Four Cowboys ranked as top potential NFL free agents for 2022

On3 imageby:Griffin McVeigh01/26/22

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Following an early exit from the playoffs, not many teams are going to have a busier offseason, from a roster standpoint, than the Dallas Cowboys. Between free agency and needing to make room within the salary cap, there is a lot of work to be done in Dallas.

A few quality players will be testing free agency that the Cowboys had under contract for the 2021 season. Four of them made the list of ESPN’s top 50 players potentially available this offseason — tight end Dalton Schultz, guard Connor Williams, wide receiver Michael Gallup, and linebacker Leighton Vander Esch.

Dallas Cowboys in ESPN top 50 free agent list

No. 23, Dalton Schultz – When Blake Jarwin went down with an injury in the season opener, Schultz was called upon. He instantly became a favorite for both Prescott and offensive coordinator Kellen Moore. Schultz finished with 78 receptions for 808 yards and eight touchdowns, putting him near the top of the tight end group this year. If Dallas does not try to resign him, there will be a long list of suitors for Schultz.

No. 33, Connor Williams – Check out what ESPN had to say about the Cowboys’ starting left guard.

“Williams led the league with 13 offensive holding penalties and ranked second with 15 total flags in 2021. That’s the bad news. The good news is that he’s a still-young interior lineman who has been a starter for four seasons. Williams has developed into a top-25 guard in the NFL, based on ESPN’s run and pass block win rate metrics, and he has plenty of room left to grow.

No. 40, Michael Gallup – Not one, but two injuries took away a huge opportunity Michael Gallup had coming into this season. The former 1,000-yard receiver was going to have Prescott back as his quarterback, playing alongside Amari Cooper and CeeDee Lamb. He only appeared in nine games this season and was not able to prove his full ability. Gallup could be in line for a one year prove it deal so he can full cash in on a second contract during 2023 free agency.

No. 45 – Leighton Vander Esch – Check out what ESPN had to say about the former first-round linebacker.

“Vander Esch slogged through two injury-filled seasons following his promising rookie season in 2018, missing seven games in 2019 and six in 2020. It left the Cowboys little choice but to decline his fifth-year option for 2022. Vander Esch managed to stay on the field for all 17 games in this season, but he was overshadowed by rookie linebacker Micah Parsons and others. No one is going to break the bank for a linebacker who isn’t really a pass-rusher, but Vander Esch would prove a solid contributor for a team looking to retool its defense.”