If you're waiting for the Dallas Cowboys to make a huge splash in the 2022 NFL free agency pool, keep waiting. It should come of no surprise considering the Cowboys' usual frugal approach this time of year -- team exec Stephen Jones recently doubling down on the strategy -- as the team works to try and re-sign most of its in-house free agents. The first came by way of a one-year deal on wide receiver Noah Brown, followed by a five-year commitment to Michael Gallup after agreeing to trade Amari Cooper to the Cleveland Browns, and now it appears time for Jake McQuaide to get paid.
The veteran long snapper has agreed to terms on a one-year deal to stay put in Dallas through the 2023 season, sources tell CBS Sports, that will pay him the veteran minimum -- amounting to $1.12 million for the coming season.
McQuaide survives in Dallas where fellow former Rams teammate Greg Zuerlein has not -- both having spent time with special teams coordinator John "Bones" Fassel and free agent Bryan Anger on the Los Angeles Rams roster -- Zuerlein having been released by the Cowboys after his struggles in 2021 helped flip wins into losses. Unlike Zuerlein, McQuaide was pristine in his test drive last season, and the two-time Pro Bowler is being rewarded for his efforts in helping to make Anger a Pro Bowler for the first time in the punter's career (and likely pricing him out of Dallas in the process).
It was tumultuous entrance for McQuaide, who took the reins from team legend L.P. Ladouceur, the unexpected move effectively forcing Ladouceur into unwanted retirement.
Having to fill the shoes of a legend is never an easy task, but McQuaide has earned at least one more season in Dallas after having done it in 2021. The Cowboys' work continues in free agency from here, including trying to keep talented pass rusher Randy Gregory from departing to join the Denver Broncos, or one of the other several teams sending him their offers.