Cowboys News: Ranking Dallas’ Internal Free Agents Ahead of the New League Year
As the NFL offseason approaches, the Dallas Cowboys are faced with several important decisions regarding their roster. With the new league year just around the corner, the team must navigate free agency and determine which internal players are worth re-signing to maintain or strengthen their core. The Cowboys have a handful of players whose contracts are set to expire, and their futures with the team will be a key factor in how Dallas builds its roster moving forward. Here’s a ranking of the Cowboys’ top internal free agents as they prepare for the 2025 season.
1. Tony Pollard, Running Back
There’s no question that Tony Pollard is the Cowboys’ most important internal free agent heading into the offseason. Pollard has established himself as one of the NFL’s most explosive running backs, especially in 2024, where he served as the clear lead back after Ezekiel Elliott’s departure. Pollard’s versatility—both as a runner and a receiver—has made him a vital part of the Cowboys’ offense.
In his breakout season, Pollard rushed for over 1,200 yards and caught 45 passes for 400 yards, making him a dual-threat option that defenses have to game-plan for. Given his age (26) and explosive playmaking ability, keeping Pollard in the fold is a top priority for Dallas. The Cowboys will likely look to place the franchise tag on him to keep him for at least one more year while they work out a long-term deal.
2. Leighton Vander Esch, Linebacker
Leighton Vander Esch has been a key piece of the Cowboys’ defense for several years. Despite dealing with injuries in the past, Vander Esch has remained a steady and reliable presence in the middle of the defense. The former first-round pick has shown his ability to make plays against the run and in pass coverage. His leadership and experience make him an important part of the Cowboys’ linebacker unit.
Although the Cowboys’ defense has been strong in recent years, Vander Esch’s ability to stay healthy will be a crucial factor in whether Dallas re-signs him. If the price is right, Vander Esch could be a valuable piece to keep in the fold, ensuring continuity in a defense that has become one of the league’s top units. A short-term deal could make sense for both sides, allowing the Cowboys to maintain their linebacker corps while giving Vander Esch another opportunity to prove his durability.
3. Donovan Wilson, Safety
Donovan Wilson has quietly become one of the most dependable safeties for the Cowboys. His physical style of play and ability to contribute in both run support and pass coverage has earned him a reputation as one of the team’s most versatile defensive backs. Wilson’s leadership and instincts on the field are key assets, especially with the Cowboys’ defensive scheme under coordinator Dan Quinn.
Given the importance of having a solid safety tandem in today’s NFL, re-signing Wilson would be a smart move for Dallas. While the safety market is competitive, Wilson’s consistency and ability to play multiple roles in the secondary make him a valuable commodity for the Cowboys. Expect Dallas to prioritize bringing him back, especially considering his growth into a starting role over the past few seasons.
4. Kirsten Fells, Tight End
Kirsten Fells has been a solid depth piece for the Cowboys at tight end. While not as flashy as some other free-agent tight ends around the league, Fells has provided reliable blocking and occasional pass-catching when called upon. His contributions in the run game and as a red-zone target have been valuable to the offense, particularly in short-yardage situations.
While Dallas has star tight end Dalton Schultz leading the group, having Fells as a reliable backup is important for the Cowboys’ depth. He may not command a huge contract, making it a practical option for the Cowboys to bring him back for another season to round out the tight end position.
5. Jonathan Hankins, Defensive Tackle
Jonathan Hankins has been an important rotational player along the defensive line for Dallas, especially in stopping the run. The veteran defensive tackle’s size and ability to clog up running lanes make him a valuable asset to the Cowboys’ defensive front. Although Hankins is not an every-down player, his ability to fill a specific need on early downs and in short-yardage situations cannot be overlooked.
While Dallas has other promising young players along the defensive line, bringing Hankins back on a short-term deal would provide stability and depth at the position. With Hankins’ veteran presence, the Cowboys can continue to rotate their defensive line while ensuring they have enough depth to withstand injuries throughout the season.
6. T.Y. Hilton, Wide Receiver
T.Y. Hilton was brought in mid-season to provide a veteran presence and an additional deep threat to the Cowboys’ wide receiver corps. While Hilton showed flashes of his former self, including a couple of key catches in critical moments, his role with the team was limited. Given his age (34) and limited impact last season, re-signing Hilton may not be a priority for Dallas unless he agrees to a very team-friendly deal.
If the Cowboys decide to pursue other options at receiver during free agency or the draft, Hilton could be left to seek opportunities elsewhere. However, his leadership and experience could still be useful in a limited, depth role if the team needs to add an experienced receiver.
Conclusion
The Cowboys’ internal free agents provide a mix of vital contributors and depth players. Among the most important decisions are securing the future of Tony Pollard, re-signing key defensive players like Leighton Vander Esch and Donovan Wilson, and solidifying depth positions with players like Kirsten Fells and Jonathan Hankins. As the Cowboys look to build a championship-caliber roster, their decisions in free agency will go a long way in determining their success in 2025 and beyond.
