Dallas Cowboys 2018 Unrestricted Free Agents: Stay or Go?
As we shift our focus to the offseason, we try to predict which of the Dallas Cowboys unrestricted free agents will stay and which ones should leave in 2018.
Following the Dallas Cowboys Week 17 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, the team’s focus immediately shifts to the offseason. And the first thing that is on the agenda is to determine which of their numerous free agents to re-sign.
Today, we’ll focus on the Cowboys unrestricted free agents scheduled to hit the open market in 2018. We’ll do our best to make our case for which players should stay in Dallas another season and which ones the team should let walk.
STAY: DeMarcus Lawrence, Defensive End
This is a no-brainer. The Cowboys have needed a “War Daddy” pass rusher since the days of DeMarcus Ware. It’s only fitting that another DeMarcus takes his place. Although, I think Dallas signs him to a one-year prove it deal following two offseason back surgeries rather than committing to a long term contract.
STAY: Anthony Hitchens, Linebacker
This will be a controversial decision, but I believe the Cowboys should do everything they can to re-sign Hitchens in the offseason. Both Sean Lee and Jaylon Smith have major injury concerns. Plus, Lee will turn 32 before the start of next season. Hitchens and Smith are the future of this linebacker corps.
GO: Jonathan Cooper, Offensive Guard
Replacing Ronald Leary, who was allowed to leave in free agency last season, Cooper did an adequate job playing the right guard position in 2017, sandwiched between two All-Pros. But honestly, I believe the Cowboys can do better. For the sake of keeping Hitchens, I’d let Cooper find a new home.
GO: Alfred Morris, Running Back
I’m sure the Cowboys would love to keep Morris. And I believe Morris would love to stay in Dallas. But the emergence of Rod Smith as Ezekiel Elliott’s primary back-up simply leaves little room for the veteran running back.
If Morris stayed in Dallas, he’d never play. So, I think it’s better for both parties if he plays for another team in 2018. For the Cowboys, find a rookie runner or two to fill the void.
GO: Brice Butler, Wide Receiver
Butler’s time in Dallas has been all about potential. But the waiting game is over. Time to invest that time and money into another prospect.
GO: Byron Bell, Offensive Tackle
Although the Cowboys may decide to keep the veteran due to his vast experience, I believe they’d find better options bottom-feeding via free agency in the offseason.
STAY: Joe Looney, Offensive Lineman
The Cowboys must keep some of their offensive lineman with three scheduled to hit the free agent market on this list. For me, Looney’s versatility gives him the edge … at least through the preseason.
STAY: Kyle Wilber, Linebacker
I’ve never been a big fan of Wilber, as he tends to disappear for long stretches. But he is a plug-n-play player who is a solid special teams contributor. Keep him for cheap.
GO: Bene Benwikere, Cornerback
The fact the Cowboys opted to go with their rookies over Benwikere in their defensive secondary should tell you everything you need to know.
STAY: L.P. Ladouceur, Long Snapper
The most consistent long snapper in the NFL. Sign him to a lifetime contract.
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STAY: Datone Jones, Defensive Tackle
I think we saw enough from Jones over the past three games. Give the guy a one-year prove it deal and see if he improves with a full offseason under his belt in Dallas.