As pipedreamy as it may seem, the Dallas Cowboys have solidified a visit from defensive tackle Henry Melton on Monday and have interest in defensive ends Jared Allen and Anthony Spencer as well.
Melton, a DFW native, visited the world-Champion Seahawks and has also visited the Vikings. Allen is departing Minnesota. Julius Peppers was also in this mix entering the weekend as he is leaving Chicago, where he worked alongside Melton and under Rod Marinelli, now the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator. These level of players have star quality that would seem to make Dallas’ pursuit of them longshots however. Dallas has about $7 million of cap room to use and is seeking help following the departures of DeMarcus Ware (Broncos) and Jason Hatcher (Redskins). Dallas also holds out hope it can retain end Spencer.
But part of these desires on all the aforementioned are tied to the Cowboys’ need for a dry market for this level of player. Melton is coming off a torn anterior cruciate ligament, but at 27 is the player in this group most worthy of a long-term deal. So there is some talk of him being offered shorter-term deals due to the injury. The Cowboys are trying to rebuild their defensive line with waves of quantity but also wish to find quality is a fiscally-responsible way, which can also come in the upcoming May draft.
