With 20 players set to be restricted or unrestricted free agents, the Dallas Cowboys will have plenty of decisions to make on who to keep and who to let go.
Let’s take a look at the free agents to be and how they could fit into the Cowboys’ future:
Safety C.J. Spillman
Type: Unrestricted
What he did: The Cowboys picked him up after he was among the San Francisco 49ers' final cuts to provide special teams help. He had 10 special teams tackles and recovered fumble that kick-started their win against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He also had big plays in the playoff games. When Jeff Heath went down with a thumb injury, he became an option as a backup safety and contributed 10 tackles, according to the coaches’ breakdown.
What he could do: Since he came into the league in 2009, he has been a special teams’ player and that’s what he would be as he enters his seventh season. He wasn’t lost on defense, but the Cowboys would not look at him as a long-term starter if something were to happen to Barry Church or J.J. Wilcox. He could get them through a game.
What it should cost: The Cowboys value special teams, at least that’s what head coach Jason Garrett says. The leading special teams’ tackler, Dwayne Harris, is also an unrestricted free agent. He has more value as a receiver than Spillman has as a safety. If it comes down to an either/or situation, Harris might get the nod. Spillman is looking at a short-term deal with a small signing bonus.
The series: Click here for more posts from this series.
