6 Dallas Cowboys free-agent defenders: Retain or liberate?

LB Sean Lee

Linebacker Sean Lee has to be one of my favorite players in recent memory. I really think that he was the Peyton Manning of this defense. Both of these guys were so cerebral and I think that if Lee could have stayed away from some of his injuries, we are talking differently about Lee.

Unfortunately for him, the injuries were real and his body just cannot take the rigors of football anymore but I think the Dallas Cowboys have to bring him back. I just do not envision him playing anymore.

The Cowboys always seem to miss out on finding the next young great coach with multiple of them having a cup of coffee here in Dallas without the team making a move to keep them here on a more permanent basis. This no-brainer should happen within moments of the conclusion of the season.

Lee is one of those guys who can see what is happening before everyone else sees it. It’s terrible that his body could not keep up but his brain is something that should be provided an opportunity.

I am not sure if he could jump immediately into the defensive coordinator position but having Lee as your linebackers coach could very well be in the cards for this football savvy player. Lee has also been in this locker room longer than everyone else so the transition should be seamless.

If you are worried about the linebacker position, you are not alone. With the unsteady play of Jaylon Smith and the health concerns of Leighton Vander Esch, could the Cowboys use a premium pick on an off-the-ball linebacker?

The only player that makes any sense would be Penn State linebacker Micah Parsons who is a terrific and instinctive player but struggles a bit in the passing game. This position feels like the Cowboys are too on the fence about it and will only add depth and give both high profile starters one more year at the helm.

The only linebacker that I would consider opening the wallet for on the free-agent market would be Tampa Bay linebacker, Lavonte David. A bit older than you would like but as consistent as they come.