Dallas Cowboys Free Agency: 10 Free Agents the Cowboys Should Target in 2012

Depending on how the Cowboys finish the 2011 season will determine how the team attacks free agency next offseason. If the secondary tanks again, then team owner Jerry Jones will look to make more improvements via trading or free agency.

If the offensive line gets worse, then I’m sure Jones will blow it up and try to start over.

The defensive front will probably be a source of concern next offseason if it’s missing Marcus Spears and Igor Olshansky.

This list is contingent upon the Cowboys having an average season this year, so let's take a look at a few players the Cowboys should target next offseason.

Bob Sanders, FS

Sanders was only signed to a one year deal by the Chargers, and if he tanks and is injured again this season, then he automatically falls from the list.

But if Bob does well and shows himself to be the big play Bob we know, then Dallas should most definitely take a look at the long haired, hard hitting safety.

Sanders is a difference maker on defense, and Dallas could use a player like that on their side instead of playing against them.

If the Cowboys fail to pick-up Michael Huff this offseason, then Sanders would be a well placed option next year.

Robert Mathis, DE

Mathis will command a lot of money when he hits the open market in 2012, and plenty of teams will line up to introduce themselves.

Mathis is s staple in Indy, and I’m sure they’ll throw plenty of money at the start end when his time comes.

Dallas could most certainly benefit from the services of the three time Pro Bowler, but brother Jerry Jones will have to open us wallet to do so.

Leon Hall, CB

Hall has quietly emerged as one of the best cornerbacks in the National Football League. Hall is just one Darrelle Revis type of season away from becoming a household name, and that season may be 2011.

With Terrance Newman aging and Mike Jenkins shrouded in uncertainty, the Cowboys may be forced to throw big money at a big name cornerback to make a big splash in 2012.

Look no further than Leon Hall.

Lawrence Timmons, LB

It seems, to me at least, that the Steelers are a linebacking factory. Timmons should probably play “So Appalled” by Kanye West in his headphones before each game because of the lack of attention he reserved.

Timmons led the Steelers in tackles last season and is one of the Steelers' most consistent players.

Dallas could use a player like Timmons in terms of leadership and ability, and Jerry should have him high on his list.

D’Brickashaw Ferguson, T

I remember hearing how Ferguson would be consistent and good in the NFL but not great. He was big, strong, and talented enough to be great but he never would be.

But maybe that talk was just draft speculation, because Ferguson seems to be coming into his own in the NFL. He’s made a couple of Pro Bowls and will be at the top of the Jets list when it comes time to ink him to a new contract.

Pairing Ferguson with Tyron Smith would make the Cowboys line formidable in the rough and tough NFC East.

Aaron Smith, DE

Here’s the blowback of adding a player like Smith: He’s a better version of Marcus Spears, and Cowboys fans were ready to run Spears out of town.

He’s not flashy, his sack totals aren’t high and he won’t make Sportscenter. He’s going to stop the run and place pressure on the quarterback.

Smith has been injury plagued the past couple of season, and couple that with his age, 36, and he may not be that high on the list of many teams.

But what he stands to bring to Dallas may aid them in getting to the Super Bowl.

Reggie Nelson, S

Nelson was a huge disappointment in Jacksonville and did a little better in Cincinnati in 2010. But it seems as if Nelson’s focus and preparation fail to equal his talent.

If he has another average season in 2011, he still may find himself at the top of the list of safeties in 2012 due to the class of potential free agents.

Nelson may be a system type of player, and Dallas may be the system he’s looking for to have a breakout type of year.

Kareem McKenzie, T

Kareem is getting older, but he has been a staple for the Giants for the past 10 years.

He plays the right sidem, and if Smith doesn’t work out or if the Cowboys for some crazy reason allow Doug Free to get in the wind, then Kareem would be a freezable replacement.

If neither scenario works out, then McKenzie would be a great stop gap if there are injuries to the offensive line.

Wes Welker, WR

I don’t believe the Patriots will allow Welker to walk, but if they do, it wouldn’t surprise me.

At any rate, Welker’s quickness destroyed the Cowboys when the two teams played in 2007, and adding the concentrated firepower that is Welker to the team’s receiving corp should equal wins.

Wes is like a running back/slash receiver for the Pats, and I bet Jason Garrett would love to add a player with Walker’s ability to his arsenal.