Dallas Cowboys

Dallas Cowboys impending free agents and top team needs

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 7:53 p.m. ET

Fansided, Erik Lambert/FanSided via NFL Mocks

The Dallas Cowboys had the second-best record in the NFL in 2016. They seem set up for years to come, but that depends on what happens this off-season.

This team is far from perfect and it showed in their heartbreaking loss to the Green Bay Packers. There is still so much work for them to do. Not to mention having to navigate free agency with extremely limited money to spend. They will have to pick and choose very carefully which players they hope to keep. Then it will be about how many of their needs they can address.

Brandon Carr, CB

He never became the lock down cornerback the Cowboys were hoping for when they signed him a big contract back in 2012. All told Brandon Carr has seven interceptions in five seasons for them. Even so one thing could be said of his time there. He never missed a single game. There is something to say for stability in this league. Still Carr will turn 31-years old this coming May and had just one interception in his past two years. Odds are he’s not coming back.

Morris Claiborne, CB

It really has been one disappointment after another for Morris Claiborne. He came into the league with such promise. Dallas even traded up for him in the draft. Unfortunately erratic plays and persistent injury problems combined to form a mediocre career. He’s only played in 18 games the past two seasons and boasts a total of four career interceptions. Perhaps a fresh start is what he needs more than anything because he’s exhausted too many opportunities.

Ron Leary, OG

He may have been a backup most of the past two years, but that’s only in title. Ron Leary is a solid NFL guard. He stepped right in when La’El Collins got injured and the Cowboys offensive line didn’t miss a beat. He’s still under 30-years old and has no health concerns. Of course Dallas would love to keep him but with Collins due back that doesn’t look possible. Leary will want to join a team that can pay him more money but also let him play.

Aug 13, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Terrance Williams (83) points during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

Barry Church, LB

One of the quiet members of the defense. Barry Church rarely gets any credit but he has been a steady presence on the back end of that secondary, doing the dirty work. He finished with 85 tackles, two interceptions and a forced fumble in 12 games this past season. His primary value is as a tackler and run defense. Put him down in the box and he’ll be a big help. At 28-years old he still has some good years ahead of him. It’s unclear if that will be in Dallas.

Terrance Williams, WR

He may not be a superstar like Dez Bryant or the elusive slot option like Cole Beasley, but Terrance Williams had his own value in the Cowboys offense. He was always that quality #2 or #3 target that was good for two or three meaningful catches a game. His 2016 season was more down than usual but there is no reason to think he can’t still provide consistent production. It’s a matter of whether people can forgive him for some notable mistakes.

Darren McFadden, RB

Ezekiel Elliott may have established himself as one of the best running backs in the league, but every team knows there is a vital need for depth in this league. Darren McFadden did rush for 1,000 yards in 2015 for them. Then again he received very few carries this past year. He may wish to move on to another team that might give him a chance to play. He’ll be turning 30-years old though, so that will make it an interesting challenge.

Oct 2, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA;Dallas Cowboys safety J.J. Wilcox (right) breaks up a pass for San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jeremy Kerley (17) during the fourth quarter at Levi’s Stadium. The Dallas Cowboys won 24-17. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

Gavin Escobar, TE

Year after year Jason Witten has remained a model of consistency for the Cowboys. He’ll be in the Hall of Fame one day. Unfortunately for Gavin Escobar that’s made it difficult to get on the field. The former 2nd round pick has gotten little action since being drafted in 2013. He only has 30 catches in four seasons. If he wants more, he can’t afford to wait for Witten to retire. It’s hard to envision him returning.

J.J. Wilcox, S

The self-appointed enforcer of the Dallas secondary. J.J. Wilcox may not be flashy but the man sure knows how to level a ball carrier when given a clear opportunity. His not known for making a ton of big plays but he’s steady and reliable. Of the defensive players on their list this is one the Cowboys probably don’t want to let go if they can help it. His physical presence has an impact.

Jack Crawford, DE

Finding able pass rusher has really been a chore for this team over the past couple years. Something always seems to go wrong. Jack Crawford has really tried to step up and fill that void. He’s a try-hard defensive end who provides depth and decent production as a rotational player. He’ll never be the primary pass rusher but has a role to play on the team.

Other Free Agents:

Next: Needs

Top Team Needs

1. Cornerback

The pass coverage wasn’t all that great most of 2016 as it stands. Now the Cowboys are set to lose three cornerbacks to free agency. Even if they re-sign a couple of them, this is a group that is still in need of a serious boost. One does not contend for Super Bowls with the 26th-ranked pass defense. Thankfully the 2017 draft seems ready to supply them with quality talent.

More from NFL Mocks

2. Defensive End

As stated earlier this franchise has struggled to locate a definitive pass rusher on the edge. So much in fact they’ve been trying players with less-than-ideal backgrounds like Greg Hardy and Randy Gregory. They finished with just 36 sacks on the year with no player having more than five. That isn’t going to cut it in an NFC East loaded with quality quarterbacks.

3. Linebacker

Sean Lee was outstanding for the Cowboys this past season. One of the really underrated linebackers in the league. His stats don’t even begin to tell the story. Anthony Hitchens also played a decent role in the middle as both a tackler and blitzer. Beyond them? The cupboard is rather bare at the position. In a 4-3 linebackers are expected to do a lot. More help is required. Perhaps Jaylon Smith will provide it, but that’s far from a guarantee.

4. Safety

By the look of things the Cowboys have two safeties in Church and Wilcox who are smart and physical, but lack a key ingredient. Neither of them is too adept at making impact plays, particularly interceptions. What this defense needs is a true center fielder type who can roam the back end looking for takeaway opportunities.

5. Tight End

Witten is still aging and Escobar is set to leave. The lingering danger at tight end isn’t about to go away. Dallas still needs to think about adding young depth who can possibly become a starter down the road. The position is very important to the success of their offense. Like with safety and corner, the 2017 draft class should oblige them for finding a solution.