FRISCO, Texas -- The Dallas Cowboys' focus is on the present, but there always has to be eyes on the future.
That's part of the reason why the Cowboys signed Jonathan Cooper for the playoff run. It's perhaps a month-long look at a player who could fill a role in 2017 if unrestricted free-agent-to-be Ronald Leary receives an offer too large for the Cowboys to match.
Cooper and Leary are two of the Cowboys' 18 impending unrestricted free agents.
Here is a look:
UNRESTRICTED (18)
QB Kellen Moore -- He entered training camp as the backup but broke his ankle and did not play. Being a Scott Linehan favorite could help his return.
QB Mark Sanchez -- He has had a positive influence on Dak Prescott this season and could be brought back with Tony Romo not expected to return.
RB Lance Dunbar -- He made a terrific comeback from a serious knee injury to return to a third-down role. He had interest elsewhere last year but chose to remain.
RB Darren McFadden -- He missed the first 13 games of the year with a broken elbow but has some value as a No. 2 back.
WR Terrance Williams -- His market will be interesting because he has made big plays but he has not had big numbers. He doesn't miss games or practices.
WR Brice Butler -- He had three touchdowns in his 16 receptions and his playing time has increased recently but his future will be tied to Williams.
G Ronald Leary -- He will be paid handsomely by another team with the Cowboys looking to re-sign Zack Martin to a megadeal over the summer. He has earned it.
G Jonathan Cooper -- He could be next year's backup interior offensive linemen if he chooses to come back. If he doesn't, then the Cowboys could net a compensatory pick in 2018.
TE Gavin Escobar -- He needs a new start. He never had more than nine catches in any of his four seasons. The former second-round pick is a pass catcher only.
DL Jack Crawford -- He has value because he can play end and tackle. He returned this year on a one-year deal and could be in line for the same type of deal in 2017.
DE Ryan Davis -- An early season pickup for depth purposes, he was put on injured reserve with a knee injury.
DT Terrell McClain -- He had his best season, finally playing to the potential the Cowboys saw in 2014. He is a solid run defender who can do more than just push the pocket.
LB Andrew Gachkar -- A core special teamer, Gachkar played well in the finale against Philadelphia when he saw his most defensive snaps.
LB Justin Durant -- He re-signed with the Cowboys before camp started and played valuable role in the sub package defenses.
CB Brandon Carr -- He accepted a pay cut to play out his final year of the five-year, $50 million deal he signed in 2012. He didn't miss a game, recorded one pick and was the Cowboys' best corner.
S Barry Church -- He missed four games with a fractured forearm but still finished second on the defense in tackles. He led the team in interceptions and is a good leader.
CB Morris Claiborne -- He was having his best season before a groin injury knocked him out for the final nine games. He hopes to return for the playoffs. His injury history will hurt his market.
S J.J. Wilcox -- He was solid in spot duty as a starter and in the sub packages. He did a better job with his angles and delivered big hits.
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS
None
EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENT (1)
DE David Irving -- Perhaps the Cowboys look to sign him to a multi-year deal in the offseason but he was their defensive lineman down the stretch. Is he this good or is he on a hot run?
