1 free agent for Cowboys at every position includes 12 1st-Team All-Pro nods

While all of the focus is currently pointed towards the 2026 NFL Draft, and rightfully so, there are still several free agents available to help the cause. Perhaps some will be taken off the market in the next few weeks as teams finalize their draft boards. This would be in an effort not to be forced into a selection. More than likely though, these players will see their markets develop more clearly after teams have added their rookie classes.

The Dallas Cowboys will likely be one of those teams, as they have clearly transitioned into the mode where they are grabbing low-cost vets who they could play if forced to, but who could easily be upgraded by draft talent. But still, looking around the landscape of veteran free agents, there’s still a bunch of talent that would upgrade Dallas’ roster in a major way.

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Outside of the quarterback position, where the Cowboys are three deep with recent investments, and tight end where the cupboard is literally barren, the Cowboys could add any of these players over the next month to raise their 2026 levels.

RB Najee Harris

Jan 4, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) sheds a tackle attempt by Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither (59) after catching a pass during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Jan 4, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) sheds a tackle attempt by Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither (59) after catching a pass during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

The Cowboys entered last season with an unknown collection of retread RBs from which Javonte Williams emerged as a bellcow back. His understudy was Miles Sanders, who aside from a crucial fumble, looked to be just as good of a fit as Williams was. Harris, 28, could be a similar story. After four seasons averaging over 1,000 yards and seven scores, he moved to the Chargers and suffered an Achilles injury. The Cowboys could invite him to the program to see where he stands heading into the summer.

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WR DeAndre Hopkins

Sep 14, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) makes a catch for a touchdown during the fourth quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images

Sep 14, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) makes a catch for a touchdown during the fourth quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images

Hopkins, 33, is by no means going to be a lead receiver for Dallas, but the veteran could still be a major addition to an already stacked WR room. Hopkins doesn’t drop passes, and what he does best also fits the profile of third-year WR Ryan Flournoy. He could impart a ton of wisdom to the group as the big brother, and for low cost, while also still being situationally relevant for a few snaps a game. Hopkins has three First-Team All-Pro nods and two more Second-Team on his resume.

OL Joel Bitonio

Oct 13, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Cleveland Browns guard Joel Bitonio (75) against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Oct 13, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Cleveland Browns guard Joel Bitonio (75) against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

The Cowboys simply aren’t protected against another injury, slow-improvement season of left tackle Tyler Guyton. Entering his third season, it’s time for him to shine or get out of the way, and Dallas will absolutely look to add a new LT next offseason if he fails. But what about the now? The option is there, whether his preference or not, to move Tyler Smith out to left tackle for one year. Who would take his place, though? TJ Bass is an option, but Bitonio is a proven talent at the LG position who would upgrade the entire line if added.

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2025 ended his string of seven straight Pro Bowl appearances that included three Second-Team and two First-Team All-Pro nods.

DL Calais Campbell

Dec 7, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals defensive end Calais Campbell (93) against the Los Angeles Rams at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Dec 7, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals defensive end Calais Campbell (93) against the Los Angeles Rams at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

I’ve been beating this drum all offseason, but if Campbell wants to continue playing, Dallas makes the most perfect scenario for the 40-year old talent. It’s been a while since the six-time Pro Bowler, one-time First-Team All-Pro played at that level, but his continued upper-tier play is amazing to witness year after year.

Edge Jadeveon Clowney

New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) is tackled by Dallas Cowboys defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (42), Sunday, January 4, 2026, in East Rutherford.

New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) is tackled by Dallas Cowboys defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (42), Sunday, January 4, 2026, in East Rutherford.

Someone needs to explain this to me like I’m five. New DC Christian Parker has spoken to his hybrid defensive front approach, and defined the edge role in a way that screams Clowney’s skill set. Clowney led the Cowboys in sacks last year after coming in midseason. If the Cowboys don’t land a premiere edge rusher in the draft, Clowney should be in the building on Monday, April 27.

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Linebacker Bobby Wagner

Nov 16, 2025; Madrid, Spain; Washington Commanders linebacker Bobby Wagner (54) reacts after a play against the Miami Dolphins in the fourth quarter during the 2025 NFL Madrid Game at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Nov 16, 2025; Madrid, Spain; Washington Commanders linebacker Bobby Wagner (54) reacts after a play against the Miami Dolphins in the fourth quarter during the 2025 NFL Madrid Game at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Dallas Cowboys didn’t want to overpursue at the position early in free agency, but they are in a bind now. There are possibly trade targets, including Jordyn Brooks of Miami, for either 2026 or 2027 draft picks, but if that doesn’t come to fruition, then perhaps getting six-time First-Team All-Pro Wagner into the building is their best option.

Despite the chaos that is Dan Quinn’s defense, the reigning Walter Payton Man of the Year still graded out as a 91.5 in run defense, which makes him the perfect early-down LB and more importantly veteran voice in the room.

Slot corner Mike Hilton

Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Mike Hilton (21) takes the field for warm-ups before the NFL Week 5 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens Sunday October 6, 2024 at Payor Stadium.

Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Mike Hilton (21) takes the field for warm-ups before the NFL Week 5 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens Sunday October 6, 2024 at Payor Stadium.

The Cowboys brass keeps talking about how they regret letting Jourdan Lewis go last offseason, but they still haven’t added a nickel corner to the mix. Yes, Christian Parker talked about the still of player he wants playing nickel, and the team has that in Jalen Thompson, but what if circumstances demand he plays more of a traditional safety role throughout the season? Hilton has been a top slot corner for many years and should be available for the vet minimum in a non-guaranteed year. It makes sense to bring him into the offseason program to check out his fit.

This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Wagner, Hopkins highlight All-Pro vet FAs Cowboys can add to roster