The Cowboys' current top-three offseason needs
Inside Slant
Owner Jerry Jones, who believes the Cowboys are close to being a Super Bowl contender despite last season's 9-7 mark, said they are targeting immediate upgrades at offensive tackle, linebacker, safety and kicker and receiver.
The release of defensive tackle La'Roi Glover and the expected free agent departure of tight end Dan Campbell will likely have the Cowboys looking for help at those positions as well.
Center might be added to the list with backup Andre Gurode set to hit the market as an unrestricted free agent. The Cowboys are not yet convinced that starter Al Johnson, who split time with Gurode last season, is the long-term answer at the position.
—The Cowboys' current top-three offseason needs:
1. Offensive tackle: This position was the team's Achilles heel in 2005. With left tackle Flozell Adams injured, they were suspect on both sides. Adams will be back in 2006. But they need an upgrade at right tackle where rookie Rob Petitti struggled mightily last season. The Cowboys don't draft offensive linemen in the first round, but they may make an exception this year.
2. Safety: The Cowboys like Keith Davis, but they like him best as a special teams player. They will need a free safety to play opposite Roy Williams. Texas cornerback/safety Michael Huff would be a good fit but he will be long gone by the time Cowboys pick.
3. Linebacker: Dat Nguyen is retiring. The Cowboys need a replacement at inside linebacker. They also are looking for upgrades at outside linebacker. Ohio State's Bobby Carpenter is intriguing because his father played for Bill Parcells with the Giants.
4. Wide Receiver: Keyshawn Johnson and Terry Glenn are set for next season. But the end is near for both. The Cowboys need to get some new blood. They also need to add speed at the position. Glenn is unlikely to play a full 16 games two straight years. He has never done so before.
Owner Jerry Jones, who believes the Cowboys are close to being a Super Bowl contender despite last season's 9-7 mark, said they are targeting immediate upgrades at offensive tackle, linebacker, safety and kicker and receiver.
The release of defensive tackle La'Roi Glover and the expected free agent departure of tight end Dan Campbell will likely have the Cowboys looking for help at those positions as well.
Center might be added to the list with backup Andre Gurode set to hit the market as an unrestricted free agent. The Cowboys are not yet convinced that starter Al Johnson, who split time with Gurode last season, is the long-term answer at the position.
—The Cowboys' current top-three offseason needs:
1. Offensive tackle: This position was the team's Achilles heel in 2005. With left tackle Flozell Adams injured, they were suspect on both sides. Adams will be back in 2006. But they need an upgrade at right tackle where rookie Rob Petitti struggled mightily last season. The Cowboys don't draft offensive linemen in the first round, but they may make an exception this year.
2. Safety: The Cowboys like Keith Davis, but they like him best as a special teams player. They will need a free safety to play opposite Roy Williams. Texas cornerback/safety Michael Huff would be a good fit but he will be long gone by the time Cowboys pick.
3. Linebacker: Dat Nguyen is retiring. The Cowboys need a replacement at inside linebacker. They also are looking for upgrades at outside linebacker. Ohio State's Bobby Carpenter is intriguing because his father played for Bill Parcells with the Giants.
4. Wide Receiver: Keyshawn Johnson and Terry Glenn are set for next season. But the end is near for both. The Cowboys need to get some new blood. They also need to add speed at the position. Glenn is unlikely to play a full 16 games two straight years. He has never done so before.
posted by The Gryphon at 10:54 PM
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