“Important Announcement”: These three players outperformed expectations for the Cowboys in 2024.

While the Dallas Cowboys did not have a particularly successful season, these guys exceeded expectations. They had a greater impact on the squad than many fans and observers anticipated this year.

DE Carl Lawson

When the Cowboys added defensive end Carl Lawson to the practice squad at the end of training camp, few anticipated him to play a significant role on the defensive line this season. However, with the defensive line suffering several injuries throughout the season, Lawson found himself playing more than he could have expected. It’s fair to say he took full advantage of his opportunities. He concluded the season with five sacks, the third most on the squad.

Lawson spoke with Cowboys media about his season-long growth and how it demonstrated his potential as an NFL player.

“This was a great year for me to prove that I’m still the same caliber of guy,” Lawson told the crowd. “For me, it was about continual elevation. It wasn’t ‘coming out of the gates hot and then [fall off]’. And the film I put out versus top-tier opponents as the season progressed helped me establish myself.

With Lawson due to become a free agency this offseason, it would be wise for the Cowboys to bring him back. He has established himself as a dependable defensive line depth player.

Cornerback Jourdan Lewis

Jourdan Lewis has been a playmaker for the Cowboys defense his whole career. He has always been a gritty backup player who isn’t afraid to get hard in the run game. With that considered, Lewis may have had his best season this year.

With CB Trevon Diggs returning from injury and the team drafting excellent rookie CB Caelen Carson in the fifth round, several fans believed Lewis’ position would be limited. However, with injuries plaguing the secondary all season, the veteran cornerback stepped up for the defense.

If the Cowboys can re-sign him on a reasonable contract for next season, it will be a significant gain.

RB Rico Dowdle
Fans and observers were perplexed last offseason when the team did not prioritize signing or selecting a running back to replace Tony Pollard, whom they lost in free agency to the Tennessee Titans. The front staff believed that Rico Dowdle and Ezekiel Elliott could work together to get the job done. While they may have expected too much from Elliott, Dowdle far exceeded expectations.

Dowdle is yet another player whose contract expires this offseason. Whether or not the Cowboys opt to bring him back, Dowdle has earned himself a good chance to get paid well in free agency.

These are three players who outperformed expectations in 2024, and the Cowboys would be wise to strive to retain all of them for the following season.

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