Cowboys rank dead last, by a lot, in free agency spending this decade

· Yahoo Sports

Phrases such as "All-In" or "Bust the Budget" have been tossed around by Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones early and often. Their use is an attempt to satisfy the masses and quell the rebellion from a frustrated fanbase, but the numbers tell a different story.

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A study by Jason Fitzgerald from Over The Cap reveals how Dallas has spent the fewest amount of money over the past five seasons on outside-player acquisitions. The parameters are defined as free agents signed by a team during the months of March and April — the bulk of where most of the money is spent by teams seeking an upgrade.

Those who were signed for less than $2 million were excluded to better eliminate the players on veteran-minimum contracts. The addition also had to be a player from a different team the season prior.

In that context, the Cowboys are at the bottom of the league, spending just $54.75 million since the 2020 season. That number is almost $20 million less than the Ravens who came in at 31st with $74.35 million spent during that same time frame.

For reference, the Carolina Panthers led the league spending $297 million. In fact, 12 teams went above the $200 million threshold while 15 others spent north of the $100 million mark. Along with Dallas, the Eagles, Buccaneers, Ravens, and Packers were the remaining teams who failed to reach the 10-figure mark.

Perhaps it's just coincidence but the tone of the front office suggests Dallas will be more active this offseason considering the two Super Bowl participants spent a healthy sum in outside-player acquisitions.

The amount of players added is also quite astonishing as Dallas ranks 25th with 16 total players added to their roster. Green Bay ranks at the bottom of that list with nine total free-agent additions but averaged $8.8 million per addition.

The Cowboys averaged a paltry $3.4 million per addition making them the stingiest team in the league.

The three-year, $18 million deal defensive tackle Gerald McCoy signed back in 2020 remains the largest deal given to an outside free agent this decade by the Cowboys. His $6.1 million annual average salary just edges out the one-year $6 million deal defensive end Dante Fowler signed in 2025.

As the NFL salary cap continues to rise and contenders become more aggressive each offseason, the Cowboys philosophy of retaining their own will continue to be scrutinized.

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This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Cowboys conservative free-agency strategy defines franchise direction

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