The Dallas Cowboys still have some glaring loose ends to tie up for the offseason, but overall it's hard to ignore the positives of the last few months that have the energy shifting in their favor heading into the 2025 campaign.
FRISCO — Back in January any talk around the Dallas Cowboys was decidedly negative. The Cowboys were one of the NFL's biggest disappointments last season, missing the playoffs and parting with their former head coach in an odd fashion.
Their next head coach was a completely mystery and the team had a number of holes to plug over the coming months. To their credit, the Cowboys have countered with an emphatic response.
Brian Schottenheimer has rekindled the competitive fire around the star and the Cowboys have made the necessary reinforcements to once again demand some conversation as a potential contender.
Writer Gilberto Manzano even credited Dallas with having one of the best offseasons of any time, namely because of their blockbuster trade for wide receiver George Pickens.
"I like the Pickens trade for the Cowboys for many reasons. Dak Prescott has a knack for pushing the ball downfield... and Pickens will see favorable matchups playing next to CeeDee Lamb, who will now likely see more snaps from the slot position."
The fit there should be a seamless one as Pickens' talents complement the abilities of Prescott and Lamb. But the successes of their roster revamp did not stop there.
"This near-perfect Cowboys offseason goes beyond the trade for Pickens. Dallas again prioritized the offensive line with the first-round selection of guard Tyler Booker, the replacement for the recently retired Zack Martin. And the defense could be better with the arrivals of rookies Donovan Ezeiruaku and Shavon Revel Jr."
The Cowboys used their draft to examine big picture needs around the roster and filled them with heralded prospects at their respective positions. Booker may be the most valuable of any in this class since he will replace a future Hall of Fame guard in Martin.
Going back even further, the Cowboys set the tone for the offseason by re-signing key defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa to a long-term deal, setting into motion the multiple wins of the last few months.
However, the "near perfect" label hints at one matter being unresolved. The Cowboys and Micah Parsons are still working on a contract extension that may drag into next month if these dealings reflect those done with other stars in recent seasons.
It's the lone blemish yet to be cleaned up. Regardless, the Cowboys have done their homework throughout the last few months and fans should have some hope there will be a turnaround next season.
