The Dallas Cowboys’ Wishes vs Reality

Jan 25, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Team Irvin quarterback

of the Dallas Cowboys (9) before the 2015 Pro Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

The Dallas Cowboys have a lot of wishes and wants for this offseason, but there is some reality that they must face if they want to not only improve, but stay relevant for the next few years. Tony Romo had an outstanding season, DeMarco Murray had an MVP worthy season, and the defense played better than most expected. If I were the Jones family I would want to keep as much of the offense in tact as I could and make some improvements along the defensive line, secondary, and find a back-up to Tony Romo this offseason. This may not all be possible as they will ahve to choose if they keep DeMarco or Dez Bryant.

The issues with keeping Dez is that his off the field issues seem to be something that worries the organization. DeMarco might want too much money, and what do they do at a loaded LB position? The reality is that there must be some tough choices made in terms of personnel. With such a tight salary cap this year as of now they do not look like they will be major players in the free agent market to go after a guy like Ndamukong Suh, Devin McCourty, or even Justin Houston.

More from Dallas Cowboys

• West coast, Texas coast, burnt toast: Cowboys don’t need more runs
• Brandin Cooks will change the way defenses play the Dallas Cowboys
• Why the Dallas Cowboys defensive X-Factor is EDGE Sam Williams
• Dallas Cowboys: 3 head coach options if McCarthy fails in 2023
• Dallas Cowboys: Is CB Jourdan Lewis a tradeable asset?

There are some others that the Cowboys will have to replace or try to keep as well, which makes the choices on keeping some of the bigger names even harder. Both Doug Free and Jeremy Parnell at right tackle are free agents. Which means they have no one for RT if both walk. That could mean another OL in the first two rounds. Bruce Carter and Rolando McClain are also free agents and if they Cowboys are smart they will try to keep both. On the defensive line Nick Hayden, George Selvie, and Anthony Spencer are all listed to be free agents which puts a huge dent in the depth on the DL. Let’s not forget Dez isn’t the only FA as well as Cole Beasley and Dwayne Harris are both FAs as well. Heck, what do they do with Sterling Moore? That leaves a lot of decisions that need to be made before they go into FA and draft prep.

If the Cowboys decide that they can’t keep a lot of these guys to try to get a bigger name or keep a bigger name then that changes the draft completely. It could be they go for another RT in the earlier rounds. Maybe they go RB earlier than the 3rd round as well. That leaves a gaping hole at LB and maybe DL if they are forced in a certain direction. One of the things to watch for after the combine is who they keep and who they don’t. It could tip their hand at who they like in the draft and what positions they feel are strong and weak in this draft class.

While I think they will keep some of the guys listed, it shows that keeping a good team together is harder than it looks and while they would love to keep most of the guys and improve at certain positions the money may not make that possible. Don’t be surprised if they let more go to sign bigger names that they trade around the draft to acquire more players.

What do you guys think they a. should do and b. will do and what will you be looking for come combine time in terms of positions?