2017 NFL Free Agency: Predicting the Dallas Cowboys 5 Biggest Moves
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If the Dallas Cowboys plan on getting over the hump next season, they’ll need to make some difficult decisions in 2017 NFL free agency.
The Dallas Cowboys exceeded all expectations in 2016, riding the play of two phenomenal rookies to a 13-3 finish and trip to the Divisional Round. Unfortunately, an early exit from the playoffs proved this team still has more work to do heading into 2017.
So where should they start? Well first, they need to figure out their financial situation. As of this moment, they own the NFL’s worst cap numbers. Luckily for owner/general manager/madman Jerry Jones, there are some roster moves that can be made to open up some space.
Once the cap situation improves, the focus will then fall on 2017 NFL free agency. Whether that means the Cowboys re-signing some of their own free agents or bringing in new talent, it’ll be an opportunity to fill some of the cracks that formed over the course of this last year.
But back to the question at hand—what will some of these moves be? Which players will get the ax, which players will be re-signed and which players will join Dallas via free agency? I don’t know the answers, but I can certainly speculate.
With that in mind, here are my predictions for the five biggest moves (in no particular order) the Cowboys will make this offseason as part of the free agency process
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5. Cowboys Forced to Release QB Tony Romo
For the last month or so, much of the talk surrounding Tony Romo revolves around which teams could potentially trade for him this offseason. However, based on what we know, there’s a good chance the Cowboys find no takers.
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One way or another, Romo will not be back with the Cowboys in 2017. They can save $14 million against the cap by designating him as a post-June 1 cut. Those potential savings make him a guaranteed goner, especially when you consider Dallas’ current financial situation.
The problem is that other teams know that. They’re well aware of the fact that Jones has to let his golden boy go this offseason. So instead of parting with draft assets, potential suitors can simply wait until he hits the open market. Unless the Cowboys are willing to accept almost nothing in return for Romo, he’s not getting traded.
So that leads me to my first prediction. Romo is out in Dallas, but the team will be forced to cut the cord instead of trading him away. It’s an ugly way to see his time with the Cowboys end. However, they now have the 2016 Offensive Rookie of the Year under center, so I don’t think Jason Garrett and Co. are too concerned about their future at quarterback.
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4. Cowboys Sign Matt McGloin As New Backup
Romo’s departure and Mark Sanchez’s impending free agency leave Dallas in a bind. Dak Prescott may be the unquestioned starter moving forward, but the Cowboys still need a capable backup in case the youngster gets hurt. There will be several capable options on the open market this offseason. However, if they actually want someone who can keep an NFL offense afloat, I think going for Matt McGloin is reasonable.
The former Oakland Raiders backup is said to be looking for an opportunity to push for starting gig (via ESPN). While he won’t get it in Dallas, I don’t think he’ll get it anywhere else either. What he showed during his brief time as the Raiders starter in 2016 didn’t convince anyone he’s ready to see more starts.
So, in this scenario, I think he takes slightly less money to join a true contender. Especially with Prescott only being a sophomore, it’s also possible he slumps in 2017. If that’s the case, McGloin is there for the save.
I don’t think Prescott suffers the dreaded sophomore slump. Regardless, the Cowboys need a new backup quarterback who isn’t a laughingstock like Sanchez. McGloin has shown well in a starting role in the past, which makes him an ideal fit here—both from a talent and financial standpoint.
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3. Cowboys Bring Back WR Brice Butler
If the Cowboys want Prescott’s success to continue, they need to keep his arsenal of weapons loaded. While they don’t necessarily have the money to nab a bunch of playmakers via free agency, there is one of their own pending free agents who deserves an opportunity.
Brice Butler has flown under the radar for much of his NFL career. Despite the failed attempts by Terrance Williams to ever break out, Dallas didn’t do much to incorporate Butler into the offense more in 2017. Although he saw the field more this past season, his numbers didn’t improve much.
Still, in terms of overall talent, I believe Butler is the better option. It’s going to cost too much to re-sign Williams, whereas Butler should remain a discount at this point in his career.
With Williams now out of the picture, Butler can finally have an extended look as a key part of the Dallas offense. And based on what we’ve seen, there’s no denying he has the physical tools to be a playmaker alongside the likes of Dez Bryant, Jason Witten, Ezekiel Elliott and Cole Beasley.
I’d anticipate the Cowboys adding some more receiver talent during the 2017 NFL Draft. However, if Butler can finally capitalize on his immense potential, it won’t matter. I’m hoping this will be the year the San Diego State product finally puts it all together and proves he can be a difference maker in Dallas.
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2. Cowboys Re-Sign CB Brandon Carr
According to ESPN Dallas, re-signing Brandon Carr is one of the Cowboys’ top priorities in 2017. So it only makes sense to predict that Dallas gets its starting cornerback back under contract this offseason.
Sure, there are some concerns about bringing Carr back. Not only will it cost the Cowboys a pretty penny, but he is getting up there in age. Despite starting every game for the last five years, it won’t be much longer before his age starts to take a toll on his effectiveness. Just ask Darrelle Revis, although Terence Newman may have a rebuttal.
Either way, it appears Carr will be coming back. For the Cowboys, that’s a very good thing.
Carr is coming off another exceptional season. Although he’s still average as a run defender, he spent all of 2016 shining against the pass. The numbers (one interception, nine passes defended) may not tell the story of a star, but it was clear on game day Carr was making a difference in coverage.
Right now, the Cowboys need to do everything in their power to keep this roster intact. They may not have the cap space to make a bunch of high-profile additions, but they can at least retain the talent that helped them undergo a nine-game turnaround in 2016.
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1. Cowboys Sign DE Jason Pierre-Paul
Okay, well maybe they’ll find room for one high-profile addition. It’s not going to be easy, but the Cowboys simply can’t afford to ignore their pass rush any longer. Demarcus Lawrence and Randy Gregory aren’t reliable. The rest of the defensive end depth chart isn’t exactly loaded with pass-rushing talent, which means some outside assistance may be needed. Look no further than Jason Pierre-Paul, one of the NFL’s most explosive, natural edge rushers.
Now keep in mind, this move would take some financial maneuvering. With the Cowboys’ current cap situation, it’s not going to be easy to re-sign some of their talent—let alone bringing in a superstar like Pierre-Paul. It doesn’t help that Spotrac is predicting he’ll command a contract that averages about $14.6 million annually.
Still, between the departure of Romo and some other moves, the Cowboys should find the wiggle room to make a splash during free agency. Signing Pierre-Paul would be about as big of a splash as Jones could ask for.
Based on what we saw in 2016, Pierre-Paul doesn’t need all 10 fingers to be a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. If the Cowboys could make this prediction come true, their defense would be in much better shape heading into 2017.