With the regular season over, the Dallas Cowboys have turned their attention to the offseason. That includes the NFL draft and free agency. But the team's first priority is re-signing its own players, and the Cowboys have several key contributors they need to bring back next season.
Before we get into the players they need to bring back, there's one notable omission. DE Greg Hardy is a free agent, but the Cowboys shouldn't bring him back. With Demarcus Lawrence outplaying Hardy last year and Randy Gregory and Jeremy Mincey on the team, the Cowboys don't need to give Hardy the large contract he wants. The team would be better off spending that money on another area of need.
With that in mind, here are 3 Free Agents The Cowboys Must Re-Sign:
RB Lance Dunbar
I thought about including Robert Turbin, but I don't consider him a "must" add. Dunbar, however, needs to be back on the roster next season. He was perfect as the third-down back before going down with a torn ACL. While there is a risk with the injury, the Cowboys should bring back Dunbar and keep him in the same role. Dunbar will be cheap, and he'll fill a need for the Cowboys.
LB Rolando McClain
McClain signed a one-year contract that ended up being worth about $3 million. A similar deal, or even an extra year or two, would be ideal for the Cowboys. McClain isn't worth a lot of guaranteed money, but the team needs him out there. He's far and away the second best LB on the team behind Sean Lee.
CB Morris Claiborne
Claiborne has not been worth the price the Cowboys paid for him, but he played better this season. He continues to battle injuries, but the Cowboys need to bring back Claiborne next year because they are so thin at CB. Getting Orlando Scandrick back will be huge, but the team could very well cut Brandon Carr. That essentially leaves just Byron Jones, who might be needed at safety. Bringing back Claiborne, ideally on a short-term deal, will allow help the team next season. Corner is still a need, but bringing back Claiborne means the team isn't forced into spending big money or investing a high draft pick on a corner.
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