The Dallas Cowboys are coming off of a strong 2014 season and heading into 2015 the team still has some major needs at linebacker and they could look at free agents like Mason Foster, Brandon Spikes, Lance Briggs, Nick Roach or Jacquian Williams as potential options, as the team is not signing back Rolando McClain and could use some depth at the position.
The Cowboys have made some significant moves already this offseason, including signing Darren McFadden to help take over for DeMarco Murray, who is now with the Eagles. The team lost Justin Durant in free agency at linebacker along with Bruce Carter and while they added Andrew Gachkar and Jasper Brinkley, Todd Archer at ESPN Dallas reports that the team could be looking for more at the position heading into the draft.
--UPDATE: Mason Foster will sign with the Bears
Archer writes that the team is not planning to bring back McClain, as he reportedly will be facing a four game suspension for the 2015 season. According to ESPN.com, McClain violated the NFL's substance abuse policy and that means he could miss one quarter of the season with a suspension. McClain was very solid for the Cowboys last season after coming over in a trade with the Ravens. McClain played in 14 games, starting 12 and had over 80 tackles along with one sack and two interceptions.
McClain was one of the most consistent linebackers for the team, but ESPN Dallas' Jean-Jacques Taylor writes that there was "a lot of drama swirling" around McClain last season. The Cowboys reportedly will not sign him back and that could open things up for another veteran linebacker. The team likely will look at the position in the draft, but Archer adds that players like Foster, Briggs of Spikes could be low cost, high upside options like McClain was last season. The Cowboys signed Greg hardy this offseason to shore up their pass rush, as they had only 28 sacks last season as a team.
Mason Foster could be a potential option on the free agent market, as he is coming off of a solid season with the Buccaneers and could come fairly cheap. The Cowboys have about $2 million in cap space and they could clear a bit more depending on what happens with Brandon Carr. According to the Sacramento Bee, Foster could be a target for the San Francisco 49ers and this comes after some interest from both the Chicago Bears and the Miami Dolphins earlier in the offseason.
Foster had 40 solo tackles last season in 10 games for the Buccaneers. Brandon Spikes remains on the market after playing last season with the Buffalo Bills and it's likely that he will not be re-signing with the team. The Bills traded away Kiko Alonso, but so far they have not looked at bringing back Spikes in a starting role. Spikes is a strong run stopper and that could be a good fit for the Cowboys and he also has been very durable in his career.
Spikes has not missed a game since 2012 and last season he had 54 total tackles and one sack for the Bills. The Cowboys ranked eighth in rushing yards allowed per game last season and they want to keep that unit strong for 2015 on defense.
