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Cowboys DT Terrell McClain is one of nine free agents on the Cowboys' defense heading into 2017.
Some say he's crucial to the defensive line, but the Cowboys - who have less cap space than any other team in the NFL - won't be able to afford everyone.
Who might be interested in McClain, after the tackle led the D-line with 41 tackles, two forced fumbles, three tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks in 2016?
Yahoo NFL writer Eric Edholm reported from the combine that NFC East rival Washington is among teams vying for McClain. The Atlanta Falcons and Seattle Seahawks are also interested, Edholm said.
The Cowboys would be hard-pressed to lose McClain, especially to a division rival, per SportsDay Cowboys insider David Moore.
"He's carved out a starting role in the Cowboys' defensive front," Moore said. "He's physical and showed he can stay healthy for an entire season. McClain is a very good player but not one dominant enough to command big money on the open market. He forms a solid rotation with [Cedric] Thornton and needs to return so the Cowboys can concentrate on upgrading the end positions."
McClain also showed while playing alongside Thornton - who came over from division rival Philadelphia - that he's the "better player," Moore said. After missing 14 games in 2015 with a toe injury, McClain won back his starting job.
Cowboys DT Terrell McClain is one of nine free agents on the Cowboys' defense heading into 2017.
Some say he's crucial to the defensive line, but the Cowboys - who have less cap space than any other team in the NFL - won't be able to afford everyone.
Who might be interested in McClain, after the tackle led the D-line with 41 tackles, two forced fumbles, three tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks in 2016?
Yahoo NFL writer Eric Edholm reported from the combine that NFC East rival Washington is among teams vying for McClain. The Atlanta Falcons and Seattle Seahawks are also interested, Edholm said.
Surprising team in DL Terrell McClain mix: #Redskins. Prepared to lose Chris Baker, want inside penetrator. #Falcons, #Seahawks also on him.
— Eric Edholm (@Eric_Edholm) March 5, 2017
Edholm reported that McClain could help fill a gap created by Redskins defensive end Chris Baker entering free agency. Baker recorded 47 tackles, 3.5 sacks, two pass deflections and two forced fumbles while making $4.27 million with the Redskins in 2016. — Eric Edholm (@Eric_Edholm) March 5, 2017
The Cowboys would be hard-pressed to lose McClain, especially to a division rival, per SportsDay Cowboys insider David Moore.
"He's carved out a starting role in the Cowboys' defensive front," Moore said. "He's physical and showed he can stay healthy for an entire season. McClain is a very good player but not one dominant enough to command big money on the open market. He forms a solid rotation with [Cedric] Thornton and needs to return so the Cowboys can concentrate on upgrading the end positions."
McClain also showed while playing alongside Thornton - who came over from division rival Philadelphia - that he's the "better player," Moore said. After missing 14 games in 2015 with a toe injury, McClain won back his starting job.
