Cowboys free-agent debate: Doug Free
February, 16, 2015
By Todd Archer | ESPNDallas.com
With 20 players set to be restricted or unrestricted free agents, the Dallas Cowboys will have plenty of decisions to make on who to keep and who to let go.
Let’s take a look at the free agents to be and how they could fit into the Cowboys’ future:
What he did: He started 11 games in the regular season at right tackle, missing five with foot and ankle injuries. He also missed the playoff games and needed surgery after the season on his ankle but will be ready to go for the offseason program. He was a stabilizing influence on a young and talented offensive line. Two of the Cowboys’ three lowest scoring games came in his absence. Two of the four times DeMarco Murray did not run for 100 yards came with Free on the sideline.
What he could do: He turned 31 in January, but tackles have the ability to play longer. He has been a player that has relied more on athleticism and feel than strength so the ability to adapt to the effects of a longer career should be fine. His impact in the offensive line room should not be underrated. The younger players look to him for guidance in situations on and off the field. This was the first year he missed games due to injury since becoming a full-time starter in 2010.
What it should cost: Whether he re-signs with the Cowboys or not he will count $3.98 million in dead money against the salary cap with the final two years of his contract voiding. He accepted a paycut over the last two seasons, earning $3.5 million in 2013 and ’14. The New York Jets signed Breno Giacomini to a four-year, $18 million deal last year that included $7 million guaranteed and a $2.6 million cap figure in the first year. He is one year younger than Free. He’s not in the $7 million a year neighborhood that he got in 2011, but he remains a solid option and $4.5 million per year seems reasonable.