Before this very important off-season began, our owner/GM stated once again publicly that they were willing to “break the bank” to add talent to this roster. Halfway through the 2026 off-season that has not happened.
And both JJ and SJ continue to tell the fan base they “tried” to acquire a top edge rusher and FA LB but the prices were “too high”. (Side note: NFL truth - The best talent out there is not coming here for less money. You have to overpay. Sorry sad truth)
So…as fans…are we now supposed to give our FO “credit” just for trying to sign or trade for a big impact player? But the price was too high? We didn’t get it done, but “we tried”? Seems to me in professional sports credit is earned when you do it, not when you simply try.
That’s especially true IMO with a front office that does a ton of talking but rarely back it up. And the only way we heard they tried so hard is they tell us all the time…without getting it done.
I think it’s fair for Cowboys fans to say at this point, “Don’t tell us what you’re planning or hoping to do. Show us what you've done.” Otherwise stop talking. Talk when it’s done.
This FO should not get the benefit of the doubt with the track record they have given us for decades.
Every fan has a right to “fan” how they see fit. I respect your right to “fan” your way.
Having said that, I have a hard time understanding what you expect the Cowboys to do. They made an incredibly aggressive offer for Crosby (which I would not have made). I don’t know how anyone could see that as “business as usual”. It’s simply not.
I guess you can sit back and criticize the Cowboys for not getting it done (as in that instance) or by signing other free agents but at what point does doing the deal and getting it done make the Cowboys a WORSE team than not doing the deal at all?
The Cowboys have been very active in free agency. Whether they improved or not is the subject of legitimate debate, but based on an objective point of view the team’s moves appear at first blush to be more substantial than they have historically been, at least in recent history.
There remains a strong need (and hole) at linebacker. I would argue that that hole is more than one player. I think we need at least three linebackers. I would prefer that need be filled as follows:
1. At least one (1) and preferrably two (2) of : Allen, Rodrigues, Hill, Golday, and Trotter
2. The remaining number (to at least get to three linebackers total) of: Louis, Elarms-Orr, Perkins and York.
3. A possible later round flier (5-7th round) on Kendal Daniels, Hienike, or the like.
Adding a linebacker now might make you feel better, TODAY. But honestly, this draft is loaded with solid linebackers. I would rather have three solid linebackers out of this class (and space for them and possibly a fourth linebacker) than I would have the team overpay or force a linebacker contract on this team.
There is something to be said for team flexibility in drafting a linebacker from this class. The team
always has the option of trading for a linebacker after the draft. Teams will be looking to move on from linebackers (possibly cheaply) after this draft due to the sheer numbers of solid linebackers in this draft.
Moreover, most linebackers play a specific role and cannot play all four positions. I would rather have draft flexibility to let the draft come to us at linebacker than locking in a player pre draft and forcing a pick at a different linebacker position.
I don’t believe that the Cowboys can have a “pure” draft per se, but they aren’t too far off, at least if they stick to defense. I think that Dallas will be forced to pick linebackers in this class, but I believe that there will be linebackers available to draft at almost every pick we have that are worthy of the draft slot. That’s not true at other positions.
I understand your frustration with 30 years of futility and counting. I am equally frustrated. I think the biggest difference between your perspective and mine is that I don’t see everything that the Cowboys do or don’t do is wrong. It appears you are at that point, which is your right, so fan that way if you like.
My issues with the Cowboys are probably different than yours, but trust me, I get just as frustrated as you do. Respectfully, I think all your current hand wringing is a bit premature.
I may be right there wringing my hands just like you are on opening weekend. But it’s too early for that right now. Let’s see how the Cowboys fill out this roster before opening weekend.
I have a feeling this DC is going to take charge and get the players he wants. Parker doesn’t appear to be afraid to make changes. In my opinion Osa getting shipped out is a very good example of Parker taking charge.
If you prefer to continue your early handwringing, then rock on my friend. But you might consider at least waiting until after the draft is over to do all of that.
