The NFL season is now over, but it's been over several weeks now for the Dallas Cowboys. The team has long turned its attention away from a disappointing 4-12 season to the offseason.
While the Cowboys are tight on cap space, they'll benefit from having an up-close look at the Senior Bowl prospects. The Cowboys' coaching staff coached the South team this year. But the offseason is about more than the draft, it's also about free agency. With that in mind, we're here to detail four things the Cowboys must address this offseason.
4. Greg Hardy
Are the Cowboys going to let Hardy walk? That's exactly what they should do, as Hardy was a bad teammate for much of last season. He played well, but he wasn't worth the headaches or the large contract he could get this offseason. The Cowboys have Demarcus Lawrence, who was their best DE this year, and young Randy Gregory. With Jeremy Mincey as a serviceable backup, the Cowboys don't even need to spend a high pick on a DE. Adding some depth would be smart, but the Cowboys need to let Hardy walk this offseason.
3. Finding Another DT
The biggest need for the Cowboys on the line is actually at defensive tackle, not defensive end. Tyrone Crawford is penciled in as one starter, but the team needs to find someone to pair with him. It's not Nick Hayden or Tyrone Crawford, who are both free agents. The Cowboys could turn to the draft, where this year features a strong crop of defensive tackles. For more on the Cowboys' offseason outlook, download the Chat Sports Android and iPhone app.
2. Secondary
The Cowboys might do an overhaul of their secondary this offseason. Orlando Scandrick will return from injury, which will be a major boost. Byron Jones should be a starter at either corner or a safety spot. Barry Church can still start, but J.J. Wilcox should not. Brandon Carr is a potential cap causality and Morris Claiborne is a free agent. If one, or both of those players leave, the Cowboys will desperately need corner help.
1. Backup QB
It was clear this year that the Cowboys simply must find a new backup for Tony Romo. His healthy could continue to be an issue and the Cowboys' season was ruined when he went down. The Cowboys must do better than Brandon Weeden/Matt Cassel/Kellen Moore next year. The team could sign someone (Robert Griffin III?) or spend a high draft pick (Jared Goff, Carson Wentz?). Dallas just needs to make sure they don't sign Johnny Manziel.
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