DREAM PICK: Caleb Downs or Reuben Bain—Who Should the Dallas Cowboys GRAB at No. 12?

Summary

Locked On Cowboys Podcast Summary

Episode Title: DREAM PICK: Caleb Downs or Reuben Bain—Who Should the Dallas Cowboys GRAB at No. 12?
Hosts: Marcus Mosher & Landon McCool
Release Date: February 25, 2026

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Episode Overview

This episode explores the Dallas Cowboys’ outlook for the 12th overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. Marcus and Landon break down dream, but realistic, first-round options likely available at No. 12—focusing on safety Caleb Downs and edge rusher Reuben Bain. The hosts also debate the logistical and strategic implications of trading up for a talent such as Arvel Reese and close the episode with a discussion on low-cost free agents the Cowboys might consider keeping.

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1. Dream (But Realistic) Picks at No. 12

[01:11–10:22]

Key Discussion Points

• The hosts agree that while a player like Arvel Reese will go in the top five, there is real debate between Caleb Downs (S) and Reuben Bain (EDGE) as dream picks who might be realistically available at No. 12.
• Marcus and Landon express high enthusiasm for both players, citing their fit and “sprint to the podium” caliber.

Deep Dive: Reuben Bain

[02:35–07:17]

• Marcus admires Bain’s film:

  “I got giggle watching his tape because it’s so fun to watch him play. He gets so low, he’s so powerful.” (03:14, Marcus)

• Concerns about Bain’s arm length are raised, but Landon suggests it's not an issue based on production and comparison with undersized pass rushers like James Harrison:

  “…you watch them throughout the season and … when they got into the latter part of the season and then the playoffs and they just dominated…The arm length, whatever it is, it’s clearly not a problem for him.” (04:25, Landon)

• Notable stats (Marcus):
  • 9 pressures vs. Ohio State
  • 34% win rate vs. Ole Miss
  • 27% win rate vs. Indiana (05:19)
• Possible Cowboys fit is discussed, considering the team’s willingness to gamble on traits in the past (e.g., Micah Parsons with short arms).

Deep Dive: Caleb Downs

[07:17–09:07]

• Downs is considered an elite talent, but could fall due to positional value (safety) and the depth of the safety class.
• Marcus jokes about how good Downs is:

  “…a sprint to the podium from Erie, PA, in negative degree weather because that’s how good of a player he is.” (07:39, Marcus)

• Landon chimes in on the realism of Downs falling:

  “Would I be shocked if he made it down to 12? I would be shocked in the sense that I can’t believe the Dallas Cowboys got him…But I don’t know that like a top end safety that doesn’t have, you know, super uber elite athletic traits…necessarily shocks me.” (08:18, Landon)

Other Names Mentioned

(09:07–10:15)

• The hosts also mention Sonny Styles, Mansoor Delane, and Javon McCoy as prospects they'd be satisfied with at No. 12 or No. 20, highlighting the likely availability of at least one high-quality defender with their first pick.

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2. Would the Cowboys Trade Up?

[10:22–21:38]

Trade-Up Feasibility

[13:46–21:38]

• Trading up is unlikely due to lack of second/third round picks and the need to maintain pick volume for numerous roster spots.
• Any trade would likely involve both first-rounders (12 and 20) in exchange for a top-five pick plus an early second from a team like Tennessee.
• The only player worth trading up for, in the hosts’ view, is linebacker Arvel Reese because:

  “…he’s just a perfect fit in Christian Parker’s defense because he can brush, he can blitz, he can cover, he can do everything you need. But maybe they think he’s the next Micah Parsons…” (14:34, Marcus)

• Possible trade partners are discussed:

  “I think the Titans are the team here, Landon, that make the most sense to trade up with.” (15:21, Marcus)

Trade Value and Strategy

[16:44–20:19]

• The draft’s plateau in talent means it may be easier—and cheaper—than usual for Dallas to move up:

  “…it is cheaper to trade up. You may be able to make up the difference just in the mutual pick swap…” (18:44, Landon)

• Suggest a deal with the Titans: Cowboys’ 12 and 20 for Titans’ 4 and 35, with minor additions to balance standard trade value charts.
• The hosts stress only Arvel Reese or (possibly) David Bailey are worth such aggressive moves, based on their unique skillset and scheme fit.

Hypothetical Pick at 35 Post-Trade-Up

• If the Cowboys make a blockbuster move for Reese at No. 4, they speculate on optimal targets at 35—likely a DB like Colton Hood or Avion Terrell.

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3. Low-Cost Cowboys Free Agents Worth Re-Signing

[22:59–27:38]

Notable Players Discussed

• Dante Fowler Jr. (Edge):
  Preferred by both for a one-year deal in the $5–6M range as a reliable veteran rotational pass rusher.

  “He’s just…every year he’s come out and he’s given you decent production, it never feels like you regret paying him.” (23:22, Landon)

• Sam Williams (Edge):
  Marcus and Landon would consider bringing him back as a fifth pass rusher if the contract is at the league minimum.

  “I think he still has some talent to him. Like, if it’s like a fifth pass rusher, special teams situation, I could see that…” (25:15, Landon)

• Jalen Tolbert (WR):
  Both believe mutual parting is best to allow Tolbert to find playing time elsewhere.

  “I think for Tolbert’s sake he probably needs to go elsewhere.” (26:18, Marcus)

• Robert Jones (OL):
  Sleeper candidate for a return as a backup interior lineman coming off injury.

  “I would bring back Robert Jones…on a veteran minimum contract, which is what he got last year, and maybe he could step into one of those roles assuming he’s relatively healthy.” (27:07, Marcus)

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4. Notable Quotes & Moments

• On Reuben Bain’s Game Tape:
  “…I got giggle watching his tape because it’s so fun to watch him play.” (03:14, Marcus)
• On Cowboys and ‘Thresholds’:
  “I just can’t believe the Cowboys are size queens when it comes to pass rushers. When they drafted Micah Parsons, who had 31 inch arms…it didn’t matter.” (07:17, Marcus)
• On Caleb Downs as a Dream Pick:
  “This is like a sprint to the podium from Erie, PA, in negative degree weather…” (07:39, Marcus)
• On the Nature of this Draft:
  “…it is cheaper to trade up. You may be able to make up the difference just in the mutual pick swap that would be happening if you go up with one of your picks and down with the other.” (18:44, Landon)
• Valuing Veteran Rotational Guys:
  “…you’ve got to find ways to kind of get some veteran, you know, experience here, some leadership…You need guys who can come in and play right away.” (24:19, Landon)

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5. Segment Timestamps

| Timestamp | Discussion Topic | |:----------:|:---------------------------------------------:| | 01:11–10:22 | Dream realistic picks at 12—Bain, Downs, others | | 10:22–13:46 | Possibility of trading up? Draft capital constraints | | 13:46–21:38 | Trade-up logistics, strategy, and value calculation | | 21:38–22:59 | Post-trade draft hypotheticals | | 22:59–27:38 | Low-priced Cowboys free agents—who to bring back? |

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Conclusion

Marcus and Landon exit the episode in agreement: Unless the Cowboys become unexpectedly aggressive for an elite, multi-dimensional defender like Arvel Reese, the smart path is to patiently select from a strong pool of defenders at 12—particularly Reuben Bain or Caleb Downs. Value veterans like Dante Fowler and Sam Williams on prove-it or backup deals, and aim to patch holes economically where feasible.

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For daily in-depth Cowboys analysis, check out the Locked On Cowboys Podcast, part of the Locked On Podcast Network—Your Team, Every Day.

Transcript

[A]

It's the Lockdown Podcast Network your team every day.

[B]

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[A]

Hey everyone, this is Ross Jackson, one of the hosts of the Locked On Podcast Network. Thank you for being here because your support means everything. And if you're looking for another way to support the show that you love while getting something awesome in return, check out the Everydayer Club. You get ad free episodes of your favorite Locked on show, access to a members only group chat for fans of your team, and you can even jump into the national chats and talk about whatever's happening across the league. Tap the Everyday or Club link in the show notes to learn more.

[C]

The Dallas Cowboys hold the 12th pick in the draft. We'll tell you our dream selections at that pick next.

[B]

You are Locked On Cowboys, your daily Dallas Cowboys podcast, part of the Locked On Podcast network.

[C]

Your team every day. Welcome back to the Locked On Cowboys podcast, part of the Locked On Podcast network. Your team every day. We'd like to thank you for making us the number one sports podcast network. I am your host, Marcus Mosher. He is Landon McCool. And on today's show we're talking about the Cowboys potentially trading up in round one. We're going to talk about some low cost free agents that the Cowboys have that we might be open to bringing back in 2026. But let's start with this question and I believe it's from Clayton. He wants to know who are your guys dream but realistic selections at number 12? Because I think guys like Arval Reese probably going to be off the board inside the top five. So who are some guys that realistically that could make it to 12 that you would be so fired up about?

[A]

So there's, there's like two or three. Right? And I think that like our, I mean again, what's realistic? But we're going to talk like obviously Arvel Reese seems that's not going to happen.

[C]

So we'll get to him in a second though.

[A]

Yeah, I, I think for me it would come down to Bane right Or Caleb Downs. I think if either of those guys were to fall down and, and that, that's like, I think where the interesting debate is, because I kind of feel like of those guys, who would I pick? I think that's an interesting question too. But those are the two guys that you feel like are super high on your list, run to the podium type players that maybe because of body composition for Bane and for positional value for Downs, could potentially be in striking distance for you at 12.

[C]

Those are the two names for me as well. I want to debate these guys a little bit. We, we haven't done a whole show on Ruben Bane, but I, I love his tape. I mean, it's so much fun. I was, I think I was saying yesterday on Twitter that I got giggle watching his tape because it's, it's so fun to watch him play. He gets so low, he's so powerful. But you're also starting to hear more whispers that he could be a guy. And I think Mel Kuiper Jr. Was the first one to say that he could be a guy that falls into like the teens. I mean, I, and I understand people knocking him from arm length, but this guy is an awesome player who's productive. I don't get it.

[A]

Well, it's arm length week, isn't it, Marcus? I mean, it's, it's the week. It's the week to argue about it. So, you know, that's probably part of it. But yeah, I mean, it's hard. Not especially for old school folks. Like, it's hard not to, to watch a guy like Bane and not think of James Harrison. Right. Like, I mean, yeah, I mean, it's, it's, it's. I mean, it looks like you're watching him, right? It's just like he was reborn. And I think, you know, when you see the ability of him to kind of run through tackles, every level just, I mean, going, you know, at a major college football where obviously in Miami and ACC gets into the playoffs and you know, they get all the way to the national championship game and you know, they certainly didn't lose that game because Ruben Bane played bad, you know, so, I mean, that's, I think, I think that's the thing for me. Right. Yeah. Is that is you watch them throughout the season and you kind of felt like, okay, well, I mean, obviously there's some link here, but man, these guys are really good. And then when they got into the latter part of the season and then the playoffs and they just dominated. I mean, they were basically the Dominant force in the sport for almost the whole last month of the season. I think it just kind of elevated Bane to a whole nother level. It just kind of proved that, hey, the, the arm length, whatever it's, the number is, it's clearly not a problem for him. So, yeah, I just don't worry about it so much anymore.

[C]

Yeah, I mean, we saw him at the end of the year just absolutely dominate the game against Ohio State, I believe. Yeah, nine pressures here in the Ohio State game. He had a 34 win rate as a pass rusher against Ole Miss, 27 win rate. He was just as dominant as against Indiana. But those are the top three teams that Miami played all year. And he was fantastic. And we've already heard some whispers out of Dallas, including from our guy Mike Fisher, who said the Cowboys don't love the traits, but I do wonder with someone like Christian Parker coming in here. You know, the Eagles drafted Nolan Smith, who had really good testing in terms of athleticism, but was not a big pass rusher at all, didn't have great arm length. Maybe he'd be able to convince the front office that this is a player that's too good to pass up and you should ignore the arm length a little bit.

[A]

Yeah, I mean, I think, obviously, I think that they should. I mean, and I think that Christian Parker's defense and the kind of multiple front that they're going to play certainly allows for guys like him to have a major role as pass rushers. And I think, you know, look, I mean, we got news of The Cowboys signed B.T. jackson, I think with the, the pass rush specialist that, that, that was working with Denver these last few years. Go look at Denver's past rushers and what they look like. Cooper and bank on their names. But yeah, I mean they, uh, they are very undersized. Very similar to what we're talking about with Bain. So, uh, yeah, I, I think there certainly is enough room in this, in the scheme that, to support these kind of, you know, undersized, maybe more nine Tech, maybe more seven technique defensive ends that need a little bit wider angle to kind of attack. Because here's the thing, it's not like he's a problem against the run. Like, I mean, try to try to run the ball to his side. I dare you, please. Like, I think it will work out great. So.

[C]

I just can't believe the Cowboys are size queens when it comes to pass rushers. When they drafted Micah Parsons, who had 31 inch arms, which is like her. I mean, it's like Historically small for a pass rusher and it didn't matter. Right. They drafted a guy that was 242 pounds and he was the best pass rusher in the league outside of Miles Garrett. You would think that they would maybe lessen the thresholds a little bit, but we'll see. The other name for you. Yeah, we'll see. The other name for you is Caleb Downs, and this is somebody that we've talked about more frequently. I think the reason that he could potentially fall is just because of positional value and teams not valuing safety on top of that. It's a really good safety class. I don't know how realistic it is that he gets to 12, but I'm with you. This is like a sprint to the podium from Erie, pa. In negative degree weather because that's, you know, that's how good of a player he is.

[A]

Yeah, I mean, I mean, again, I don't think it's completely unrealistic. I mean, by the way, I'm not

[C]

doing that by the way. Just.

[A]

We'll see, buddy. Because if it happens, I, I might be expecting it. I, I do think that it's, it's, it's, it's a dream that can be had. You know, like, I. Would I be shocked if he gets picked at three or four? No, I wouldn't be shocked. Would I be shocked if he made it down to 12? I would be shocked in the sense that I can't believe the Dallas Cowboys got him. But I, I don't know that like a top end safety that doesn't have, you know, super uber elite athletic traits. Not going in the top 10 necessarily shocks me. So. Yeah, I mean, there's a reason that we're, Again, there's a reason that we're talking about these two names and not Arvel Reese. Right. Like, you know, some. There's, there's another tier above these guys of, you know, athletes that have great tape and are uber athletic and, and I don't think that these guys necessarily either fall into that category.

[C]

So those are two of our favorite names. And we should also mention, like, you love Sonny Styles. I do as well. I'm a monster Mansoor Delane fan. Like, if that's the pick at 12, I'm going to be screaming. I'm so happy. That's four names that we would feel really good about. And I think honestly, if we kind of talk this through, I'm sure we could find another name or two. But I feel pretty good that they're going to get one of those four players, maybe there'll only be one of those guys available, but it feels realistic that their first round pick is going to be one of those guys.

[A]

Yeah. And to add in too, I also am cool with Mansoor deline delane at 12. And so, yeah, I, I do feel good about where 12 is feeling right now. I mean, I think it's all about to change a lot, but we'll see how that turns out. And then at 20, honestly, it's like there's so many great choices at 20. Like, and honestly, I don't think you have to be unrealistic. I think what may be unrealistic is one of the guys that you thought you would get at 12 falling to you at 20. Like, you know, like a double dip situation where, man, wow, Caleb Downs, we got him at 12. What are the odds? Is Mansour Delaney falling all the way to 20?

[C]

Or Javon McCoy?

[A]

Maybe Javon McCoy. Yeah, like, that would be incredible. So, yeah, I think it would be something like that happening.

[C]

All right, so you mentioned Arvell Reese. What if the Cowboys don't want to wait to see who falls to them at 12? Could they potentially trade up? And what would that even look like? Like, get to that next this episode is brought to you by Indeed. Workplace Chaos. Deadline stacking up, inbox overflowing, and the one position you still have to fill is sitting open when the pressure's on and you need to the right hire. This is a job for Indeed Sponsored Jobs. Indeed Sponsored Jobs help you reach the right people who actually fit what you're looking for with skills, experience, and location. So you're not just hoping that the right candidate stumbles across your post. So if you're hiring, spend less time searching and more time interviewing candidates who check all of your boxes with Indeed Sponsored Jobs. And listeners to this Show Get a $75 sponsored job credit to help get your job the premium status that it deserves at indeed.com/podcast. Just go to indeed.compodcast right now and support the show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Indeed.com podcast terms and conditions apply. Need to hire. This is a job for Indeed Sponsored Jobs. This episode is brought to you by Home Chef. As the new year gets going, a lot of people are trying to simplify their routines and dinner is always a big one. Between busy work days, cold winter nights, and packed schedules, having an easy and reliable dinner plan makes a huge difference. And that's where Home Chef comes in. Home Chef takes the stress out of cooking by delivering fresh, pre portioned ingredients right to your door with easy to follow recipes that actually taste great. They're rated number one by users of other meal kits for quality, convenience, value, taste and recipe ease. And it's easy to see why meals come ready to fit your schedule. 30 minute recipes, oven ready trays or quick lunches. And for a limited time only, Home Chef is offering our listeners 50% off your first box with free shipping and free dessert for life. Just go to home chef.comlockdown that's home chef.com/loton for 50% off your first box with free shipping and free dessert for life. You must be an active subscriber to receive free dessert. Welcome back to the Lot Done Cowboys podcast. We'd like to thank you for making us your first listen every single day. The off season never stops around here. I mean even with cowboys, especially like there's just always news. So be part of the everyday club. You're going to get ad free episodes of this show for just $5 a month. Tap the link in the show notes to learn more or go to locked on cowboys.supercast.com to join the club. All right, later let's talk about trading up because this is something that we actually have not talked about really at all. And that's partly because there just doesn't feel like there's many players in this class that are worth trading up for because it feels like the quality of player you're going to get at 6 isn't going to be all that different from 12. On top of that, the Cowboys have no second or third round pick and it makes trading up a little harder. But yeah, is there a realistic way that they could trade up in the first round?

[A]

Well, I think the other, the third element I would add in too is that you don't want to there's a volume of picks issue, right? It's not even just that you're missing your second and third pick, which are obviously good trade fodder, but on top of that, like you have a large number of needs you need to fill and you don't necessarily want to reduce the number of of picks that you've got in kind of area where you can go get a starter. So I think what you have to do is find a way to use pick swaps and use both of your first round picks and find a partner that may be willing to give up their fourth and then a second round pick, a high, high second round pick for your two first rounders and then hope that the point differential can be made up with future picks or however you want to make that up. So we kind of came up with a couple of different scenarios and I know you found a good one.

[C]

Yeah, and let's talk about the player first, because, yeah, as much as we like Caleb Downs, I don't see the Cowboys trading up for a safety. And I know he's more than a safety, but he's, he's a safety. I don't see them trading up for Reuben Bain, even though we love him because of the arm length. So who is the one player that they could potentially trade up for? I think the name is Arvel Reese. And the idea is if you trade for Reese, he's just a perfect fit in Christian Parker's defense because he can brush, he can blitz, he can cover, he can do everything you need. But maybe they think he's the next Micah Parsons and that's the guy they've identified. Now. He's not going to last very long on the board. Right. Like, I think the, probably the furthest down, like to me his range is like 2 to 4. Right. Raiders aren't taking him at 1, the jets could take him at 2, the Cardinals could take him at 3, and the Titans would certainly take him at 4. So I think the Titans are the team here, Landon, that make the most sense to trade up with.

[A]

Yeah. And I think, you know, the thought process here too with the Titans is that, you know, they have needs specifically and they seem to be running back and wide receiver and maybe you don't want to spend a fourth round pick on any of these. Well, certainly not the running backs, but unless maybe they do. Maybe they want to get love at four, but maybe they've come to their senses and they're like, man, we could do this trade and just get the pieces that we want while still kind of getting paying at the value that we, I think is more appropriate. And they also get the opportunity with their second pick to, to move into the second round, which again, they are a team that's rebuilding. So more picks for them is, is, is obviously good. But in this case, since you're getting 35 back, you don't lose the number of picks you're going to get. And honestly, from a Cowboys point of view, 20 and 35, as far as the player that you're going to get is not a huge difference. There's a, it's a real plateau and frankly, you may be getting better value at 35 than you are at 20 in some ways, not, maybe not a better player, but better value for what you're paying. So I, you know, we'll see if that really makes sense. But I, I think it's not completely unrealistic that, that Tennessee would be interested in the trade.

[C]

Yeah. And I could see it being, you mentioned Jeremiah Love at 4, but I could also see it being someone like Makai Lemon who is a. Yeah, we'll see what he's going to measure in it this week at the combine. But he might be a 5 foot 10, 190 pound receiver that they love. But maybe they feel like, okay, four is a little rich but 12 is where we can get him. Or maybe it's a combination of the two. Hey, we love these two skill guys. We'll be thrilled with whatever one gets to us at 12. And let's use that pick 20 to draft the best available offensive lineman or the best pass rusher available because probably like maybe they love Keldrick Falk, maybe Robert Sala thinks he could be, you know, his Mikel Williams or whatever. There's just no way he's getting to 35. But at 20, that's way more realistic. You could come up with a million scenarios. I think the thing that we are the most interested in is is this going to be a draft where it's cheaper to trade up than in previous years because you're not trading up for a quarterback, you're not trading up for like a Jamar Chase or you know, that level of wide receiver prospect. You know, in terms of the value. If you go look at like the traditional trade value chart, the Cowboys giving up picks 12 and 20, that's about 20, 50 points. And the Titans giving up pick four and 35, that's 2300, just, you know, just a shade over 2300. So the Titans would be taking a loss just based on that trade. And maybe the Cowboys throw in a 4th round pick next year or a 3rd round pick or whatever to make it a little bit more comparable or more of a fair trade. But I do wonder if some of these teams like Cleveland and Tennessee or even the jets will be willing to take a loss to gain more value, more valuable picks later in round one or round two.

[A]

Well, I mean, I think the answer is simple as you and I did this exercise on the other end of this, right. We, we had a discussion like, hey, the Cowboys, if they want to trade back from 20 or one of these spots, they have to be willing to take a little bit of a bath because you're just not going to get the value moving up that you would in A normal draft, there's just not going to be as many teams interested because of the way that the draft sorted out. So I do think it's possible that if you're going to, if you have interest in trading up, and I'm not necessarily prescribing this, but I think it is an option, maybe in a way that we didn't necessarily think it was because it is cheaper to trade up. You may be able to make up the difference just in the, the kind of mutual pick swap that would be happening if you go up with one of your picks and down with the other.

[C]

Arval Reese is the only player here that would be worth trading up for, correct?

[A]

Yeah, I think so. I mean, I can't imagine anybody else being, you know, out of that perfect nexus of need and value. Right. At four. I think Reese is the only one that kind of fits that.

[C]

And maybe the way that it happens is, you know, the jets take, you know, a wide receiver at 2 or they take Reuben Bain or David Bailey and the Cardinals are dead set on taking whatever. Maybe it's an offensive tackle, they've got offensive line issues or maybe they take, you know, one of the other pass rushers and that's how you get someone like Reese who again, maybe the jets and Cardinals don't think he's got a true position and that's what moves him down the board a little bit. But I do wonder if we're going to see some teams, you know, take 85 cents on the dollar just to move down. And you mentioned it, we talked about this with the Cowboys. We were saying they could move down from 20 to 30, which I think is Denver's pick. Usually that would cost a second round pick to move down or, you know, to get that pick. We would be happy with a third and maybe more teams will feel that way.

[A]

Yeah, and, and I think, you know, to kind of go back to the, the, the who pick, I, I think Bailey would probably be the only other person in that conversation, but I don't know that he's that kind of pass rusher, in my opinion. I think the value you get from Reese with the versatility and obviously the upside with, as a pass rusher all combined into one package is what's making. I would play him as a true linebacker, hybrid player, not just a pass rusher.

[C]

Really quickly, let's play this up. Let's say they draft ARVELL REESE At 4, they make the trade. What would be like the ideal pick at 35? Because I, my guess is that at least one of Dylan Thieman and like Emmanuel McNeil Warner off the board. Do you try to get like a Cassius? How maybe you don't take another pass rusher. Like what's, what's the ideal pick for you?

[A]

Could Colton Hood be there still? You know like some of these guys that, that we feel like are more second roundish players. I mean I think Allen, C.J. i mean you just picked the linebacker so I, I kind of feel different though. I, I agree. But you, I think at this point you still have to kind of go with either a corner or a defensive back of some sort just because there's such a strong need.

[C]

That's fair. I think it probably would be a defensive back and maybe you hope Avion Terrell falls that far or maybe you take one of the safeties and a lot of ways that this could play

[A]

out from South Carolina. Yeah. Another guy that could potentially fall. Yeah, there's a lot.

[C]

I would hate that, but it's fine. All right, let's talk about some low priced free agents that the Cowboys have that we might be interested in bringing back at the right number. We'll get to that next Foreign this episode is brought to you by fanduel. Have you ever wanted to experience the NBA Finals live and in person? FanDuel is giving you the chance to turn that dream into reality with their NBA sweepstakes. And here's how it works. Use your profit boost on any NBA future and you'll automatically be entered for a shot to win a trip to the NBA Finals. That's right, flights, tickets, the whole experience. And if you're already looking at the board and thinking about which teams might be able to make a deep run, this is the perfect time to lock in. So visit FanDuel.com to get started and use your profit boost on an NBA future and get entered for your chance to win a trip to the NBA Finals. Play your game with FanDuel, the official sports betting partner of the NBA.

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[C]

Welcome back to the Locked on Cowboys podcast. We are answering our listener questions on today's show and the final one here is Landon. Are there any low price free agents that the Cowboys have right now that you would be interested in bringing back on a cheap contract? Some of the names Sam Williams, Jalen Tolbert, Dante Fowler, Anybody that interests you.

[A]

I think Fowler is a guy that I, I would be interested in, you know, I mean, he's just, you've brought him back several years in a row and every year he's come out and he's given you decent production, it always, it never feels like you regret paying him. Right. Like, I, I mean I, I feel like I don't know what his number is going to be, but if it's similar to last year. Yeah, I think it was like 7 or 8.

[C]

I think it was 6 million last year, but I gotta believe it's gonna be less this year.

[A]

Yeah. And so if he wants to come back on a five million dollar deal again this year, I actually think he might be a little bit even of a better fit like in this defense now. I mean, just, he might be able to play a little bit up front with, with more heavy bodies inside on the field more often. So. Yeah, I think he certainly is a guy that I would be interested in.

[C]

One year, five million is what pro football focus is projecting him right now.

[A]

Yeah, I think that's fair. I think that's what I, I would do that, you know, that's, that's what

[C]

you pay a fourth edge rusher, right?

[A]

Yeah. And I think, and I think, you know, again, he's shown me to be a guy that is going to produce, you know, he can produce. Right. And let him prove us wrong there. I just think that, you know, you've got to find ways to kind of get some veteran, you know, experience here, some leadership, some, you know, guys that can come in and plug some holes for you. You just have a lot of holes. Right. And you gotta, you gotta find ways to like fill those like in. And it can't just all be through high price free agency and draft picks. You need guys who can come in and play right away and you can't necessarily rely on a fifth, a fifth round pick this year to come in and be a contributor. So yeah, I think there's guys like that. I would see how much I would let him go do his thing and you're gonna hate this. I would see how much Sam Williams was getting asked.

[C]

I don't hate that.

[A]

I mean, I think he still has some talent to him. Like, and, and if it's like a fifth pass rusher special teams situation, I could see that potentially being interesting for the Cowboys, but only in this exercise. I don't know that I necessarily would call him out in a larger pool of free agent defensive ends.

[C]

What do you think his market rate is right now according to Pro Football Focus. Just give me a number.

[A]

Like three and a half.

[C]

Yeah, it's 1.25.

[A]

Okay.

[C]

That's your minimum.

[A]

That's fair. I mean, you know, he hasn't done enough and he hasn't shown that he can be the player that we've seen flashes of. But we have seen flashes, you know, so that's. I, you know, I think he's a guy that's probably going to get something on the market like Jalen Tolbert. Not for us, just because I think, you know, there's. There's just too much at the. In the end right now. Like, like you mentioned last time we talked about this, he was a healthy scratch those last few weeks. I think for Tolbert's sake he probably needs to go elsewhere.

[C]

I think he can get more snaps elsewhere and honestly I think he's going to end up being a value. A guy like Jalen Tolbert more than most people do. I think he got into a rough situation here where he got surpassed by Flournoy. He doesn't really do a lot on special teams, so there's just not a role. But I, I think this is for both sides. I think it's time to move on. Yeah. I got one name here that I want to give you that we have not talked about at all. This is a really. This is for the real everyday or it's the real nerds. I would bring back Robert Jones who suffered a neck injury believe in training camp or in preseason if you're going to move on from one of Bass or Hoffman. Maybe you don't want to give those guys the second round tender. I think you bring back Robert Jones on a veteran minimum contract which is what he got last year and maybe he could step into one of those roles assuming he's relatively healthy.

[A]

I agree and I. If I remember correctly, they really liked him before I heard. I mean that he. That thought that he looked really good and fit. What they were doing really well. He was. I mean I'm pretty sure that they were going to at least have him compete with Booker early on.

[C]

Absolutely.

[A]

For that spot. So Yeah, I think that's not necessarily what we would be re signing him for now. I think that's Booker's job. But I think to come in and be. Yeah, I think so probably. I think, you know, they bring. I think they bring Jones back in and he could be a very high end backup.

[C]

I think. Yeah, he. You're. You're having him fight for like that second backup offensive lineman on game day. That's active with TJ Bass right? So I'm 100% in. Hope they bring him back. That is it for today's show. We'd like to thank you for making lots on Cowboys. Your first listen every single day. If you never miss an episode, the everyday club is built for you. And get locked on Cowboys ad free members only, discord access and so much more. And head over to LockedOn cowboys.supercast.com to join the club. And for those of you on video, we can send you the first ever 24.7national NBA YouTube channel and on audio, make your second listen the locked on NFL Draft podcast. Follow Landon on Twitter @mccoolbcb I'm @marcus Underscore Moser and and we'll see you back here tomorrow. Meet the energy shot that tastes just like birthday cake Confetti craze Extra strength five hour Energy tastes like a rich buttery vanilla birthday cake, frosting and all. Light the candles, make a wish and get ready to celebrate with every sip. Feel unstoppably energized with as much caffeine as as your favorite 12 ounce fancy coffee but with zero sugar for zero sugar crashes. For more information and to get the party started, visit 5hourenergy.com or visit Amazon today.

[B]

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