Dallas Cowboys: Who Are the Biggest Priorities in 2012 Free Agency?

The Dallas Cowboys haven't made a great deal of splashes in free agency as of late, but with around $13 million in cap space for the 2012 offseason, they could be players in the market.

They'll first have to tend to their own.

With help from Brian McIntyre of Mac's Football Blog, we get a look at the Cowboys' upcoming free agents.

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Exclusive Rights Free Agents (4)

RB Chauncey Washington
WR Jesse Holley
OT Jermey Parnell
DE Clifton Geathers

Restricted Free Agents (3)

QB Chris Greisen
FB Tony Fiammetta
WR Kevin Ogletree

Unrestricted Free Agents (11)

RB Sammy Morris
WR Laurent Robinson
TE Martellus Bennett
OG Derrick Dockery
OG Montrae Holland
LB Bradie James
LB Anthony Spencer
CB Alan Ball
CB Frank Walker
S Abram Elam
P Mat McBriar

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What does it all mean?

Laurent Robinson the Key

As one of the team's best receivers in 2011, Robinson couldn't have picked a better time to have a breakout year. He's now due to become a free agent and could make a pretty penny on the open market.

He's not likely to get the franchise tag, as that would pay him close to $9 million guaranteed in 2012.

If he is willing to take money comparable to a No. 3 wide receiver, he may stay with the Cowboys. Something tells me with numbers like what he put up in 2011, though, he could find more elsewhere. 

Martellus Bennett Running an "Out" Route?

Jason Witten will be 30 years old by the opening kickoff of the 2012 season. His career clearly isn't over yet, but the Cowboys have to be thinking of the future after him at some point. Even if not, the Cowboys may simply enjoy having two productive tight ends like what the Patriots have.

Martellus Bennett has all the potential in the world, but it just hasn't panned out for him. This piece by B/R featured columnist Gene Strothers lays it out beautifully, saying that Bennett has been too caught up in his own "brand" and not focused enough on becoming a better player first.

Whatever the reason for that may be, it may be time to bid farewell to the highly-athletic tight end.

Secondary In Focus

The Cowboys have three free agents of note in the secondary, but what they do with those free agents will be a function of how they feel about their performance. As a team, the Cowboys gave up 3,906 passing yards (23rd in the NFL) and an 88.4 passer rating to opposing quarterbacks (25th). Clearly changes are needed in the secondary and it could start with trimming some fat in the form of free agents.

Abram Elam played almost every snap for the Cowboys, but wasn't incredibly effective. The Cowboys could be looking to improve at safety in the draft. He's not a very solid cover safety, but has his role in Rob Ryan's 46 defense as an in-the-box safety. Whether the Cowboys can find a better cover safety elsewhere will ultimately play a large role in determining Elam's future.

The same goes for Alan Ball, who also didn't impress in 2012, giving up completions on 60.8 percent of targets. If the Cowboys want to make whole-sale changes in the secondary, this is the year to do it.

Make your case

Who is the biggest offseason priority for the Cowboys? Did I get it right, or am I dead wrong? Vote in the poll and make your case in the comments section below.

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