December 30, 2012; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins defensive players line up against Dallas Cowboys offensive players in the second quarter at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Post-draft, owner and general manager Jerry Jones was insistent the he and the Cowboys’ coaching staff are happy with the current state of their defensive line. With veterans DeMarcus Ware and Anthony Spencer both moving to defensive end, and Jay Ratliff with Jason Hatcher at defensive tackle, the only question is their depth. Sean Lissemore and second year Tyrone Crawford will back-up on the inside of the line. While former linebacker Kyle Wilber will make the transition to defensive end. In an interview with season ticket holders on Wednesday, Jones addressed questions about the defensive line:

“The defense should be the strength of our team…Our defense will fit Monte Kiffin’s scheme. It actually will be a simpler defense for this group to get. The adjustment from where we were in the 3-4 to the 4-3 will not be as significant as it might appear.”

The biggest question surrounding the Cowboys’ offensive line is what will ultimately become of tackle Doug Free. Most think Free will be released on June 1st so Dallas can benefit from the $7 million dollars of cap space it would generate. The other options include simply keeping the  six year veteran or trying to make him accept a reduced salary amount. It appears Free is currently weighing his options, which appear to be get cut or take a pay cut.

It is assumed that the rookie Frederick will take a starting role at center or guard on the offensive line. This leaves either Phil Costa, Nate Livings or Mackenzy Bernadeau on the outs. My money is on the latter. Livings and Bernadeau were brought in last year as free agents to help bolster the O-line, but both underwhelmed at the guard positions during the season. Tackle Tyron Smith is the only “sure thing” on the line for now. Back-up tackle Jermey Parnell split time with Free last year and performed well. And second year undrafted free agent guard Ronald Leary started his career by showing some potential, but tailed off as the season progressed.

The Cowboys appear to be looking to address their offensive line in free agency, but have done little more then simply inquiring about players. Names like Eric Winston and Tyson Clabo have been circling Valley Ranch for weeks. Yet, nothing has been set in concrete and those players continue to be shopped around the league. Dallas apparently reached out to 11-year veteran tackle Bryant McKinnie this week, but he resigned with the Ravens late Thursday.

The real question is: Which line needs a veteran presence more? Is it the defensive line who has to learn a new scheme under new defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin? Or is it the always-in-flux offensive line who have major questions surrounding Doug Free?

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Eric Winston was selected in the 3^rd Round of the 2006 NFL Draft by The Houston Texans. He currently measures at 6’7 and 308lbs. In his career he has started 103 games out of 108 played. In recent memory he has been donning a Kansas City Chief helmet, but was recently let go due to Salary Cap reasons. Winston has been a solid player since he started with the Texans and Kansas City adored him as well, but couldn’t keep him at his current salary and afford their now franchise-tagged Left Tackle. He also garnered attention for his absolute disgusted feeling towards Chief’s fans for their cheering of Matt Cassel’s injury during a game last season.

October 14, 2012; Tampa, FL, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tackle Eric Winston (74) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 38-10. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Although everything is just speculation regarding these reports, I trust that this organization’s interest is very well alive, who wouldn’t be interested? Doug Free’s cap hit is $10 million, frankly that is too high for his performance over the past 2 years. Signs point to Free most likely becoming a post June 1^st cut. One close source has said that Free is not willing to take a pay cut, and likely would be released if refusing to do-so.  If that occurs and there is no Right Tackle on this Roster besides Parnell, which would mean Trouble in Big D. That starts with a T that rhymes with P and that stands for Parnell. Jeremy Parnell is a swing tackle and relying on him to start is premature. If this happens then most certainly The Draft will begin with someone like D.J. Fluker from Alabama.

The Winston rumors have fizzled since Monday with no reports from ESPN Dallas and refutes by Bryan Broaddus and DallasCowboys.com writers. The Dallas Cowboys need to find a way to sign Eric Winston. He is most definitely a RKG that would set the Cowboys up for their Draft. If this can come to fruition, then with Winston as a sure fire starter, and Parnell backing him up; The Right Tackle position becomes a major lift for the running game of this team. Winston, according to ProFootballFocus.com ranked as the 6^th best Tackle in the league. Winston, unlike Free plays with power that allows him to block hard on his man and give half-backs ability to use him as an anchor. Winston, Clabo, and Andre Smith are still available due to the lack of interest for Right Tackles this offseason. Eric Winston fits this team better than the latter; because he is more consistent than Clabo and younger might I add. Plus with the Zone block scheme this Offense has ran under Garrett he has more burst than Smith, and would cost less too.

Tony Romo hasn’t experienced as much issues with getting away from edge-rushers, but Winston would be more help to Tony Romo and DeMarco Murray because he could lift the stagnant running game. By getting an Eric Winston and addressing the guard position in the upcoming draft, this team could gain confidence in knowing they have some guys that can protect Tony and open lanes up for Murray. Eric Winston could be had at $3 million to $4 million per season which is a bit high; however if he is still available after the Draft that price may come down.    This would be a win-win signing for both parties and it’s not as if it would be a progress stopper for anyone.

The Dallas Cowboys must address this Offensive Line; they cannot be saying to themselves this unit will be better due to another offseason of continuity. This was arguably the worst unit all season; in fact I would love to see the argument against that statement. Many have said “The Offensive Line got better toward the end of the season.” Going from 29^th to 25^th doesn’t cut it. There needs to be at least 2 different starters on this unit in 2013. Good Teams don’t keep holding on to bad players. Nate Livings is not the answer at Left Guard, It would be better to keep Bernadeau because he at least has versatility to compete at Center and Guard.

The Dallas Cowboys owe this team a chance to win in double digits and compete for a championship. Eric Winston could step in and fill his role with confidence and would be an excellent signing. Can The Dallas Cowboys stop putting Band-Aids where stitches are needed? Can this organization make a commitment to their quarterback who made the biggest commitment he could to his team? The trenches are where Championships are won, if they want another Lombardi Trophy in Dallas, then start with the weakest link on the team. Sign Eric Winston, Draft a Guard in the 1^st or 2^nd Round and shore up enough protection for Tony Romo to avoid another 36 sack, 19 interception, win and in, 8-8 season. It’s time to re-write this team’s story of inconsistency and heartbreak.

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