Dallas Cowboys: Latest Free-Agency News and Rumors

With the draft process in full swing, the Dallas Cowboys must also turn their attention to the free-agency period that officially beings March 10. 

The Cowboys have shown that their philosophy in free agency is to find good values that fill needs, which accomplishes two things.

First, they don't use a ton of their salary cap on one or two players, which gives them more flexibility to re-sign or extend their own players. Second, it allows them to go into the draft without a major need, so that they don't feel compelled to draft a particular position.

The first priority for Dallas will be to re-sign a select amount of its impending free agents. After that, the team can make a plan of attack and figure out which free agents it wants to pursue.

Now, let's take a look at some of rumors surrounding the Cowboys as free agency nears.

Jerry Jones Wants DeMarco Murray Back

Brandon Wade/Associated Press

DeMarco Murray's impending free agency has been a hot topic around Dallas since the Cowboys were bounced out of the playoffs in January. Some people question if Murray can continue to produce at the same level as last year, and others believe he is young enough to be able to bounce back from the heavy workload and be just fine.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is a part of the latter, as he would like to bring back Murray per DallasCowboys.com's David Helman:

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'We want DeMarco enough that I’ve got some serious flexibility in my bracket,' he said.

It seems unlikely that Murray would agree to a new contract before the start of free agency on March 10. As one of the NFL’s most high-profile free agents, he might be able to secure a deal that even Jones’ flexibility can’t compete with. His own comments seem to indicate that, given their salary cap space, there is a limit on what the Cowboys can do.

'There’s no question that Murray is an outstanding football player in my mind,' Jones said. 'Our wish is to work something out and we’re going to strive to do that to the extent that we can.'

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The key to this situation is how much money Jones is willing to give to retain Murray's services. It is easy to say he wants him back, but if Jones isn't willing to spend much capital then it is all for not.

If you could guarantee that Murray would be as good as he was last year for the next two to three seasons, it would be a no-brainer to bring him back. However, it is nearly impossible to say that—given the history of running backs coming off a huge workload like Murray has had.

Murray was very good in 2014, but the Cowboys can't afford to overpay for past production. In fact, their best option might be to let him walk.

Cowboys Haven't Talked with Dez Bryant's New Agent

Colin Young-Wolff/Associated Press

One would think that with Dez Bryant's impending free agency, the Cowboys would have already had serious contract negotiations with Bryant's new agents. However, Jerry Jones said that hasn't happened per DallasCowboys.com's David Helman:

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Since Dez changed agents we haven’t had timely or substantive negotiations. We thought we had something in the middle of the season, early part of the season. That didn’t work out. That’s not a criticism. It just didn’t work out. So from the standpoint from where we are there, we’ll just see.

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This is an interesting development, especially considering the rumors of a video showing Bryant doing something he shouldn't, per Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio. Could part of the reason there hasn't been negotiations be because the Cowboys are waiting to see how the situation plays itself out? The answer to that question is unclear.

If nothing changes between now and free agency, the Cowboys will almost assuredly put the franchise tag on Bryant and then try to hammer out an extension. Unless, the video is real and Bryant did something really bad, he isn't leaving Dallas for a very long time.

Cowboys Will Look to Improve Defense Throughout Offseason

Matt Rourke/Associated Press

The Cowboys have spent a significant amount of resources on offense the last few offseasons, but now it appears they will turn their attention to improving the defense, per ESPNDallas.com's Todd Archer:

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'It goes without saying we are weighted towards the defense,' executive vice president Stephen Jones said. 

The Cowboys need help at all three levels. They have free agents along the defensive line in Henry Melton, Anthony Spencer, George Selvie and Nick Hayden. They have free agents at linebacker in Rolando McClain, Justin Durant and Bruce Carter. They have uncertainty in the secondary, especially at cornerback. 

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Luckily for Dallas, the team will have opportunities to improve the defense through free agency. Players like Adrian Clayborn, Brandon Graham, Charles Tillman and Chris Culliver are all potential targets who can be had without breaking the bank—and will improve the defense. 

Everyone knows the Cowboys need help along the defensive line, especially at defensive end, so you can almost guarantee they will be players in the defensive-end market. 

Furthermore, look for Dallas to bring in some low-priced veterans who can help bridge the gap and occupy the position until the Cowboys can develop or acquire a younger replacement.

Defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli did a fantastic job last year with subpar talent; it is time to give him some reinforcements and see what he can really do.

McClain and Durant Are Favorites to Come Back

Matt Rourke/Associated Press

The Cowboys have decisions to make at linebacker. Rolando McClain, Justin Durant and Bruce Carter are all free agents and want the opportunity to start. Therefore, it is likely the Cowboys can only bring back two at the most.

Durant and McClain seem to be the two favorites to return, per ESPNDallas.com's Todd Archer: 

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When the Cowboys talked casually about their free agent linebackers, they always mentioned Rolando McClain and Justin Durant. They needed to be prompted to bring up Bruce Carter. I wonder if that was not by accident. Carter led the Cowboys in interceptions. He played his best football down the stretch of the season but was inconsistent for much of his time with the Cowboys. Some team will be willing to pay Carter much more than the Cowboys want to pay Carter. If they believe his best spot is at strong-side linebacker then they will not go very high to keep him since that is a two-down linebacker spot mostly.

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Rolando McClain was a leader and the tone setter for the Dallas defense throughout the season; it is a no-brainer that he would be a top priority. However, choosing between Carter and Durant is difficult.

Carter made some huge plays for the defense, but he was also wildly inconsistent. Durant was much more consistent, but his has significant injury concerns.

The reason the Cowboys might be more willing to retain Durant is the fact that he is the cheaper option. He doesn't have the flashy stats like Carter does with interceptions, and he is coming off a season-ending injury—both recipes for a cheap contract.

The Cowboys need consistency more than they need an inconsistent playmaker, and that is why Durant is the best bet to be re-signed over Carter.