Deion is the obvious choice

Romo

Got to go with Haley. Even sweeter him being a 49er & them beating em with him a year later.

Everson Walls I believe was an undrafted free agent...4 time pro bowl player. Sadly his Super Bowl game came after playing for the Cowboys

Obviously Charles Haley and Deon Sanders contributed, very notably, to SB victories.

But another very important pickup that appeared with the Cowboys from 1975 to 1980 was Preston Pearson . He was a consistent contributor, helped define the term "3rd down back", was instrumental in NFL defenses turning to the nickel defenses, and played in 4 NFC Championship games and 3 Super Bowls (winning 1).

Notably he played for Landry, Noll, and Shula and with Staubach, Bradshaw, and Unitas. He is still living and played for 14 seasons.

Yes, it turned into numerous draft picks and free agents, I think 18 players were eventually involved, that is why I think it was the best pick up in Cowboys history.

And Mr. Pearson is one of the most humble, genuine folks you'd ever want to know. Ray Donaldson was a pretty good pickup in 95. Deon or Charles in as far as actual contribution, but for what we got in return, no doubt, the Herschel Walker deal was absolutely what gave us the impetus to win three in four years.

Thomas Everett

They have a interesting take on this subject for sure. They don't even mention HW in the top 15

https://thelandryhat.com/2022/07/18/cowboys-best-free-agents-history-sanders-glover-novacek/

My vote would go with Charles Haley. A valid argument could be made for Prime.

Technically he was not a free agent, they actually drafted him while he was playing for the Generals, pretty slick move, that is why I said it was the best move they ever made.

Eric Kendricks

Hmm yep you may be right about that for the reason they didn't mention him. I would say if e are going to go outside actual free agents we go back to JJ who did that trade to Minnesota

I wonder if that trade is one of if not the best in league history

Didn't they acquire Haley via trade abd not as a free agent?

I would say probably Romo was their most well known FA signing based on longevity and impact.