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The Dallas Cowboys have dealt with a handful of injuries through the first two weeks of training camp, but most have had short recovery times. The season-ending injury to tight end Princeton Fant has opened a spot on the roster that could be used to address either those injuries or a lack of depth. The team hasn't moved Fant to injured reserve yet, but once they do, they'll have a few interesting options to choose from who could help bolster the roster on either side of the ball.
Two players in particular have ties to the Cowboys' coaching staff and would be natural fits in Dallas. The third may not have direct connections, but could still provide valuable depth and experience at a position that may need reinforcement during the regular season. Here are three free agents the Cowboys could and should target after Fant's injury.
The first player on this list has ties to head coach Brian Schottenheimer from their time together in Seattle. Dissly would immediately give the Cowboys another tight end with a strong combination of blocking ability and receiving production. He could compete with Brevyn Spann-Ford and Luke Schoonmaker for the backup role behind Jake Ferguson while also giving Dallas another option in two-tight-end packages.
Schottenheimer's history with Dissly could make this move an easy one to make. The Cowboys' head coach already knows Dissly's strengths, weaknesses, and what he brings to a run-heavy offense. Since their time together in Seattle, Dissly has also developed into a more dependable receiving threat, making him a more complete tight end than when Schottenheimer last coached him.
Jackson worked out for the Cowboys earlier this offseason, showing the team's interest in the veteran cornerback. His familiarity with Christian Parker's defensive scheme would give Dallas a reliable depth piece who already understands the system and could step in if injuries arise during the season. Last year, Jackson had an up-and-down season with the Philadelphia Eagles, but he still recorded six pass breakups and an interception.
He may not be the splash signing some fans are hoping for, but he would be a smart addition. More importantly, Jackson wouldn't require the Cowboys to take valuable developmental reps away from younger defensive backs still learning Parker's scheme. After being hit hard by injuries in the secondary last season, Dallas knows firsthand how quickly cornerback depth can become an issue. Jackson would be a welcome addition, not as a starter, but as an experienced depth piece Parker could turn to when needed.
It's still early in training camp, but the Cowboys' lack of proven interior offensive line depth outside of T.J. Bass is beginning to show. Becton would be a welcome addition to a group that could use another player with starting experience and the power needed to help maintain a physical rushing attack.
Last season, Becton's play took a step back compared to his impressive 2024 campaign with the Eagles. However, he battled nagging injuries throughout the year and played on an offensive line that dealt with significant personnel changes, including major injuries at tackle. While that doesn't completely excuse his decline, it does provide context on why there was such a big shift in his play.
If Dallas believes the version of Becton seen in Philadelphia is still there, he could be a strong addition to the interior offensive line. He would give the Cowboys another experienced option capable of stepping into the lineup if Tyler Smith or Tyler Booker were forced to miss time, while also creating additional competition up front.
Whether it's Dissly, Jackson, or Becton, Dallas will soon have an open roster spot and several intriguing options available to fill it. The front office has no shortage of directions it could go, but each of these players would address a different area of need and provide proven NFL experience. As training camp continues, Dallas will have an opportunity to add a player who can help both now and when the regular season begins.
This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: 3 Free agents with Cowboys ties to replace Princeton Fant
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Two players in particular have ties to the Cowboys' coaching staff and would be natural fits in Dallas. The third may not have direct connections, but could still provide valuable depth and experience at a position that may need reinforcement during the regular season. Here are three free agents the Cowboys could and should target after Fant's injury.
Will Dissly
The first player on this list has ties to head coach Brian Schottenheimer from their time together in Seattle. Dissly would immediately give the Cowboys another tight end with a strong combination of blocking ability and receiving production. He could compete with Brevyn Spann-Ford and Luke Schoonmaker for the backup role behind Jake Ferguson while also giving Dallas another option in two-tight-end packages.
Schottenheimer's history with Dissly could make this move an easy one to make. The Cowboys' head coach already knows Dissly's strengths, weaknesses, and what he brings to a run-heavy offense. Since their time together in Seattle, Dissly has also developed into a more dependable receiving threat, making him a more complete tight end than when Schottenheimer last coached him.
Adoree Jackson
Jackson worked out for the Cowboys earlier this offseason, showing the team's interest in the veteran cornerback. His familiarity with Christian Parker's defensive scheme would give Dallas a reliable depth piece who already understands the system and could step in if injuries arise during the season. Last year, Jackson had an up-and-down season with the Philadelphia Eagles, but he still recorded six pass breakups and an interception.
He may not be the splash signing some fans are hoping for, but he would be a smart addition. More importantly, Jackson wouldn't require the Cowboys to take valuable developmental reps away from younger defensive backs still learning Parker's scheme. After being hit hard by injuries in the secondary last season, Dallas knows firsthand how quickly cornerback depth can become an issue. Jackson would be a welcome addition, not as a starter, but as an experienced depth piece Parker could turn to when needed.
Mekhi Becton
It's still early in training camp, but the Cowboys' lack of proven interior offensive line depth outside of T.J. Bass is beginning to show. Becton would be a welcome addition to a group that could use another player with starting experience and the power needed to help maintain a physical rushing attack.
Last season, Becton's play took a step back compared to his impressive 2024 campaign with the Eagles. However, he battled nagging injuries throughout the year and played on an offensive line that dealt with significant personnel changes, including major injuries at tackle. While that doesn't completely excuse his decline, it does provide context on why there was such a big shift in his play.
If Dallas believes the version of Becton seen in Philadelphia is still there, he could be a strong addition to the interior offensive line. He would give the Cowboys another experienced option capable of stepping into the lineup if Tyler Smith or Tyler Booker were forced to miss time, while also creating additional competition up front.
Whether it's Dissly, Jackson, or Becton, Dallas will soon have an open roster spot and several intriguing options available to fill it. The front office has no shortage of directions it could go, but each of these players would address a different area of need and provide proven NFL experience. As training camp continues, Dallas will have an opportunity to add a player who can help both now and when the regular season begins.
This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: 3 Free agents with Cowboys ties to replace Princeton Fant
Continue reading...
