Cowboys complete pre-free agency roster rundown

Defensive Line

On the roster: DeMarcus Lawrence ($25M), Trysten Hill ($1.32M), Dorance Armstrong ($1.09M), Neville Gallimore ($1.06M), Randy Gregory ($1M), Justin Hamilton ($920K), Bradlee Anae ($839K),  LaDarius Hamilton ($660K), Walter Palmore ($660K)

Need: High

Let’s be honest. Not so secretly, this could be the biggest need on the team. For far too long, the defensive tackles on this team have underwhelmed. While Gallimore played decent for a rookie, a real stud would be a breath of fresh air. As for the pass rush, Lawrence is basically a one-man gang. Yes, Gregory can help but the Dallas Cowboys need another “war daddy” to run with them.

Linebackers

On the roster: Jaylon Smith ($9.8M), Leighton Vander Esch ($3.77M), Luke Gifford ($852K), Francis Bernard ($780K), Azur Kamara ($782K)

Need: Medium-high

Smith joins Elliott and Tyron as the lightning rods for instant dismissal. Spoiler alert – there is no financial incentive to make such a move. Maybe no other player on the roster could benefit from a defensive scheme change than “The Swiper.” Still, another body, preferably a talented one, will be necessary. Gifford and Bernard stepping up would be a nice surprise. It just cannot be counted on happening.

Cornerbacks

On the roster: Anthony Brown ($5.75M), Trevon Diggs ($1.44M), Maurice Canady ($1.25M),  Rashard Robinson ($990K), Deante Burton ($990K), Saivion Smith ($780K), Kemon Hall ($660K)

Need: High

Diggs had a rookie year that could be best be described as “trial by fire.” He held up and, more importantly, never gave up. He’s a keeper. Brown is too inconsistent and would likely be a cut candidate if the roster wasn’t so thin at the position. The rest of this group shows a huge need for a bigger-name free agent or a very high draft choice.

Safeties

On the roster: Darian Thompson ($1.29M), Reggie Robinson II ($962K), Donovan Wilson ($882K), Steven Parker ($850K)

Need: Extremely High

Wilson had somewhat of a breakout season which will likely give him one starting spot next to… ??? Obviously, this has been a need in Big D for almost two decades. Maybe 2021 will be the year that drought ends.

Special Teams

On the roster: Greg Zuerlein ($2.83M), Chris Jones ($2.5M), Hunter Niswander ($780K)

Need: Medium-low

Cutting Jones will add just $500K to the dead cap, saving Dallas $2M. Consider that a slam dunk as Niswander was, at worst, as good as Jones has been the last few seasons. Dallas will need a long snapper but that’s about it.

Stay tuned as later this week, we will take a look at some potential free agents that the Dallas Cowboys could target to ride along with this roster.