[Editor's note: This preview was originally published on Feb. 23, 2017, and updated on March 6 to reflect changes in the market do to franchise tags, re-signings, cuts, etc.]
What you need to know
Coming off their No. 1 seed and Divisional Round exit, the Dallas Cowboys front office will have their work cut out for them. Their recent restructuring of contracts helped, and if quarterback Tony Romo gets cut, then they could come close to eight-figures in cap space. Still, that’s not a lot of room to work with to try to sign any of their own players they wish to keep, account for their incoming rookie class, and potentially look at outside free agents.
Salary cap room
$3,352,937 (32nd in NFL; as of 3/6/17)
Biggest needs
- Defensive end
- Cornerback
- Wide receiver
- Defensive tackle
Notable free agents
- Barry Church, S, 86.2 overall grade in 2016
- Morris Claiborne, CB, 84.9
- Ronald Leary, G, 81.8
- J.J. Wilcox, S, 81.6
- Brandon Carr, CB, 75.3
- Terrance Williams, WR, 74.1
- Jack Crawford, Edge, 40.2
Must re-sign
Barry Church, S, 86.2 overall grade in 2016
Calling any of the Cowboys’ free agents ‘must re-signs’ is probably a stretch, but the one who is best to consider is safety Barry Church. He has slowly improved in coverage and cut down on his missed tackles last year, while always being an astute run defender. His price tag also shouldn’t be too high, compared to someone like Mo Claiborne, where another team may consider spending big money.
Dream splash signing
A.J. Bouye, CB, 90.9 overall grade in 2016
The Cowboys don’t have the cap space, but they could use an upgrade at cornerback with their pending free agents. Brandon Carr has been sufficient, but hasn’t earned an above-average coverage grade since 2012, and Morris Claiborne continues to have injury issues around limited spots of good play. Bouye has the potential to become a No. 1 cornerback after a stellar season that featured a 50.5 completion percentage and 58.5 passer rating into his coverage last year.
Top 2017 free agency prospects
DeMarcus Ware, Edge, Denver Broncos, 77.4
A reunion between Ware and the Cowboys shouldn’t be out of the question. At this point, he would really just be a situational pass-rusher, where Dallas definitely needs some help. Ware would have to be willing to sign a team-friendly or incentive-laden deal, but at the right price, he would be worth signing.
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