Cowboys Mailbag:Mick's Mail: 07/27

Does placing a tender on Bass indicate the Cowboys are really more willing to let him walk and want to make sure they get something, or do they actually value him more?

I know the Cowboys' goal is defense, defense and more defense in this draft, but what happens if by more than one miracle running back Jeremiyah Love or one of the top offensive tackles is available at No. 12? What do the Cowboys do?

Why have the Cowboys not yet addressed linebacker in free agency or with a trade? This was a glaring weakness last season. How concerned should we be?

Can this defense have a successful rebuild if the free agent signings only include good depth pieces? Or is the only way to turn this defense around depend on a top tier player?

What are your thoughts after this first wave of free agency? Are you pleased with what the Cowboys have done, or does it feel like business as usual?

Osa Odighizuwa was one of the few bright spots on defense last season. Why trade him away if you're trying to get better? Especially after just having given him a new contract. Help me understand this please!

What position is a strength in free agency that you'd look to add before the draft, if you were in charge?

George Pickens can be signed away if the Cowboys choose not to match, and the team would get two first-round picks. Brandon Aubrey and T.J. Bass are also tendered for second-round picks. So would you rather have the players or the picks this year? 

What is your opinion of the Cowboys' trade for Rashan Gary from the Packers? Does it seem that it's a good trade? How does he help the defense? Is a fourth-round pick reasonable to give up to add him to the roster?

I've been hearing and reading a lot about how Christian Parker's nickel cornerback needs to be a corner, a safety and a linebacker at times. We've seen Markquese Bell play safety and linebacker with some success and maybe a little corner. Could he be the guy Parker needs or is size an issue? 

With the move to a 3-4 base alignment, will the adjustment be difficult for the team's standout defensive tackles to play defensive end? Yes, it's only lining up just a few feet outside and still doing the dirty work in the trenches, but are the responsibilities vastly different?