LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 17: Tight end Hunter Henry #86 of the Los Angeles Chargers carries the ball against inside linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski #44 of the Las Vegas Raiders in the second half of their game at Allegiant Stadium on December 17, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Chargers defeated the Raiders 30-27 in overtime. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
The Dallas Cowboys need to avoid these three free agents this winter.
2020 was a big disappointment for the Dallas Cowboys, who began this year as a legitimate Super Bowl contender but finished in third place in the NFC East. A season-ending injury for Dak Prescott didn’t help matters but Dallas’ defense was a complete disaster, resulting in the firing of Mike Nolan after the season.
Dan Quinn is the Cowboys’ new defensive coordinator and his arrival combined some key offseason additions on that side of the ball will help, but Jerry Jones will have to be smart with his money since Dallas is only $17 million under the salary cap before figuring out what to do with Prescott’s contract. Let’s look at three players that the Cowboys should stay away from to put together their best roster in 2021, beginning with tight end Hunter Henry.
5. Free agents to avoid for the Cowboys – TE Hunter Henry
One thing that the Cowboys have in spades is skill position talent. The wide receiver room is set with Amari Cooper, CeeDee Lamb and Michael Gallup while Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard a solid tandem in the backfield. Tight end isn’t as strong, with Dalton Schultz playing a complimentary role this year.
There is an opportunity to upgrade in free agency with Hunter Henry, who has plenty of talent and could thrive with more of a spotlight in Dallas. The issue is he should command a decent contract in free agency and his actual production was very similar to what the Cowboys got out of Schultz in 2020.
A guy like Henry could really add a lot to the Cowboys’ offense and if Dallas had more salary cap room it would make sense to add him to the roster. With a variety of needs on defense, however, Henry is a luxury that the Cowboys can’t afford.