Cowboys’ best option after the former $40 million pro bowler

Criticizing the Cowboys’ free agency policy or their approach to making adjustments in the wake of last year’s disastrous playoff game against the Packers is pointless at this time. In addition to failing to sign players, they have stagnated in their efforts to secure a contract extension for Dak Prescott, strengthened the offensive and defensive lines, and improved the rushing game, and mostly allowed their top free agents to depart.

However, they still need to sign players, and if team vice president Stephen Jones is correct, the Cowboys should move soon. According to Jones, the Cowboys avoided the initial round of free agency in order to acquire agreements at a lower price later on. We are nearing the end.

The Cowboys may now be able to add to their injury-prone and thin offensive line at a reasonable cost. Laken Tomlinson, a former guard with the Jets, was released in late February in an effort to revitalize the struggling New York offensive line.

In an article titled “2024 NFL free agency: Best team fits for 20 unsigned players,” ESPN’s Bill Barnwell claims that Tomlinson would be best suited for the Cowboys this season.

Laken Tomlinson Remains a “Solid Defender”

Tomlinson, a steady nine-year veteran, signed a three-year, $40 million contract with the Jets after playing for the 49ers and Lions. He was selected for the 2021 Pro Bowl and hasn’t missed a game since 2017.

The Cowboys could sign Tomlinson for a far more affordable price than the Jets did, who released him because his 2024 cap charge of $18.9 million was too high. He won’t be returning to the Pro Bowl at age 32, but that’s okay with the Cowboys.

All they need is depth, and Tomlinson is big and experienced enough to give it to them. Even at 6 feet 3 inches and 323 pounds, he still has decent movement.

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Regarding Tomlinson, Barnwell observed that, “At age 32, though, viewed through a more realistic lens, he’s a solid guard who offers more as a run-blocker than a pass-blocker.” Even while Kyle Shanahan was still leaning more toward zone ideas during his finest work with the 49ers, he is most likely at his best in a gap scheme where his size and power play up.

Cowboys Slender on the Attacking Line

Naturally, the Cowboys lost veteran left tackle Tyron Smith this month since they decided not to re-sign him in free agency. This week, he became a member of the Jets. This implies that Tyler Smith, who has been filling in for Smith as left guard in the interim, will finally be the left tackle.

T.J. Bass was an undrafted rookie last season who impressed the team enough to be named the starting left guard this year. He lacks experience, though, so it’s hard to say whether he’ll be ready for a starting position that requires full-time work.

Tomlinson was up to the task. It wouldn’t be horrible if Bass outperforms him, but Bass might benefit more from having another season as a backup.

“The Cowboys have a hole on their offensive line,” wrote Barnwell. Tomlinson may fill in at guard if Dallas decides to shift 2022 first-round selection Tyler Smith from left guard to left tackle. His stature would be advantageous for a squad that struggled last season when it came to short-yardage and goal-line scenarios.