ChampionshipRunAhead: 3 Top Defensive Free Agents To Drive The Cowboys' 2025 Roster To Glory

The Dallas Cowboys, one of the most iconic teams in the National Football League (NFL), have been searching for ways to improve their roster and drive a championship run in 2025. As the offseason gets underway, the team is focusing on bolstering their defense, which was a major weakness last season. With several key free agents set to hit the market, the Cowboys will be looking to bring in the best defensive players to bolster their secondary and stop the run. In this article, we'll explore three top defensive free agents who could drive the Cowboys' 2025 roster to championship glory.

The Cowboys' defense was a major liability in 2024, ranking 26th in total defense and 25th in passing defense. To turn things around, the team will need to make some significant moves in the offseason. While there are several talented defensive players who will be hitting the market, only a few have the skills and experience to make a real impact. In this article, we'll take a closer look at three top defensive free agents who could be the key to the Cowboys' success in 2025.

Evaluating the Defenses of Last Season's Playoff Teams

Before we dive into the specific players that the Cowboys will be targeting in the offseason, it's worth taking a look at the defenses of the teams that made the playoffs last season. While the Cowboys didn't make the playoffs, studying the defenses of the teams that did can provide valuable insight into what the team needs to improve.

• The San Francisco 49ers, who made it all the way to the NFC Championship Game, had a stout defense that ranked 4th in total defense and 2nd in passing defense.
• The Baltimore Ravens, who won the Super Bowl, had a defense that ranked 10th in total defense and 3rd in passing defense.
• The Philadelphia Eagles, who made it to the NFC Championship Game, had a defense that ranked 13th in total defense and 5th in passing defense.

While the Cowboys didn't have a defense that ranked near the top of the league, they did have some positives. The team's pass rush was a major strength, with players like Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks. However, the team's secondary was a major weakness, allowing 31 touchdowns through the air last season.

Evaluating the Needs of the Cowboys' Defense

To drive a championship run in 2025, the Cowboys will need to address several key areas of their defense. Here are some of the key needs that the team will be focusing on in the offseason:

• Cornerback: The Cowboys need to find a cornerback who can lock down opposing receivers and prevent big plays. This will be a major challenge, as the team has been on the wrong end of some big plays in the secondary.
• Safety: The Cowboys also need to find a safety who can provide depth and backup to the team's existing safeties. This will be important, as the team's safety corps was limited last season.
• Pass Rush: While the Cowboys' pass rush was a major strength last season, the team will need to find a way to sustain it over the course of a 17-game season. This will be a challenge, as the team's pass rushers will be facing increased pressure from opposing teams.

Top Defensive Free Agents to Target

With several key areas of need, the Cowboys will be targeting several top defensive free agents in the offseason. Here are three players who could make a real impact on the team's defense:

Player 1: Xavien Howard

Xavien Howard is one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL, and he will be a major target for the Cowboys in the offseason. A six-time Pro Bowl selection, Howard has consistently ranked among the league's top cornerbacks in terms of pass coverage and tackling.

• Pros:
  • Elite-level pass coverage skills
  • Strong tackler in the open field
  • Pro Bowl selection six times
• Cons:
  • Has dealt with some injuries in the past
  • Has been plagued by off-field issues

Player 2: Jamal Adams

Jamal Adams is a talented safety who has been a key player for the Seattle Seahawks. A two-time Pro Bowl selection, Adams has consistently ranked among the league's top safeties in terms of pass coverage and tackling.

• Pros:
  • Elite-level pass coverage skills
  • Strong tackler in the open field
  • Pro Bowl selection two times
• Cons:
  • Has dealt with some injuries in the past
  • Has been limited by his own mistakes at times

Player 3: Chase Young

Chase Young is a talented pass rusher who has been a key player for the Washington Commanders. A first-round draft pick in 2020, Young has consistently ranked among the league's top pass rushers in terms of sacks and quarterback pressure.

• Pros:
  • Elite-level pass rusher
  • Strong against the run
  • Has a strong motor and has consistently produced
• Cons:
  • Has dealt with some injuries in the past
  • Has been limited by his own size

Additional Targets

While Xavien Howard, Jamal Adams, and Chase Young are top targets for the Cowboys, there are several other players who could make a real impact on the team's defense. Some of these players include:

• Trey Hendrickson: A talented pass rusher who has been a key player for the New Orleans Saints.
• Darion Washington: A talented cornerback who has been a key player for the Carolina Panthers.
• Jadeveon Clowney: A talented pass rusher who has been a key player for the Cleveland Browns.

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