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Dallas Cowboys: Is re-signing this free agent defender a priority?

By Steven Mullenax

Nov 20, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Terrance West (28) runs with the ball against Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Terrell McClain (97) and defensive end Tyrone Crawford (98) in the first quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 20, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Terrance West (28) runs with the ball against Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Terrell McClain (97) and defensive end Tyrone Crawford (98) in the first quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /
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As one of the Dallas Cowboys most effective defensive lineman last season, is re-signing this free agent a priority for America’s Team this offseason?

The Dallas Cowboys have made it fairly clear the past few season. Re-signing their own free agents is a much bigger priority than adding talent to their roster through the open market. And with a whopping 20 unrestricted free agents of their own to deal with this offseason, the Cowboys have some serious decisions to make in the coming months.

One of those decisions will concern the future of defensive tackle Terrell McClain. The 28-year old started in 15 games for the Cowboys last season. This after struggling with injuries throughout his six-year career. McClain recorded 40 total tackles and 2.5 sacks in 2016.

McClain was a third round selection by the Carolina Panthers out of South Florida back in 2011. But the injury prone defensive tackle was waived after only one season in Carolina, as he struggled against the run. After stints with the New England Patriots and the Houston Texans, McClain landed in Dallas in 2014.

Ironically, it’s McClain’s play against the run that could now grant him an extended stay in Big “D”. According to Pro Football Focus, the veteran was the Cowboys second best interior run defender with a grade of 49.3. Only David Irving was better (68.6), who happens to be an exclusive rights free agent himself this offseason.

Outside of Irving, the Cowboys also have defensive tackles Cedric Thornton and Maliek Collins on depth chart. Defensive end Tyrone Crawford could also be shifted inside if needed. Defensive tackles Jack Crawford and Richard Ash are also unrestricted free agents.

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

McClain played just 15 total games his first two seasons in Dallas due to injury, which makes re-signing him a risk. But that fact should also make Terrell relatively affordable. It’s unclear just how much attention McClain will attract on the open market. That uncertainly combined with his injury history could make Terrell McClain easier for the Dallas Cowboys to re-sign this offseason, if they wish to do so.

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