There's no point in complaining about the Cowboys’s strategy in free agency now, or their strategy for making changes after last year's playoff loss against the Packers. They have not taken action to secure a contract extension for Dak Prescott which could have freed up funds to sign players. They have also not taken action to strengthen the offensive line, defensive line, and running game, and have mostly allowed their top free agents to leave.
But they still need to sign some players, and if team vice president Stephen Jones is correct, now would be a good time for the Cowboys to get involved. Jones has stated that the Cowboys refrained from participating in the initial phase of free agency so that the team could find good deals later on. We are now in that later stage.
Right now, the Cowboys could secure a pretty good deal to strengthen their thin and injury-prone offensive line. Former Jets guard Laken Tomlinson, who was was released in late February as part of an effort to improve a struggling New York offensive line.
According to ESPN’s Bill Barnwell, in an article titled, “2024 NFL free agency: Best team fits for 20 unsigned players,” the Cowboys would be the best fit for Tomlinson this season.
Laken Tomlinson Still a ‘Solid Guard’
Tomlinson is a reliable nine-year veteran who has previously played for the Lions and 49ers before joining the Jets on a three-year, $40 million deal. He earned a He earned a Pro Bowl spot in 2021 and has not missed a game since 2017.
The Jets released Tomlinson due to his high cost—he was expected to have a cap hit of $18.9 million in 2024. The Cowboys could acquire him for a more reasonable price. At 32, he is not likely to return to the Pro Bowl, but the Cowboys do not need him to.
They simply need depth, and Tomlinson has the size and experience to provide that. He stands at 6-foot-3 and 323 pounds, and still moves relatively well.
As Barnwell described Tomlinson as: “Seen from a more practical perspective at age 32, he is a dependable guard who is more effective as a run-blocker than a pass-blocker. While he performed well with the 49ers when Kyle Shanahan was leaning more toward zone concepts, he is probably best suited for a gap scheme where his size and power can shine.”
Cowboys Lacking in Offensive Line Depth
The Cowboys recently lost reliable left tackle Tyron Smith . As a result, Tyler Smith, who has been playing left guard with the intention of eventually taking over for Smith, will now assume the role of left tackle.
The team has seen enough from T.J. Bass as an undrafted rookie last year to consider him as the starting left guard this year. However, he lacks experience and it's uncertain if he's ready for a full-time starting position.
Tomlinson could fulfill this role. If Bass proves to be better, that's not a problem, but Bass might benefit from another year as a backup.
Barnwell stated: “The Cowboys have a gap in their offensive line. If Dallas wants to move 2022 first-round pick Tyler Smith from left guard to left tackle, Tomlinson could take on the guard position, where his size would be advantageous for a team that struggled in short-yardage and goal-line situations last year.”
