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Which Dallas Cowboys will become free agents in 2018?

By Steven Mullenax

ARLINGTON, TX - JANUARY 15: Anthony Hitchens #59 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrates a sack during the first quarter against the Green Bay Packers in their NFC Divisional Playoff game at AT&T Stadium on January 15, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - JANUARY 15: Anthony Hitchens #59 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrates a sack during the first quarter against the Green Bay Packers in their NFC Divisional Playoff game at AT&T Stadium on January 15, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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Over the offseason, the Dallas Cowboys lost several of their veteran starters to free agency. Which of the current Cowboys players are schedule to hit the open market in 2018?

Entering Week Four of the 2017 NFL regular season, it might seem odd to be thinking about which of the Dallas Cowboys players are set to become free agents next offseason. But actually, it’s extremely relevant. Especially when you consider the elevated play of defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence.

Recording 6.5 sacks in his first three games this year, Lawrence is on pace to smash the league’s all-time record for sacks in a season. That record is currently held by former New York Giants’ pass rusher Michael Strahan, who posted 22.5 sacks back in 2001.

If the 25-year old Lawrence breaks that record, or anything near it, that would mean a monstrous payday for the young pass rusher since he is currently in the final year of his rookie deal in Dallas. And based off of his past inconsistent play and an injury history that includes two offseason back surgeries, it’s unclear how much the Cowboys would be willing to pay to keep him in Big D.

Let’s take a look at the current list of Cowboys players scheduled to become free agents next offseason.

Byron Bell, RT
Bene Benwikere, CB
Brice Butler, WR
Jonathan Cooper, G
Justin Durant, OLB
Rico Gathers, TE (ERFA)
Anthony Hitchens, ILB
David Irving, DT (RFA)
L.P. Ladouceur, LS
DeMarcus Lawrence, DE
Joe Looney, G
Darren McFadden, RB
Kellen Moore, QB
Alfred Morris, RB
Stephen Paea, DT
Brian Price, DT (ERFA)
Keith Smith, FB (RFA)
Kyle Wilber, OLB

Outside of Lawrence, I think the two names that really pop out on this list are linebacker Anthony Hitchens and defensive lineman David Irving. The latter being a restricted free agent at season’s end, and one Dallas would likely tender with a first round selection requirement as compensation for any team who wanted to sign him.

Next: Five Dallas Cowboys to watch against the Rams

As for Hitchens, I’m not sure he would want to stay on a Cowboys team whose future at middle linebacker is clearly Jaylon Smith. But you never know. Hitchens may love playing in Dallas so much, he’s willing to risk being a back up and/or starting at strongside linebacker.

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