2012 NFL Free Agents: Why Cortland Finnegan Is Perfect Fit for Dallas Cowboys

After the witnessing the Dallas Cowboys melt down towards the end of last season, it is easy to say that the most glaring need is at cornerback.

Terence Newman looked worn down and Mike Jenkins couldn't stay healthy, as Rob Ryan's defense gave up 1,251 passing yards in the last four games of the year.

The Cowboys played their way out of the playoffs during those performances.  

With that being said, Cortland Finnegan would be a great addition to the Cowboys secondary. Here are five reasons why.  

He Is an Established Veteran

Finnegan has been one of the more feared cornerbacks in the game over the last five years. He is one of the best hitters at his position (racking up 175 tackles over the last two years), and isn't afraid to match up with the better receivers in the league.  

Both Alan Ball and Abram Elam are unrestricted free agents, so there will be spots for Finnegan to fill immediately. 

At only 28, Finnegan could establish himself as the Cowboys' No. 1 cornerback for years to come.  

He Has the Mindset a Cowboys Corner Should Have

Finnegan isn't afraid to speak his mind, which might remind some Cowboys fans of the Deion Sanders days.

If he ended up with the 'Boys, it would be best for him to remind the coaches of Sanders and not of someone like, say, Pacman Jones.  

Finnegan would surely buy into Rob Ryan's system, where his aggressive style would fit in nicely.  

He Would Get the Contract He Wants

Some are saying that the Titans will not be willing to reward Finnegan a big contract, but the Cowboys missed out in last year's free agency on Nnamdi Asomugha and Johnathan Joseph, and have hopefully learned from their mistakes.  

Dallas hasn't really made a big impact in free agency since Terrell Owens, and it may be the time and place they pay the big bucks for an established cornerback.  

Jerry Jones needs to pull the trigger on a player who can contribute instantly.  

He Is Not a Rookie

The Cowboys are likely to pick a defensive player in the first round of the draft (which they should, especially at cornerback), but that doesn't mean they shouldn't pursue other players vin free agency.  

Having a sure bet at the position is better than taking a gamble on a player who has never played on Sundays before.

Janoris Jenkins or Dre Kirkpatrick would be great fits for the Cowboys, but why not grab a free agent to pair with one of them? Rob Ryan's new secondary coach Joe Baker could use the extra help.

They Both Share a Mutual Hate for the Texans

Okay, so this one may be a little out there, as there really hasn't been enough time or history for hatred to develop between the Cowboys and Texans; they are in different conferences and have only faced each other three times. 

But Cowboys' fans should hate the Texans, as they have, year by year, slowly overtaken the Cowboys as the best team in the Lone Star State. Yes, there should be enough room for both in Texas, but the resentment will build year by year with the way things are going.  

We all know the Finnegan's feelings toward Andre Johnson and the Texans. Finnegan joining the Cowboys could indirectly effect how fans feel about both the 'Boys and the Texans.