Dallas Cowboys free-agency tracker: Dante Fowler returns; Miles Sanders joins RB room

It’s the question most Dallas Cowboys fans want answered: Will the Cowboys be serious players in free agency this week?

History tells us they will not be.

But their NFC East rivals, the Philadelphia Eagles, spent some money a year ago and look where it got them. Is that enough to get Jerry Jones to open the checkbook this week? Executive VP Stephen Jones said the Cowboys’ approach would be “selectively aggressive.” Jerry Jones said last week that aggressive was not the right word.

We’ll see how things go.

Cowboys additions

P Bryan Anger (re-signed): One-year deal
S Markquese Bell (re-signed): Three years, around $12 million
WR Parris Campbell (free agent): One-year deal
CB Kaiir Elam (trade): for 2025 fifth and 2026 seventh-round picks
Edge Dante Fowler (free agent): One year, $8 million
CB CJ Goodwin (re-signed): One-year deal
G Brock Hoffman (re-signed): One-year deal
OL Robert Jones (free agent): One-year deal
S Israel Mukuamu (re-signed): One-year deal
LB Kenneth Murray (trade): Plus 2025 seventh-round pick for 2025 sixth-round pick
DT Osa Odighizuwa (re-signed): Four years, $80 million ($52 million guaranteed)
LB Jack Sanborn (free agent): One-year deal
RB Miles Sanders (free agent): One-year deal
LS Trent Sieg (re-signed): Three years, $4.45 million ($3.1 million guaranteed)
S Juanyeh Thomas (re-signed): One-year deal
DT Solomon Thomas (free agent): Two years, up to $8 million
DE Payton Turner (free agent): One year, $3 million ($2 million guaranteed)
KR/WR KaVontae Turpin (re-signed): Three years, $18 million
DE Tyrus Wheat (re-signed): One-year deal
RB Javonte Williams (free agent): One year, up to $3.5 million

Still available (from The Athletic‘s top 150 list)

LB Eric Kendricks
WR Brandin Cooks
QB Trey Lance

Here is our running list of Dallas free-agency news that we will update throughout free agency as things happen. The legal-tampering period began Monday at 12 p.m. ET and teams can officially sign free agents Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET when the new league year begins.

March 14

Dante Fowler returns to Dallas

The Cowboys are bringing back veteran edge rusher Dante Fowler on a one-year deal worth up to $8 million.

What it means: The 30-year-old is coming off a 10 1/2-sack season last year with the Washington Commanders. The two previous seasons in Dallas (2022-2023) he had 10 sacks in 34 games. The Cowboys needed help at edge rusher after DeMarcus Lawrence departed in free agency. Fowler can now team up with Micah Parsons, Sam Williams, Marshawn Kneeland and Payton Turner to give Dallas a solid DE rotation. Defensive end could still be targeted in the draft but it’s not as much of a priority after this addition.

Update: Cooper Kupp reaches deal with Seahawks

After it looked like the Cowboys were in the mix for bring former Rams receiver Cooper Kupp on board, he reached a three-year deal for $45 million with the Seahawks, according to The Athletic.

The Rams released Kupp on Wednesday after he spent all eight of his NFL seasons with the Los Angeles Rams. He had a monster year in 2021, winning the triple crown of receiving by leading the league in receptions (145), receiving yards (1,947) and touchdowns (16). The Rams won the Super Bowl that season and he also caught the game-winning TD pass in that game to beat the Bengals.

Kupp, 31, has battled nagging injuries in the three seasons since, playing nine games in 2022 and 12 in each of the past two seasons. Last season, he caught 67 passes for 710 yards and six touchdowns.

March 13

Cowboys expected to sign RB Miles Sanders

Sanders, who spent the past two seasons with the Carolina Panthers, is expected to sign with the Cowboys, according to a report.

What it means: The veteran running back didn’t have much success in Carolina over the last two seasons, averaging only 3.5 yards per carry after averaging 5.0 yards per carry during his first four seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles. Sanders, 27, had a career-year in 2022, rushing for 1,269 yards and 11 touchdowns on an Eagles team that reached the Super Bowl. The Cowboys now have Javontae Williams, who was recently added on a one-year deal, Sanders and Deuce Vaughn at running back. Dallas still needs to address the position at some point in the draft. It’s a good bet that their leading rusher next season will be someone drafted next month.

March 12

Rico Dowdle is heading to Carolina

Dowdle, who ran for a career-best 1,079 yards last season in Dallas, has reached a one-year deal with the Panthers, where he will be the No. 2 back to Chuba Hubbard. The Cowboys signed Javonte Williams from the Broncos and he is the frontrunner to be the Cowboys’ lead back entering the season or at least be part of the rotation, depending on who else Dallas adds to its RB room.

Cowboys trade for Titans LB Kenneth Murray

Dallas dealt a sixth-round pick in April’s draft for Murray and 2025 seventh-round pick, the team announced Wednesday night.

Dallas badly needed help at the position and Murray should be able to be a quality starter alongside Marist Liufau and Jack Sanborn. A linebacker could still be added later in the draft but it’s nowhere near the need it was 24 hours ago.

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DeMarcus Lawrence to Seahawks

After spending the first 11 seasons of his NFL career with Dallas, Lawrence will play for the Seattle Seahawks next season after agreeing to a three-year deal worth up to $42 million with $18 million guaranteed, according to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini. Lawrence only played four games last season after a foot injury ended up sidelining him for the rest of the season. He made the Pro Bowl in 2022 and 2023.

Dallas adds LB Jack Sanborn

The Cowboys are signing Jack Sanborn to a one-year deal, reuniting the former Bears linebacker with defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus, who was his head coach in Chicago. Dave Borgonzi, Dallas’ linebackers coach, also coached the position with the Bears the past three seasons while Sanborn played there.

The 2022 undrafted free agent is a solid add for the Cowboys, who are dealing with uncertainty at linebacker with DeMarvion Overshown’s injury. Overshown will not be ready for training camp or the regular season, and how long his absence stretches into the regular season remains unknown. Marist Liufau was a pleasant surprise last year as a rookie but the Cowboys needed somebody to pair with him during Overshown’s absence. Sanborn could be that player. Much like Eric Kendricks was last year for Zimmer, Sanborn could also help Eberflus install his defense with a new roster. Sanborn has limitations but he’s solid against the run and a good downhill linebacker — the Cowboys can certainly use that.

Jack Sanborn totaled 35 tackles in 17 games (three starts) in Chicago last season. (Mark J. Rebilas / Imagn Images)

Cowboys trade for CB Kaiir Elam from Bills

Dallas sent a fifth-round pick in this year’s draft along with a seventh in 2026 for Kaiir Elam and a sixth-round pick this year.

What it means: The Cowboys were desperately in need of cornerback help with Jourdan Lewis leaving in free agency and Trevon Diggs dealing with a significant knee injury. Elam didn’t live up to expectations in Buffalo but he has good size and the Cowboys didn’t give up all that much in the process. Dallas still needs to address cornerback in the draft. Elam was drafted one pick before Dallas selected standout offensive guard Tyler Smith in 2022. Elam’s father, Abram Elam, played for the Cowboys in 2006 and 2011.

March 11

Punter Bryan Anger returning on 2-year deal

The Cowboys are bringing back punter Bryan Anger on a two-year deal, according to the team. After re-signing long snapper Trent Sieg and special teams ace CJ Goodwin, and All-Pro kicker Brandon Aubrey still under contract for another year, the Cowboys are bringing back their entire core special teams group, aside from special teams coordinator John Fassel. On the field, though, the primary punt and field goal operations will be the same as they were a year ago. Anger was a key part of both — he’s the holder for Aubrey on the field goal unit.

DE Payton Turner reportedly agrees to 1-year deal with Cowboys

After four forgettable seasons in New Orleans where he played just 31 games, Turner — the 28th overall pick in 2021 — is joining the Cowboys.

How he fits: Depth at edge rusher is needed with Chauncey Golston headed to the New York Giants and DeMarcus Lawrence unlikely to return. Turner was a first-round pick in 2021 but he never came close to playing up to his potential in New Orleans. Injuries were a factor as Turner didn’t start a game over the previous four seasons. The 6-6, 270-pound Turner played in a career-high 16 games last season, totaling two sacks, two forced fumbles, three QB hits and three tackles for loss. Micah Parsons, Sam Williams and Marshawn Kneeland are the top three edge rushers on the roster. Turner could end up getting in the mix, but this deal doesn’t prevent them from drafting an edge rusher early in next month’s draft.

Payton Turner played a career-high 16 games last season, logging 31 percent of the defensive snaps and 53 percent on special teams. (Stephen Lew / Imagn Images)

Dallas locks up KaVontae Turpin

The Pro-Bowl kick returner and receiver agreed to a three-year deal with the Cowboys on Tuesday. The deal is worth $18 million, according to multiple reports.

What it means: Turpin has been arguably the NFL’s best punt and kick returners for the last three years. But he has also seen an increased usage as a wide receiver. This new deal likely signals a bigger role on offense for Turpin under new head coach Brian Schottenheimer. Turpin’s speed has been utilized on jet sweeps, slant routes and deep balls, but it seems like there is more production to be had. Dallas still needs help at wide receiver, but one way the offense could see some changes is finding more ways for Turpin to get the ball in space.

How successful he can be as an offensive weapon will depend on how creative Schottenheimer can be as an offensive mind.

Cowboys, DT Solomon Thomas agree to deal

How he fits: The Cowboys have been looking to add depth at defensive tackle after re-signing Osa Odighizuwa. Solomon Thomas, who is from Coppell, Texas, was the third overall pick in the 2017 draft. However, he has not played at the level of a top-five pick. The Cowboys will be his fourth team after previously playing for the 49ers, Raiders and Jets. Last season, Thomas ranked 101 out of 118 interior defensive linemen by Pro Football Focus. Odighizuwa was 31. Dallas’ other starting defensive tackle, Mazi Smith, was 117. Thomas provides experienced depth as he has only started four of the 33 games he’s played in over the last two seasons. He’s had 8 1/2 sacks, 12 QB hits and 12 tackles for loss over the last two seasons. He rejoins new Cowboys defensive line coach Aaron Whitecotton, who coached Thomas with the Jets.

Who they added, re-signed and lost so far

On the first day of the legal-tampering period, the Cowboys made a couple of additions in free agency. They agreed to deals with RB Javonte Williams and guard Robert Jones.

Will Jerry Jones address other needs Tuesday? Stay tuned.

Here’s the rundown of Dallas’ moves:

Cowboys roster moves:

Agreed to deal w/ RB Javonte Williams
Agreed to deal w/ OG Robert Jones
Re-signed DT Osa Odighizuwa
Re-signed C/G Brock Hoffman
Re-signed S Markquese Bell
Re-signed S Juanyeh Thomas
Re-signed LS Trent Sieg
Re-signed DE Tyrus Wheat
Re-signed ST C.J. Goodwin…

— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) March 11, 2025

March 10

Chauncey Golston joining Giants

Chauncey Golston is staying in the NFC East, with the defensive end signing with the New York Giants, according to The Insiders.

What it means: Golston emerged late last season when he got additional opportunities after the Cowboys were hit hard with the injury bug at the position. Golston was selected by the Cowboys in the third round of the 2021 draft. The Cowboys tried Golston at a few different spots along the defensive line but he finally flourished at defensive end. He also served as a core special teams player. The Cowboys are expecting Sam Williams to return from his torn ACL but will need to add depth at the position.

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Dallas adds guard to add depth to its O-line

Offensive lineman Robert Jones agreed to a one-year deal worth up to $4.75 million with the Dallas Cowboys, according to ESPN.

How he fits: The offensive line is an area the Cowboys definitely need to address this offseason after the retirement of nine-time Pro Bowl right guard Zack Martin. Jones started every game last season for the Miami Dolphins at left guard. He’ll likely compete for the starting right guard spot with Brock Hoffman and maybe someone Dallas adds in the draft. At the very least, he should provide depth to a position group that needs to improve. Jones signed with Miami as an undrafted rookie free agent in 2021. He has started 30 of the 49 games he’s played in over the last four seasons. Jones finished the 2024 season graded as the NFL’s 58th-best offensive guard, according to Pro Football Focus. He had similar grades as a pass and run blocker.

Javonte Williams had 513 rushing yards and 346 receiving yards last season with Denver. (Matthew Hinton / Imagn Images)

Cowboys reach deal with RB Javonte Williams

Javonte Williams and the Dallas Cowboys agreed to terms on a one-year deal worth up to $3.5 million, according to a league source. Williams, who turns 25 in April, spent his first four NFL seasons with the Denver Broncos. His best season came as a rookie in 2021 when he ran 203 times for 903 yards and four touchdowns.

He missed most of 2022 with a knee injury and returned in 2023 to rush for 774 yards (3.6 ypc) and 513 yards (3.7 ypc) last season. He caught 47 and 52 passes out of the backfield the past two seasons.

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Cowboys agree to terms with RB Javonte Williams on 1-year deal: Source

How he fits: With Dowdle — he ran for a career high 1,079 yards last season — still unsigned, Williams slides in as the top running back. Williams has all of the abilities you look for in a three-down back, but it’s fair to wonder how much of it he can still execute after his major knee injury in 2022. Still, Williams turns 25 in April so it would be premature to shut the door on his potential, especially if it comes in a role that’s fitting for him. A 1B is likely his ceiling but as long as the Cowboys treat him like a No. 2 back, meaning they find their No. 1 in the draft, Williams can be a solid pickup.

Chuma Edoga off to Jacksonville, too

According to multiple reports, the Jacksonville Jaguars are adding Chuma Edoga.

What it means: Edoga was a solid depth piece for the Cowboys, starting 10 games in his two seasons in Dallas. Edoga was able to play tackle or guard, so his versatility gave the Cowboys options when they dealt with offensive line injuries. Keeping Edoga around would have been fine but losing him isn’t the end of the world. They believe in their tackles, Tyler Guyton (left) and Terence Steele (right). Tyler Smith is planted as the left guard. Dallas has interior offensive line depth but needs to find a swing tackle to develop.

Jourdan Lewis to Jaguars

After spending his first eight NFL seasons in Dallas, Lewis will play with another team after agreeing to terms with the Jacksonville Jaguars, according to multiple reports.

What it means: Losing Lewis is a tough blow to the Cowboys, who drafted the 29-year-old cornerback out of Michigan in the third round in 2017. Lewis returned from a career-threatening injury in 2022 to play at a high level the past two seasons. He became the pillar of consistency in the secondary, as both Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland dealt with their own extended absences due to injuries. Cornerback now becomes an even bigger need this offseason. The Cowboys have Bland, who is going into a contract year and will command a big payday soon, but very little stability otherwise. Diggs’ return from his late-season injury last year could stretch throughout training camp and possibly into the early part of the regular season.

March 4

Cowboys lock up Odighizuwa

What it means: Saad Yousuf writes: Odighizuwa’s value to the Cowboys is amplified by circumstances. Without Odighizuwa, the Cowboys would have had virtually no semblance of surety at defensive tackle. Two years since he was drafted in the first round, Mazi Smith has been a disappointment, and no other player has emerged to be more than a rotational piece. Odighizuwa is an anchor player, the type of defensive tackle the Cowboys would be trying to get, if they had to replace him.

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(Top photo of Miles Sanders: C. Morgan Engel / Getty Images)