The Dallas Cowboys are in need of adding some fire power to their roster and have very little money to make that happen. The team is once again needing to focus on offense after a disappointing 2013. With Dez Bryant needing a new contract, the Cowboys are limited on their options when it comes to spending money on free agents. However, one veteran just became available and might be an intriguing fit.
First thing is first, the Cowboys are expected to release wide receiver Miles Austin. ESPN.com reports Austin will be the first cap casualty after stringing together three disappointing seasons riddled by injuries. Austin signed a seven-year, $54.1 million contract back in 2010 with $18 million in guaranteed money. He has missed several games since signing that deal and Dallas can simply not afford to keep him on.
Releasing Austin saves Dallas $8.5 million. In his place, Terrance Williams is expected to get promoted to being the No. 2 receiver behind Bryant. He put together a strong rookie campaign that has Dallas encouraged by his future. However, that leaves Dallas needing one more receiver before approaching next season.
According to NFLTR.com, the Dallas Cowboys could target newly released Nate Burleson as a productive, yet cheap option for the team. Burleson was the team's first cap casualty despite his strong numbers put up over his career. The Detroit Free Press confirmed that Burleson was let go. The 32-year-old veteran was projected to be a $7.5 million cap hit. His release saved the team $5.5 million.
Burleson was not released because of his lack of production. Despite missing several games due to a broken hand, Burleson managed 461 yards and one touchdown in nine games. The 11-year-pro has had plenty of success running in tandem with Calvin Johnson. In 2011, he was a large reason why Matthew Stafford tossed for 5.038 yards. Despite his injury history, he has always been a difference maker on the field.
Burleson had previously stated he would be willing to take a pay cut in order to remain with Detroit. However, the team is unlikely to re-sign him, leaving the receiver to test the free agent market. Burleson would like to go to a team with a No. 1 guy already established that is also set up to win.
"I'd just like to go to a team that's got an established No. 1 (receiver) and work the slot," Burleson said, via NFL.com. "I've been able to show my versatility -- play outside, play inside -- and I can go somewhere and be a tall, strong slot receiver, chain-moving slot receiver. (I'm) talking about an offense that is productive and a team that can make it to the post season. At this point I'm not playing for the dollars; I think it's very obvious."
Dallas fits the mold. They can get Burleson for relatively cheap. While some may laugh, Dallas has a solid chance at being successful and Burleson could help bail Tony Romo out every week.