It is difficult to predict due to all the variables such as where we end up drafting (hopefully 32) and who we decide to sign before the end of the season. Have to remember the end of the season occurs after the Super Bowl and after the combine so we should have an idea (at least the scouts and coaches will) of who might be available and who we might want in the draft. Just those two items will give an idea of who we want to keep and who we are willing to let go.
You also have to figure in free agency. We might not think it is very important this year but I am sure the Jones and Garrett and coaches do. Case in point, if Suh becomes a free agent, would you want to take a chance with him or is it better to keep Melton, Oyoke, T. McClain, Hayden, Coleman, and Bishop. Of course cost comes into the picture big time but would have to consider the production also.
Anyway this is how I view the projected free agents currently.
Dez Bryant: Will be resigned before the new NFL year starts probably for more than I would like.
DeMarco Murray: He will get his money and probably will take less in stay in Dallas, why resign remember Jerry is a marketing guy also.
Doug Free: He won't stay for what he would be due on the contract but he will redo to a cap friendly one, he knows his best bet is here.
Ronald Leary: Probably a 1st round tender, no less than a 2nd although could see him get a six year deal that is backloaded.
Cole Beasley: Probably no better than a 3rd round tender, great to have but remember Street will fit there next year also.
Dwayne Harris: At best a vet minimum deal unless he really steps up, lots of guys coming out this year with return ability.
Jeremy Parnell: His time is now to prove he belongs and he has to be marketly better than Free, if not a replacement waits in the draft, remember also we have Weems who the coaches like on IR.
Defense:
Bruce Carter: He will get a contract offer abet not a large one to remain. Will be his call on staying.
Rolando McClain: He gets a new contract right after Dez before the new NFL year.
Justin Durant: He stays for more than most think. Marinelli considers him the best LB we have and can play all 3 spots.
Henry Melton: He won't be here for the contract extension money but good chance he stays for a better deal that is backloaded.
Nick Hayden: Nice player and hope he makes it on another team.
Sterling Moore: Actually probably gets a 2nd round tender as he deserves it.
George Selvie: He could stay although it would be a 1 or 2 year deal that might go away depending on draft.
Anthony Spencer: To me same boat as Selvie, think he will give Dallas a deal to stay.
How I see the defense possible in 2015:
DT: Crawford, Brent, Okoye, Melton, Coleman, Bishop, T. McClain, FA?, draft pick?
Will we keep six, maybe, Crawford is showing great signs, Brent is to be determined, Okoye signed a 3 year deal so chances good he stays if he shows enough, Melton will depend on play and contract, jury is out on T. McClain still, Coleman has shown enough so far as a good rotation guy, Bishop has a learning curve but coaches like his motor, what could upset the apple cart might be Suh although doubtful IMO, a draft pick that might fall like a Leonard Williams DT USC would change the projection.
DE: Lawrence, Spencer, Mincey, Selvie, Gardner, (Wilbur), FA?, draft pick
Lawrence will be the one definite, Spencer's back with a Dallas friendly contract and possibly Selvie also, Mincey is under contract but also easily cut if needed, Gardner had the coaches eye so see what he has next year, I include Wilbur because he can play OLB and DE and under contract, I would doubt at this point any free agent, could easily see us taking one if not two or three DEs in the draft, early, middle and late.
LB: Lee, McClain, Durant, Carter, Hitchens, Wilbur, Lawrence
Lee will move to either SAM or Will, McClain will be the MIKE, Durant/Carter could take either SAM or WILL, Hitchens has done a good job as a rookie, Wilbur can play LB and DE so makes him a value, Lawrence is on the outside looking in. Will Dallas sign all three of McClain, Durant and Carter? Probably doubtful although depending on the structure of the contracts and price, they could. Probably LB is best unit we have had in years.
DB: Church, Wilcox, Moore, Claiborne, Carr, Scandrick, Hamilton, Heath, Patmon, Pellerin, draft pick
Most are down on Claiborne for good reason but I seriously doubt we cut him anytime before 2016... he will be given a shot next year, Wilcox is getting better, Church is solid, Carr will be his last year in 2015, IMO; Scandrick is solid, Hamilton is a guy to watch in challenging either Church or Wilcox, Patmon might be a guy to watch, but betting we draft a CB no later than the 3rd round.
Offense is overall good and frankly the only positions I see us upgrading would be backups on the OL such as RT and trying to hit on a WR that falls in the draft. Could we take a QB in the draft, betting we might in the 4th, but oh how I would like to see an Amari Cooper fall to the late 1st and Dallas take him. The thought of Bryant, Williams, and Cooper in a 3 wideout set would be better than great, it would be an unstoppable offense as no team could ever put 8 in the box and go one on one with those 3, heck Murray might run for 3000 yards.
