Jerry Jones, the owner of the Dallas Cowboys, stated this week that the best way to fill roster voids is through free agency.

Spending is encouraged by their efforts to clear $57 million this offseason. In light of that, the following four positions are expected to be targeted by the Cowboys: 1. Defensive lineman (1-Technique): Mazi Smith is the lone one-technique defensive lineman on the Cowboys’ roster at the moment, and he needs a good rotation partner. The bill-starting-caliber athletes who can contribute without (maybe) going over budget would be players like Jonathan Allen or Javon Hargrave.

If Damone Clark is a cap casualty cut, Marist Liufau would be the only healthy linebacker going into the season. These players fit the Cowboys’ philosophy of “selectively aggressive” spending in the middle waves of free agency. They may not command top-tier salaries, but they provide the experience and depth needed for a successful defensive front. Remember our discussion of why defensive tackle takes so long to translate.