Roster Changes Dallas Cowboys Should Make

If the Dallas Cowboys have any shot at making the playoffs in 2012, then team owner Jerry Jones will have to make a few roster changes before the season starts. There is belief that cornerback Terence Newman will not be back in 2012. Linebackers Keith Brooking and Bradie James may be on the way out as well.

But the problems for the Cowboys do not stop with cornerbacks and linebackers. The offensive line is in need of change and added youth, and there is new life needed at the tight end position.

Before Dallas is able to move forward with plans of winning the NFC East and making the playoffs, there should be a few roster changes. Players like Abe Elam and Frank Walker are sure not to be back, so the most obvious names will not appear on this list. 

Here are seven roster changes fans should expect next season.

Terence Newman, CB

I am of the belief that Newman is as good as gone under a few conditions. The Cowboys lack depth in the defensive backfield, and cutting Newman without insurance is foolish. Dallas will probably draft a cornerback at some point, but if the team feels that keeping Newman will aid them for the season, then I say keep him.

However, if there is any feeling that keeping Newman will only hinder them for the short term, then he should be on his way out. Newman was a liability at times, but because Dallas is so bad in the secondary and lacks depth, he may end up staying for reduced pay.

Kyle Kosier, OL

I honestly like Kyle Kosier and believe that he is an asset in regards to the development of tackles Tyron Smith and Doug Free.

Kosier is getting older, and he's not as durable as he's been for Dallas in the past. There is an obvious youth movement going on up front, and parting ways with Kosier will continue that process.

It is time for new blood on the offensive line, and holding on to Kosier may show some trepidation on the part of ownership to put their full trust in the young players they have on the roster to take over.

Martellus Bennett, TE

Bennett actually saw a decline in his production in 2011. Last season, he caught 33 balls for 260 yards, and this year, he hauled in 144 yards on 17 catches. Bottom line is this: He has not proved his worth as a viable pass-catching tight end in this offense.

He's pretty good at run blocking and has the size needed to become a top-tier tight end in this league (Bennett stands at 6'6" and weighs over 265 pounds.).

It is time for Dallas to move forward without Bennett and either draft another tight end or move on to John Phillips, the other tight end on the roster.

Kevin Ogletree, WR

I was a huge Ogletree fan and thought that he would have a breakout season in 2011. He ended the season with 15 receptions for just 164 yards. Not sure if this is bad or good news, but that represents a career high for him.

He does not seem to know the offense and is not the best route runner. He has talent, but being anything better than a slot receiver may be a stretch for him.

Dallas has a viable third option in Laurent Robinson, and in my eyes, that makes Ogletree expendable.

Keith Brooking, LB

Brooking is the emotional leader of the defense. He knows how to give a speech filled with fire, but that does not translate to production on the field. He had just 50 tackles this past season in limited play and did not record a sack for the first time since 2008.

He is a great player who had a wonderful career, but it is time for Dallas to move on to a new, younger player.

Bradie James, LB

Remember when Bradie James broke the fan's sunglasses for saying that the team had no heart? That was the day after the Cowboys were embarrassed by the Eagles, 44-6.

I believe that James played for the Cowboys during the wrong time period. He has been great for Dallas and played his heart out on the field.

James had a career low for tackles as a starter in 2011, with just 44. He saw limited action as well, as his role on defense was severely reduced. Because of that, James needs to find a team who can use his services that has the chance of winning a Super Bowl.

He has great heart, great passion and great love for the game of football. It is just too bad he couldn't win anything of significance with the Cowboys.

David Buehler, K

Kicker Dan Bailey has made David Buehler expendable. Because most kickers are able to boot touchbacks now, Buehler's services are no longer needed. 

Bailey is consistent and Buehler is not. It is as simple as Bailey making field goals and Buehler not. He has a strong leg, but I believe it is safe to say that Dallas has found a field goal kicker in Dan Bailey and not David Buehler.