The Dallas Cowboys' Blueprint for Winning Free Agency
Winning free agency isn't about signing the high-priced free agents; it is about getting the best value for each dollar spent, especially for a team like the Dallas Cowboys.
When each dollar of cap space is such a valuable commodity it is important that Dallas does their best to maximize each dollar spent. With Dez Bryant likely getting franchised, the Cowboys will have even less cap space than originally planned, therefore limiting the amount of money they can spend.
This is a big reason why the Cowboys could let DeMarco Murray walk in free agency. The fact of the matter is that there isn't any value in signing a running back to a significant contract when you can draft a running back and get slightly less success with more upside but at a drastically reduced rate.
With that being said, let's take a look at the Cowboys blueprint for success in free agency.
Re-Sign Doug Free
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With all the talk and debate about re-signing Murray and Bryant, Doug Free's future with the Cowboys has been swept under the rug. However, Free should be considered a top priority for the Cowboys this offseason.
Free is the unquestioned leader of the offensive line and one of its most valuable commodities. While people were focused, and rightfully so, on the dominance of Zack Martin and Tyron Smith, Free quietly had a very good season himself.
In 716 offensive snaps, Free only allowed three sacks and two quarterback hits, per Pro Football Focus, which is exceptional considering the level of pass-rushers he faced throughout the season. While Free was very good in pass protection, he really excels in the run game where his movement abilities and power at the point of attack gave the Cowboys a lot of versatility with their running packages.
Free has had an inconsistent career with the Cowboys, but he looks to really be coming into his own as of late at right tackle. When you have a unit that is as young as the Cowboys offensive line, veteran presence is extremely important for it to reach its potential.
Sometime the reason a player is valuable is not easily seen, because of Free's locker-room leadership and solid play on the field, the Cowboys need to bring him back for this year and beyond.
Re-Sign Rolando McClain
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The tone-setter of a defense is someone who provides a physical presence to the game and establishes the offense is going to have to earn every yard it gains. This player is extremely valuable because he instills a type of fear in the opposition that is not easily replaced.
Kam Chancellor does this for the Seattle Seahawks, Ndamukong Suh did this for the Detroit Lions and Rolando McClain did it for the Cowboys. McClain was not only a fantastic player who excelled in coverage, but he also excelled in run support. He established a physical presence that Dallas hadn't had for some time.
For that alone, the Cowboys should do everything in their power to re-sign McClain as he was extremely valuable to Dallas' defense last season.
Another positive side effect of McClain remaining in Dallas is that it would allow Sean Lee to move over to the "Will" linebacker position, which would in turn limit the number of times that Lee has to engage at the point of attack against offensive linemen. Since the Will 'backer is usually covered by the under tackle, it allows him to flow freely to the ball without sorting through the trash that the "Mike" linebacker has to endure.
This would highlight Lee's instincts and athletic ability and allow him to be a true playmaker, while McClain sets the tone for the defense as the Mike 'backer.
Not only should McClain be re-signed because of his incredible ability on the field but because it will also allow Lee to be even more effective than he has been in previous years.
Sign Pernell McPhee or Brandon Graham
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It is no secret that the Cowboys need pass-rush help opposite DeMarcus Lawrence in the worst way. Dallas' lack of pass rush made the secondary look worse than it actually was and it put and will put a great deal of pressure on defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli to manufacture ways to get pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Luckily for Dallas, help could be on the way in free agency as there are numerous players who could upgrade the Cowboys' pass rush. High-prices options such as Jason Pierre-Paul or Jerry Hughes would be great in a world without a salary cap. Nevertheless, there are values to be had in the likes of Brandon Graham and Pernell McPhee.
Both players are on the precipice of becoming great edge defenders, and they won't be at the price point of a Pierre-Paul or Hughes. Now, that doesn't mean they will be cheap options as both will be looking for a raise in their new contracts, but they could be great values at what their projected future production could be.
McPhee is a player who has a ton of production as he played up and down the Baltimore Ravens' defensive line and outside linebacker positions. He could be a great chess piece for Marinelli to use as he attempts to maximize the defense's production.
Graham is a fantastic pass-rusher who consistently provides pressure, while holding up well against the run. He has the speed to threaten the edge and the power to win in tight quarters.
If the Cowboys are serious about improving their defense this offseason, McPhee and Graham should be at the top of their list when free agency begins on March 10.
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Sign Kendall Langford
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An underrated need for the Cowboys is to find a solid under tackle (3-technique defensive tackle), who can rotate with Tyrone Crawford throughout the game. Crawford proved this season that he is an excellent under tackle in the Cowboys' defensive scheme, but he does need breathers throughout the game.
One player whom the Cowboys should consider to fill that hole is former St. Louis Rams defensive tackle Kendall Langford. While he isn't a special player, he will likely be cheap and could provide great depth to the Cowboys defensive line.
Langford is a solid, but unspectacular, defensive tackle, who is good against the run and pass. Much in the same way the Cowboys signed Terrell McClain and Jeremy Mincey last offseason, Langford could prove to be a great value if he is acquired.
Signing Langford isn't going to make many headlines, but these are the types of moves that Super Bowl-caliber teams make to provide depth to the roster.
Sign Charles Tillman
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Another player who could be a great value in the free-agent market is Charles "Peanut" Tillman. The Cowboys have a need a cornerback with the uncertainty surrounding Brandon Carr's and Sterling Moore's future with the team.
If the Cowboys do part ways with one or both of these players, Tillman could be a great bridge player for the Cowboys as they look to get younger through the draft or the development of a player like Tyler Patmon.
Tillman is very familiar with Marinelli's scheme as he played with him while Marinelli served as the Chicago Bears' defensive coordinator from 2010-2012.
Tillman is a player who is extremely adept in zone coverage as he has extensive knowledge of route combinations and spacing in zone concepts. Combine that with his incredible ball skills and you have a great fit with Dallas.
Tillman would also give the Cowboys another veteran presence who could help players like Patmon or even Morris Claiborne reach their potential.
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