2012 NFL Free Agency: 10 Under-the-Radar Free Agents the Cowboys Should Consider

March 13th is quickly approaching, and quite frankly, it can't come fast enough. All the discussions, analytical debates and questions of whom the Cowboys will sign in free agency will be answered in the coming weeks. 

The vast majority of opinions still surround the signing of free agents like Carl Nicks, Cortland Finnegan and Paul Soliai to name a few. Each of those players would be a welcome and much-needed addition to the Cowboys roster, but what if for various reasons that plan doesn't come to fruition? The questions at that point will center around the Cowboys' backup plan—if indeed they have one. 

As much as a disappointment it would be to not sign a few impact free agents, the Cowboys would have to pick themselves off the canvas and target the next tier of players available.

So whether the Cowboys brass is thinking along those lines or not (I would hope that they would be), I've identified ten potential cap-friendly, under-the-radar free agents they should consider in an alternate-plan scenario. The criteria is based on need, position and age. 

Here are the free agents:

Samson Satele, C; Oakland Raiders, 27 Years Old

Satele is a 6'3", 300-pound center that started his career in Miami. He has good size and mobility, and has been a reliable starter for the Raiders by playing in 46 out of 48 games. 

At 27 years old, he still has room for improvement that can be aided by Bill Callahan. He could push Costa for the center spot or, in a worst-case scenario, provide competition and depth.

Mike Pollak, G/C; Indianapolis Colts, 27 Years Old

Pollak has the exact height and weight features as Satele and is versatile in the fact that he has played guard and center for the Colts. In watching some footage of Pollak, I saw a strong player who had a knack for making solid reads in protection, as was the case for Satele.  

Phillip Wheeler, OLB; Indianapolis Colts, 27 Years Old

This 6'2", 245-pound outside linebacker was credited with 121 total tackles in 2011. When I went back and looked at a few games, he showed great energy while making plays all over the field. 

Whether Spencer comes back or not, Wheeler may be someone who can come in and push Victor Butler hard. Either way, he can make a contribution to this team.

Corey Graham, CB; Chicao Bears, 27 Years Old

A 6'0", 198-pound cornerback, Graham has been a solid contributor for the Bears as a corner and a special teamer. Obviously not an elite corner, he is nonetheless is a solid tackler, has decent technique and would be a major upgrade from Ball and Walker.

He had three interceptions in 2011 for Chicago; that stat alone would've made him second on the Cowboys. With the Cowboys needing to replace multiple corners, he is a player worth considering.

Jarrett Bush, CB; Green Bay Packers, 28 Years Old

Similar in size to Graham, Bush has been a solid backup, spot starter and special teamer for the Packers, posting two interceptions and 30 tackles during 2011.

His game is very similar to Graham, and again, he would be a significant upgrade to our depth and as a starter when needed.

Tom Zbikowski, SS; Baltimore Ravens, 27 Years Old

This could be the dose of toughness we've been looking for in the last few years. 

At 5'11" and 200 pounds, Zbikowski isn't an elite athlete by any stretch, but he brings grit, tackling ability, and he plays without fear. He has a background in boxing that has been well-documented, so you can tell what kind of mentality he has.

This could be a nice addition to the Cowboys roster, as he brings much-needed intangibles.

Eric Weems, WR/KR; Atlanta Falcons, 27 Years Old

He's undersized at 5'9", but the word that comes to mind here is speed. He only had 11 receptions for 90 yards, but his value as a kick returner could provide this team with an upgrade in that department.  Still young, Weems could be developed as a slot receiver; even though the stats say otherwise, he would be an upgrade over Ogletree. 

He could be a real sleeper free agent.

David Carr, QB; NY Giants 33 years old

Obviously not every fan's dream free-agent acquisition, but let's not forget that backup quarterback is a need on this team. I would prefer Orton over Carr, but the reality is that Orton will cost more.

The Cowboys need a backup plan. There are names like Campbell and Grossman out there, but what about David Carr?

At 33 years old, his days as a starter are all but over after being a No. 1 overall draft pick by Houston years ago. After spending time with the Giants and experiencing deep playoff runs and a Super Bowl, he may be able to add some valuable insight for Romo while also serving as a decent backup.

Kahlil Bell, RB; Chicago Bears, 25 Years Old

A 5'11", 220-pound running back, Bell was called upon at times to make contributions to Chicago's running game in Matt Forte's absence due to injury.

He's a solid runner who runs strong, can hold up in pass protection and catch the ball out of the backfield. He also has some playoff experience which could boost his value. Bell could be brought in to compete for the No. 3 back and provide the Cowboys with a solid situational backup who could also be called upon in case of injury. 

Although running back isn't a huge need, I'm not sold on Tanner just quite yet. Bell is worth the consideration.

Mark Anderson, DE; New England Patriots, 29 Years Old

At 6'4" and 255 pounds, Anderson rejuvenated his career in New England after playing for the Bears. Probably a little undersized for a defensive end, but he's pretty quick off the ball and is a solid defender. Because he's a little more athletic than Kenyon Coleman, he could make for a pretty nice upgrade and provide some pressure on the quarterback as well. 

He had 10 sacks and 40 tackles for the Patriots in 2011, which is more production than we're getting currently. 

He's not a huge necessity, but he's definitely worth the look.

When free agency starts on March 13th, the Cowboys should be in attack mode. But no matter how much they are willing to spend or how aggressive they plan on being, the need for a backup plan is essential for success. If they fail to land Nicks, Finnegan or Orton, the question becomes whether or not they have a plan in place for taking the necessary steps to target second-tier free agents. 

Not only is it essential for success and their strategy, but it's on the minds of every Cowboys fan.