2012 NFL Free Agents: How a Reduced Cap Hurts the Dallas Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys were dealt a serious blow on Modnay as ESPN.com is reporting that the NFL will take away $10 million from the Cowboys' cap space for 2012. Dallas is expected to take a $5 million hit in 2012 and another $5 million hit in 2013.

What caused the issue is wide receiver Miles Austin's recent extension. He signed for $54 million, but the team front-loaded the contract and turned a large portion of his 2011 salary into a signing bonus. The league and the NFL Players Association had agreed not to participate in such a practice, but the Cowboys did anyway. As a result, they are being punished in the pockets.

Because of this, the Cowboys may have to release more players and take a less aggressive role in free agency. The team has their sights set on Saints guard Carl Nicks and Chiefs cornerback Brandon Carr. Due to the hit on their salary cap, Dallas may have to pass on one player.

If Dallas is forced to choose, which they were probably going to have to do in the first place, which player should the Cowboys pick?

Possible Free Agents

Brandon Carr, CB

As profiled in my Monday morning article, Carr has a monster 2011 according to the stats. Quarterbacks had a hard time completing passes to his side of the field. He’s young, only 25 years old, and can serve the Cowboys well for possibly another decade.

I have no real concerns regarding Carr besides his ability to fit in with defensive coordinator Rob Ryan’s scheme. As soon as he picks it up, he should be just fine.

For what it's worth, I believe Dallas needs help in the secondary more than anything, and adding a player like Carr could do them wonders.

Carl Nicks, G

Adding a player like Nicks can turn into a Super Bowl-worthy decision. He’s an anchor type of player who will add a new level of toughness to the Cowboys line. Dallas already has a young left tackle in Tyron Smith, and Doug Free, the right tackle, is still in his 20’s.

Placing Nicks on the line will only add protection for Romo and possibly make the running game even better.

Unfortunately for the Cowboys, he may be too pricey for them. Nicks is demanding almost $9 million per year, and the Cowboys may be willing to pay it. I agree with Dan Graziano of ESPNDallas.com, that is too much to pay for a guard. But is Nicks worth it?

In the end, the Cowboys have to do what is best for their team. Nicks is a great player and so is Carr, but which player will give them more value and will come cheaper? Nicks may be too expensive, so I believe the Cowboys should try for Carr.