Fans of the Dallas Cowboys entered the month of March with fantasies of making a big splash in free agency. Loaded with cap space and no glaring needs, many thought the Cowboys would splurge on a star safety (see: Thomas, Earl) and look to improve their defensive line rotation with a big name. With the team in a prime window of Super Bowl contention, many thought to strike the free agency iron while it’s hot.

That just isn’t the way the Cowboys choose to operate. Dallas has exercised caution in handing out big money deals to outside players. Ever since the Brandon Carr signing in 2012, the team has changed its philosophy. Now, the draft is the main focus for adding talent to the roster. Armed with Will McClay and a keen scouting department, the Cowboys have transformed into a young and affordable team with an eye on cost-controlled talent.

The shift has been moderately successful.

Building through the draft wouldn’t be completely successful without free agency, though. Shopping for a car is a good analogy to use when describing the relationship between the draft and free agency for the Cowboys. Instead of splurging on new cars to drive off the lot, the Cowboys have shown interest in used cars with a history of reliability, or renovations to their current cars.

This strategy has made the Cowboys annual playoff contenders, but it hasn’t gotten them past the divisional round.

It’s gotten them to the point where they have a core of young players ready to cash in and be paid big dollars, but without evidence, they are able to be the stars on a Super Bowl-caliber squad and worthy of the major investments.

The Cowboys have exercised patience when it comes to signing free agents. Instead of overpaying, the team waits for bargains to show themselves. Players who are rehabbing their value coming off injury, who were in smaller roles, or who have unfulfilled draft pedigree have been prioritized as targets. In this year’s wave of free agents, Randall Cobb, Kerry Hyder and Christian Covington are already testaments to this strategy. Other rumored players of interest – Eric Berry and Robert Quinn – are former Pro Bowlers who could be savvy additions for a championship team.

Randall Cobb is a serviceable replacement for Cole Beasley, who bolted for Buffalo in free agency. While his injury history is concerning, Dallas is making a low-risk move that is cheaper and potentially better than Beasley.

Cobb, the 8-year veteran out of Green Bay, replaces Cole Beasley, the former constant at slot receiver, who left at the start of free agency for a better deal in Buffalo. Cobb, 28, compiled 5,524 receiving yards and 41 TDs while being a mainstay for QB Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay. — Kate Hairopoulos (@khairopoulos) March 19, 2019

While it may not garner headlines in March, the team’s approach in free agency is one that can get the Cowboys to January. The question is whether it can garner accolades in February.

With the additions so far, the Cowboys are not facing any pressing needs. This allows them to draft true to their board and take the best player available. For a team looking to take the next step into Super Bowl contention, they believe patience is key.

You can follow Jared on Twitter at @Wingate_Jared.