NFL Free Agency Day 2 Winners & Losers: Vikings Rise, Cowboys Struggle With Space

The NFL's free agency period is in full swing, and teams are making some savvy moves to strengthen their rosters. After a whirlwind first day of free agency, teams are scrambling to fill holes and make a push for the playoffs. In this article, we'll break down the winners and losers of Day 2 of NFL free agency, focusing on the Minnesota Vikings and Dallas Cowboys.

The Minnesota Vikings have emerged as one of the top winners of free agency so far. With a focus on bolstering their defensive line, the Vikings have made some significant moves. By signing edge rusher Za'Darius Smith to a four-year, $56 million deal, the Vikings have added a much-needed spark to their defensive line. This move is expected to bring a significant increase in pressure on opposing quarterbacks, making it easier for the Vikings' defense to get to the ball. Additionally, the Vikings have signed running back Alexander Mattison to a two-year, $5 million deal, providing a reliable backup option for Dalvin Cook.

Smith's Impact on the Vikings

Za'Darius Smith's addition is expected to bring a significant boost to the Vikings' defense. The veteran edge rusher has a proven track record of success, with 49 sacks in his first four seasons in the NFL. His arrival in Minnesota has sparked excitement among fans and pundits alike, with many expecting him to be a key contributor to the Vikings' success. By signing Smith to a four-year deal, the Vikings have demonstrated their commitment to building a strong defense, and his presence is expected to make a significant impact on the field.

Mattison's Role in the Vikings' Offense

Alexander Mattison's signing is also a significant move for the Vikings. As a reliable backup option for Dalvin Cook, Mattison provides a much-needed hedge against injury. With Mattison under contract, the Vikings can now focus on building a strong running game, which has been a strength of the team in recent years. Mattison's speed and agility make him an ideal backup, and his ability to catch out of the backfield adds another dimension to the Vikings' offense.

Other notable signings for the Vikings

• Defensive tackle Shamar Stephen: The Vikings have also signed defensive tackle Shamar Stephen to a one-year deal, providing depth at a crucial position.
• Kicker Tyler Bass: The Vikings have signed kicker Tyler Bass to a two-year deal, providing a much-needed boost to the team's special teams unit.

On the other hand, the Dallas Cowboys have struggled to make a significant impact on Day 2 of free agency. Despite a hefty salary cap space, the Cowboys have yet to make a major splash. By allowing key players to depart in free agency, the Cowboys have made it clear that they're rebuilding, at least in the short term.

The Cowboys' Struggle with Space

One of the biggest challenges facing the Cowboys is managing their salary cap space. With a number of key players departing in free agency, the Cowboys are now facing a critical decision: either make room for a major signing or sacrifice playing time for younger players. The team's decision to allow edge rusher DeMarcus Lawrence to depart has created a void on the defensive line, and it remains to be seen whether the team will be able to replace him.

The impact of Lawrence's departure

• CUT by the Cowboys: DeMarcus Lawrence was cut by the Cowboys, creating a void on the defensive line.
• Loss of leadership: Lawrence's departure has also created a void in leadership, as he was one of the team's top leaders on the defensive line.
• Pressure on the young players: The Cowboys are now relying on younger players like Micah Parsons and Randy Gregory to step up and fill the void left by Lawrence's departure.

Other notable signings for the Cowboys include:

• Quarterback Andy Dalton: The Cowboys have signed quarterback Andy Dalton to a one-year deal, providing a veteran option behind Dak Prescott.
• Wide receiver Randall Cobb: The Cowboys have signed wide receiver Randall Cobb to a one-year deal, providing a reliable option for Prescott.
• Tight end Dalton Schultz: The Cowboys have signed tight end Dalton Schultz to a three-year deal, providing a much-needed boost to the team's receiving corps.

In conclusion, Day 2 of NFL free agency has been a mixed bag, with some teams emerging as clear winners and others struggling to make a splash. The Minnesota Vikings have been one of the top winners, bolstering their defensive line with the signing of Za'Darius Smith. The Dallas Cowboys, on the other hand, have struggled to make a significant impact, despite having a hefty salary cap space. As teams continue to make moves, it remains to be seen which teams will ultimately emerge as contenders in the NFL.