Could the Dallas Cowboys chase another restricted free agent this offseason?

After signing defensive end Benson Mayowa away from the Oakland Raiders last year, could the Dallas Cowboys chase another restricted free agent this offseason?

At this same time last season, the Dallas Cowboys were looking for pass rushers. Sound familiar? Once the initial tidal wave of overpriced free agents were snatched up, the Cowboys went hunting for bargains.

One such potential “Blue Light Special” was Oakland Raiders’ defensive end Benson Mayowa, who was a restricted free agent at the time. The third-year prospect was primarily a role player, having started a total of just three games in his young career so far.

But Dallas saw potential, and sent the 25-year old pass rusher a three-year, $8.25 million offer sheet. The Raiders refused to match the offer and Mayowa became a Cowboy.

After some initial success, Mayowa struggled during his first season in Dallas. After being a healthy scratch for three weeks, he returned with a vengeance recording a total of 4.0 sacks in the Cowboys final five regular season games. Mayowa ended up being the Cowboys sack leader in 2016 with a total of 6.0.

After finding success through the restricted free agent market last year, could Dallas dive in again and chase yet another under the radar player to fill a need on their roster? If they do, Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen could make sense as a possible target.

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With both Terrance Williams and Brice Butler scheduled to hit free agency next week, the Cowboys could be in serious need of a number two wide receiver to pair alongside All-Pro Dez Bryant.

After recording a total of 20 receptions and a score in his first two seasons with the Vikings, the undrafted free agent wide receiver out of Minnesota State-Mankato had a breakout year in 2016. Thielen posted 69 receptions for nearly 1,000 yards and five touchdowns for a Vikings’ team that had Sam Bradford under center for 15 games.

The Cowboys coaching staff know about Thielen’s abilities first hand. In Week 13, the young wide out torched Dallas’ secondary for seven catches and 86 yards, averaging a whopping 12.3 yards per reception.

I think Thielen would make an excellent number two receiver in Dallas and an upgrade over both Williams and Butler. But at what price is the question.

It’s unclear if the Vikings will place a first or second-round tender on Thielen, who was the team’s leading receiver last season. If they do, then it’s hard to imagine Dallas would be willing to give up such a high draft pick to get him.

But if the Vikings use the lowest tender amount on Thielen, which gives the team the right to match any offer but not receive any compensation in return, the Cowboys should at least look into acquiring the talented young receiver.

Minnesota has a young, stocked receiver corps including players like Stefon Diggs, Charles Johnson (RFA) and Jarius Wright. They also spent a first round draft pick on Ole Miss wide receiver Laquon Treadwell just last year. And their talented returner Cordarrelle Patterson is a free agent, whom they may decide to re-sign.

So, the Vikings have plenty of talent at the position and may not be inclined to devote a lot financially in Thielen, who apparently is looking for a long term deal.

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If the Minnesota Vikings balk on Adam Thielen, and tender the restricted free agent receiver on the lowest level, then the Dallas Cowboys could find themselves yet another hidden gem on the semi-open market.

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