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From the DMN...kind of sloppy and nonsensical, but a starting point to discuss.
Future Cowboys? The top 25 free agents that Dallas could pursue
By SportsDayDFW.com
Contact SportsDayDFW.com
on Twitter:
@SportsDayDFW
Time to get a head start on the offseason. Below are 25 free agents that the Cowboys could look to add to the 2018 squad.
Some notes:
-- There are some big-name free agents listed under "Others." While it might be nice to sign a player like Dontari Poe, Bennie Logan, Trumaine Johnson or Drew Brees, the Cowboys likely do not have enough cap space to make those huge signings.
-- While picking players for each position, we tried to take into account what could fit best with the team's current roster. For example: a pass-catching running back to complement Ezekiel Elliott, a speedy wide receiver to open up the field, or a veteran linebacker who could sign for cheap in case Dallas loses Anthony Hitchens.
-- Players Dallas has been linked to in the past (like Chase Daniel or Sheldon Richardson) have also been included.
-- Stats are via Pro Football Reference. Cap hits and FA status are via Spotrac.
QB (2)
With Dak Prescott and Cooper Rush on the roster, the Cowboys might look to add one veteran that can fill a mentor role.
Teddy Bridgewater (UFA)
Last team: Vikings
Career stats: 30 games played / 551-851 / 6,150 yards / 28 TDs, 22 INTs
Last season’s stats: 1 game played / 0-2 / 0 yards / 1 INT
2017 cap hit: $2.18 million
Chase Daniel (UFA)
Last team: Saints
Career stats: 57 games played / 51-78 / 480 yards / 1 TD, 1 INT
Last season’s stats: 0 games played / 0-0 / 0 yards
2017 cap hit: $900,000
Others: Josh McCown, Derek Anderson, Matt Moore, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Sam Bradford.
RB (3)
The Cowboys are set with Ezekiel Elliott as their No. 1 back, and Rod Smith appears to have the backup role locked up. Dallas could add a veteran presence to shore up the group.
Rex Burkhead (UFA)
Last team: Patriots
Career stats: 52 games played / 151 attempts / 639 yards / 8 TDs
Last season’s stats: 10 games played / 64 attempts / 264 yards / 5 TDs
2017 cap hit: $3.15 million
Lance Dunbar (UFA)
Last team: Rams
Career stats: 58 games played / 105 attempts / 473 yards / 2 TDs
Last season’s stats: 4 games played / 11 attempts / 51 yards / 1 TD
2017 cap hit: $1.48 million
Darren Sproles (UFA)
Last team: Eagles
Career stats: 171 games played / 3,366 rushing yards / 4,656 receiving yards / 52 total TDs
Last season's stats: 3 games played / 61 rushing yards / 73 yards / 0 total TDs
2017 cap hit: $4 million
Others: Alfred Morris, Dion Lewis, Jeremy Hill, Carlos Hyde, Andre Ellington, C.J. Spiller, LeGarrette Blount, Jamaal Charles, Eddie Lacy.
WR (6)
Dez Bryant seems to be the talk of the offseason. Will the Cowboys add someone to supplement him on the field or someone to take over for him altogether? Either way, the Cowboys need some speed on the outside to help open up Dallas' offense.
Jarvis Landry (UFA)
Last team: Dolphins
Career stats: 64 games played / 400 receptions / 4,038 yards / 22 TDs
Last season's stats: 16 games played / 112 receptions / 987 yards / 9 TDs
2017 cap hit: $1.11 million
Sammy Watkins (UFA)
Last team: Bills
Career stats: 52 games played / 192 receptions / 3,052 yards / 25 TDs
Last season's stats: 15 games payed / 39 receptions / 593 yards / 8 TDs
2017 cap hit: $690,000
Josh Gordon (Exclusive restricted free agent)
Last team: Browns
Career stats: 40 games played / 179 receptions / 3,089 yards / 15 TDs
Last season's stats: 5 games played / 18 receptions / 335 yards / 1 TD
2017 cap hit: $377,084
Eric Decker (UFA)
Last team: Titans
Career stats: 111 games played / 439 receptions / 5,816 yards / 53 TDs
Last season's stats: 16 games played / 54 receptions / 563 yards / 1 TD
2017 cap hit: $3.88 million
Mike Wallace (UFA)
Last team: Ravens
Career stats: 142 games played / 538 receptions / 8,072 yards / 57 TDs
Last season's stats: 15 games played / 52 receptions / 748 yards / 4 TDs
2017 cap hit: $8 million
Terrelle Pryor (UFA)
Last team: Redskins
Career stats: 43 games played / 99 receptions / 1,311 yards / 5 TDs
Last season's stats: 9 games played / 20 receptions / 240 yards / 1 TD
2017 cap hit: $6 million
Others: Kamar Aiken, Kendall Wright, Danny Amendola, Marqise Lee, Brice Butler, Allen Robinson.
TE (2)
Even thought it looks like it, Jason Witten is not going to be able to play forever. The Cowboys have some young tight ends on the roster already, but could they look at adding a veteran through free agency?
Jimmy Graham (UFA)
Last team: Seahawks
Career stats: 121 games played / 556 receptions / 6,800 yards / 69 TDs
Last season's stats: 16 games played / 57 receptions / 520 yards / 10 TDs
2017 cap hit: $10 million
Tyler Eifert (UFA)
Last team: Bengals
Career stats: 39 games played / 127 receptions / 1,537 yards / 20 TDs
Last season's stats: 2 games played / 4 receptions / 46 yards / 0 TDs
2017 cap hit: $4.78 million
Others: Zach Miller, Antonio Gates, Niles Paul, Benjamin Watson, Trey Burton, Austin Seferian-Jenkins.
OL (1)
According to spotrac.com, the Cowboys are currently spending the second most money on an offensive line in the entire league. The $47.39 million they have allotted to the line is 28.48 percent of their total cap. And they still have a long-term extension for Zack Martin to discuss. If they do end up signing a free-agent lineman, it's going to have to be someone cheap.
Justin Pugh (UFA)
Last team: Giants
Career stats: 63 games played
Last season's stats: 8 games played
2017 cap hit: $8.82 million
Others: Jahri Evans, Andrew Norwell, Andre Smith, Matt Slauson, Luke Joeckel, D.J. Fluker.
DL (4)
Dallas will surely prioritize re-signing DeMarcus Lawrence, who had a career year last season. With Tyrone Crawford’s $9.1 million cap hit for the 2018 season, will Dallas try to add ot the line through free agent veterans who could sign for cheap for a shot at a title (like Haloti Ngata) or through the draft?
DeMarcus Lawrence (UFA)
Last team: Cowboys
Career stats: 48 games played / 23.5 sacks / 88 tackles / 7 forced fumbles
Last season’s stats: 16 games played / 14.5 sacks / 36 tackles / 4 forced fumbles
2017 cap hit: $1.75 million
Sheldon Richardson (UFA)
Last team: Seahawks
Career stats: 73 games played / 19 sacks / 169 tackles / 6 forced fumbles
Last season’s stats: 15 games played / 1 sack / 27 tackles / 1 forced fumble
2017 cap hit: $8.01 million
Haloti Ngata (UFA)
Last team: Lions
Career stats: 167 games played / 31.5 sacks / 315 tackles / 39 passes defended
Last season’s stats: 5 games played / 2 sacks / 7 tackles / 1 pass defended
2017 cap hit: $7.70 million
Adrian Clayborn (UFA)
Last team: Falcons
Career stats: 81 games played / 30 sacks / 124 tackles / 7 forced fumbles
Last season’s stats: 16 games played / 9.5 sacks / 17 tackles / 2 forced fumbles
2017 cap hit: $5.41 million
Others: Dontari Poe, Bennie Logan, Star Lotulelei, Ezekiel Ansah.
LB (2)
Sean Lee is Dallas’ unquestioned leader on defense. Jaylon Smith, the Cowboys believe, is going to be much better in Year 2 of his career following a major injury. Anthony Hitchens was also a very valuable contributor to the LB corps. If he leaves in free agency, executive vice president Stephen Jones’ strategy of having three high-impact linebackers will take a hit and Dallas will have to look at adding a LB through free agency or through the draft.
Ahmad Brooks (UFA)
Last team: Packers
Career stats: 145 games played / 303 tackles / 55 sacks / 3 INTs
Last season’s stats: 12 games played / 13 tackles / 1.5 sacks / 0 INTs
2017 cap hit: $3.5 million
NaVorro Bowman (UFA)
Last team: Raiders
Career stats: 99 games played / 585 tackles / 30 passes defended / 5 INTs
Last season’s stats: 15 games played / 22 tackles / 3 passes defended / 1 INT
2017 cap hit: $1 million
Others: Paul Posluszny, Nigel Bradham, Erik Walden, Keenan Robinson, Zach Brown, Demario Davis, Karlos Dansby, Barkevious Mingo
DB (5)
The defensive line (at least, right now) has a bona fide star in DeMarcus Lawrence. The linebackers have Sean Lee. While the 2017 draft class has some promising prospects (Chidobe Awuzie, Jordan Lewis and Xavier Woods), could Dallas look to add to its secondary through free agency? And how confident is the team in Jeff Heath and Byron Jones on the back end?
Nate Allen (UFA)
Last team: Dolphins
Career stats: 100 games played / 299 tackles / 37 passes defended / 13 INTs|
Last season’s stats: 7 games played (place on IR with calf injury) / 14 tackles / 1 pass defended / 0 INTs
2017 cap hit: $3.4 million
T.J. Ward (UFA)
Last team: Buccaneers
Career stats: 107 games played / 433 tackles / 8 INTs / 10 forced fumbles
Last season’s stats: 12 games played / 30 tackles / 0 INTs / 0 forced fumbles
2017 cap hit: $4.63 million
Mo Claiborne (UFA)
Last team: Jets
Career stats: 62 games played / 160 tackles / 34 passes defended / 5 INTs
Last season’s stats: 15 games played / 34 tackles / 8 passes defended / 1 INT
2017 cap hit: $4.72 million
Prince Amukamara (UFA)
Last team: Bears
Career stats: 83 games played / 316 tackles / 58 passes defended / 7 INTs
Last season’s stats: 14 games played / 45 tackles / 7 passes defended / 0 INTs
2017 cap hit: $7 million
Eric Reid (UFA)
Last team: 49ers
Career stats: 70 games played / 264 tackles / 36 passes defended / 10 INTs
Last season’s stats: 13 games played / 52 tackles / 4 passes defended / 2 INTs
2017 cap hit: $5.68 million
Others: Reggie Nelson, Trumaine Johnson, Malcolm Butler, Morgan Burnett, DeAngelo Hall, Terence Newman, Davon House, Kyle Fuller, Kenny Vaccaro, Tramon Williams, Deshawn Shead.
Future Cowboys? The top 25 free agents that Dallas could pursue
By SportsDayDFW.com
Contact SportsDayDFW.com
on Twitter:
@SportsDayDFW
Time to get a head start on the offseason. Below are 25 free agents that the Cowboys could look to add to the 2018 squad.
Some notes:
-- There are some big-name free agents listed under "Others." While it might be nice to sign a player like Dontari Poe, Bennie Logan, Trumaine Johnson or Drew Brees, the Cowboys likely do not have enough cap space to make those huge signings.
-- While picking players for each position, we tried to take into account what could fit best with the team's current roster. For example: a pass-catching running back to complement Ezekiel Elliott, a speedy wide receiver to open up the field, or a veteran linebacker who could sign for cheap in case Dallas loses Anthony Hitchens.
-- Players Dallas has been linked to in the past (like Chase Daniel or Sheldon Richardson) have also been included.
-- Stats are via Pro Football Reference. Cap hits and FA status are via Spotrac.
QB (2)
With Dak Prescott and Cooper Rush on the roster, the Cowboys might look to add one veteran that can fill a mentor role.
Teddy Bridgewater (UFA)
Last team: Vikings
Career stats: 30 games played / 551-851 / 6,150 yards / 28 TDs, 22 INTs
Last season’s stats: 1 game played / 0-2 / 0 yards / 1 INT
2017 cap hit: $2.18 million
Chase Daniel (UFA)
Last team: Saints
Career stats: 57 games played / 51-78 / 480 yards / 1 TD, 1 INT
Last season’s stats: 0 games played / 0-0 / 0 yards
2017 cap hit: $900,000
Others: Josh McCown, Derek Anderson, Matt Moore, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Sam Bradford.
RB (3)
The Cowboys are set with Ezekiel Elliott as their No. 1 back, and Rod Smith appears to have the backup role locked up. Dallas could add a veteran presence to shore up the group.
Rex Burkhead (UFA)
Last team: Patriots
Career stats: 52 games played / 151 attempts / 639 yards / 8 TDs
Last season’s stats: 10 games played / 64 attempts / 264 yards / 5 TDs
2017 cap hit: $3.15 million
Lance Dunbar (UFA)
Last team: Rams
Career stats: 58 games played / 105 attempts / 473 yards / 2 TDs
Last season’s stats: 4 games played / 11 attempts / 51 yards / 1 TD
2017 cap hit: $1.48 million
Darren Sproles (UFA)
Last team: Eagles
Career stats: 171 games played / 3,366 rushing yards / 4,656 receiving yards / 52 total TDs
Last season's stats: 3 games played / 61 rushing yards / 73 yards / 0 total TDs
2017 cap hit: $4 million
Others: Alfred Morris, Dion Lewis, Jeremy Hill, Carlos Hyde, Andre Ellington, C.J. Spiller, LeGarrette Blount, Jamaal Charles, Eddie Lacy.
WR (6)
Dez Bryant seems to be the talk of the offseason. Will the Cowboys add someone to supplement him on the field or someone to take over for him altogether? Either way, the Cowboys need some speed on the outside to help open up Dallas' offense.
Jarvis Landry (UFA)
Last team: Dolphins
Career stats: 64 games played / 400 receptions / 4,038 yards / 22 TDs
Last season's stats: 16 games played / 112 receptions / 987 yards / 9 TDs
2017 cap hit: $1.11 million
Sammy Watkins (UFA)
Last team: Bills
Career stats: 52 games played / 192 receptions / 3,052 yards / 25 TDs
Last season's stats: 15 games payed / 39 receptions / 593 yards / 8 TDs
2017 cap hit: $690,000
Josh Gordon (Exclusive restricted free agent)
Last team: Browns
Career stats: 40 games played / 179 receptions / 3,089 yards / 15 TDs
Last season's stats: 5 games played / 18 receptions / 335 yards / 1 TD
2017 cap hit: $377,084
Eric Decker (UFA)
Last team: Titans
Career stats: 111 games played / 439 receptions / 5,816 yards / 53 TDs
Last season's stats: 16 games played / 54 receptions / 563 yards / 1 TD
2017 cap hit: $3.88 million
Mike Wallace (UFA)
Last team: Ravens
Career stats: 142 games played / 538 receptions / 8,072 yards / 57 TDs
Last season's stats: 15 games played / 52 receptions / 748 yards / 4 TDs
2017 cap hit: $8 million
Terrelle Pryor (UFA)
Last team: Redskins
Career stats: 43 games played / 99 receptions / 1,311 yards / 5 TDs
Last season's stats: 9 games played / 20 receptions / 240 yards / 1 TD
2017 cap hit: $6 million
Others: Kamar Aiken, Kendall Wright, Danny Amendola, Marqise Lee, Brice Butler, Allen Robinson.
TE (2)
Even thought it looks like it, Jason Witten is not going to be able to play forever. The Cowboys have some young tight ends on the roster already, but could they look at adding a veteran through free agency?
Jimmy Graham (UFA)
Last team: Seahawks
Career stats: 121 games played / 556 receptions / 6,800 yards / 69 TDs
Last season's stats: 16 games played / 57 receptions / 520 yards / 10 TDs
2017 cap hit: $10 million
Tyler Eifert (UFA)
Last team: Bengals
Career stats: 39 games played / 127 receptions / 1,537 yards / 20 TDs
Last season's stats: 2 games played / 4 receptions / 46 yards / 0 TDs
2017 cap hit: $4.78 million
Others: Zach Miller, Antonio Gates, Niles Paul, Benjamin Watson, Trey Burton, Austin Seferian-Jenkins.
OL (1)
According to spotrac.com, the Cowboys are currently spending the second most money on an offensive line in the entire league. The $47.39 million they have allotted to the line is 28.48 percent of their total cap. And they still have a long-term extension for Zack Martin to discuss. If they do end up signing a free-agent lineman, it's going to have to be someone cheap.
Justin Pugh (UFA)
Last team: Giants
Career stats: 63 games played
Last season's stats: 8 games played
2017 cap hit: $8.82 million
Others: Jahri Evans, Andrew Norwell, Andre Smith, Matt Slauson, Luke Joeckel, D.J. Fluker.
DL (4)
Dallas will surely prioritize re-signing DeMarcus Lawrence, who had a career year last season. With Tyrone Crawford’s $9.1 million cap hit for the 2018 season, will Dallas try to add ot the line through free agent veterans who could sign for cheap for a shot at a title (like Haloti Ngata) or through the draft?
DeMarcus Lawrence (UFA)
Last team: Cowboys
Career stats: 48 games played / 23.5 sacks / 88 tackles / 7 forced fumbles
Last season’s stats: 16 games played / 14.5 sacks / 36 tackles / 4 forced fumbles
2017 cap hit: $1.75 million
Sheldon Richardson (UFA)
Last team: Seahawks
Career stats: 73 games played / 19 sacks / 169 tackles / 6 forced fumbles
Last season’s stats: 15 games played / 1 sack / 27 tackles / 1 forced fumble
2017 cap hit: $8.01 million
Haloti Ngata (UFA)
Last team: Lions
Career stats: 167 games played / 31.5 sacks / 315 tackles / 39 passes defended
Last season’s stats: 5 games played / 2 sacks / 7 tackles / 1 pass defended
2017 cap hit: $7.70 million
Adrian Clayborn (UFA)
Last team: Falcons
Career stats: 81 games played / 30 sacks / 124 tackles / 7 forced fumbles
Last season’s stats: 16 games played / 9.5 sacks / 17 tackles / 2 forced fumbles
2017 cap hit: $5.41 million
Others: Dontari Poe, Bennie Logan, Star Lotulelei, Ezekiel Ansah.
LB (2)
Sean Lee is Dallas’ unquestioned leader on defense. Jaylon Smith, the Cowboys believe, is going to be much better in Year 2 of his career following a major injury. Anthony Hitchens was also a very valuable contributor to the LB corps. If he leaves in free agency, executive vice president Stephen Jones’ strategy of having three high-impact linebackers will take a hit and Dallas will have to look at adding a LB through free agency or through the draft.
Ahmad Brooks (UFA)
Last team: Packers
Career stats: 145 games played / 303 tackles / 55 sacks / 3 INTs
Last season’s stats: 12 games played / 13 tackles / 1.5 sacks / 0 INTs
2017 cap hit: $3.5 million
NaVorro Bowman (UFA)
Last team: Raiders
Career stats: 99 games played / 585 tackles / 30 passes defended / 5 INTs
Last season’s stats: 15 games played / 22 tackles / 3 passes defended / 1 INT
2017 cap hit: $1 million
Others: Paul Posluszny, Nigel Bradham, Erik Walden, Keenan Robinson, Zach Brown, Demario Davis, Karlos Dansby, Barkevious Mingo
DB (5)
The defensive line (at least, right now) has a bona fide star in DeMarcus Lawrence. The linebackers have Sean Lee. While the 2017 draft class has some promising prospects (Chidobe Awuzie, Jordan Lewis and Xavier Woods), could Dallas look to add to its secondary through free agency? And how confident is the team in Jeff Heath and Byron Jones on the back end?
Nate Allen (UFA)
Last team: Dolphins
Career stats: 100 games played / 299 tackles / 37 passes defended / 13 INTs|
Last season’s stats: 7 games played (place on IR with calf injury) / 14 tackles / 1 pass defended / 0 INTs
2017 cap hit: $3.4 million
T.J. Ward (UFA)
Last team: Buccaneers
Career stats: 107 games played / 433 tackles / 8 INTs / 10 forced fumbles
Last season’s stats: 12 games played / 30 tackles / 0 INTs / 0 forced fumbles
2017 cap hit: $4.63 million
Mo Claiborne (UFA)
Last team: Jets
Career stats: 62 games played / 160 tackles / 34 passes defended / 5 INTs
Last season’s stats: 15 games played / 34 tackles / 8 passes defended / 1 INT
2017 cap hit: $4.72 million
Prince Amukamara (UFA)
Last team: Bears
Career stats: 83 games played / 316 tackles / 58 passes defended / 7 INTs
Last season’s stats: 14 games played / 45 tackles / 7 passes defended / 0 INTs
2017 cap hit: $7 million
Eric Reid (UFA)
Last team: 49ers
Career stats: 70 games played / 264 tackles / 36 passes defended / 10 INTs
Last season’s stats: 13 games played / 52 tackles / 4 passes defended / 2 INTs
2017 cap hit: $5.68 million
Others: Reggie Nelson, Trumaine Johnson, Malcolm Butler, Morgan Burnett, DeAngelo Hall, Terence Newman, Davon House, Kyle Fuller, Kenny Vaccaro, Tramon Williams, Deshawn Shead.