2012 NFL Rumors: Dallas Cowboys Are the Favorites To Sign an Elite Corner Back

The NFL free agency period is set to begin in a few weeks, but the speculation is already beginning regarding the Dallas Cowboys and Detroit Lions.

The Cowboys and are expected to be in contention for corner backs Brandon Carr and Cortland Finnegan.

Jerry Jones came up short on the opportunity to sign All-Pro corner back Nnamdi Asomugha. As a result, the secondary was arguably the downfall of another collapse by "America's Team."

It seems evident that Jones will capitalize on the opportunity to sign one of the elite corner backs.

Tony Pauline, a draft analyst for SI.com, has heard that the Cowboys will be expected to sign Chiefs corner back Brandon Carr.

"Teams in Indianapolis fully Brandon Carr will end up a member of the Dallas Cowboys via free agency," he said.

However, don't rule out the possibility that Cortland Finnegan could join the Cowboys for the next few seasons. Contract talks are reportedly "far apart" between Finnegan and the Tennessee Titans. This wouldn't be the first time that the Titans let their best defensive player hit the open market.

The Cowboys would be silly to pass up on the opportunity to sign one of these corner backs if the salary cap permits it. Rob Ryan's defensive scheme is executed best when a reliable corner back is on the field at all times.

Jones will be allowed to use the draft to address the offensive line situation, which has been another concern for the last few seasons.

With the NFC East division race proving to be unpredictable every season, the Cowboys could finally seize the opportunity to be a contender in the NFC.

Matt Miselis covers the NFL for BleacherReport.com. Follow him on Twitter