3 Free agents Dallas Cowboys have to retain in 2020

Whether the Dallas Cowboys ever decide what to do at coach or not, they’re going to end up having to address some pending free agents. These three players should be retained in 2020.

This offseason has been interesting, to say the least, for the Dallas Cowboys. They’re playing a weird game with their head coach Jason Garrett, who clearly isn’t the answer and doesn’t have a contract in 2020.

For whatever reason, they’re delaying announcing any decision — which means nothing in the grand scheme of things. They clearly know what they want to do going forward and are in no rush, which is fine.

But while they let all that free agency play out, we look ahead to some of the players who have contracts expiring this offseason. Dallas has given itself a lot of financial freedom with so many contracts ending after 2019 but some of the players need to be brought back.

Here, we look at three players who need to be back in 2020 as the Cowboys look to give their next coach the best chance at having success. Of course, we will leave out quarterback Dak Prescott, because we all know he’s going to be either extended or hit with the franchise tag.

Honorable Mention: Malcolm Smith, LB

This is an interesting player because Malcolm Smith hardly played in Dallas. He was signed for the final two games of the season after Leighton Vander Esch and Joe Thomas were both lost to injuries. He played well, totaling five tackles, one of which went for a loss. He also forced a fumble against the Redskins in Week 17.

With Sean Lee now approaching free agency again, Dallas will have some decisions to make. Maybe Instead of sticking with the Lee, they could bring Smith back on a cheaper deal and see if the former Super Bowl MVP has anything left.

In his last full season with the 49ers, in 2017, Smith had 103 tackles. It’s easy to say he’s done and too old, but he’s actually four years younger than Lee. And if he doesn’t work out, chances are it costs next to nothing.