Dallas Cowboys' Top Free-Agency Targets at Defensive End

Although the Dallas Cowboys will have their hands tied trying to re-sign several marquee players of their own this offseason, the front office can still bring in a few additional free agents. Jerry Jones’ focus should be on the defensive side of the ball where the team has a couple of positions to address.

The most important position has to be defensive end. This spot has grown into one of the most significant positions in the NFL based on teams relying on their front four to generate pressure consistently.

Dallas drafted DeMarcus Lawrence and signed Jeremy Mincey last year. Both will be on the roster next season. The status of Anthony Spencer and George Selvie remains unknown, as they will both become unrestricted free agents in the near future.

The Cowboys must do something in the secondary in either the draft or free agency; however, defensive end is the most crucial. Let’s take a look at some of the defensive ends available and who the Cowboys will target.

Jerry Hughes

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Jerry Hughes is only 26 years old and is coming off his two best seasons as a pro. Since signing with the Buffalo Bills in 2013, Hughes has compiled back-to-back 10-sack seasons. He also set a career high for tackles in 2014 with 53.

The defensive end is an ideal target because he’s still a young guy and has clearly entered the prime of his career. He’s also a little underrated because of the other big names along the Bills’ defensive front.

One problem in signing Hughes will be the price. Even though he’s not considered a star quite yet, his numbers speak for themselves. Hughes might be out of the Cowboys’ price range, but he’s a player to keep an eye on.

Greg Hardy

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A much more familiar name in the league is free agent Greg Hardy. The Carolina Panthers end didn’t play much this season because of off-field issues.

The former Pro Bowler was found guilty of domestic violence charges and spent the majority of the year on the commissioner’s exempt list while awaiting trial.

Although his future is uncertain, Hardy is a great football player. The end recorded 11 sacks in 2012 and another 15 in 2013.

If he didn’t have these problems outside of football, Hardy would be much too expensive for Dallas. However, with his current situation, he could be someone the Cowboys can add for a bargain.

Jason Pierre-Paul

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Another free-agent target Dallas could examine is someone all too familiar. The New York Giants’ Jason Pierre-Paul will hit the open market this offseason if the two sides don’t reach a deal.

After two consecutive disappointing seasons, JPP had a nice bounce-back campaign in his contract year. He tallied 12.5 sacks and 76 total tackles.

It will be interesting to see if the Giants try to retain their incredibly athletic defensive end. Many have criticized Pierre-Paul for being inconsistent, but will that affect his value this offseason?

Pass-rushing defensive ends are a premium in the NFL. Odds are likely that JPP cashes in on a big deal whether from New York or another team. Dallas will only be a player if it doesn’t reach a deal with either DeMarco Murray or Dez Bryant.

Brandon Graham

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Philadelphia Eagles outside linebacker Brandon Graham could also be a free agent shortly. Although he plays “linebacker” in the 3-4 defensive scheme, he could potentially be able to transition to a defensive end in the 4-3.

Graham, a first-rounder in 2010, has spent his first five years in Philadelphia. He had his best season in 2014, even with only one start under his belt. Graham had 5.5 sacks and 47 tackles.

It’s difficult to tell how much money someone like Graham will earn because his stats don’t reflect his ability. That being said, if Dallas can get him at a reasonable price, Graham would be a quality addition moving forward.

Adrian Clayborn

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Someone who will definitely be in the Cowboys’ price range is Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Adrian Clayborn. The fourth-year player from Iowa missed the 2014 season due to a biceps injury.

Despite missing two of his first four years, Clayborn has showed flashes of promise. The former first-round selection had 7.5 sacks in his rookie season along with six more and 64 tackles in 2013.

Because of his history with injuries and unproven track record, Clayborn won’t be requiring a massive contract like some of the other available ends. Similar to George Selvie and Jeremy Mincey, Clayborn could be the relatively cheap option who’s best for Dallas.