Dallas Cowboys: 5 Remaining Free Agents the Cowboys Need to Sign

Now that free agent safeties Abram Elam and Gerald Sensabaugh have signed with the Dallas Cowboys, cheerleaders will no longer be needed for secondary depth.

It’s about time owner Jerry Jones and the Cowboys began to show some life in this so-called “free agent frenzy.”

Even typical free agency zombies like the Indianapolis Colts and Pittsburgh Steelers have been more active than Big Blue, leaving fans to wonder what happened to Jerry’s deep pockets and aggressive mentality.

The good news? Despite the lack of initiative in the early going, Dallas can catch up to the rest of the NFC East with five bargain pieces in the leftovers of free agency. 

Mark Clayton

When he was traded to the Rams, Clayton played his tail off, put up some impressive numbers and eventually became the top receiver for Sam Bradford until his injury.

The Cowboys could really use a solid, speedy slot receiver. Beyond Dez Bryant and Miles Austin, the receiving corps for Tony Romo and the offense is made up of rookies and inexperience.

At this point, it would be easy for Dallas to sign Clayton to a cheap contract and receive a huge payoff—a reliable backup for Austin and Bryant and a serviceable slot receiver.

Atari Bigby

Bigby showed flashes of great defensive play when he was on the field for the Packers. Although he is injury-prone, the Cowboys need more depth at safety.

He is strong and aggressive which fits the defensive scheme of D-coordinator Rob Ryan.

All in all, Bigby provides a cheap, experienced option for DB depth—something the Cowboys desperately need at any cost. 

Lito Sheppard

Yet another weak defensive position for the Cowboys that Jerry could fix. Sheppard haunted the ‘Boys for years when he was on the Eagles.

Now Dallas should try and add Sheppard to a cornerback unit that struggled mightily last year.

Plus, Sheppard would be glad to fulfill the role of nickel back and backup to Terence Newman and Mike Jenkins. Despite his age, he can fill an important role for the defense.

Trai Essex

Depth and more depth—that is what the Cowboys need on the offensive line.

If Dallas signs him, there will be a real competition between Essex and projected starter Montrae Holland in camp. Essex is also younger (28) and bigger (6’5’’) than Holland which fits the type of lineman the Cowboys want.

He was not an exceptional player for the Steelers and lacks explosiveness and speed. Even so, Essex is big, strong and smart enough to play either tackle or guard spot and will not command a high salary at this point, which is exactly the type of player the ‘Boys need—versatile and cheap.

Lofa Tatupu

Dallas can bolster its linebacker corps with a hard-nosed, aggressive and intelligent player like Tatupu.

He was exceptional for the Seahawks last year with 88 tackles, an interception and a sack while starting all 16 games. The 3-4 defensive scheme always requires skilled linebackers, like Tatupu.

If Dallas can get him at a cheap, price they are sure to get a lot of bang for their buck. He can learn the 3-4 scheme throughout the season and play as a solid backup. The Cowboys can make one of their strengths even stronger. 

Cowboys Must Act Now

With the rest of the NFC East turning heads and grabbing free agency headlines, Dallas has flown under the radar with the re-signing of Doug Free and Marcus Spears, among others, and the signing of Elam, the only FA from another team.

Jerry Jones and Jason Garrett had to make some difficult moves to get under the cap, reducing financial flexibility in this offseason, but that is no reason to ignore opportunities to improve a weak team, especially on the defensive side.

Free agents are being signed left and right. Now is the time for the Cowboys to pick up some great talent for a cheap price tag.