Cowboys' Free-Agency Preview: 6 Players Dallas Must Target

We are just two days away from the start of free agency and the Dallas Cowboys have their checkbooks ready to roll. Trying to fill needs that may be missed via the draft, the Cowboys have been rumored to have interest in a number of players, including high-profile defensive end Mario Williams.

Whether the team is able to nab Williams remains to be seen, but the fact that he’s on their radar should let fans know that team owner Jerry Jones is serious about chasing a Super Bowl.

Dallas has already announced that they have no interest in free-agent quarterback Peyton Manning and will move forward with going after their specific targets.

So who should the Cowboys target? Which players are on the team’s “big board” of free agents and will they have the cash and mojo to sign them?

Before we jump to Tuesday, let’s take a look at six legitimate players the Cowboys should target.

Mario Williams, Defensive End

How great would it be for the Cowboys to acquire Williams to pair with hybrid linebacker DeMarcus Ware? Williams has 53 career sacks and seemed to be on his way to another double-digit season before being injured in 2011.

Williams is looking for money, as are all players. He says that he isn’t, but every player wants to be paid his value. Williams would cost the Cowboys upwards of $15 million, maybe, but he may be worth the cash.

Jones has said that he believes the team needs a pass rush and adding Williams would go a long way in solving that problem. 

Brandon Carr, Cornerback

Carr is very high on fans' and pundits' list for the Cowboys to sign. He had a great year in 2011 where opposing quarterbacks had a 61.7 quarterback rating against him.

He is just 25 years old and would stand to serve as an anchor for the Cowboys secondary for years to come.

Dallas needs help in the defensive backfield and adding a player like Carr would serve to their benefit.

It's just a matter of how much will he cost and will the Cowboys pay the amount? We're talking close to $50 million for his entire contract. Is he worth it?

Cortland Finnegan, Cornerback

I like Finnegan because of his physical nature and style. He'll be the brash one in the secondary and will not back down from a nasty fight. That is the type of player who will thrive in defensive coordinator's Rob Ryan system and should play well.

But he's more of an inside cover guy. He is not a very long-term solution, emphasis on very, but I cannot state enough how he would only be there for a specific time frame. At any rate, I like him and believe that he would fit very well.

I do not believe he'll end up a Cowboy, but that is based off of percentages and not fact. Here is hoping that Dallas is able to snag Carr or Finnegan.

Luis Castillo, Defensive End

The Cowboys were kind of burned by their last former Chargers defensive end with Igor Olshansky. But Castillo is a little different from Igor as he is a pass-rusher and not necessarily a run stuffer.

He's only 28 years of age and he's entering, or already in, the prime of his career.

If Dallas is unable to land a sufficient pass-rusher like Williams or a player through the draft, I believe that Castillo would be a decent add. He's not too old and has enough veteran experience to lead the Cowboys defensive line.

Carl Nicks, Guard

Nicks believes that he will not be back in Saints black and gold. The NFL’s top free agent is highly touted and will have plenty of suitors.

Honestly, I believe he should be tops on the Cowboys list. He’s young, 26 years old, and will possibly command another big contract once he signs a new one in the coming days.

The Cowboys largest concern will be the amount of money he will command on the open market. He wants a contract north of $60 million and some team will pay him that amount. I’m not sure if the Cowboys are the team that will shell out that type of dough, but they should be willing to give him a large deal.

He is an All-Pro type of guard and adding him to a line with Tyron Smith and Doug Free would make them one of the best in the NFL. 

Laurent Robinson, Wide Receiver

Honestly, this one requires little thought. He was the team's best receiver down the stretch last year and Dallas couldn't have survived without his on-the-field leadership.

He is a great player and seems to have the most chemistry with Romo behind tight end Jason Witten and wide receiver Miles Austin.

Dallas needs him and should do everything in their power to keep him.