FRISCO, Texas – Cowboys Set to Make Key Decisions Heading Into Final Game and High-Stakes Offseason
As the 2024 NFL season comes to a close, the Dallas Cowboys find themselves in a precarious situation. With one game left in the regular season, against the Washington Commanders, the team has been eliminated from playoff contention. This marks the beginning of what is expected to be a significant offseason, one in which the Cowboys will need to make crucial decisions that could shape their future.
In an appearance on 105.3 The Fan, Cowboys Executive Vice President Stephen Jones discussed some of the key topics that lie ahead for the organization. From evaluating players like Trey Lance and Cooper Rush at quarterback, to addressing key free agents like Jourdan Lewis, and contemplating the future of head coach Mike McCarthy, the Cowboys’ brass has a lot to consider before they move into the 2025 offseason.
The Cowboys’ Quarterback Situation: Is Trey Lance the Future?
The Cowboys’ quarterback situation has been a subject of much debate throughout the season, especially after Dak Prescott was ruled out for the year. Prescott, the team’s long-time starter, suffered an injury, forcing Cooper Rush into action. While Rush initially performed admirably in his role, the Cowboys have since struggled to find consistency at the position. This came to a head in Week 17, when Rush threw two interceptions in a disastrous 41-7 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.
Given the circumstances, the question on many minds is whether now is the time to give Trey Lance a shot at starting quarterback. Lance, the highly touted 2021 first-round pick, was acquired by the Cowboys in a trade with the San Francisco 49ers earlier in 2023. Despite the hype surrounding his arrival, Lance has seen very little playing time, attempting only a handful of passes in the regular season.
Stephen Jones acknowledged that the Cowboys are contemplating what to do at quarterback for the final game of the 2024 season. He stated, “We’re wanting to finish strong against Washington, and we’ll look at that situation this week and see where we go from there.”
This marks a shift in the Cowboys’ stance. In previous weeks, the front office and coaching staff had emphasized that Cooper Rush gave them the best chance to win. But with Rush’s struggles in Week 17 and the team eliminated from playoff contention, it’s clear that now may be the time to evaluate Lance and see what he can offer. If Lance plays well, it could open up potential trade opportunities in the offseason or even position him as a future starter.
Jourdan Lewis and Free Agency Concerns
As the season winds down, free agency looms large for the Cowboys. One of the key free agents for Dallas is Jourdan Lewis, a cornerback who has been a standout player in 2024. Lewis has arguably played some of the best football of his career, and with his contract set to expire, Jones made it clear that the Cowboys would love to keep him around for the long haul.
“Jourdan’s just an uber competitor… he’s a guy who’s out of contract, obviously a guy that we want to have back on this football team,” Jones said.
Lewis’ importance to the defense cannot be overstated. As the Cowboys’ secondary faces a rebuilding process, having a veteran presence like Lewis would provide stability. His ability to cover ground and make plays on the ball has made him a vital piece of the Cowboys’ defensive scheme.
In addition to Lewis, the Cowboys also face decisions regarding several other players with expiring contracts, such as Osa Odighizuwa and Zack Martin, two key contributors who are integral to the team’s success. With so many players potentially walking away in free agency, the Cowboys’ front office will need to be strategic in managing their salary cap.
Jones acknowledged the challenges that come with a tight salary cap, especially in a year when injuries have played a significant role in the team’s performance. “We have over 50% of our cap on IR, and those things when they hit, and hit at the wrong time, it makes for a challenge for a team,” Jones explained. “We’re constantly looking at ways to look at our salary cap to give us the best opportunity with players like Dak, CeeDee, and Micah.”
Retaining top-tier talent while maintaining a competitive roster will require careful balancing, but it is a challenge the Cowboys must navigate if they are to build a team capable of making a Super Bowl run.
Mike McCarthy’s Future: Will He Return in 2025?
The question that will dominate the Cowboys’ offseason is whether Mike McCarthy will return as the team’s head coach in 2025. McCarthy, who took over as head coach in 2020, has faced significant scrutiny over the years, particularly in the wake of disappointing playoff exits. However, Jones expressed confidence in McCarthy’s ability to handle the challenges the team has faced in 2024, especially given the injuries and turnover within the roster.
“I think Mike’s done a great job considering the challenges that we’ve had,” Jones said. “Mike Zimmer, the same way, it’s been a new group out there… I think Mike’s done a good job of getting the guys prepared.”
McCarthy’s contract is set to expire after the 2024 season, and speculation has swirled about his future in Dallas. There have even been rumors that if the Cowboys part ways with McCarthy, other NFL teams could express interest in his services. Mike McCarthy is a Super Bowl-winning head coach with a wealth of experience, and several organizations would likely be eager to bring him on board.
When asked about the possibility of other teams pursuing McCarthy, Jones didn’t seem surprised by the reports. “It doesn’t surprise me a bit, Mike’s an established head coach in this league. He’s won a Super Bowl championship; he’s been to multiple championship games…” Jones noted.
Despite the interest from outside organizations, Jones assured that the decision regarding McCarthy’s future would not be influenced by external factors. “We’ll address all this after the Commanders game,” Jones said, making it clear that the Cowboys would evaluate McCarthy’s performance at the conclusion of the 2024 season before making any decisions.
Looking Ahead: The 2025 Offseason
The Cowboys are already thinking about the future as they prepare to finish the season against the Commanders. With their playoff hopes dashed, the focus will shift to evaluating the 2024 season, addressing areas that need improvement, and building toward 2025. Jones emphasized that the Cowboys will conduct a thorough evaluation, looking at personnel and determining how to build depth across the roster.
“We’ll start that after we play the Commanders,” Jones said. “We’ll go to work, we’ll roll up our sleeves, we’ll evaluate the season in full and as a whole, full body of work, where we can be better from a personnel standpoint and trying to create depth.”
Conclusion
The Cowboys are at a crossroads, with the 2024 season wrapping up and a high-stakes offseason on the horizon. The decisions made in the coming weeks will shape the future of the franchise. From evaluating Trey Lance as the potential future at quarterback, to managing a roster with key free agents and navigating the future of head coach Mike McCarthy, the Cowboys will need to make smart, strategic choices to ensure that they can contend for championships in the years to come.
As the Cowboys head into their final game of the season, all eyes will be on how they perform against Washington and what moves the front office makes heading into the offseason. The decisions made now will have lasting implications for the franchise’s future.
