Fansided

Dallas Cowboys free agency 2020: Top 5 targets

By Mike Phillips

FRISCO, TEXAS - JANUARY 08: Team owner Jerry Jones of the Dallas Cowboys talks with the media during a press conference at the Ford Center at The Star on January 08, 2020 in Frisco, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
FRISCO, TEXAS - JANUARY 08: Team owner Jerry Jones of the Dallas Cowboys talks with the media during a press conference at the Ford Center at The Star on January 08, 2020 in Frisco, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 5
Next
DENVER, CO – DECEMBER 22: Chris Harris #25 of the Denver Broncos stands on the field as he warms up before a game against the Detroit Lions at Empower Field at Mile High on December 22, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – DECEMBER 22: Chris Harris #25 of the Denver Broncos stands on the field as he warms up before a game against the Detroit Lions at Empower Field at Mile High on December 22, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /

2. Chris Harris, CB

The Cowboys’ inability to potentially land a long term deal with Dak Prescott weighs heavily on their offseason, including the future of cornerback Byron Jones. If Prescott had signed long term, the Cowboys could have used the franchise tag on Amari Cooper and the transition tag on Jones, allowing them the right to match any offer he gets on the open market.

Since a deal did not get done, Prescott will get franchised and Cooper should receive the transition tag, meaning Jones will be a true free agent. In a market that is thin on top corners, Jones should receive a massive payday, all but ensuring he won’t be wearing a star on his helmet next fall.

The Cowboys can look to draft a long term replacement for Jones, but on a contending team a rookie cornerback being the top option won’t cut it. The best course of action here is to pursue an older player who can still add value at the position, with the top choice being former Bronco Chris Harris.

A key member of the No Fly Zone defense for the Broncos’ 2015 Super Bowl championship team, Harris is now 31 years old and saw his performance dip just a tad last season. With Denver in the middle of a rebuild, Harris will likely move on and seek an opportunity to pursue another ring.

The Cowboys could offer Harris that chance, and a move to a new team with championship aspirations could revitalize him in 2020. Harris may not have the upside that Jones does, but given the realities of Dallas’ cap situation it is the best choice for them to make.

Home/Dallas Cowboys