Dallas Cowboys: These 10 Players Should Be Targeted This Offseason

Usually when a team finishes anywhere south of .500, fans and pundits believe that it's time for a few changes to happen. Maybe release a running back here, trade for an offensive lineman there and, poof, all of the team’s problems have been resolved.

While that rarely happens in real NFL life, just ask Redskins owner Daniel Snyder. The Dallas Cowboys just may want to give it a shot this go-round. I mean, how many holes did we say the Cowboys had after, what, the first five games?

In order to address these holes, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is going to have to make a few adjustments. I believe the team can make said changes via free agency, but I also believe that Jerry should have a blue-sky list of players he wants on his squad. Of course, all of this is hypothetical until this labor mess is all sorted out.

Here are 10 players the Cowboys should go after this season.

Michael Bush, Oakland Raiders

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KANSAS CITY, MO - JANUARY 02: Running back Michael Bush #29 of the Oakland Raiders runs down field in a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on January 2, 2011 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Tim Umphrey/Getty Images)

Think I’m crazy for this one, huh?

With Marion Barber pretty much having a Cowboy boot print nuzzled nice and firm on his bottom, I still think a three-headed running back approach for the Cowboys is essential.

Bush totaled 655 rushing yards last season while backing up Darren McFadden. While this one is a major—and I do mean major—long shot, it’s a worth a look.

Johnathan Joseph, Cincinnati Bengals

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CINCINNATI - NOVEMBER 21: Fred Jackson #22 of the Buffalo Bills runs with the ball while defended by Johnathan Joseph #22 of the Cincinnati Bengals during the NFL game at Paul Brown Stadium on November 21, 2010 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Bills won 49-21.

Joseph was tendered by the Bengals earlier this month, but when the NFL Players Association and team owners decide to sit down and hash everything out, Joseph will likely become an unrestricted free agent.

If not, Cowboy Jerry and his team of rough riders need to see what it would take to bring Joseph to town. Joseph is one of the most underrated defensive backs in the league, and the Cowboys could use consistency right now.

Willie Colon, Pittsburgh Steelers

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BALTIMORE - NOVEMBER 29: Willie Colon #74 of the Pittsburgh Steelers defends against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on November 29, 2009 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Ravens defeated the Steelers 20-17. (Photo by Larry French/Getty Images)

No. 1,  he has a cool name. I mean, doesn't it sound like this guy should be doing Colt 45 commercials with a name like Willie Colon?

Anyway, it's tender season, isn’t it? Pittsburgh made a first-round tender to Colon in an effort to keep him in Steelers black. Colon’s natural position in the league has been that of a right tackle, but apparently there has been talk in Pittsburgh of moving the massive tackle to guard.

There are rumors out of Big D that current starting right tackle Marc Colombo may be cut. If so, Colon’s presence would help to steady an inconsistent offensive line.

Osi Umenyiora, New York Giants

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LANDOVER, MD - JANUARY 02: Quarterback Rex Grossman #5 of the Washington Redskins is hit by defensive end Osi Umenyiora #72 of the New York Giants at FedEx Field on January 2, 2011 in Landover, Maryland. The Giants won the game 17-14. (Photo by Win McNa

I know, this won’t happen unless Umenyiora shoots himself in the hand while cleaning his gun in the comfort of his own home and the Giants get tired of his antics.

But just think about the possibilities.

Cowboys fans would love to see someone with Umenyiora’s athletic ability coming off the edge with DeMarcus Ware. While he isn’t a Marcus Spears, he would fill seats in Jerry’s stadium and help bolster the Cowboys' defensive profile.

Tramon Williams, Green Bay

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

ARLINGTON, TX - FEBRUARY 06: Tramon Williams #38 of the Green Bay Packers muffs a punt as Sam Shields #37 and Keenan Lewis #23 of the Pittsburgh Steelers attempt to recover during Super Bowl XLV at Cowboys Stadium on February 6, 2011 in Arlington, Texas.

When a player is recognized by the almighty Football Outsiders, then you know he's legit. Williams was named one of the league’s best cover-men by the geeky football site that studies stats like the world will end today.

He has a 66-percent success rate, which, according to the Football Outsiders website, is defined as the percentage of passes that don’t manage to get at least 45 percent of needed yards on first down, 60 percent of needed yards on second down, or 100 percent of needed yards on third down.

That’s good enough for fourth best in the league. Jerry, your Cowboys need this type of production and leadership on the field.

Takeo Spikes, San Francisco 49ers

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HERTFORD, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 27: Takeo Spikes of San Francisco 49ers in a training session at The Grove Hotel on October 27, 2010 in Hertford, England. The San Francisco 49ers will meet the Denver Broncos in the NFL International Series regular-season mat

Spikes is 34 and he has been nothing short of consistent his entire career.

With the team looking to get younger at linebacker and to bring in a guy who can tackle and cover at the same time, I think that Spikes would bring a Keith Brooking-type of attitude to a Dallas defense in need of a swift kick in the coconuts.

Carlos Rogers, Washington Redskins

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JACKSONVILLE, FL - DECEMBER 26: Carlos Rogers #22 of the Washington Redskins attempts to tackle #89 Marcedes Lewis #89 of the Jacksonville Jaguars during the game at EverBank Field on December 26, 2010 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/

Rogers is a pretty solid corner and you’ll get what you need from him.

His hands are like bricks so your team won’t see many turnovers from him, but it will see many incompletes thrown around him on third down.

Shaun Rogers, New Orleans Saints

Matt Sullivan/Getty Images

CLEVELAND - NOVEMBER 28: Quarterback Jimmy Clausen #2 of the Carolina Panthers is hit by defensive lineman Shaun Rogers #92 of the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium on November 28, 2010 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Matt Sullivan/Getty Images

Homeboy has traveled to more cities than your rapper's favorite groupie.

He is a monster of a man and he can tie up at least two bodies on the offensive line. This one is a little strange because Rogers just signed with the Saints when the Cowboys had a shot to grab him as a free agent.

I’ve always liked Rogers' ability because, when he wants, he can dominate an entire line of scrimmage.

David Akers, Philadelphia Eagles

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 09: David Akers #2 of the Philadelphia Eagles misses a field goal attempt in the fourth quarter during the 2011 NFC wild card playoff game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 9, 2011 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by

Why not? The Cowboys have struggled at kicker ever since they dropped Nick Folk like Bobby did Whitney.

Akers is always consistent and the Cowboys need a guy who can provide a simple three-pointer when time expires.  

Jason Babin, Tennessee Titans

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NASHVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 03: Jason Babin #93 of the Tennessee Titans celebrates after sacking quarterback Kyle Orton #8 of the Denver Broncos during the first half at LP Field on October 3, 2010 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Im

Babin had his best year a pro in 2010, when he logged 12.5 sacks and 58 tackles.

He’s in his eighth year and on his fifth team so he’s likely to continue to travel.

Babin is a vet and he seems to have finally found his place in the league. He’ll probably come cheap for the Cowboys, and if he brings anywhere near 12 sacks to Arlington, it would be a good trade.