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3 free agents who could provide much-needed insurance for the Cowboys

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Dallas would be wise to add some much-needed insurance at some positions of concern.

With the 2024 NFL Draft now behind us, we can set our sights on how the Dallas Cowboys can continue to improve the roster prior to the start of the season. Whether it's via trade or free agency, there are still plenty of talent available to upgrade things.

Even after addressing the majority of their roster holes with their eight selections in the draft, there are still some areas of concern throughout the Cowboys roster. Today, we are going to identify a few free agent still available on the open market who could provide some much-needed insurance prior to the start of the season.


CB Patrick Peterson

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In a perfect world, the Cowboys just run it back with Stephon Gilmore who would be in the mix with DaRon Bland, Jourdan Lewis and the return of Trevon Diggs. However, this isn't a perfect world and there's a real possibility Gilmore signs elsewhere. Going to Plan B the Cowboys brass would be wise to set their sights on Patrick Peterson, who actually might be a better fit considering his experience playing for Mike Zimmer with the Minnesota Vikings.

While Trevon Diggs is expected to be good to go by training camp coming off his season-ending knee injury, it might be wise in the Cowboys part to bring him along slowly. Signing a player like Patrick Peterson would not only allow them to do just that, but also have a player in place to help in the transition from Dan Quinn's defensive scheme to Mike Zimmer's. At 34 years old, Peterson's knowledge and experience could be invaluable.


DT Calais Campbell

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Calais Campbell is no longer the spring chicken he once was, but still has plenty left in the tank to help a team like the Cowboys who were extremely thin along the interior of their defensive line. Even at 37 years old, the six-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle would be a significant addition to Dallas' defensive front. He is still an excellent run defender and has that savvy veteran ability to rush the passer as well.

With Osa Odighizuwa as the only really proven interior defensive lineman for the Cowboys and the unknown surrounding Mazi Smith entering his second season in the league, Campbell could provide some much-needed depth and leadership. He'd make a great insurance policy in case things didn't pan out the way the Cowboys are hoping. He also shouldn't break the bank considering his age and his experience would give Mike Zimmer a coach on the field.


LT David Bakhtiari

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David Bakhtiari has had a run of bad luck the past several seasons in the NFL. Since 2020, the last time he was named to the Pro Bowl, the Packers former left tackle has only managed to start a total of 13 games due to injuries. Those injuries though, the latest of which was in 2023 that required surgery (knee), could make him an affordable insurance policy for the Cowboys as a potential swing tackle or starter.

Instead of throwing their rookie first-round pick Tyler Guyton to the wolves in his first season in the NFL, the Cowboys could bring him along slowly until he's ready to handle the job full-time. Bringing in Bakhtiari could potentially be the perfect bridge player if he's healthy. His addition would mean the Cowboys wouldn't have to rush Guyton along to get him up to speed. They could let him develop a little more and allow him the time needed to get acclimated before inserting him in as Dak Prescott's blindside protector.


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