Cowboys' first free agency splash feels obvious after star DE gets released

The Dallas Cowboys have cleared almost $60 million in cap room by restructuring the contracts of CeeDee Lamb and Dak Prescott. Even better? Osa Odighizuwa will count less than $7 million on the cap next season after signing his four-year extesion.

It goes without saying a lot of that money will be set aside for Micah Parsons. While Parsons has stated he doesn’t need to be the NFL’s highest-paid defender, negotiations will start well north of $30 million per year, especially after the Raiders gave Maxx Crosby $35.5 million per year.

It’s not often a superstar is willing to be flexible in negotiations. That should give the front office all the motivation it needs to get this done. Parsons wants Dallas to be able to field a championship roster and the only way to do that is to spend money.

The Cowboys have myriad needs on their roster, but Parsons himself needs a new running mate. DeMarcus Lawrence, Chauncey Golston and Carl Lawson are all free agents and Sam Williams will be returning from a torn ACL.

The top of this year’s free agency class is very intriguing, but Dallas now has a no-brainer target following the expected release of a longtime veteran.

Cowboys need to pursue DE Joey Bosa in free agency after Chargers release

The Los Angeles Chargers released Joey Bosa on Wednesday in a cap-saving manuever. Bosa’s release was a long time coming given his bloated contract and struggles to stay healthy over the last three seasons. He’s played 28 of a possible 50 regular season games during that span.

Despite Bosa’s durability concerns, he becomes one of the top available pass rushers. While Josh Sweat, Khalik Mack and Chase Young could get big deals on the open market, Bosa could be affordable for a Cowboys team that likes to shop on the margins.

A five-time Pro Bowler, Bosa still has the capability to wreck a game. In 23 games the last two seasons, Bosa compiled 11.5 sacks, 58 pressures, 21 QB hits, 35 defensive stops, three forced fumbles, and a 72.2 pass-rush grade, per PFF (subscription required).

Entering his age-30 season, Bosa is no longer suited to be a team’s top pass rusher. However, you’d be hard-pressed to name a better No. 2 option in the league. With team’s throwing the kitchen sink to contain Parsons, and Odighizuwa wreaking havoc in the trenches, Bosa would have a ton of 1-v-1 matchups. He is still more than capable of dominating those.

What’s not to like? The Cowboys have a glaring need for a secondary pass rusher, Bosa won’t cost that much and he can still get after QBs with the best of them. Not to mention, he’ll be playing with a huge chip on his shoulder after getting released.

This feels like a no-brainer move for Dallas.