The Dallas Cowboys have 13 unrestricted free agents they need to make a decision on. Some of these players will be cut loose without second thought but there are others that Dallas needs to do everything they can to retain. Here is a look at the unrestricted free agents that Dallas needs to deal with this offseason.
Alan Ball (CB) / Frank Walker (CB)
The Dallas Cowboys secondary in 2011 was horrible, costing them a shot at the playoffs throughout the season. With a new secondary coach coming into Big D, there is no telling who they keep but it is pretty certain that Terence Newman will be cut. I also don't think they will keep Ball (37 tackles, 1 INT) but Walker (25 tackles, 1 INT) is a possibility if he takes league minimum.
Martellus Bennett (TE)
I'm pretty sure that Bennett is gone after this season. He wants to be a starter and he wants a chance to prove how good he is. He won't do that as Jason Witten's backup, so expect him to latch on somewhere that he can contribute.
Keith Brooking (LB) / Bradie James (LB) / Anthony Spencer (LB)
With the exception of veteran leadership, only one of these players offer the Dallas Cowboys anything heading forward. The 36-year old Brooking is especially used up and there is no way Dallas should even consider bringing him back. Bradie James is only one year removed from a 116 tackle season, so there might be something left if he can rebound. He would have to take a pay cut, though. Anthony Spencer finished with 66 tackles and four forced fumbles and he might be the one to actually hang on with the Cowboys in 2012.
Montrae Holland (G) / Derrick Dockery (G)
Montrae Holland tore his biceps in Week 16 and it sounds like his career in Dallas is probably over with. That is also the problem for Derrick Dockery. Dockery gave Dallas a nice veteran on an otherwise young offensive line. However, during the season he fell to an MCL Sprain and might have lost the chance to return as his younger teammates began to develop.
Abram Elam (S)
Abram Elam had a quiet but decent little season in 2011, with 67 tackles as the starting strong safety. Much like Frank Walker and Alan Ball, his future depends on the new secondary coach.
Jon Kitna (QB)
Jon Kitna announced his retirement from the NFL and won't be back.
Mat McBriar (P)
Mat McBriar might have finished his career in Dallas on the IR. The one-time solid punter was averaging his lowest yardage totals since his first year in 2004. When he went on the IR, it gave Chris Jones a chance to prove whether or not he belonged. Jones averaged one yard less a punt, and since Dallas has never given a premium for special teams players, he might take over the job in 2012.
Sammy Morris (RB)
I thought Sammy Morris played with a lot of heart when he returned to the NFL for the Dallas Cowboys. He finished the season with 98 yards on 28 carries and five receptions for 13 yards. I don't see Morris getting many more chances but I can see him latching on as a third string back, which would be a nice reward for his service. I don't expect it, though.
Laurent Robinson (WR)
I saved the best for last. Laurent Robinson wants to come back to Dallas. Robinson played better than every other receiver on the team in 2011. He led the team in touchdown receptions and is the perfect third receiver to match up with Dez Bryant and Miles Austin. Dallas needs to re-sign Robinson before they even attempt to deal with any other free agent on this list. There is no one more important to their growth in 2012.
Author Shawn S. Lealos has a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Oklahoma (2000) and has been a Dallas Cowboys' fan since he was a child. His favorite players range from Roger Staubach and Tony Dorsett to the Triplets of the 90s and he enjoys talking about all Cowboys' related news, good or bad
