Talkin’ Cowboys: Grading the First Wave
Date: March 17, 2026
Hosts: Kyle Yeomans, Isaiah Stanback, Josh Rodriguez (Patrik Walker out with injury)
Episode Overview
In this off-season edition of Talkin’ Cowboys, Kyle, Isaiah, and Josh break down the Dallas Cowboys’ first wave of free agency, providing candid grades and analysis on each move. The trio discusses the direction of the team’s roster building under new defensive coordinator Christian Parker, the Cowboys’ needs (particularly at linebacker), and listener phone calls prompt discussions about scheme fits, player upsides, and what could constitute a “Super Bowl caliber” move. Expect detailed position debates, honest evaluations, and their signature mix of film-room insight and locker-room banter.
Key Discussion Points & Analysis
1. First Wave of Free Agency: General Impressions
[06:30]
- Cowboys have made several serviceable signings without a “splash” so far.
- “I would say serviceable. I would say, compared to the last few years… this is definitely more uptick.” — Josh Rodriguez
- Notable additions: PJ Locke, Sam Howell (QB), Matt Hennessy (OL), Kobe Durant (CB), Princeton Fant (TE), and returning Sam Williams (EDGE).
- Rashan Gary trade remains the highest-impact offseason move.
- “It’s still not that high end move yet.” — Kyle Yeomans
- Linebacker remains an unaddressed priority.
2. Position-by-Position Breakdown
[08:45]–[21:50]
Linebacker
- The hosts call out the lack of progress at linebacker, noting several targets have signed elsewhere.
- “We’re kind of back where you’re used to the Dallas Cowboys being... searching for discount double checks.” — Isaiah Stanback
- Bobby Wagner mentioned as a dream signing, but not much movement.
- Draft now seems likely to address the need: “Counting on a rookie to come in and, you know, take over all of the starts for linebacker, which, you know... I don’t like it.” — Josh Rodriguez [09:28]
Defensive Line & Scheme Fit
- Broad discussion of Christian Parker’s new 3-4 defense and its impact on body types and acquisitions.
- “Your defensive linemen are at least 300 pounds... Your outside linebackers slash defensive ends? They're gonna be 260 plus.” — Isaiah Standback [18:10]
- Otito Ogbonnia viewed as a likely starter at DL: “[Right now,] I think he’s a starter.” — Isaiah Standback [16:32]
- Rashan Gary expected primarily as a stand-up outside linebacker, not as a 3/4 down lineman.
QB Room
[13:55]
- Sam Howell’s acquisition considered “underrated” for backup competition.
- “Sam Howell, who had 17 games of gameplay two years ago and has some experience, to come challenge Joe Milton.” — Kyle Yeomans
- “Sam Howell’s a freaking competitor.” — Isaiah Standback
Secondary & Under-the-Radar Signings
- Kobe Durant seen as a potential “thrift buy”/hidden gem with upside. Front office believes they got a deal.
- Durant compared to ex-Cowboy Jordan Lewis: “As soon as he said ‘Jordan Lewis’ in the type of play... they were spot on board.” — Kyle Yeomans [12:53]
- Jalen Thompson and PJ Locke both praised for their versatility in the secondary.
3. Grading the Cowboys’ Moves: “Points of Reference”
[41:14]–[50:23]
- Hosts rate every major addition/subtraction from 1–10 (10 = Super Bowl-caliber, 1 = worsened the team). Will revisit grades after the season.
Selected Move Grades:
- Javonte Williams, RB (signed): 7–8. “He wants to, you have him as the backbone of your run game.” — Josh Rodriguez [43:04]
- Rashan Gary, EDGE (trade): 7.5–8. “He gives you something better than what you had on defense last year.” — Kyle Yeomans [45:13]
- Jalen Thompson, S (signed): 8–9. “This is my favorite move of the offseason so far… he could be a star here.” — Kyle Yeomans [46:32]
- Sam Howell, QB (trade): 8. “If you lose Dak, you were in a bad spot... He’s not a world-beater, but he’s a dog.” — Isaiah Standback [47:54]
- Kobe Durant, CB (signed): 7.5–7.8.
- Sam Williams, EDGE (re-signed): 6. “I think he’s better in this system.” — Kyle Yeomans [45:44]
- Matt Hennessy, OL (signed): 5–6.
- Overall: Moves described as upgrades, but missing an elite, needle-moving addition.
What would be a “10/10” move?
- Only elite WR or corner trades (like acquiring Jaylen Waddle) or a major linebacker signing would qualify.
- “For me… a beast of a receiver or a beast of a corner.” — Isaiah Standback [50:42]
4. Fan Calls and Listener Questions
Nebby (Silver Springs, MD) [27:32]:
- Asks which returning Cowboy benefits most from Christian Parker’s hire.
- Isaiah: “Sam Williams. His body type and playing style did not fit a four-down scheme… 3-4 fits him perfect.” [31:03]
- Josh: Savion Rebuel could bounce back with a full healthy offseason, citing the new coaching staff.
Paul (Upstate NY) [34:02]:
- Questions Osa Odighizuwa’s fit and the rationale for his trade.
- “It was entirely a business decision… loved Osa, he was a leader in the locker room… but not a perfect fit in a 3-4, and the value [from San Francisco] was there.” — Kyle Yeomans [35:45]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “We’re kind of back where you’re used to the Dallas Cowboys being… searching for discount double checks, really, in late veteran editions. This is familiar territory.” — Isaiah Standback [10:13]
- “I think by most accounts… Kobe Durant probably could have netted probably another three or four [offers], and they got him for five [million]. So, thank you!” — Isaiah Standback [11:47]
- “Sam Howell is a dog. Like, Sam Howell’s a dog… You put him in the game, you got a chance.” — Isaiah Standback [48:12]
- “Jalen Thompson… I think he could be a star here if it all goes well and he stays healthy.” — Kyle Yeomans [46:37]
- “There are no tens out there… Would have to be a beast of a receiver or a beast of a corner for me.” — Isaiah Standback [50:23]
Timestamps for Key Segments
- 06:30 – General thoughts on the first week of free agency
- 08:45 – Critique of “splash” moves and linebacker need
- 13:55 – Impact of Sam Howell, backup QB discussion
- 16:04 – Otito Ogbonnia and defensive line projection
- 18:10 – How 3-4 scheme changes player body type targets
- 21:26 – Early draft targets and positional value
- 27:13 – Listener calls (“Talking Tuesday” begins)
- 27:32 – Nebby’s call: Who benefits most from Christian Parker?
- 34:02 – Paul’s call: Osa Odighizuwa and 3-4 fits
- 41:14 – “Points of Reference”: Grading each move
- 50:23 – What kind of move would get a “10”?
- 52:09 – Wrap-up and teasers for next week
Tone & Style
Classic Talkin’ Cowboys: friendly, energetic, knowledgeable, and laced with jabs and barbershop-style humor. The show remains balanced between fan-centric optimism and honest critique, with several playful moments (e.g., St. Patrick’s Day banter, “we love you, Pat!” wishes, and poking fun at “discount” signings).
Conclusion
In their review of the Cowboys’ first wave of free-agent moves, the hosts agree that the team is improved but has not yet made the type of acquisition that would shift championship odds. They express excitement about new defensive fits under Christian Parker, believe the linebacker position remains unresolved, and see several signings as value upgrades—while knowing big moves (especially at WR or LB) are still desired. Their interactive grading session captures the nuanced optimism of Cowboys Nation as the front office moves methodically through the offseason.