The problem is in one of the deepest drafts in a long time I don't want to be sitting around in the seventh looking for a center instead of trying to draft the guy who fell who wouldn't be left in most drafts. Plus I would imagine we could hold off on signing Cook to a minimum deal until after the draft has happened if the need is still there. Still doesn't change me wanting to cut Costa and his overpaid ass.
Danny McCray Position: Safety Type: Unrestricted 2013 salary: $630,000
Summary: After finishing second on the team in tackles in 2012 with 87, McCray had one defensive stop in 2013. Since he arrived as an undrafted free agent in 2010, he had been the Cowboys’ best special teams player, but he had only eight special teams’ tackles in 2013.
Why keep him: He can still contribute on special teams and can play on defense, although it should be noted the coaches never put him in the mix at safety despite the struggles of Jeff Heath and J.J. Wilcox.
Why let him go: The Cowboys did not want to pay him the tender offer of roughly $1.2 million last year as a restricted free agent, so they gave him a $100,000 signing bonus and the $630,000 base salary. If they thought he was too expensive last year, then he can’t figure in their plans in 2014.
Best guess: McCray has a big fan in former special teams coordinator Joe DeCamillis, who is now with the Chicago Bears, and heading there could be an option as he can continue to be a top special teamer. But his time with the Cowboys appears to be over.
Anthony Spencer Position: Defensive end Type: Unrestricted 2013 salary: $10.627 millionAnthony Spencer Position: Defensive end Type: Unrestricted 2013 salary: $10.627 million
Summary: Spencer played in just one game because of a knee injury that eventually required microfracture surgery. He had two tackles and two quarterback pressures in 34 snaps against the Kansas City Chiefs and did not play after that. The Cowboys gave him the franchise tag for the second straight year and felt he would be a stabilizing piece in their switch to the 4-3 after putting up 11 sacks in 2012. It never happened because of a knee injury that troubled him in the spring and required a scope during training camp before the microfracture surgery.
Why keep him: The Cowboys still need all the defensive line help they can get and Spencer's price will be low because of the knee surgery. The Cowboys committed nearly $20 million to Spencer in 2012-13 and would like to get something out of him, provided he is healthy. He is a stout run defender and showed in 2012 he can get to the passer.
Why let him go: While the Cowboys have had players return from microfracture surgeries in the past, it is a delicate operation that requires patience. Spencer turned 30 last month and now will have a knee that will be managed. George Selvie had seven sacks as Spencer's replacement in 2013.
Best guess: If Spencer's price is right, the Cowboys can keep him, but when will he get on the field? The rehabilitation process is a long one and it's not clear whether he will be ready to go when training camp begins in July. Spencer might also find the Cowboys as his best option, since they know exactly where he is medically and will give him the right amount of rest. If he can prove his health, then finding a 3-4 team (New Orleans?) to take a chance on him could be an option as well. Summary: Spencer played in just one game because of a knee injury that eventually required microfracture surgery. He had two tackles and two quarterback pressures in 34 snaps against the Kansas City Chiefs and did not play after that. The Cowboys gave him the franchise tag for the second straight year and felt he would be a stabilizing piece in their switch to the 4-3 after putting up 11 sacks in 2012. It never happened because of a knee injury that troubled him in the spring and required a scope during training camp before the microfracture surgery.
Why keep him: The Cowboys still need all the defensive line help they can get and Spencer’s price will be low because of the knee surgery. The Cowboys committed nearly $20 million to Spencer in 2012-13 and would like to get something out of him, provided he is healthy. He is a stout run defender and showed in 2012 he can get to the passer.
Why let him go: While the Cowboys have had players return from microfracture surgeries in the past, it is a delicate operation that requires patience. Spencer turned 30 last month and now will have a knee that will be managed. George Selvie had seven sacks as Spencer’s replacement in 2013.
Best guess: If Spencer’s price is right, the Cowboys can keep him, but when will he get on the field. The rehabilitation process is a long one and it’s not clear whether he will be ready to go when training camp begins in July. Spencer might also find the Cowboys as his best option, since they know exactly where he is medically and will give him the right amount of rest. If he can prove his health, then finding a 3-4 team (New Orleans?) to take a chance on him could be an option as well.
Jon Kitna Position: Quarterback Type: Unrestricted 2013 salary: $940,000
Summary: He joined the Cowboys for the final week of the season after Tony Romosuffered a back injury. He was Kyle Orton’s backup in the season finale mostly because he knew the Cowboys’ offense and was in decent enough shape.
Why keep him: He is a great guy to have in the locker room. Younger players tend to flock to him because of his wisdom and personality.
Why let him go: He is 41 years old. He’s been out of football for most of the last two seasons. It was a neat story for a week, but there’s not a future here.
Best guess: Kitna will return to his life as a high school math teacher and football coach in Tacoma, Wash. If the Cowboys need him again at the end of the 2014 season for a week, he will offer up his services again.
Brian Waters Position: Guard Type: Unrestricted 2013 salary: $1.5 million
Summary: He was signed Sept. 4 after he and the Cowboys flirted for most of training camp. By Week 3 he was the starting right guard, but he suffered a torn triceps against the Detroit Lions and was done for the season.
Why keep him: While he was not the All-Pro performer he was in his days with the Kansas City Chiefs, Waters brought stability to the middle of the line. His strength helped with the attitude of the running game, and he remained a solid pass protector. He showed he can still play and be more than a functional piece of an offensive line.
Why let him go: He turned 37 on Feb. 18, and at the end of the season had yet to decide whether to have triceps surgery or not. He cannot play again if he doesn’t have the surgery. Mackenzy Bernadeau raised his level of play after Waters went down for the season, and the Cowboys could look to select a top guard early in the draft. Waters has made it known he is not a fan of the offseason or training camp, so he would not have time to get accustomed to the players around him. He has played only five games in the past two seasons, having sat out the 2012 season.
Best guess: The Cowboys keep Waters’ name in their Rolodex, and if they need to make a call in the summer to gauge his interest, they will make it. He has kept himself in good shape and has shown he does not need a ton of time to get ready. But this option exists only if he has the surgery.
Jarius Wynn Position: Defensive end Type: Unrestricted 2013 salary: $715,000
Summary: He was signed on Oct. 15 and played Oct. 20 against the Philadelphia Eagles. He started one game – at defensive tackle – and finished the season with 12 tackles, a sack, three tackles for loss and six pressures. He started the year with the San Diego Chargers, making three tackles and a sack in five games.
Why keep him: Depth, depth and more depth. Wynn wasn’t bad as a rotation player and he offered some position flexibility by being able to move inside if needed. While that is not his strong suit, he can get a defense through a game. His six pressures tied for sixth on the defense.
Why let him go: Not to be cavalier about a position that held the Cowboys back in 2013, but they can do better. Perhaps Ben Bass, who missed last season with a shoulder injury, can provide the depth they want from their defensive linemen and have more pass-rush ability. Plus, the Cowboys figure to address the position in the draft as well.
Best guess: He will be allowed to look around and if the Cowboys find themselves in a pinch later in free agency, they can give him a call.
