The Dallas Cowboys' Definitive Offseason Shopping List

The Dallas Cowboys had to sit back and watch the New York Giants win Super Bowl 46 and realize two things: They need a definitive pass rush and an effective secondary.

The Cowboys currently have neither of the two. The team's pass rush is a one man wrecking ball in linebacker DeMarcus Ware, and we know of the issues in the secondary.

How can Dallas fix these issues? Is it through the draft? Maybe free agency? Trades or cuts? The only thing we know for sure is that the Cowboys need help on both sides of the ball. We just aren't sure how the team will go about addressing those issues.

Well, before we take off down the road of possibilities, we should look at a list of players who should most definitely appear on the team's potential free agency list. 

Defense

Cortland Finnegan, CB

Finnegan has a reputation for being dirty, but that is something the Cowboys can use. He's tough, scrappy, mouthy and knows how to hit. He can play the run and get physical against receivers when he needs to.

Finnegan is looking for a long-term deal, and he is young enough to give Dallas a good five-year run. I think his name should appear at the top of the Cowboys list.

Ronde Barber, CB

Barber may just retire if the Bucs decide not to bring him back. He's old—he's been in the league for 15 years, but he is a solid veteran.

If Dallas can convince him to bring his talents to the Cowboys for the next two years, then I believe he would serve them yet.

Anthony Spencer, LB

I'm not big on Spencer, but he's solid at his position and Dallas is light at the linebacker position. He will not bring 10 sacks per season, but he has his bursts and the Cowboys cannot afford to lose him.

The team has no depth at the position and needs to keep him for that purpose alone.

Rocky McIntosh, ILB

The Redskins have first dibs on him, but if they decide to let him walk then I believe Dallas should make a pitch for him.

He will not start for the Cowboys, but he will be good in situational downs, nickel and for depth. He may come cheap, and he's good for at least 70 tackles.

Antonio Garay, NT

He's 320 pounds and a true nose tackle. By going after a player like Garay, or a nose tackle in the draft, the Cowboys can move Jay Ratliff to defensive end.

Garay can clog up the middle and the Cowboys shouldn't lose a step by shifting Ratliff. This is the season that Dallas should move the raging Ratliff to the outside. 

Offense

Carl Nicks, OG

Nicks has expressed interest in going back to the Saints, but that doesn't mean he will go back. Nicks is 26 years old and one of the best guards in the league today. He's durable, stout, physical and young.

Team owner Jerry Jones should put the full-court press on Mr. Nicks to try and persuade him to come to Dallas.

Trai Essex, OG

Essex isn't a starter—well at least not anymore—but he is a solid player. He started all 16 games for the Steelers back in 2009 and has come off the bench for the past two seasons.

He is still a fairly young player who will add toughness and depth to the Cowboys offensive line.

Laurent Robinson, WR

Robinson should be second on this list. He has amazing chemistry with quarterback Tony Romo and is the type of player the Cowboys cannot afford to lose.

He should be affordable, but honestly, most of all, he fits well in the Cowboys locker room and perfectly in the team's offense. Mr. Jones, re-sign this man.