Dallas Cowboys: Early Free Agency Review and Mock Draft
By Brady Lunt
Barry Church, SS
Signed a 4-year, $26 million contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars
This one stung the most for me. Barry Church was a team captain and one of the true leaders of this defense. His play on the field is one of the real reasons this secondary did so well in 2016, eventually ranking as the top unit in the NFL by Pro Football Focus. Church finished a successful 2016 campaign with 85 tackles and two interceptions. He will immediately start on a vaulted Jaguars’ defense. His departure creates a massive hole in the Dallas secondary.
Ron Leary, OG
Signed a 4-year, $35 million contract with the Denver Broncos
Ron Leary was often overshadowed by three All-Pro offensive linemen that formed the NFL’s best front. Leary’s play on the field, however, reflects someone who was an anchor on the Cowboys’ line and one that will be missed. Leary thrived as a run-blocker, and while La’el Collins already won the starting spot, Leary seemed to out-perform him in some ways.
Terrell McClain, DT
Signed a 4-year, $21 million contract with the Washington Redskins
After a breakout campaign in 2016, one that saw him stay healthy after two seasons riddled with injuries, Terrell McClain signed a fairly lucrative deal with the division rival Redskins. McClain was the best 1-technique on the roster, who flashed a stout run defense and pass rushing presence. While McClain may be a bit easier to swallow than Church or Leary, he was arguably the Cowboys’ top defensive lineman in 2016.
J.J. Wilcox, SS
Signed a 2-year, $8.5 million contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
J.J. Wilcox was considered the wrecking ball on this defense, showing tenacity as a physical presence in the back-end of this secondary. He also showed steady improvement each year on the Cowboys’ roster before a breakout 2016 campaign, finishing 49 tackles, six pass deflections, and two interceptions in 13 games. Wilcox’s hard-hitting style will be missed on this defense.
Jack Crawford, DT/DE
Signed a 3-year, $10.3 million contract with the Atlanta Falcons
A valuable piece of the defensive line rotation, Jack Crawford was a bit of a Swiss Army knife. His versatility to play both outside and inside helped ease the early loss of Demarcus Lawrence and eventual suspension of Randy Gregory. It will be easier to replace Crawford than others, but he’s an experienced player who appears to be trending upwards.
Doug Free, OT
Retirement
Another huge blow to the Cowboys roster came with the retirement of starting right tackle Doug Free. A 10-year veteran, Free was considered the unspoken leader of this unit and provided a solid presence on that side of the line. His absence will likely push the need for the offensive line in the upcoming days of free agency and the draft.