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Dallas Cowboys Free Agency: Who Is On the Radar

By Daniel Ruppert

Jan 3, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) shakes hands with Dallas Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett after the game at AT&T Stadium. The Redskins defeat the Cowboys 34-23. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) shakes hands with Dallas Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett after the game at AT&T Stadium. The Redskins defeat the Cowboys 34-23. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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With the Dallas Cowboys focusing on the offseason, the question should be, “Who is on the radar in free agency?”

As painful as this season was for the Dallas Cowboys, it was certainly a learning experience on what is missing from the team and where they need to focus in free agency and the draft. As of this article the Cowboys have about $11m in cap room, and with a few restructures there could be more. But with all the needs on this team there are some players they should have on the radar in free agency.

First, the glaring problem on this team was at quarterback once starting quarterback Tony Romo went down. With all of the talk about the Cowboys selecting a young quarterback in the draft, there is still a huge hole in terms of backup and who can step in immediately if Romo should go down again.

Some of the names mentioned so far have been Robert Griffin III and Johnny Manziel. However, there are a ton of backup free agents and if the Cowboys decide to save a little. A name like Matt Schaub could be heard if the Cowboys go the cheaper route.

With a really weak secondary draft, the Cowboys could look to upgrade a position or two through free agency. There are some immediate upgrades currently expected to hit the market and if they aren’t resigned by their teams, look for these names to be mentioned.

Josh Norman the cornerback from the Carolina Panthers, Eric Berry the safety from Kansas City, Janoris Jenkins the cornerback from St. Louis, and Eric Weddle the safety from the San Diego Chargers. The Cowboys probably can’t get more than one or two of these guys, but any of them would be an instant upgrade the Cowboys need.

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Another area of weakness this season was the pass rush. If they don’t bring back Greg Hardy, Malik Jackson could be brought in to add a pass rushing element to the interior of the line. This would help the overall pass rush and Jackson is still young and just starting to peak. Another name that could be dropped is Mike Daniels the defensive end from Green Bay. If you haven’t seen Daniels play, I would suggest looking him up.

The Cowboys had Darren McFadden rush for over 1,000 yards this season, and both he and Lance Dunbar are expected to be back in 2016. If the Cowboys plan to go running back in the draft, this won’t be as much of a focus as many think in free agency. However, if somehow Dunbar isn’t brought back, Lamar Miller and Alfred Morris should be available. It will all depend on the draft and how the Cowboys view the running back position.

The biggest place the Dallas Cowboys could make a splash in free agency is at receiver. When wide receiver Dez Bryant went down, it was obvious that beyond Cole Beasley, no wide receivers could get open. Terrance Williams has been disappointing and it would not surprise me if the Cowboys either trade Williams or find another starting option.

The biggest name on the market looks to be Alshon Jeffery. While there are other names out there like Rishard Matthews, Jeffery would be the prized catch.

Next: Dallas Cowboys: Rolando McClain is Replaceable

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While it is unsure how the Cowboys will evaluate their roster and the draft, it should come as no surprise if Jerry Jones decides to make some kind of splash in free agency. More will become clear in the upcoming months, but for now it is time to start talking about different directions for the Dallas Cowboys. Soon, talk of the draft will overtake all conversation, but for now, turning to look at free agency might give a clearer picture about the draft when that time comes.

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