Before we start our shopping list, we should probably review what it is exactly that we need. Quarterback, tight end, the linebacker group and our special teams unit are the strongest spots on the team. While the wide receiver corps and our safety depth could be addressed, they are not pressing needs. The real weakness in the roster is found in our running backs, offensive and defensive lines.

Unfortunately, Dallas has one largely prohibitive factor going against them.  The Cowboys will have one of the worst cap situations of any off-season shopper. So, how do they improve their depth with these restrictive issues facing them? Dallas must do something that they have not been good at in recent years. They need to spend their money wisely.

Here is a list of possible bargain free agents that can improve the weaknesses that the Cowboys have.

RUNNING BACKS

The free agent running back class represents the best opportunity to add talent, possibly at a lower rate than usual due to the wealth of options. These choices can be separated into two categories:

It would be really awesome, but it’s not happening…

This is where you find names like Shonn Greene (too productive), Rashard Mendenhall (too expensive), Steven Jackson (probably going to chase a ring) and Reggie Bush (both expensive and looking for a ring)

Completely plausible, affordable and worth a look…

Dec 2, 2012; Kansas City, MO, USA; A Kansas City Chiefs running back Peyton Hillis (40) is tackled by Carolina Panthers linebacker James Anderson (50) in the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. Kansas City won the game 27-21. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

Peyton Hillis - At age 27 and averaging only 120 carries per season, Hillis should still have plenty left in the tank. If you throw out his breakout year in 2010, his numbers do not look all that impressive, however the Cowboys do not need him to be a feature back. At 6’2″ 250 lbs, his value would come as a bruising short yardage / goal line carrier that could help improve this team’s failures of scoring touchdowns in the red zone. Lastly, he would not command a high salary and has familiarity with new coach Houston Nutt.

Cedric Benson - Even though Benson is older at age 30, he would represent a much more accomplished option than Dallas is accustomed to. Prior to last season, he had three straight 1,000 yard seasons averaging almost 7 touchdowns per year. He’s also a Texas native and played last year for the veteran’s minimum. A slight boost in pay to be a complimentary back may serve as a wise investment given that he is not too far removed from being a productive lead option if DeMarco Murray should happen to miss a few games due to injury.

Chris Ivory - Ivory represents the type of gamble that Dallas should be taking. He is young, runs with ferocity, has been productive in his few opportunities, is from Texas and can be had since the Saints are in a just as bad, if not worse cap situation than the Cowboys. While Ivory is a restricted free agent, he was also undrafted so the Cowboys would not lose a draft pick if they offered him a deal that the Saints could not or would not match.

OFFENSIVE LINE

As easy as it was to find multiple choices to fill the hole at running back, the offensive line options are quite limited. The dream for any Cowboys fan would be to wake up one day and find out that Andy Levitre, Jermon Bushrod or Phil Loadholt joined the team to solve our woes. Unfortunately these guys are too good, too young and will demand way more money than Dallas can afford. Ultimately, Dallas will certainly need to invest a high draft pick or two to infuse the line with youth and talent but there are a few options available in free agency.

Brandon Moore (RG) - Moore has started 142 of a possible 144 games in his career for the New York Jets. Similar to the aforementioned Saints, the Jets also find themselves in salary cap hell and may not be able to afford him. At age 32, he may come cheaper than expected and if he still commands the $3 million he made last year, this type of splurge would be one Cowboys fans could find palatable.

Matt Slauson (LG) - Another Jet makes the list because much like Brandon Moore, Slauson is extremely durable, starting all 48 games he’s played in. Slauson is six years younger and made far less money last year as well ($615K). That may also make him far more expensive as he is coming into his prime but again, these are the types of calculated gambles winning teams consider.

Sep 13, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Chicago Bears center Chris Spencer (67) during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. The Packers defeated the Bears 23-10. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Chris Spencer (C/G) - Spencer would bring a versatility to the Cowboys as he has played all three interior line positions well. At age 30, he is in his late prime but would be a major upgrade over almost any center or guard on the current roster. His previous contract (2 yrs / $6 million) was inexpensive given his experience and acumen so it is possible that Dallas could afford him.

DEFENSIVE LINE

Much like the running back position, the defensive line is littered with big names and highly talented players. Even though guys like Osi Umenyiora and Cliff Avril will command far more than what Dallas can pay, there are four very realistic options that the Cowboys should seriously consider…

Israel Idonije (DT) – Even though Idonije is 32, he has just recently maximized his talent. Over the last three years, he has registered 20.5 sacks and six forced fumbles. He played in Chicago last year for new Cowboys defensive line coach Rod Marinelli on a one year deal, making $2.5 million per. A two or three year deal for the same type of money could bring him to Dallas to close out his career.

Shaun Cody (DT) - Cody has been the anchor of a stellar Houston Texans run defense and has the type of size (6’4″ 292) the Cowboys need. Coming off a two year deal which he made $2 million each year, the 30 year old Cody could get a slight pay raise or a slightly longer contract to switch Texas teams.

Dwan Edwards (DT) – Another early thirties player, Edwards had a very productive year in Carolina in 2012 with six sacks as an interior lineman. He did make just over $4 million last year so he might not be fiscally reasonable, however since he is nearing the end of his career, he could probably be signed for a similar amount.

Nov 25, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder (7) is sacked by Chicago Bears defensive tackle Henry Melton (69) during the first quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

Henry Melton (DE) – Melton would be the youngest of the four options at age 26 as well as the cheapest as he made only $700K last season. He has 13 sacks in his last two years and again was with Marinelli in the Tampa 2 defense of the Bears last year. A significant pay increase, something in the neighborhood of $4-5 million per year could be enough to the Texas native back home.

So there you have it. There are suitable options for the Cowboys to make subtle improvements to the roster while sticking to their budget. Obviously, not all these players can or will be brought in, however if we can land two or three of them, it may make the difference between watching the playoffs and participating in them.

Dec 24, 2011; Kansas City, MO, USA; Oakland Raiders receiver Stanford Routt (26) celebrates with safety Tyvon Branch (33) after intercepting a pass against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. The Raiders defeated the Chiefs 16-13 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE

So who wants a defense? Although there is evidence of an offensive movement around the NFL, that makes defense that much more important. According to Vince Verhei of Football Outsiders the Dallas Cowboys need a cornerback and a guard in that order. So here is my 2012 NFL Offseason wish list.

-Stanford Routt formerly of the Oakland Raiders would have been my number one goal in free agency. If we were to somehow able to scoop up Routt before the Kansas City Chiefs did early this week, it would have given the Cowboys a little more freedom to draft whoever they wanted at the 14th draft pick, OL, DL, whoever. Routt is a hometown boy (Austin, Texas) and a heck of a player who could’ve played like a champ while wearing the Star.  Nice going ,Jerry! If we had signed Routt, I would have felt a little better about taking David DeCastro with the 14th overall. Side note: What is going on with the Oakland Raiders letting good players go? Is anyone considering Jason Campbell as the Cowboys backup if he is released by the Raiders?

-Nick Foles of the Arizona Wildcats would be my first pick at quarterback of the future for the Dallas Cowboys. Another hometown boy from Austin, this Foles is 6’5 240 pounds and has a cannon for an arm. I think, with Tony Romo’s guidance, Nick Foles could become the Dallas Cowboys next big quarterback.

-LaMichael James from Oregon is, in my opinion, one of the most intriguing running backs in the draft class. While he is considered a finesse runner he isn’t scared to run between the tackles. This guy could be the next Darren Sproles with his speed and athletic ability and but his hands aren’t incredible. Don’t let it scare you that he ran the spread offense at Oregon as I don’t see learning a new offense to be a problem for James. The only unknown factor here is whether or not he can stay healthy.

-Quinton Coples another draft day beast, Coples from North Carolina would give the Dallas Cowboys that elite D. line they’ve always wanted. Opposing quarterbacks wouldn’t know what to do with Coples and DeMarcus Ware tearing through holes coming after them. If the key to the Super Bowl is a pass rush, we would be well on our way with Coples.

-Michael Griffin would be a huge free agent pick up for the Dallas Cowboys. Yep, another Austin boy from Bowie High School, Michael Griffin shows a high football IQ and can be a leader of the back field. He’s also in NFLtraderumors.com ‘s top fifty free agents of 2012. If we can, I think we should.

-Peyton Hillis I would absolutely love having Peyton Hillis on the Dallas Cowboys. Don’t worry about all the drama with the Cleveland Browns, the kid runs and plays hard but due to the average career length of running backs with his type of style, Cleveland didn’t want to pay him. Would anyone else love to have a bull nosed running back sharing the load with DeMarco Murray and Felix Jones? It would be a dream come true for me.

-Michael Bush If you think the only big named running back in the Oakland Raiders’ backfield is Darren McFadden then you haven’t watched an Oakland game or played against someone in Fantasy Football with Bush on their roster. This guy puts up great numbers with or without the help of Run DMC.

Dec 24, 2011; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys receiver Laurent Robinson (81) prior to the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Cowboys Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-US PRESSWIRE

-Laurent Robinson isn’t a re-sign ‘must’ but I like how he took Cowboys Nation by storm and developed such good rapport with Tony Romo. For the most part he caught balls he was supposed to catch and that’s all we can ask for. I think that after the Cowboys saw how injury prone Miles Austin and Dez Bryant are, they will make re-signing him a priority.

This is just a few prospects I would like to see wear the Star. Sound of in the comment section with who I forgot.