Cowboys Free Agency: Veteran Targets to Follow

Here are a few affordable veteran players to watch in free agency. They may be just what the Dallas Cowboys need…

With so many internal free agents, the Dallas Cowboys have needs aplenty. Starting positions are available as are valuable backup roles. As such, the Cowboys are expected to be fairly active in the free agent market.

Contrary to popular belief, the Dallas Cowboys are going to be active this offseason. They simply have too many roster holes to rely solely on the draft. Additionally, the Dallas Cowboys pride themselves on choosing the best player available come what draft day. In order to do that, the Cowboys cannot enter the draft weekend desperate to fill certain roster holes.

As we discussed last week, the Cowboys make it a point to turn their “needs” into “wants” by finding affordable solutions on the free agent market. That way they are neither desperate to fill roster holes on draft day, nor are they so financially committed that they feel obligated to avoid a position on draft day.

The Dallas Cowboys free agency strategy works harmoniously with their drafting philosophy of drafting the best player available.

This offseason the Cowboys have three position groups of particular need:

Receiver
Defensive Back
Defensive End

Receiver

Even with the re-signing of Brice Butler, the Dallas Cowboys have clear openings in the receiving corps. Terrance Williams, the starter opposite Dez Bryant, is likely to depart, meaning the Cowboys have a starting position available.

The high priced veterans are sure to disappear today, but luckily for the Cowboys, high priced receivers are not of particular interest. The Cowboys need a receiver to play the “Z” spot as the offenses fourth passing option. He needs to be able to block, stretch the field deep, and stay patient.

Here are three receivers we have highlighted as good fits on the Cowboys:

Defensive Back

The Dallas Cowboys need to address defensive back more than any other area on the team. With so many internal free agents, they could find themselves replacing as many as three starting positions this offseason.

The Cowboys aren’t going to spend big at cornerback or safety. They’ve been burned before and would rather cultivate their own talent by means of the draft. But with so many needs, they need to find affordable veterans to alleviate the aforementioned desperation.

Here are three defensive back targets that would fit the budget:

Defensive End

The Cowboys relied on a steady rotation of players to rush the passer in 2016. But when facing the NFL’s better offensive lines, the Cowboys’ pass-rush failed to get pressure. Finding a “war daddy” is important to the Cowboys but it’s unlikely one will be available at pick number 28.

Next: 3 Affordable Free Agent Pass-Rushers

If the Dallas Cowboys can find an affordable pass-rusher to play a situational role, they could assure themselves of an upgrade even before the draft. All while leaving a window open during the draft.

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