As the Dallas Cowboys head into another offseason, the team is faced with a critical period of roster decisions, especially concerning several impending free agents. The Cowboys have been a team on the cusp of greatness in recent years, but despite solid regular-season performances, they’ve come up short in the postseason, leaving many questions surrounding roster moves. With salary cap constraints and an eye on the future, there are a few notable players who have likely played their last game in Dallas.
The business of football often means saying goodbye to beloved players, and while some departures are expected, others come as a hard pill to swallow. Let’s take a closer look at three key Cowboys’ free agents who may have already played their final season in a Dallas uniform.
1. Ezekiel Elliott, Running Back
The biggest and most emotional departure in recent memory could very well be that of running back Ezekiel Elliott. Once the face of the Cowboys’ offense, Elliott has seen his production decline in recent years, leading many to believe that his days in Dallas are numbered. A two-time NFL rushing champion and the fourth overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, Zeke was once considered one of the best backs in the league. However, his performance in 2022 and 2023 has led to questions about his future with the Cowboys, especially given his hefty contract and the emergence of younger talent behind him.
In 2022, Elliott was paid a top-tier salary, but his rushing yards dipped significantly as Tony Pollard stepped into a larger role, making a more significant impact in the Cowboys’ offensive scheme. Elliott finished the 2023 season with 876 yards and 12 touchdowns, but the Cowboys’ backfield now revolves around Pollard, a more explosive and dynamic player who will likely receive a much larger share of the workload moving forward.
With Dallas needing to make cap room for other potential additions and Pollard set to be the lead back, Elliott’s days in Dallas may be numbered. While Zeke has been a fan favorite and part of the Cowboys’ identity for nearly seven seasons, his expensive contract, combined with diminishing returns on the field, suggests that the franchise may not be willing to re-sign him for another season.
Given that the Cowboys could look to free up cap space by parting ways with Elliott, it seems likely that 2023 was the running back’s final season in a Dallas uniform. Zeke’s farewell could be bittersweet, as he was integral to the team’s success during his prime, but business decisions and a changing roster make his departure almost inevitable.
2. Leighton Vander Esch, Linebacker
Another key contributor who could be playing his final games for the Cowboys is linebacker Leighton Vander Esch. The former first-round pick has been an important figure in the Cowboys’ defense since being drafted in 2018, but a series of injuries has hindered his career and may ultimately lead to him leaving Dallas. Vander Esch’s playmaking ability, particularly in the passing game and as a tackler, has been undeniable when he’s been on the field, but his health has been a recurring issue. In 2022, Vander Esch played in only 10 games after missing significant time in previous seasons due to neck and shoulder injuries.
Dallas has found depth at linebacker in recent years with Micah Parsons’ emergence as a superstar and the solid play of players like Damone Clark and Jabril Cox. With Vander Esch’s injury concerns, his potential price tag on the open market, and the growing depth at linebacker, it seems unlikely that the Cowboys will invest heavily in keeping him around.
Vander Esch will likely draw interest from other teams, as healthy, experienced linebackers are always in demand, but the Cowboys seem poised to let him walk in free agency. His departure is one of the more difficult decisions the Cowboys will have to make, as he was a vital part of their defense during their most competitive years. However, considering his injury history and the team’s current needs, Vander Esch’s time in Dallas may have come to a close.
3. Dalton Schultz, Tight End
Tight end Dalton Schultz is another impending free agent who may have played his last game for the Cowboys. A reliable target for quarterback Dak Prescott, Schultz has been one of the Cowboys’ most consistent pass-catching threats over the last few seasons. The former fourth-round pick from Stanford played a key role in the team’s passing game, particularly in red-zone situations, where he frequently found himself as Prescott’s go-to option.
However, with Schultz set to hit free agency, there are a few factors that could make his return to Dallas unlikely. First, the Cowboys are currently operating with a tight salary cap and have several key contracts they need to address, including that of quarterback Dak Prescott and running back Tony Pollard. Re-signing Schultz may not be a priority, especially when considering that the Cowboys could look to address their tight end situation with more cost-effective options in the draft or free agency.
Additionally, the Cowboys have other receiving threats like CeeDee Lamb and Michael Gallup, and their offense has increasingly become pass-heavy with an emphasis on spreading the ball around. Schultz, while reliable, may not be a top priority given the team’s financial constraints and depth at the position. Teams in need of a veteran tight end, particularly those looking for a reliable red-zone target, will likely pursue Schultz in free agency.
Given all these factors, it seems that Dalton Schultz may be headed elsewhere for the 2024 season, marking the end of his time in Dallas. His departure will leave a void at tight end, but the Cowboys’ front office will likely look to fill that gap with younger talent or a more cost-effective signing.
Final Thoughts
As the Dallas Cowboys look ahead to the 2024 season, they will have tough decisions to make about their roster. While some familiar faces will likely be returning, there are key impending free agents whose time in Dallas seems to be drawing to a close. Ezekiel Elliott, Leighton Vander Esch, and Dalton Schultz have all played integral roles in the Cowboys’ success in recent years, but financial realities and roster construction needs are likely to push these players out of Dallas.
Though their departures will undoubtedly be difficult for fans who have grown attached to these stars, the Cowboys’ front office will need to look toward the future and make decisions that align with the team’s long-term goals. Free agency is a time of change in the NFL, and the Dallas Cowboys will be no exception. For Elliott, Vander Esch, and Schultz, their future may lie elsewhere, but their contributions to the franchise will be remembered by Cowboys fans for years to come.
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