It was shaping up as a defining offseason for the Dallas Cowboys, and changes both on and off the field left many wondering exactly where the direction of the franchise was going.
But as we sit here today, the direction the franchise is going is a positive one. No, that does not mean the Super Bowl here we come, but it is more about the moves to get the right coaches and the right type of player in the building.
The free agency period saw a host of starting-caliber players walk through the doors at The Star, plus the draft haul, which has been lauded, not to mention the type of characters new head coach Brian Schottenheimer wanted in his locker room.
All players who are locker room leaders and love football.
And Cowboys COO Stephen Jones is happy with how the offseason has gone for the franchise. ... and surely hopes the "good feeling'' is shared by fans.
"When you break the huddle, you always want weapons," Jones said. "I saw something where CeeDee (Lamb) and George (Pickens), if you put their stats together, I think they may be the two most productive guys over the last two years on one team. We were needing that, and you bring the juice of (Jaydon) Blue.
"Then, beefing up that offensive line for Dak (Prescott), I just think the offseason really came together good for us, and we feel really good about our football team. When you start to look at all the guys we're going to get back that didn't play last year, it's a good feeling."
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) and owner Jerry Jones (right).
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) and owner Jerry Jones (right).
Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
That "good feeling" certainly beats the feeling Cowboys Nation had 12 months ago as the "blow it up" concept was in full swing, and now, some are sneakily bullish on Dallas in 2025.
Now, we aren't crowning anyone yet, and we haven't even gotten to training camp, but there has been a clear plan of attack from Schottenheimer, who appears to be hitting all the right notes in getting this team built the way he wants.
There is an uplifted mood, if you will.
Dak Prescott is returning from his hamstring injury with another weapon in George Pickens, a rebuilt offensive line, and a run game projected to be better than last season. Not to mention the defensive additions of Donovan Ezeiruaku, Shavon Revel Jr., and the free agency signings of Jack Sanborn and Dante Fowler Jr.
So it's no wonder Stephen feels good about this offseason's work.
Because, in a nutshell, it has been. Now it must translate onto the field.