Cowboys 'Should Sign' LB Frankie Luvu to Mike Zimmer Defense; Here's Why

Dallas Cowboys 'Should Sign' Free Agent LB Frankie Luvu to Mike Zimmer Defense; Here's Why

FRISCO - The Dallas Cowboys are set to have 16 players enter free agency, when the NFL new year begins on March 13.  When legal tampering begins March 11, all 16 of the unrestricted free agents will be able to take offers from any team. 

Who is hitting the open market? Left tackle Tyron Smith, running back Tony Pollard, cornerback Stephon Gilmore, cornerback Jourdan Lewis, edge rusher Dorance Armstrong and center Tyler Biadasz ... to name a few. 

In short, there is a lot of work to be done in Dallas to retool a roster that hopes to be a title contender in year four under coach Mike McCarthy with quarterback Dak Prescott. 

Around the league, quarterback Kirk Cousins and defensive tackle Chris Jones are two of the most highly-sought after free agents. Who would be the best fit for the Cowboys? Linebacker Frankie Luvu is a name that keeps getting tied to Dallas.

"Luvu would fill the Cowboys’ roster holes at linebacker and provide help with the team’s suspect run defense," writes Sports Illustrated in their list of one player every team should sign this offseason. 

The big-bodied linebacker (6-3, 236) played all 17 games for the Carolina Panthers last season, totaling 5.5 sacks, two forced fumble, and had 10 tackles for loss and 11 quarterback hits while having 125 combined tackles.

His large presence would fit in nicely to new defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer's plan to beef up the linebacker unit.

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Luvu's market value is said to be $11.2 million, which could be too high for Dallas to spend in free agency, even for a versatile and large linebacker. The Cowboys are not historically big spenders in NFL free agency. 

Also, much of Dallas' moves will be predicated on what develops over the next nine days with Prescott's contract.  

However, never say never ... Luvu with Micah Parsons would be a dangerous duo.