While this offseason has already been eventful in many ways that supersede last offseason, the Dallas Cowboys are not done yet.
The March 12 free agency period opens soon, and our Mike Fisher - with 35 years on the Cowboys beat - is predicting that Dallas will continue the momentum by making 8 key decisions to bolster their roster in much-needed ways.
And yes, we are well-aware that team owner Jerry Jones is saying Dallas isn't leaning toward using free agency to fill "voids.''
As Fish notes: "Dallas set up a path to have $100 million in spending room. Why do that only to not use it?''
And so, inside and outside ... free agency and voids ... Fish offers up 5 names ...
1. Re-Sign Micah Parsons
The first step is one we at CowboysCountry.com have been analyzing for weeks. Not only does re-signing a defensive superstar sure-up the edge for the long term, is also helps future free agency efforts.
If Parsons is extended, the Cowboys will generate more cap space by the time March 12 rolls around and the NFL's cap ceiling is raised.
Dallas has already made the effort to grow their offseason spending budget, and signing Micah soon will be the latest move in that "Blow It Up" plan.
Let's do this now, Jerry, shall we?
2. Sign Tyler Lockett
The veteran receiver was just let go by the Seattle Seahawks in their efforts to unload their assets this week.
Given Lockett's age (32) and dip in production, you can hope Dallas can sign him at a relatively cheap price.
Coach Brian Schottenheimer also has familiarity with Lockett as he was the receiver's offensive coordinator in Seattle from 2018-20.
Lockett would provide leadership, durability, and veteran experience to a Cowboys receiver room in need of help alongside CeeDee Lamb.
3. Sign Nick Bolton
There are multiple question marks surrounding the linebacker position in Dallas.
Eric Kendricks is likely to walk in free agency. ... though a source tells Fish that Jerry has been strongly advised to try to keep him.
DeMarvion Overshown's timetable to return from knee surgery is uncertain. Other Cowboys free agents in the defensive box like DeMarcus Lawrence and Chauncey Golston have unclear futures.
Relieving some of those troubles with be the signing of Super Bowl champion Nick Bolton, a free agent from the Kansas City Chiefs.
Bolton can step in and be an immediate impact for defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus. That dependability is crucial with the other question marks still up in the air.
4. Re-Sign Jourdan Lewis
The Cowboys have met with the agent here, and Lewis wants to stay. Dallas considers Lewis a priority of sorts, and interestingly, Fish notes that at the recent Zack Martin press conference inside The Star, Lewis and new coordinator Matt Eberflus spend a notably amount of time, one-on-one, talking shop.
This much we know: Whether you want to call their upcoming moves "aggressive" or not, there is some type of plan in place to use that money this offseason.
These moves - if Fish is right - may serve as a smart way in doing so.
