There were plenty of reactions after the Dallas Cowboys were beaten 48-32 by the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Wild Card round. Fans of other NFL teams rejoiced. Some Cowboys fans wept. Others called for a total housecleaning of the team.
Regardless of how people in the NFL felt, one thing was clear: the Dallas Cowboys need to retool if they really want to make a run for the Super Bowl next season.
Inside the Star presented three positions that the Cowboys must address in the 2024 offseason to make another push for the Super Bowl, regardless of the uncertainty in the coaching and quarterback positions.
First Dallas Cowboys position to be addressed: Wide Receiver
There’s no doubt in everyone’s mind that CeeDee Lamb is one of the most elite wideouts in the NFL at the moment. The three-time Pro Bowler finished 2023 with his best year in receptions (135), receiving yards (1749), and touchdowns (12).
However, his 110-yard outing against the Packers proved that Lamb cannot carry the Dallas Cowboys’ pass offense on his own. They need another wideout wide receiver to pair with Lamb and give Prescott more passing options.
One of the biggest names involved in the Cowboys rumor mill is Mike Evans. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver is likely open to joining a team like Dallas to chase another Super Bowl ring. His showings this season (1255 receiving yards and 13 TDs) make him the perfect co-star to Lamb.
However, the Bucs may ask for a king’s ransom to acquire his services. Should Jerry Jones feel that the cost is too high, Baltimore’s Odell Beckham Jr. is another option.
Second Dallas Cowboys position to be addressed: Running Back
Tony Pollard put out another great run as the Dallas Cowboys’ RB1 for 2023, recording 1005 rushing yards and 6 rushing TDs complemented by his 311 receiving yards. However, there is a chance that they might let Pollard walk in the offseason if they cannot agree to a contract.
With Pollard’s fate in limbo, the Cowboys still haven’t found a powerful running back that can take over Ezekiel Elliot’s role in the team. They could find a reasonable deal for Derrick Henry if they think Pollard will be asking for too much.
Third Dallas Cowboys position to be addressed: The Offensive Line
Dak Prescott is undoubtedly one of the league’s best passers, but he cannot properly perform his role if he is constantly under pressure. He was sacked four times in their Wild Card loss to Green Bay, which says a lot about the state of the O-line.
It will take a lot of moving pieces to fully transform a subpar Dallas offensive line. It will be interesting to see the direction McCarthy and Jerry Jones will take to better protect their QB.
