Mailbag: Is Dallas set at running back?

One of the biggest needs going into this offseason has been linebacker, and there are still plenty of good veterans out there – Bobby Wagner, Devin Bush, Germaine Pratt, Deon Jones, Devin White. I mean, surely one of these guys is better than none of them. What am I missing?

I recently read your Next Man Up series, and it stated there is always a possibility of moving Tyler Smith to left tackle again. Shouldn't the Cowboys evaluate Tyler Guyton for the long term, and if he is not the answer, draft or trade for a left tackle? Given Dak Prescott's window, this year is too important to be uncertain on the O-line?

With what we have seen in free agency so far, I feel that (once again) the Cowboys have no real intention of signing players who would help them truly compete for a Super Bowl. Do the Cowboys still need to make a big splash to convince us this team is really heading in the right direction? 

The Cowboys have always stuck to best player available in the draft. Is this the year that's finally off the table? If an offensive player at a skill position is considerably higher on their board, and a trade isn't available to them, do they pass?

How far up could the Cowboys move in the first round if they packaged the 12th overall pick and their third-round pick in a trade? Who would have to be available for you to trade both picks to move up? 

I don't understand all the 1-year contracts. It seems to me they set the stage for the Cowboys being in the same place again this time next year. I get it in the case of older or injured players looking for a prove it contract, but why not sign someone like Cobie Durant, who is coming off his rookie contract, to a multi-year deal if you're convinced he can help your team?

Since the non-exclusive tag allows players to negotiate with other teams, why haven't we heard anything about George Pickens' agent trying to work on a big contract with another team? I would think no offers would mean less leverage when it comes to negotiations with the Cowboys. Your thoughts?

I remember in years past the Cowboys employed older, veteran backup quarterbacks like Brad Johnson, Jon Kitna and Andy Dalton. Was that a front office preference or coach's decision? If it was the front office, what changed? Would you prefer they had more experience at backup QB?

Are you concerned not just about how many inside linebackers are on the roster, but the size of the guys they currently have? I know it's a different day and age, but generally the 3-4 calls for larger inside linebackers.

Would you rather have the draft before free agency starts, like every other major sport? In the draft you are regulated to who is available at the time your turn comes up. But then knowing what you have and need, free agency would then allow you to go get any player you wanted, as long as you have the money?

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?