Dallas Cowboys: 2017 marks a changing of the guard

The Dallas Cowboys have seen familiar faces leave the building after years of service, but what does that mean for the future of the organization?

Every team has a leader. Many teams have a few. Certainly, there is no “I” in team, but no one mentions the New England Patriots without attributing some of their success to Tom Brady or Bill Belichick. The point being, teams need leaders. And unfortunately, the Dallas Cowboys watched several leave the team, and some the game of football altogether.

Obviously, Tony Romo is included in this as the longtime starting quarterback of America’s Team. But it wouldn’t be fair to neglect several other less notable leaders that will need to be replaced. The Cowboys are set to experience a changing of the guard.

Sophomore quarterback Dak Prescott surely looks prepared to step into the team’s biggest leadership void. Romo left some big shoes to fill, but No. 4 seems to be more than capable of taking the reins.

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However, Romo wasn’t the only departure on offense. The Dallas Cowboys also lost 10-year veteran and eight-year starter at right tackle, Doug Free. Many are willing to write Free off as a penalty liability or inconsistent blocker. And to be fair, his final season wasn’t his best.

Nonetheless, his departure leaves a role that must be claimed. Fortunately, the Cowboys have several young, talented lineman capable of leading Ezekiel Elliott’s personal protection detail. Travis Frederick will likely fill the leadership void left on the offensive line.

Perhaps a more pressing void was created when Brandon Carr and Barry Church departed. For years, both were fixtures of the Dallas Cowboys’ secondary. They both left town in March. Who will step up in the secondary? Some of the responsibility surely falls on Byron Jones, but one of the rookie corners will likely need to step up.

Next: NFL 2017: Each team's biggest question before training camp

Time will tell, but 2017 will mark the beginning of a new era of Dallas Cowboys football. One where new leaders will be born.