Dallas Cowboys boost projected starting lineup with Brandin Cooks trade

The Dallas Cowboys added a major piece to the 2023 offense on Sunday and although it’s not the final move, the addition of Brandin Cooks from the Texans dramatically changes the look of the starting lineup.

Cooks, a ninth-year veteran with a $12 million price tag, slots in alongside No. 1 WR CeeDee Lamb and No. 3 WR Michael Gallup. Gallup could evolve into the team’s No. 2 receiver, however, the former Texan has the resume to suggest he’ll be Dak Prescott‘s second-best target.

With Ezekiel Elliott now on the open market, Tony Pollard has solidified himself as the team’s bell cow. On top of settling the running back situation, Dallas also restructured deals to keep veteran offensive linemen Tyron Smith and Zack Martin for another season.

The biggest question mark remaining for the Cowboys’ starting lineup is at tight end. Free agent Dalton Schultz, who finished the 2022 season as the team’s second-leading receiver, has yet to ink a deal either with Dallas or another team.

Jerry Jones and the front office prioritized defensive signings early in the free agency window. Those moves leave fans to wonder whether Schultz will return to the team in 2023.

Here’s a look at what the projected starting offense looks like for Dallas with Brandin Cooks – and without Dalton Schultz.

Cowboys Projected Starting Offense

QB Dak Prescott
RB Tony Pollard
WR CeeDee Lamb
WR Brandin Cooks
WR Michael Gallup
TE Jake Ferguson
LT Tyron Smith
LG Tyler Smith
C Tyler Biadasz
RG Zack Martin
RT Terence Steele

Small market for free agent TE Dalton Schultz

Jake Ferguson, the Cowboys’ 2022 fourth-round draft pick, could become the top tight end on the roster if Schultz leaves.

According to ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler, the market for Schultz is small, but not non-existent. He played the 2022 season on the franchise tag.

“Dalton Schultz, the tight end, is the best free agent on the market right now still,” Fowler said Sunday. “Really accomplished receiver/tight end with Dak Prescott in Dallas. This is a situation where teams would love to sign him but nobody’s really committing big money to the tight end position right now.

“He could reset on a one-year deal with a high upside to go to a contender where you could get your numbers up. If you look at Joe Burrow, they need a tight end in Cincinnati, could be an option there. Chargers, he could reunite with Kellen Moore, his offensive coordinator in Dallas.”