5 free agents the Cowboys could add before the draft

5 Free Agents the Dallas Cowboys Could Add Before the Draft

The NFL Draft is just around the corner, and for the Dallas Cowboys, it presents a critical opportunity to reload after a frustrating 2024 season that ended with more questions than answers. While the draft will undoubtedly bring in young talent, the Cowboys’ front office may want to consider addressing a few lingering roster gaps before they’re forced to reach for needs in the early rounds. With several quality free agents still unsigned, now is the perfect time for Dallas to make some smart veteran additions. Here are five free agents the Cowboys could realistically target before the draft kicks off.

1. Stephon Gilmore – CB

Let’s start with a familiar face. After spending the 2023 season with the Cowboys, Stephon Gilmore proved he still had plenty of gas in the tank. He played 17 games, recorded two interceptions, and was a steady presence opposite Trevon Diggs before Diggs went down with a season-ending injury. Though Dallas hasn’t yet re-signed the veteran corner, bringing him back would offer much-needed insurance in a secondary that struggled late last season.

With DaRon Bland emerging as a playmaker and Diggs returning from injury, a reunion with Gilmore would give the Cowboys one of the league’s deepest cornerback groups. He’s a proven leader, understands Dan Quinn’s (now Mike Zimmer’s) defensive system, and could be had on a one-year, team-friendly deal.

2. Ezekiel Elliott – RB

Could a reunion with Zeke be on the table? Despite being released before the 2023 season, Elliott’s familiarity with the offense and his respected locker room presence still carry weight in Dallas. His 2023 campaign with the Patriots wasn’t flashy, but he proved he could still contribute as a power runner and pass protector—two roles the Cowboys could use help with after losing Tony Pollard to the Titans in free agency.

Currently, the Cowboys’ running back room is thin. Rico Dowdle and Deuce Vaughn aren’t likely to be full-time starters, and there’s no guarantee the team will land a top-tier back in the draft. Elliott could serve as a stopgap option while mentoring a rookie, and Jerry Jones has never ruled out the idea of bringing him back. If the price is right, the door is wide open.

3. Dalton Risner – G

The Cowboys’ offensive line has long been a point of pride, but it’s beginning to show cracks. Tyron Smith departed for the Jets, and there are still concerns about depth and durability. While Dallas is expected to target offensive line help in the draft, a proven veteran like Dalton Risner would add security and flexibility.

Risner started 11 games for the Vikings in 2023 and held up well in both pass protection and run blocking. He brings experience, toughness, and consistency—qualities Dallas could use in the interior offensive line. Signing Risner would allow the Cowboys to be more strategic on draft day instead of feeling forced to address guard early. He’s also only 29, meaning he has enough tread on the tires to be more than a short-term fix.

4. Justin Simmons – S

Arguably the best defensive player still on the market, former Broncos safety Justin Simmons would be a game-changer in Dallas. The Cowboys already boast a strong safety group with Donovan Wilson, Malik Hooker, and Jayron Kearse, but Simmons’ elite ball-hawking skills and veteran leadership could elevate the entire secondary. Kearse also remains unsigned, so there’s room to add a proven starter.

Simmons has 30 career interceptions and is widely regarded as one of the most intelligent defenders in the league. His presence would take pressure off the corners and create more flexibility for defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer. If the Cowboys want to take another leap on defense, Simmons could be the veteran signing that puts them over the top.

5. Connor Williams – C/G

Another potential reunion lies with Connor Williams, the former Cowboy who spent the last two seasons with the Miami Dolphins. Williams transitioned from guard to center in Miami and looked like one of the better players at the position before a torn ACL ended his 2023 season. Depending on his recovery timeline, he could be a valuable piece to bring back into the fold.

Tyler Biadasz left for Washington in free agency, leaving Dallas with questions at center. While they may plan to draft a replacement, having Williams in the building as a versatile veteran who knows the system could be vital. He’s still just 27 and would bring both upside and familiarity to a young offensive line group. The Cowboys would need to be confident in his rehab progress, but the upside could outweigh the risk.

Final Thoughts:

The Cowboys find themselves in a pivotal offseason. With Mike McCarthy entering a make-or-break year and the team under pressure to finally break through in the playoffs, every move matters. Adding smart, cost-effective veterans before the draft would not only plug some immediate holes but also provide flexibility on draft night.

Players like Stephon Gilmore and Ezekiel Elliott offer continuity and leadership, while younger veterans like Dalton Risner and Connor Williams bring durability and positional versatility. And a high-upside signing like Justin Simmons could help transform the defense into a top-tier unit once again.

The NFL Draft is always a gamble, but strategic free-agent signings before the big event can help minimize that risk. If Jerry Jones and the Cowboys’ front office want to compete now—and they’ve made it clear they do—this is the time to act. Before the clock starts in Round 1, Dallas would be wise to make a few more calls. The right veteran additions could be the difference between another early playoff exit and a legitimate Super Bowl run.