3 Impending Cowboys Free Agents With the Most to Prove

The Dallas Cowboys enter the 2020 season in full win-now mode. That was evident after the team signed wide receiver Amari Cooper to a long-term contract, added free agents in Gerald McCoy and Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, and drafted top wideout prospect CeeDee Lamb in the first round. But Dallas has even more incentive, because they have a plethora of players hitting the open market in 2021. These players will look to win games with the Cowboys, while simultaneously audition for a new deal.

Here are three impending free agents on the Cowboys who have the most to prove this upcoming season.

3. CB Jourdan Lewis

Jourdan Lewis is one of many Cowboys defensive backs set to hit the open market next year. / Alika Jenner/Getty Images

When looking at the Cowboys' list of impending free agents, they have a staggering amount of defensive backs on it, including their top two cornerbacks in Chidobe Awuzie and Jourdan Lewis. Out of the two, Lewis has the most to prove. This past season, Lewis allowed 44 catches on 64 targets for 542 yards and one touchdown. He won't have much room for failure this season. The team signed Anthony Brown to a three-year contract, brought in Daryl Worley on a one-year deal, and drafted young corners in Trevon Diggs and Reggie Robinson this past April. If Lewis struggles, he could find himself on the bench and out of Dallas. But if he thrives, he could be in line for a good payday from the Cowboys or another team.

2. DE Tyrone Crawford

Tyrone Crawford has some competition at the defensive end position. / Wesley Hitt/Getty Images

Tyrone Crawford has been a staple of Dallas' defensive line since 2012. Owner Jerry Jones had faith in Crawford, as evidenced by the five-year, $45 million deal he gifted him back in 2015. Ever since, the hybrid defensive lineman hasn't lived up to his $9 million annual salary, and the fanbase has turned on him. Additionally, Crawford only played four games last season before having to undergo season-ending hip surgery. This is a make-or-break year for the veteran. If he doesn't produce, then he'll lose starters snaps to the likes of Aldon Smith and Randy Gregory and probably won't earn a reasonable contract in the offseason.

1. QB Dak Prescott

Dak Prescott wants to be one of the highest paid quarterbacks in the NFL. But will Dallas give it to him? / Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

Come on, you know we had to include Dak Prescott on this list. He's the most polarizing player in the NFL currently, based solely on his pursuit of a long-term contract. Let's hypothetically say that both parties don't reach an agreement on a new deal before July 15. Prescott has to prove to the Jones family as well as other NFL teams that he's worth a record-breaking deal. If he can build off his strong 2019 campaign, he'll win over Mike McCarthy and the Cowboys to earn the top quarterback money he desires. If not, he'll find himself in a similar impasse in contract negotiations as he is right now, whether that be with the Cowboys or someone else. Make no mistake about it, this is the biggest year of Prescott's young career.