IRVING, Texas -- Before the Dallas Cowboys can go out on the free-agent market, they will have decisions to make on their own players.
They have 18 free agents (unrestricted and restricted) heading into 2016 with defensive starters Greg Hardy, Morris Claiborne and Rolando McClain at the top of the list.
Jason Garrett’s curt responses to any question about Hardy after the season's end seem to indicate he will not be back. 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.
Claiborne, the No. 6 overall pick of the 2012 draft, missed five games because of hamstring and ankle injuries. He was unable to play a full schedule in any season because of injuries and recorded just three interceptions. While he has expressed a desire to return, a change of scenery might do him well.
McClain was suspended the first four games, like Hardy, but the coaches had him third on the team with 97 tackles. He also had nine tackles for 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.
Here’s a look at the full Cowboys’ free agent class:
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS
Mackenzy Bernadeau: Has value because he can play all three interior spots
Charles Brown: Served as the swing tackle in 2015 but could be bumped by Chaz Green
Matt Cassel: Won just one start after the trade from Buffalo
Morris Claiborne: Former first-round pick never met expectations mostly due to injury
Tyler Clutts: Solid performer at a position that does not get much work
Jack Crawford: A bright spot with four sacks and has position flexibility
Lance Dunbar: Recovering from a torn ACL but can be dynamic in spot duty
James Hanna: Developed into solid blocker and good No. 2 tight end
Greg Hardy: Did not generate enough sacks and too many off-field headlines
Nick Hayden: Valued by the coaches for his productivity but not much pass rush
Rolando McClain: Unquestioned talent but he seems to lose focus occasionally
Danny McCray: Good special teamer but that is it at this stage of his career
Jeremy Mincey: Limited by right-elbow injury as sack total dropped from six to zero
Josh Thomas: Signed the final week of the season for depth purposes
Robert Turbin: Could be back in a reserve role after picking the offense up quickly
Kyle Wilber: A valuable special-teamer as well as spot starter with position flexibility
RESTRICTED FREE AGENT
Jeff Heath: Shoulder injury limited his defensive work late but team’s best special-teamer
Ronald Leary: Could start for most teams but likely brought back as a top backup
