Had it not been for super bowl expectations last year, Dallas could've literally completed 1/2 of the rebuilding process over the summer.
1. Once Zeke decided he was going to hold out I would've traded him. They could've gotten a 1st or 2nd at best, 3rd at worst. Kansas City was the first team to pick a running back so they probably would've given up a 1st rounder to pick him since he still had 2 years remaining on his rookie deal.
2. Unless Byron Jones became Deion Sanders overnight, there was no way in hell they were going to resign him for the money he was going to get on the open market. Starting corners rarely go on the open market. I would've traded him before or mid season for a first round pick.
3. The jets were willing to trade for Martin or Tyron Smith for a first round pick. I would've let go of Smith in a heart beat.
4. I would've called Lawrence bluff. If he would've delayed surgery then so be it. Then I would've fielded trade offers just to see what his true value was. If no teams bit, then I would've said fukk it and not resigned him.
5. I get why they resigned Smith, and I think his issues this year could've been fixed. However, in the spirit of rebuilding, I would've waited to see how he played during the year. Then I would've put a 1st round tender on him. Maybe even a 2nd.
So they would've gone into this years draft with 3 first round picks and 2 second round picks at a minimum. 4 at best. The Jets had the 11th pick. And Miami had 2 first rounders so more than likely they would've traded the 30th pick.
So at worst, Dallas would've had the 11th, 17th, and 30th pick. and possibly the 32nd pick. Martin would've gotten them a 2nd round pick as well OR Jamal Adams from the Jets
So they would've gone into this off season with a ton of cap space. No pressure to resign Cooper, and they Jamal Adams to lead the secondary.