6 Dallas Cowboys Who Deserve Long-Term Extensions

The Dallas Cowboys have a number of players on their payroll who deserve new contracts, whether it's a player who is playing out the last year of his contract or a guy who deserves an extension but isn't on the Cowboys list of priorities.

Each team has that one player who most fans would love to see receive a new contract, but management does not see that view.

We are going to take a look at a few players for the Cowboys who merit new money. These are players who have played their way into a new contract situation but have not been recognized.

Here are six players who deserve long-term contract extensions from team owner Jerry Jones.

Phil Costa, Center

Costa's contract expires at the end of the 2012 season, and I believe he's in line for an extension or a new deal once his expires. Now that is completely contingent upon how he plays this year, but I do not believe the Cowboys want to draft a new center.

There will be a battle between Costa and center Kevin Kowalski to see who gets the starting job.

Costa may not be the man who will become the next, great offensive lineman in Cowboys history. However, I believe he's starter quality and worst case scenario, he's a backup. What is the harm in having a solid, backup center on the payroll for the next few seasons?

Sean Lee, Linebacker

This one is a no-brainer. Well, at least to me it is. Lee is becoming one of the team's best defensive options and deserves to be paid like one.

In 2011, Lee led the team in tackles as he totaled 105. He's still playing under his rookie deal and his contract expires in 2013. His total contract is $6 million and he deserves more money.

Lee will surely have a new deal in place soon, but until that day comes, hopefully Jones will extend him during the season.

Mike Jenkins, Cornerback

Jenkins made the Pro Bowl in 2009, tanked in 2010 and was injured in 2011. He played very well when he was on the field last season, but most cannot see past the numerous injuries.

Jenkins is a solid cornerback and pairing him with Brandon Carr and hopefully a concrete safety in the draft will made the Cowboys secondary formidable.

Jenkins deserves a new deal because he has earned it. He was the team's best cornerback last season and because of that he should be rewarded with new money. His deal runs out this year and before the season is out, he should have a new contract.

Victor Butler, Defensive End

Butler was supposed to have a breakout season in 2011, it just didn't turn out that way. He only had 23 tackles and did not "pop" like the team thought he would.

Butler is only in his third season and still has time to develop. I believe he's going to be good, how good depends on Mr. Butler.

While he figures that out and defensive coordinator Rob Ryan figures out how to properly use him, Butler should receive a new deal. He signed a four-year, $2 million contract that runs out in 2012.

He deserves an extension for play and peace of mind. He's worth it, isn't he?

Felix Jones, Running Back

I cringe at this one a little because Jones is a running back and they are a dime a dozen. He's good at his craft and has proven himself worthy for the Cowboys.

He should be a fantastic Robin to DeMarco Murray's Batman. If Murray goes down with an injury and Jones has to fill in, Dallas can't do much better with a backup like Jones.

Because of his worth and his play on the field, Jones should be rewarded with a long-term extension.

John Phillips, Tight End

Phillips is the team's No. 2 tight end now that Martellus Bennett is gone to the Giants. He seemed ready to break out a couple of years ago, but then he blew out his knee.

I still believe that he can contribute and become a serious threat at tight end. That should be proven this season. It should also be noted that we haven't seen much of Phillips lately, so that may say something about how the team feels about him.

Phillips is good, his deal runs out in 2012 and a new extension shouldn't be removed from the table. Even a three-year deal around $4 million won't break the Cowboys bank.