What Do The Dallas Cowboys Really Need

Feb 5, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback

looks on during the second half of an NCAA basketball game between the Southern Methodist Mustangs and Cincinnati Bearcats at Moody Coliseum. Cincinnati won 62-54. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports

For the Dallas Cowboys it is that time of the year. It is the time of the year just before free agency and the draft that teams must evaluate what they need, and the Dallas Cowboys are no different. With the cap numbers coming out and the franchise tagging being done, it is time for teams to assess their needs and how much money they have to fill them. With the tagging of Dez Byrant, the potential signing of Cole Beasley, and allowing players like DeMarco Murray to test free agency there are some needs as well as some “it will be nice ifs.”

First, the Dallas Cowboys are actually under the cap for the first time in a while. I am pretty sure they will work on contract restructures on Tony Romo, Brandon Carr, Jason Witten, and Tyron Smith. This should free up enough cap space to sign not only some of their free agents like Doug Free or even maybe even Rolando McClain. Even if they have to let someone like Anthony Spencer walk, they should have enough money to fill a few spots in free agency if they don’t try to overspend on a guy like Suh.

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So even if the Cowboys are able to fill a few holes and resign some free agents there are still some needs on this team. If Dwayne Harris walks there will be a need at kick returner. This could be either a running back or wide receiver, but if Harris walks and Murray doesn’t come back then they will need one of each anyway. On offense the true needs list is much shorter than on defense.

1. Running Back – If Murray doesn’t come back and Randle not being around there is a huge hole at RB. Sure they currently have Lance Dunbar and Ryan Williams, but there will most certainly need one more.

2. Backup QB – I, like many, am not sold on Brandon Weeden. Now, we are not sure what the progression of Dustin Vaughn will be, but there is a need for someone to backup Tony Romo.

3. Guard/Tackle – I know the Cowboys had a really good line last year, but with Doug Free and Jeremy Parnell both free agents right now this leaves a gap on the line that will have to be addressed. This could be had in free agency for a cheaper price than some other positions.

4. WR/Kick Returner – If Harris does leave this will be a later round pick that will get filled, but it is still a pick and a need.

On defense there is a longer list of needs and much of it depends on who they are able to resign and who they are able to restructure and go after in free agency. The linebacking corps is looking weak at this moment considering it was a strength last season. With Justin Durant, Bruce Carter, and Rolando McClain all free agents and sadly Sean Lee‘s injury history this might be where the most work done in the offseason is. But, there is also a great need on the defensive line. My guess is they will resign some of the guys, but most of the holes will be filled via the draft.

1. Linebackers – There may not be many bodies here, I think they will resign some of the players, but this could be a draft target.

2. Defensive Line – With so many people leaving and the lack of pass rush last year this might be the top priority in free agency, but this draft is pretty good for the line and it might be the first round target.

3. CB – With Orlando Scandrick being perhaps the best CB on the team and the need to restructure Brandon Carr and not knowing what is up with Morris Claiborne, this could be a huge need.

4. Safety – Yup, just about everything on defense could use an upgrade, but this might be one of those it will be nice if situations due to money and other pressing needs.

The only spot on special teams might be a long snapper and a punter to compete with the current starters. I mentioned the kick returner, but I added that to the offensive side of the ball. It will be interesting to see how the Cowboys address the needs, who they resign, go after, and draft. Next week we will look at some potential targets in FA and the draft.