The Dallas Cowboys wasted no time making moves in NFL free agency, securing key players on both sides of the ball while also losing a notable name to a division rival. As the legal tampering period winds down and the new league year officially kicks off, Dallas has positioned itself for a competitive 2025 campaign.
From re-signing Pro Bowl return specialist KaVontae Turpin to adding defensive reinforcements in Solomon Thomas and Payton Turner, here’s a full breakdown of the Cowboys’ latest free agency activity.
KaVontae Turpin Signs Three-Year Extension: More Than Just a Return Specialist?
One of the Cowboys’ most electric playmakers is staying put. KaVontae Turpin inked a three-year contract extension, ensuring that Dallas retains one of the NFL’s top return men and a growing offensive weapon.
- Turpin’s 2024 stats: 31 receptions, 420 yards, 2 receiving touchdowns
- Special teams impact: First-team All-Pro selection with both a kickoff and punt return touchdown
- Future role: Could see more snaps at wide receiver under offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer
Turpin’s elite speed and playmaking ability make him a valuable chess piece. Will Schottenheimer unlock a larger role for him in the offense? That remains to be seen, but the Cowboys are clearly betting on his potential.
“You can’t teach speed, and Turpin sees himself as a weapon that can contribute everywhere.”
Solomon Thomas Returns Home to Bolster Defensive Line
The Cowboys made a key defensive addition by signing Solomon Thomas to a two-year deal. The former Jets and 49ers defensive lineman brings depth and familiarity, reuniting with Dallas’ new defensive line coach Aaron Whitecotton, who coached him in New York.
- Career Stats: 83 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 9 sacks, 50 pressures over the last three seasons
- 2024 Role: Expected to be a rotational piece along the defensive front
A former third-overall pick (2017), Thomas hasn’t quite lived up to his draft status but has remained a steady contributor. His ability to play both inside and outside makes him a valuable piece for Matt Eberflus’ defense.
Robert Jones Joins the Offensive Line Competition
With Zack Martin retiring, Dallas needed reinforcements at right guard. Enter Robert Jones, the former Dolphins lineman who started all 17 games last season at left guard.
- Career Stats: Allowed 11 sacks and 54 pressures over four seasons
- Competition Ahead: Will battle Brock Hoffman and T.J. Bass for the starting job
Jones has experience at both guard spots, making him a valuable addition to an offensive line in transition. However, unless Dallas makes another signing or a draft pick, the right guard spot will be won by an undrafted player.
“Jones went undrafted out of Middle Tennessee State in 2021, Hoffman out of Virginia Tech in 2022, and Bass out of Oregon in 2023.”
Payton Turner Adds EDGE Depth, Returns to Texas
Another Texas native is coming home as the Cowboys agreed to a one-year deal with former Saints defensive end Payton Turner. The 2021 first-round pick out of the University of Houston has battled multiple injuries but finally saw his most active season in 2024.
- 2024 Stats: 21 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 forced fumbles in 16 games
- Injury History: Shoulder (2022), Turf Toe (2023)
If Turner stays healthy, he could become a sneaky-good signing for Dallas, helping offset the loss of Chauncey Golston.
Bryan Anger Re-Signs: Special Teams Stability Continues
The Cowboys are keeping their special teams core intact, signing veteran punter Bryan Anger to an extension.
- Entering his 14th NFL season (5th with Dallas)
- Ranks 16th all-time in punts inside the 20 (324)
- Third-most among active punters, trailing only Johnny Hekker and Thomas Morstead
With Nick Sorensen taking over as special teams coordinator, keeping Turpin, kicker Brandon Aubrey, and Anger gives the Cowboys continuity in the kicking game.
“Anger has had his longest NFL tenure with Dallas, earning Pro Bowl and All-Pro nods in 2021 and 2023.”
Cowboys Lose Chauncey Golston to NFC East Rival Giants
One of the biggest departures for Dallas came late Monday night, when defensive end Chauncey Golston agreed to terms with the New York Giants.
- Career Year in 2024: 56 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, 1 interception
- Drafted in 2021 as part of a defense-heavy class alongside Micah Parsons and Osa Odighizuwa
Losing Golston to a division rival stings, especially after his breakout year, but with Turner and Thomas joining the defensive line, Dallas hopes to offset the loss.