Dallas Cowboys news and rumors 2016: Who are the key players to retain?

Tony RomoReuters

The Dallas Cowboys are expected to have a pretty busy offseason as they try to revamp their lineup for next season.

Sixteen players are set to become unrestricted free agents with only a select few like Tony Romo, DeMarcus Lawrence, Randy Gregory, and Byron Jones expected to still be around.

With a lot of roster spots that need to be filled, the Cowboys are expected to skim through the list of available free agents to comprise the roster.

One position that the Cowboys will need to address is an able backup to Romo. Without their prized quarterback, the Cowboys struggled at 1–11, according to Dallascowboys.com. Kellen Moore was the lone backup the team had to make do with, so finding a suited player to fill that up could be a good idea.

Aside from getting another quarterback, there are other positions that need to be filled up. With lots of unrestricted free agents on their end, there is no telling who could be back and who would be not.

However, a lot of that would depend on who would be available, not to mention who they can snag from the upcoming National Football League (NFL) Draft.

The tight end department seem to be due for an overhaul, with a mix of players either aging or injured. Jason Witten could still be of use despite his age, but questions surround the future of Gavin Escobar, seeing he will be coming from an injury (torn Achilles).

Swaim could be a safe retention for the Cowboys. While he did play only 23 snaps last season, his versatility could make him useful with more exposure.

For their guard/center department, questions surround the ability of Chaz Green to return and make a difference following hip surgery. The 2015 third round pick was a hit in college but his recovery remains a big question mark.

On the defensive tackle, David Irving and Terrel McClain could be retained, both carrying the same flexibility that Swaim brings.

Finally, there is the wide receiver position. Brice Butler was acquired for that specific position and has proved to be a prized catch. It seems imminent to see him staying on and hopefully stretch a bit for some help on the defensive end.