Cowboys Rumors: Mike Jenkins, Henry Melton, Kenyon Coleman, Derrick Dockery

Mike Jenkins

Todd Archer of ESPN Dallas writes that although the Cowboys would like to keep CB Mike Jenkins next season, “wants an opportunity to start,” which implies he’ll be playing elsewhere next season.

Dallas drafted Morris Claiborne with the No. 6 overall pick in last year’s draft and signed Brandon Carr to a very large five-year, $50 million free-agent contract. On top of that, the Cowboys have limited cap space to work with, so they’ll have to unsure that they’re getting the most for the money.

We have Jenkins listed as the No. 74 best available player in our Top 100 Free Agents list.

Henry Melton

Tim MacMahon of ESPN Dallas writes that the Cowboys would be better served using their limited cap space on DT Henry Melton than to keep OLB Anthony Spencer.

MacMahon mentions that not only is Melton an exceptional fit for the Cowboys new Tampa 2 defensive scheme, but Rod Marinelli, the Cowboys new defensive line coach, was his defensive coordinator last season with the Bears. 

Melton, 26, is coming off of a second-straight season in which he proved to be a very productive interior pass-rusher for the Bears.

Chicago and Melton discussed a long-term extension during the season, so it’s more likely that he’ll remain with the Bears next season. If they can’t reach an agreement in the coming weeks, then there stands a good chance that Melton will franchised.

We have Melton listed as the No. 5 best available player in our Top 50 Free Agents list.

Kenyon Coleman

Todd Archer of ESPN Dallas writes that the Cowboys new defensive scheme hurts Kenyon Coleman’s chances of re-signing with the team in the coming months.

Archer adds that Coleman is better suited for a 3-4 defensive scheme that would allow him to focus on being a run-stopper versus a pass-rushing defensive end.

Coleman, 33, played in only 7 games this season due to a torn triceps. He should find interest from 3-4 teams in need of some addition defensive line help, but most likely on a one-year deal.

Derrick Dockery

Calvin Watkins of ESPN Dallas writes that “it’s probably time to let” go of G Derrick Dockery this offseason.

Watkins adds that the Cowboys already have some young interior linemen like Kevin Kowalski, Phil Costa, David Arkin and Ronald Leary that should be able to provide them some depth at a reasonable price in the coming years.

Dockery, 32, has been a versatile player for the Cowboys in recent years, but he’s hardly a long-term solution. The Cowboys would be wise to find a better interior lineman in the coming months, but given their cap situation, it may make more sense for the target someone in the upcoming draft.

We have Dallas taking G Jonathan Cooper out of North Carolina in the first-round of our recently updated 2013 NFL Mock Draft.