Cowboys To Decide On Henry Melton’s Option By Sunday

According to Todd Archer of ESPN Dallas, the Cowboys will have to let DT Henry Melton know by Sunday if they plan to pick up his three-year option.

Doing so would guarantee Melton $9 million for the 2015 season, which is a lot of money for team like the Cowboys, who have a limited amount of cap space and some notable free agents to address.

If Dallas ultimately decides to pass on his option, Melton would be an unrestricted free agent for the second time in as many season.

Last year, he was working his way back from a serious knee injury, which could explain his limited production in 2014.

Even so, Archer writes that if Melton were to be back with the Cowboys next year, he would likely be viewed as a backup to Tyrone Crawford.

If this is in fact the case, there’s almost no chance of them paying Melton that kind of money when he’s not even viewed a starting-caliber defensive lineman.

According to Archer, there was a tension among the coaches with Melton at different times last year that almost led to him being deactivated on two separate occasions.

Melton, 28, appeared in all 16 games for the Cowboys this season and recorded 15 tackles, five sacks and two fumble recoveries.

Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 15 defensive tackle in the league out of 81 qualifying players.