The Dallas Cowboys, just one year removed from winning the NFC East, now find themselves at the bottom of the division at 4-12. The good news is that a healthy Tony Romo should help even out that record a bit in 2016. The bad news is that the Cowboys have 18 players headed to some form of free agency, most notably defensive starters Greg Hardy, Morris Claiborne and Rolando McClain.
Of the trio, Hardy is arguably the most impactful player. But his considerable off-field issues gives the team pause when it comes to re-signing him.
"Jason Garrett's curt responses to any questions about Hardy after the season's end seem to indicate he will not be back," ESPN Cowboys reporter Todd Archer wrote. "The Cowboys can't use the franchise or transition tag on Hardy per the terms of the one-year contract he signed a year ago and nor should they. He recorded six sacks in 12 games.
"Over the summer, the Cowboys contemplated a multi-year deal with Hardy but ultimately let the season play out. Every comment regarding Hardy from Garrett and even owner and general manager Jerry Jones has included the phrase, 'on the field,' which means there must be more off-the-field issues than have been publicly learned."
Though just 27, it appears doubtful as if Hardy will be back with Dallas next season. The same may be true for Claiborne.
The former No. 6 overall pick of the 2012 draft has been a letdown with the Cowboys. Injuries have prevented him from playing even a single complete season since being drafted and his play has never lived up to his lofty draft status. Though he has indicated a wish to return, there doesn't appear to be much incentive for the Cowboys to bring him back, unlike McClain.
"McClain was suspended the first four games, like Hardy, but the coaches had him third on the team with 97 tackles," Archer wrote. "He also had nine tackles for a loss, 10 quarterback pressures and two sacks. The talent is unquestioned, He can make plays and if it were just about the games the Cowboys would keep him.
"He could be back because of what should be a limited market. Paired with Sean Lee, he gives the Cowboys a physical presence."
