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:
Fullback Tyler Clutts
Type: Unrestricted
What he did: In the regular season he did not have a carry and he caught just one pass for 1 yard. He added a touchdown catch in the divisional round loss to the Green Bay Packers. But a fullback’s game is hardly ever about statistics these days, especially with the Cowboys, who rely more on their tight ends in the running game.
What he could do: He has played solidly since coming to the Cowboys in 2013. There is debate as to whether DeMarco Murray runs better without a fullback, but there have been times where Clutts has made a nice block – either on his man or on somebody’s who missed – to help Murray gain more yards. He is also a solid contributor on special teams. While the Cowboys have had some top fullbacks in their history, the position is dying these days. Over the last few years the Cowboys have leaned toward keeping four tight ends on the active roster over a fullback. If he re-signs, a roster spot would not be guaranteed.
What it should cost: The fifth-year minimum salary is $745,000. It’s possible the Cowboys give him a small signing bonus or sign him to a veteran minimum salary benefit deal. The competition for his services, however, shouldn’t be big. It’s not Clutts’ ability or lack of it. It’s the nature of his position.
The series: