FRISCO - Two ways to look at Dallas Cowboys' free agency this offseason:
1. The bad: While two-time Pro Bowl performer Jaire Alexander signed with the Baltimore Ravens, the Cowboys settled for the Green Bay Packers' "other" cornerback - Robert Rochell - who has bounced around five teams in four seasons.
2. The good: Their class is an improvement over 2024, which was highlighted by underwhelming linebacker Eddie Kendricks.
Relatively speaking, Jerry and Stephen Jones were pro-active and aggressive in this year' free agency. The Cowboys signed much-needed help at pass-rusher with Dante Fowler Jr. and running back with Miles Sanders and Javonte Williams. Those moves, of course, supplemented trades for No. 2 receiver George Pickens and backup quarterback Joe Milton.
We're not suggesting a class also aided by defensive tackle Solomon Thomas and receiver Parris Campbell will be Dallas' best ever, but it's a step in the right direction of positive player acquisition.
Unless we're missing something, however, none of the signees will crack the list of the Cowboys' Top 5 all-time free-agent signings:
5. Leonard Davis, 2007 – Right guard started all 16 games, made the Pro Bowl, second-team All-Pro and helped a record-setting offense lead Dallas to a 13-3 record before making two more Pro Bowls.
4. Terrell Owens, 2006 – Despite an icy relationship with Bill Parcells, his production on the field was undeniable to the tune of three 1,000-yard receiving seasons and double-digit touchdowns.
3. Jay Novacek, 1990 – A converted H-back from the Cardinals, the "Plan B free agent'' made five Pro Bowls and won three Super Bowls as Troy Aikman’s security blanket.
2. Nate Newton, 1986 – Signed after his time as a Tampa Bay Bandit when the USFL folded, he battled his weight and finally arrived to help anchor one of the best offensive lines in NFL history while making six Pro Bowls, winning three Super Bowl rings and annually paving the way for all-time leading rusher Emmitt Smith.
1. Deion Sanders, 1995 – If you can’t beat ’em, steal ’em. After losing to him and the 49ers in the ’94 NFC Championship, the Cowboys signed him and won the ensuing Super Bowl as he blanketed receivers, returned punts and even caught passes on offense. In five years in Dallas he lived up to the hype, making four Pro Bowls, recording 14 interceptions and scoring eight touchdowns on his way to the Hall of Fame.