With the NFL offseason now officially underway, it's never too early to start focusing on the next order of business, which is free agency. The Cowboys have 20 unrestricted free agents who can sign with other teams starting on March 9, unless they strike a new deal with the Cowboys before then.
Over the next two weeks, DallasCowboys.com staff writers will break down each free agent, analyzing their strengths and weaknesses and the possibilities of a return in 2017.
Today, we'll continue the series with quarterback Mark Sanchez.
What's The Deal: Obviously, the Cowboys have some other decisions to make at the quarterback position that will undoubtedly overshadow news concerning Sanchez and/or Kellen Moore. But, this is a domino-effect and so whatever happens with Romo, will most certainly open the door for the Cowboys to need a backup behind Dak Prescott. Judging his only real game from 2016, Sanchez wouldn't figure to return to the Cowboys in 2017. He didn't play well against the Eagles, completing 9 of 17 passes for 85 yards and two interceptions. However, he didn't have a full complement of the first-team offense around him. The Cowboys will need an experienced backup and Sanchez does fit that description. Plus, his relationship with Prescott and his ability to help from the sidelines could be a bigger factor in this equation than some might realize.
Cowboys Highlight: Not much to pick from here. He only played in two games, and only saw extensive action in the season finale against the Eagles. He did connect on a perfectly-thrown 33-yard pass to Cole Beasley early in the third quarter. But Sanchez and the offense failed to score a touchdown despite having a first down inside the Eagles' 10. But Sanchez might have other deficiencies in his game but he's got great touch on the ball, especially down the field.
Argument to Keep: If the Cowboys can get him for a relatively-cheap price, they'd be getting a veteran backup who not only has 72 career starts in the regular season but has a 4-2 playoff record as well. His relationship with Prescott can't be overlooked.
Argument to Let Go: He made $2 million last season and only played in two games and wasn't that effective in either of them. Backup quarterbacks with experience aren't easy to find but if the Cowboys find a cheaper option, that's a way to save significant cap space.
Bryan Broaddus' Scout's Take: Was brought in as a bridge player to help Dak Prescott with his development. Knew his role on the team. Ran the scout team and was available for Prescott if he had questions. High work ethic in the way he handled his snaps on the scout team. Was prepared to play if needed with limited snaps each week. There are two areas where Sanchez struggles the most – his arm talent and anticipation. He has trouble getting the ball to a receiver especially in a tight window situation. His ball tends to float or hang giving defenders a chance to react. Without the arm strength, it's hard for him to be late on throws and have any success. He tends to hold the ball entirely too long. All I remember from the Philadelphia game was saying to myself "Throw it…". There is no quickness to his game and for a quarterback this is a big problem. I would not be surprised to see this front office move on from him and explore other better options for that backup role.
Take a look at all the 2017 Dallas Cowboys free agents.
20161226DALALL
Dallas Cowboys defensive back J.J. Wilcox (27) drops back into coverage during a NFL football game against the Washington Redskins, Thanksgiving Thursday, November 24, 2016 in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys won the game 31-26. (Paul Jasienski via AP)
Dallas Cowboys cornerback Morris Claiborne (24) intercepts a pass during a 2016 NFL week 4 regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, October 2, 2016, in Santa Clara, Calif. The Cowboys defeated the 49ers, 24-17. (James D. Smith via AP)
Dallas Cowboys cornerback Brandon Carr (39) in coverage during an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday, Dec. 1, 2016, in Minneapolis. Dallas won 17-15. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Dallas Cowboys safety Barry Church (42) calls out a defensive signal during a 2016 NFL week 17 regular season game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Jan. 1, 2017 in Philadelphia, Penn. The Eagles defeated the Cowboys, 27-13. (James D. Smith via AP)
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Justin Durant (56) during a preseason NFL game against the Seattle Seahawks, Thursday, August 25, 2016, in Seattle. The Seahawks defeated the Cowboys, 27-17. (James D. Smith via AP)
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Andrew Gachkar defends on defense prior to a play in action against the Cincinnati Bengals during a NFL football game on Sunday, Oct. 9, 2016 in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys won the game, 28-14. (G. Newman Lowrance via AP)
Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Terrell McClain (97) during the 2016 NFL week 15 regular season game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Dec. 18, 2016, in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys defeated the Buccaneers, 26-20. (James D. Smith via AP)
Dallas Cowboys defensive end Ryan Davis (75) runs in pursuit during a week 10 NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, Nov 13, 2016, in Pittsburgh. The Cowboys won 35-30. (Scott Boehm via AP)
Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Richard Ash (76) during a 2016 NFL week 17 regular season game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Jan. 1, 2017 in Philadelphia, Penn. The Eagles defeated the Cowboys, 27-13. (James D. Smith via AP)
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Terrance Williams (83) during an NFL Divisional Round Playoff football game against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, Jan. 15, 2017 in Arlington, TX. The Packers won, 34-31. (Ric Tapia via AP)
Dallas Cowboys guard Ronald Leary (65) prepares to block on the line of scrimmage during an NFL football NFC divisional playoff game against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, Jan. 15, 2017, in Arlington, Texas. Green Bay won 34-31. (Peter Read Miller via AP)
Dallas Cowboys running back Darren McFadden (20) takes a handoff during a 2016 NFL week 17 regular season game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Jan. 1, 2017 in Philadelphia, Penn. The Eagles defeated the Cowboys, 27-13. (James D. Smith via AP)
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Mark Sanchez (3) looks to pass during the game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, January 1, 2017, Philadelphia. The Eagles defeated the Cowboys 27-13. (Al Tielemans via AP Images)
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Kellen Moore (17) passes during an NFL game against the Washington Redskins Sunday, January 3, 2016, in Arlington, Texas. The Redskins defeated the Cowboys, 34-23. (James D. Smith via AP)
Dallas Cowboys' Jack Crawford (58) rushes against the Detroit Lions during an NFL football game, Monday, Dec. 26, 2016, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Roger Steinman)
Detroit Lions' Glover Quin (27) watches as Dallas Cowboys' Brice Butler (19) catches a touchdown pass in the end zone in the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Dec. 26, 2016, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade)
Dallas Cowboys tight end Gavin Escobar celebrates his touchdown in the second half of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Nov. 6, 2016, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
Cleveland Browns offensive guard Jonathan Cooper (64) plays against the Cincinnati Bengals in the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 11, 2016, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
Dallas Cowboys running back Lance Dunbar (25) carries the ball during the second half of a preseason NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2012, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Sharon Ellman)
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Rolando McClain (55) watches during an NFL football practice Tuesday, June 14, 2016 in Irving, Texas. (James D. Smith via AP)
Free Agency Overview
- Explosive Back When Healthy, Dunbar Still Unproven
- DL Jack Crawford Had A Career-High 10 Starts In 2016
- Can Cowboys Afford To Keep Veteran Safety Church?
- Numbers Aren’t Flashy, But Williams Will Intrigue TeamsRead
- Gachkar Played Special Teams, Versatile LB Role Again
- Despite Low Numbers, Escobar Has Appealing Traits
- Claiborne Flashed Potential, But Injuries Struck Again
- Evaluating The Late Addition Of OG Jonathan Cooper
- McFadden Still Productive, Versatile Option
- DT Richard Ash Signed On Late From Jacksonville
- Durant’s Second Stint Not Flashy, But Still Productive
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