The Dallas Cowboys have been very quiet in free agency thus far, however they have managed to re-sign one of their defensive anchors, Rolando McClain. The Cowboys view the combination of McClain and Sean Lee as one of the best linebacker tandems in the league when both are healthy. This will be the third season in a row the Cowboys have signed McClain to a one-year deal.
The deal is reportedly worth $3 million with $1 million in incentives. McClain has been a solid cover linebacker but has failed to produce any pressure for this defensive unit. The Cowboys would like to re-sign all of their free agents, but it appears that McClain was at the top of their list. Dallas will have several free agents including full back Tyler Clutts, cornerback Morris Claiborne, defensive tackle Nick Hayden, and controversial defensive end Greg Hardy.
McClain has made some big plays when he has been on the field and had a first-round grade coming out of college, so the talent is there. Ideally the Cowboys would like to add a better pass-rushing linebacker and keep McClain as a situational cover linebacker. This season will most likely be a "prove it" type season for McClain, who will need to show he can stay on the field and be productive, which means not getting suspended or showing up to camp underweight.
The Cowboys may try to add that pass rusher during the 2016 NFL Draft, but for now they are just attempting to retain some of their top talent. McClain has was a little banged up all season and has not been the healthiest linebacker the Cowboys have ever had, but this one-year deal allows them to be a little more active in free agency.
This could allow them to pursue playmaking running back Lamar Miller, battling the Houston Texans for his services. The Cowboys have a ton of needs heading into the 2016 offseason and have solid amount of cap space for the first time in several years.
They have bought into the philosophy that they should build a championship-caliber team through the draft so they have not been particularly active in free agency. If the Cowboys release Brandon Carr, that could potentially change as they look for an upgrade in the secondary. They could also attempt to restructure Carr's contract so they can free up some salary cap space. Casey Hayward should also be another target for the Cowboys in the free agency.
