Cowboys Desperate? 4 Free Agent Moves That Could Save Their Playoff Hopes!

The Dallas Cowboys, bless their hearts, are facing another make-or-break offseason. After a disappointing 7-9-1 showing in 2025, missing the playoffs for the second year running, the pressure is ON. They’ve got some serious salary cap woes to navigate, sitting roughly $30 million in the red, according to Over The Cap. So, the question becomes: how do they realistically improve and compete?

Cowboys Desperate? 4 Free Agent Moves That Could S...

Well, FOX Sports NFL writer Greg Auman has thrown Cowboys fans a bone, predicting Dallas will land a quartet of players from his top 100 free agents list. He believes these additions will help them return to playoff glory. It's an optimistic outlook, especially considering their financial situation, but stranger things have happened, right?

One name that popped out to me immediately is cornerback Brandon Samuel (ranked 95th overall). Auman suggests a potential reunion with his old Chargers position coach, Derrick Ansley, could be the key to unlocking Samuel's potential. Samuel showed promise early in his career. He even had a three-interception game against the Jaguars. However, injuries have unfortunately hampered his progress. At 26, he could be a high-risk, high-reward signing.

Next up, we have edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney (62nd overall). Now, this one is interesting because Clowney *already* played for the Cowboys last season! And he played well! Auman points out that he was an "absolute bargain" at $3.45 million, racking up 8.5 sacks. Re-signing him seems like a no-brainer, even if he commands a slightly higher price this time around. Veteran presence and proven production are always valuable, especially for a team looking to contend.

Auman also predicts the Cowboys will snag linebacker Devin Bush (54th overall). Bush is coming off a strong year with the Browns, where he put up impressive numbers – 125 tackles, three picks, two sacks, and two forced fumbles. He’s only 27, and a change of scenery seems to have done him good. Pro Football Focus even ranks him as the No. 8 overall free agent, projecting a hefty $12 million per year contract. That's a significant investment, but if Bush can replicate his Cleveland performance, it could be well worth it. Especially since the Cowboys need playmakers on defense.

The final, and arguably most exciting, prediction is that Dallas will land the *number one* free agent available: a wide receiver. Auman doesn't specify *which* receiver, but the implication is clear. This would be a massive splash, instantly upgrading the Cowboys' offense and giving Dak Prescott another weapon. Whether it’s a proven superstar or an up-and-coming talent, this signing could be the key to unlocking the Cowboys' offensive potential.