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Should the Dallas Cowboys just say no to DeMarcus Ware?

By Steven Mullenax

Dec 18, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware (94) before the game against the New England Patriots at Sports Authority Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware (94) before the game against the New England Patriots at Sports Authority Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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A Dallas Cowboys insider believes the team should resist the temptation when it comes to the possibility of bringing back defensive end DeMarcus Ware via free agency.

138.5 sacks and counting. That’s the amount of times future Hall of Famer DeMarcus Ware has dropped an opposing quarterback during his illustrious 12-year NFL career. Ware’s first nine seasons were spent with the Star on the side of his helmet. The 34-year old is currently a free agent.

The Dallas Cowboys are in desperate need of pass rushers. So why not bring back the team’s all-time sack leader? Ware was the 11th player taken in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft out of Troy by the Cowboys. In his first nine years in Dallas, he amassed an incredible 117.0 sacks.

Three years ago, almost to this exact date, the Cowboys released Ware after he refused to accept a reduction in salary to stay. He would quickly land with the Denver Broncos, helping them win Super Bowl 50.

After another injury-plagued season in Denver last year, Ware is expected to hit the free agency market next Thursday. And according to several reports, the veteran defender is interested in a return to Dallas. But one member of the Dallas media doesn’t think that’s a very good idea.

"“Would Ware be a welcome presence in the locker room? No question. But this is already a good locker room. Ware is no more than a rotation player at this stage of his career. The Cowboys need to use those snaps to develop or find a young veteran who can be part of the team moving forward.” – David Moore, Dallas Morning News"

Ware has been invited to the Pro Bowl a whopping nine times. He’s also a seven time All-Pro, led the NFL in sacks twice and was named NFC Defensive Player of the Year in 2008. Ware is a quiet but positive leader, who is a solid locker room presence who now has a chip under his belt.

Unfortunately, Ware will also be turning 35-years old in July. And he’s missed a total of 11 games in the past two seasons due to a nagging back injury. He’s not typically the type of free agent the Cowboys acquire.

In support of a Ware return to Big D, the premier pass rusher also recorded 11.5 sacks during that same injury-laden two-year span. And due to his age, will likely be a bit of a bargain financially.

After seeing a 36-year old Dwight Freeney help the Atlanta Falcons make a Super Bowl run last year, I personally would love to see Ware back in Dallas in a limited role.

Next: Dallas Cowboys All-Time Best Defensive Players By Position

As for how Ware’s possible return could affect the development of younger rushers on the depth chart, that would be something for the Cowboys coach staff to figure out. Having a solid example for those inexperienced players to follow and emulate doesn’t seem like a bad thing to me.

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