Dallas Cowboys: Top 5 Free Agent Safeties the Boys Could Be Watching

Well, some of the bigger name safeties are now off the market. O.J. Atogwe signed with the Redskins, and Bob Sanders signed with the Chargers. There are reasons the Cowboys didn't sign either of them, not the least of which is the labor uncertainty.

It seems that the Cowboys want to wait and see how the CBA negotiations shake out, which is probably a good idea. You can be sure that certain players are on their radar this offseason though.

Here are some of the top safeties they'll be looking at if free agency ever rolls around.

Tanard Jackson

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TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 21: Safety Tanard Jackson #36 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers tackles tight end Leonard Pope #45 of the Kansas City Chiefs during a preseason game at Raymond James Stadium on August 21, 2010 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Ima

The Cowboys have brought in their share of players with off the field issues. Recently the likes of Pacman Jones and Tank Johnson have passed through the Ranch.

Jackson was suspended for all but two games in 2010 for violating the NFL's controlled substance policy. He has some problems, but he is an excellent player. In 2009 he recorded five interceptions, two of which he returned for touchdowns.

He might not be worth the risk, but he might be worth considering if worse comes to worst.

Quintin Mikell

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 09: John Kuhn #30 of the Green Bay Packers loses the ball after getting tackled by Quintin Mikell #27 of the Philadelphia Eagles during the 2011 NFC wild card playoff game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 9, 2011 in Philad

Cowboys fans are probably used to seeing Mikell in an Eagles uniform. Recently though, he expressed doubt about a return to Philly.

He is regarded as a great run-stuffing strong safety. In 2010 he had three interceptions and one forced fumble. He went to the Pro Bowl in 2009.

With Gerald Sensabaugh possibly on the way out, Mikell could step into his spot. He can also play the free safety spot, which makes him very versatile.

Brodney Pool

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PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 23: Brodney Pool #22 of the New York Jets celebrates after intercepting a pass intended for Emmanuel Sanders #88 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third quarter of the 2011 AFC Championship game at Heinz Field on January 23, 2011

Pool is very good dropping back in coverage. In the last half of the 2010 season, he didn't allow a single touchdown pass. Going eight games without giving up a touchdown is pretty impressive.

He only had one interception, but was very solid overall. He would be a safe addition to an anemic Cowboys secondary.

Eric Weddle

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DENVER, CO - JANUARY 2: Safety Eric Weddle #32 of the San Diego Chargers makes an interception on a pass intended for wide receiver Brandon Lloyd #84 of the Denver Broncos as they battle in the air with safety Steve Gregory #28 during the first quarter a

Widely considered to be the best safety of this free agent class, Weddle will be a very valuable commodity once free agency starts.

He will likely rejoin the Chargers, but there is a possibility that he could be lured away.

He is the type of safety that is never out of position and doesn't let anyone get behind him. He can call the coverages on field and doesn't make many mistakes.

He would command a high price, but is definitely worth it.

Michael Huff

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OAKLAND, CA - OCTOBER 10: Malcom Floyd #80 of the San Diego Chargers is tackled by Michael Huff #24 of the Oakland Raiders at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on October 10, 2010 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Michael Huff had a career best year in 2010. He had three interceptions, three forced fumbles and four sacks while piling up 96 tackles.

He is done with the Raiders and will be available this offseason. He is a turnover machine and is only 27. He could give the Cowboys several good years, and would be a force in Rob Ryan's defense.

He is an Arlington native, so it makes sense for him to go home and play for the Cowboys.

Labor Uncertainty

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WASHINGTON - MARCH 4: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell (2R) and others arrives for an extra day of negotiations at the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service building March 4, 2011 in Washington, DC. Representatives from the National Football League (N

Things with the CBA negotiations are still up in the air at this point. No one knows if or when free agency will begin. Several of the players on this list have been tendered by their respective teams, but we don't know what rules the new CBA will go by.

This list is simply some of the players that are likely on the Cowboys radar. However, some of these guys will be available, and it would be hard to argue that any one of them wouldn't be an upgrade for the Cowboys.