Dallas Cowboys to address these positions in free agency
By Brad Austin
To target the best player available with each draft pick, the Dallas Cowboys attempt to fill all glaring position holes in free agency.
At 3:00 p.m. Central on March 13th, the 2018 contracts of Dallas Cowboys players will expire. At this time, all NFL players eligible for free agency hit the market. While Dallas habitually vows they won’t be big players in free agency, they routinely make several moves to fill all major holes in the two-deep depth chart.
Assembling a competitive two-deep before the draft attempts to remove must-have bias. This allows selecting the best draft player available among need positions. Aside from early extensions of key players, the roster will have new holes to fill. Fans can expect management to also address these gaps during the free agency period.
DEFENSIVE END
Jerry Jones has made it clear DeMarcus Lawrence will receive a long-term extension. Beyond the position’s star player, talent and depth is already in place.
SAFETY
The multi-million dollar question lives…will Earl Thomas wear the star? Jones recently confirmed the team is having free agent safety conversations. With the position thin, a veteran signing is happening. Here’s hoping it’s the Southeast Texas native.
SLOT RECEIVER
Only Cole Beasley and Tavon Austin fit the pure slot mold, but both have expiring contracts. Austin should receive the cheaper extension before targeting the draft.
TIGHT END
Blocking consistency at tight end is lacking. Rookie Dalton Schultz showed progress, but more is desired. The Cowboys will either re-sign Geoff Swaim or add a veteran.
RUNNING BACK
Rod Smith should be re-signed to continue in the back-up role. Dallas will likely seek more explosion in the draft, but returning the same 1-2 punch covers the base.
SWING TACKLE
The chief back-up at offensive tackle will be addressed with a veteran. Either Cameron Fleming will be re-signed or a similar caliber veteran will be added.
LONG SNAPPER
There’s little doubt that long-time, veteran snapper L.P. Ladouceur will be extended.
dark. Next. 6 free agent safeties not named Earl Thomas
EYES ON THE DRAFT
Damien Wilson departs at starting SAM linebacker and likely will sign a better offer elsewhere. Chris Covington has shown enough to delay a free agent replacement.
At defensive tackle, two starters return and Tyrone Crawford adds flex. An upgrade will be sought in the draft. Free agency will only secure a cheap, rotational player.