6 Free Agents Jerry Jones Will Regret Passing On in 2024

4. Jordan Hicks, LB

Linebacker was an issue for the Cowboys in 2023, due in large part to injuries. First, they lost rookie third-round pick DeMarvion Overshown for the year during the preseason. With him out, Dallas turned to Markquese Bell, who was originally a safety. Bell stepped up and played well but another injury made things even worse in the middle of their defense.

Former first-round pick Leighton Vander Esch suffered a neck injury, which is an issue he's dealt with since college. Vander Esch has since retired from the NFL due to the problem.

With him out, the Cowboys need more depth. They did sign veteran Eric Kendricks, giving them one starter to play alongside Damone Clark. However, they're still going to be banking on Bell and Overshown for depth in 2024. Each player has some positive traits but Overshown is an unknown and Bell might be better served moving back to safety.

That's why going after Jordan Hicks would have been a good move for them. The former Texas standout has been a starter for several years and has always been underrated. He recently signed with the Cleveland Browns for $8 million over two years, which would have been affordable for the linebacker-needy team.