The NFL season is now over, but it's been over several weeks now for the Dallas Cowboys. The team has turned its attention away from a disappointing 4-12 season to the offseason long ago.
With the offseason now here, it's time to highlight the Cowboys' team needs. The Cowboys were expected to compete for the playoffs, and this was a disappointing season that stemmed from Tony Romo's injuries. The Cowboys have several needs to address in free agency and the draft. The Cowboys are tight on cap space, with less than $9 million in money to spend next season. That doesn't include the likely rise in the salary cap or any of the contract restructures the team often does. Although fans might want a new coach, general manager, owner or whatever, I'm only detailing positional needs here. With all that in mind, here are the Cowboys 2016 Team Needs:
1. Quarterback
We all saw what happened when Romo went down. The offense was a complete disaster with Brandon Weeden, Matt Cassel and Kellen Moore. It's the clear the team must find a new backup QB, because the answer isn't on the roster right now. With Romo already 35 and coming off yet another injury, it's time to start looking for a new franchise QB as well. They team could take one in the first round since they are drafting high enough.
2. Cornerback
Getting Orlando Scandrick back is huge. But Morris Claiborne is looking like a bust (although he was better this year) and is a free agent. He might not be back and Brandon Carr could easily be a cap cut. Byron Jones could play one corner spot, but that opens up a need at safety and the Cowboys would still need more corner help. Spending a high pick or adding a free agent seems like a must.
3. Linebacker
Sean Lee is great, but is often injured. Rolando McClain is a free agent that the team should bring back. Outside of those two, it's unclear if there are any worthwhile options on the team. Anthony Hitchens wasn't great, but is still young. Spending a high pick on the right linebacker is an option. At the very least, the team needs to bring back McClain.
4. Defensive Tackle
Tyrone Crawford is locked is as a solid starter, but that's all Dallas really has at DT. Nick Hayden is a free agent, but was terrible during his time with Dallas. Jack Crawford shouldn't start and is a free agent. More depth is needed overall and it's a deep DT class in the draft this year. For more on the Cowboys' offseason, download the Chat Sports Android and iPhone app.
5. Running Back
Darren McFadden was solid, but he's not the long-term answer at his age. Robert Turbin and Lance Dunbar are both free agents. The team might elect to bring both of them back and wait another year to add someone. Dunbar was great as a third down bak and should be brought back. The Cowboys didn't take an RB in the draft last year, but that could change.
6. Defensive End
Greg Hardy shouldn't be brought back, but the Cowboys will need some depth if that's the case. DeMarcus Lawrence was great last season, Randy Gregory holds promise and Jeremy Mincey is a solid backup. But that's all the Cowboys really have at DE. A mid-to-late round pick is solid investment.
7. Safety
Starting Byron Jones and Barry Church is good enough. But young depth is still needed and J.J. Wilcox shouldn't be starting. If Jones shifts to corner, this becomes a much bigger need.
8. Wide Receiver
I don't believe this is as big a need as some think. Cole Beasley is great as a slot WR and Terrance Williams can be a No. 2 when he has an actual QB throwing the ball. Brice Butler showed some promise, but it's clear Devin Street isn't going to be a long-term help. Finding his replacement in the middle rounds of the draft (or maybe sooner) is worth doing.
9. Tight End
Is Gavin Escobar the long-term replacement for Jason Witten? Is James Hanna worth bringing back as a free agent. In the grand scheme of things, this is a very low priority. However, the Cowboys need to at least start thinking about life after Witten.