Cowboys Outlook On Their Own 18 Free Agents
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IRVING (105.3 THE FAN) - Johnny Manziel! Robert Griffin III! Lamar Miller! Mario Williams! Eric Berry!
There are eye-popping names that will be attached to the Cowboys when its time to begin shopping on the free-agent streets.
But the first order of business inside Valley Ranch will be decided what to do with "their own,'' the 18 Cowboys who are themselves now without contracts for 2016. A quickie look, in alphabetical order:
Bernadeau, Mackenzy - Until Dallas finds a younger O-lineman with the position flex to be a backup center and more, he's an affordable value.
Brown, Charles - A swing tackle who figures to lose his spot at rookie Chaz Green should be ready to move up.
Cassel, Matt - At one time Dallas thought of re-signing him as the bridge behind Romo. Those thoughts have faded.
Claiborne, Mo - If you get beyond the fact he never lives up to expectations, you see he had a good 2015 - good enough to springboard elsewhere.
Clutts, Tyler - This coaching staff loves having a true fullback.
Crawford, Jack -- A good discovery from the personnel department who made plays (four sacks) and offers position flex.
Dunbar, Lance - A unique offensive weapon now recovering from a torn ACL.
Hanna, James - Came into the NFL as a 'speedy receiving tight end' but now valued for his blocking.
Hardy, Greg - The most controversial and most high-profile of all the decisions. Can you get an All-Pro talent at a price that makes the trouble worth it?
Hayden, Nick - He's a plugger. Dallas could use a playmaker at the 1-tech.
Heath, Jeff - He (along with Ron Leary) is restricted; Cowboys love him as a special-teamer.
Leary, Ron - Restricted status makes it likely he's back; a starting-caliber guard on Dallas' bench.
McClain, Rolando - A most frustrating Cowboy because when he wants to be, he's a Pro Bowl-level middle linebacker.
McCray, Danny - Fine special-teamer but a spot where you're always trying to get younger and cheaper.
Mincey, Jeremy - A versatile "glue guy'' who played hurt; an important part of locker-room chemistry.
Thomas, Josh - A late-season DB body.
Turbin, Robert - The search for running-back-by-committee includes him, but not as a priority.
Wilber, Kyle - He's never really found a position ... but his versatility (on teams) and elsewhere helps you at multiple spots.
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