angeles Chargers but before that, he played for the Minnesota Vikings for eight seasons. During that time, he worked with current Dallas defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, which is one of the reasons the Cowboys were able to steal him from the 49ers who had a deal in place.

Kendricks will be a key piece this season, especially when it comes to communication. But since he's already 32, he's probably seen by the brass in Big D as a one-year stop gap.