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Insider predicts Cowboys will lose several of their own free agents

By Steven Mullenax

Jan 1, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Terrance Williams (83) celebrates his 3-yard touchdown catch against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Terrance Williams (83) celebrates his 3-yard touchdown catch against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /
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A Dallas Cowboys insider believes the team will lose several of their own free agents to the open market, leaving the Cowboys with numerous holes to fill on their roster.

As on today, the Dallas Cowboys are scheduled to have a whopping 20 unrestricted free agents hit the NFL’s open market next week on Thursday, March 9th. This includes several starters, specifically on the defensive side of the ball.

Throw in the possible trades of players like quarterback Tony Romo and running back Alfred Morris, and this Cowboys roster could look very different when the regular season kicks off later this year.

The Cowboys brass has gone on record saying they prefer to build their team through the draft and not free agency. In the past, they’ve opted to spend more of their salary cap monies bringing back on their own free agents over signing someone else’s.

The basic idea being the team knows exactly what they are getting (and what they are not) from their own free agents. As opposed to the unknowns you may discover after acquiring players from other teams, who are usually overvalued and overpriced. (Example: See nearly every free agent in NFL history)

Although some fans may find the idea of bringing back the likes of free agent cornerback Brandon Carr, wide receiver Terrance Williams and tight end Gavin Escobar cringeworthy, the reality is Dallas knows exactly what their getting from each one. And the team seems more likely to re-sign one of them over bringing in a splashy free agent from elsewhere.

But according to one Cowboys insider, that may not be the case this offseason. In fact, he believes the team could lose several of their own free agents to the open market.

"“…you’re making a mistake if you’re thinking the Cowboys are going to start throwing big contracts around on Day 1 of free agency,” replied DallasCowboys.com staff writer David Helman to a mailbag question on the team’s official website. “I think they’re going to let the market settle and make some smart, affordable signings. That means they’re probably going to lose several of their free agents, but that’s the cost of doing business.”"

Last season, the Cowboys were strictly bargain hunters in free agency. Bringing in players like defensive end Benson Mayowa, defensive tackle Cedric Thornton and running back Alfred Morris.

Next: Dallas Cowboys - 5 Best Free Agent Signings Of All Time

But with so many of their own free agents possibly lost, and considering the draft can only fill so many voids (unless you want a roster full of undrafted free agents), the Cowboys are going to have to be players on the open market. Although I would not expect any big names to be signed, the Dallas Cowboys will likely have to be fairly active in free agency simply out of necessity.

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