The Dallas Cowboys played their first preseason game on Saturday and it ended in a disappointing 17-7 loss.
Other than the 17 penalties committed, and lack of scoring, the wide receivers were another reason for concern.
After trading Amari Cooper in the offseason, and letting Cedrick Wilson walk in free agency, the team did not do enough to replace them.
They still have CeeDee Lamb, who is a star.
Along with Michael Gallup, who is recovering from a torn ACL.
But, Owner/General Manager Jerry Jones does not feel the same way.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones on urgency level to acquire external help at wide receiver after James Washington foot fracture: “Not at all. Let’s get these guys the incentive, these young receivers.” Sees big opportunity ahead. “There’s no urgency looking for a veteran receiver.” pic.twitter.com/ejMhTrURpx
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) August 2, 2022
That seems like the wrong approach.
Especially in a passing league, where the most high-powered offenses are amongst the best teams in the league.
Some of the other receivers on the Cowboys roster include third-round pick Jalen Tolbert, who is slated to be the number two receiver in Week 1.
Followed by Noah Brown, Simi Fehoko, and Dennis Houston.
None of the above have scored a touchdown in the NFL.
Although, Fehoko did look solid in the first preseason game.
Cowboys WR Simi Fehoko (81) has had a good training camp. Now he gets Dallas’ first preseason TD. Nice throw by Ben DiNucci pic.twitter.com/tcpJMASHLm
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) August 14, 2022
Going into the NFL season with this receiving corps is borderline malpractice for a team that won the NFC East last season, and is looking to do the same in 2022-23.
There are still decent options available for the Cowboys that have at least had success in the NFL.
Free Agent WR Options
Some of the names the Cowboys should look at are Will Fuller, T.Y. Hilton, and Odell Beckham Jr.
While all of these names have flaws, what do you expect to find at this point in free agency?
At least each of these players have caught a touchdown pass in their career.
Fuller seems like the best fit because of his speed.
He can still be a quality deep threat when healthy, but health has always been the kicker with Fuller.
He has yet to play a full season in his career, and his career high in games played is 14.
But, he should be able to contribute in the first half of the year or at least until the Cowboys get Gallup back.
For Hilton, he is 32 years old and probably looking for a part-time role to finish off his career.
Dallas would be a great chance for him to get that.
Hilton would give Dallas a veteran presence that their WR room currently lacks.
Lastly, Beckham is the name with probably the most talent, but makes the least sense.
Why Beckham to Dallas does not make sense is because like Gallup he is also recovering from an ACL injury.
He would be unable to help the team for at least the first month, the timeframe where the Cowboys could use the most help.
Overall, the Cowboys need to add another veteran wide receiver that can contribute.
Going into the season with Lamb as their only sure-thing is a problem.
When opportunities arise to make a run at the Super Bowl you have to take it.
We saw that Rams do that last year, and if the Cowboys want to get back to the big game they need to add another receiver.