The Cowboys' Offseason Checklist

After a successful 13-3 campaign in 2016, the Dallas Cowboys took a step back. This was mainly due to Ezekiel Elliott's suspension and various injuries. So what can the Cowboys do to usurp the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles from their roost?

• Put a Franchise Tag on DeMarcus Lawrence (done): The Cowboys don't have many playmakers on defense, but they do have a terrorizing linebacker in DeMarcus Lawrence. Lawrence had four forced fumbles, 14.5 sacks and 58 tackles last season (he beat his career high of eight in 2015 by 6.5).
  
• Take Dez Bryant's Contract Off the Books (not done): Bryant's cap hit is $33 million over the next two seasons and Bryant is close to the end of his prime. It seems the Cowboys won't cut Bryant, so they'll need more out of him than 69 receptions, 838 receiving yards and six touchdowns. The Cowboys can trade him if they need to.
• Find Some Replacements In the Trenches (not done): Believe it or not, Dallas' offensive line hasn't looked as good as it was hyped up to be in recent years. Doug Free has basically retired and the Cowboys gave up 939 penalty yards in 2017--the most in the Jason Garrett era. The Cowboys also need to improve their defensive line, so drafting Maurice Hurst will definitely help.