(Editor's Note: With free agency beginning March 9, the DallasCowboys.com staff is forecasting the future for a few Cowboys currently set to hit the open market. Our final part spotlights defensive end Jeremy Mincey, who will be an unrestricted free agent. For the full list of Cowboys free agents, visit our free agency tracker.)
DE Jeremy Mincey
6-4 / 280
8 NFL Seasons
2015 Impact: 14 games (6 starts): 19 tackles (1 for loss), 15 quarterback pressures, 1 pass deflection
David:I'm torn on Jeremy Mincey when it comes to the future. On one hand, the Cowboys are desperate for pass rushers, and Mincey has proven he can provide sacks – six of them in 2014 – for a reasonable price. He's also a favorable presence in the locker room. On the other hand, he slumped to a paltry 19 tackles and no sacks last year in a disappointing season, and I'm sure the front office wasn't too pleased with some negative public comments he made after the Cowboys' frustrating 4-12 season. At the age of 32, Mincey isn't a guy you expect to have a long-term future here, but he could provide some assistance to a pass rush that is short on playmakers right now. I don't think the Cowboys are particularly interested in bringing him back, and I don't expect to see him sign a deal right at the outset of free agency. After the market develops, though, if this team hasn't found help anywhere else, it wouldn't stun me to see them reach out about a modest, short-term deal.
Rob: Perhaps Randy Gregory's four-game NFL suspension increases Mincey's likelihood of returning to Dallas. As it stands now, the Cowboys are very thin on pass rushers, with DeMarcus Lawrence, Gregory, David Irving and Ryan Russell currently the only defensive ends under contract – and now Gregory must sit out the first month. For only the second time in his eight-year career, Mincey did not record a sack in a season, but he's a good locker room guy who can hold up against the run. At 32, he'll be interesting to see what his market value is.
Nick: I think I would give Mincey another shot, even if it's a one-year deal. I know he didn't get a sack last year, but neither did Randy Gregory. Some of the players ahead of Mincey on the depth chart last year won't be around this year, or for the entire season. I am a believer that certain players can stunt leadership and that might have happened with Mincey this year. He's a good leader and he's a team player who can play different spots. If there is an opportunity to bring him back, I would do so.
Bryan: Didn't feel like that he was as good of a player as he was the previous season. Issues with contract and teammates likely had a great deal to do with that. Has always been a tough, hardworking guy. Mean and nasty type of player. Has traits of leadership. Not afraid to call teammates out and try for accountability. Functional player when asked to start or as in the case of this past season – play as a backup. No doubt that he has some physical limitations but his strength and relentlessness helps him overcome some of those issues. Did a much better job as an edge rusher in 2014. Had trouble getting that going in 2015. Actually thought he was a better player when he worked inside at the one technique. Likely not his favorite position to play but gave it a nice go. Never going to have great pass rush technique but will give you all he has as a bull rusher. Two seasons ago was outstanding working against some Pro Bowl types of offensive tackles. Worth a shot as a bridge player again with the thought that things have cleared up for him in the locker room. Front office knows what it has in the player which could make them decide to look elsewhere.
