Remaining Defensive End Free Agents Available For Cowboys Include Jared Allen, Anthony Spencer

In signing Henry Melton, the Cowboys have addressed the under-tackle hole that was left with the departure of Jason Hatcher. But they still would like to add a veteran presence at the defensive end spot vacated by DeMarcus Ware. With all due respect to free-agent signee Jeremy Mincey, they might be looking for someone just a little bit more accomplished.

The problem right now is we don't know how much cap room they have left to play with because we don't have the exact parameters of the $5 million Melton can make in 2014. How much of it is "likely to be earned incentives", etc. Basically, we need the contract numbers as processed by the league. Since we don't have that, let's just look around the league and see who some of the top options left are now.

Jared Allen - The Cowboys have already met with Allen and weren't able to sign him. Sources have now deemed it unlikely he signs with Dallas because they just won't have the cap space left for what Allen would consider a "fair" contract.

Shaun Phillips - Productive year for Denver but getting up there in age.

Anthony Spencer - The Cowboys have allowed Spencer to meet with other teams, likely in an effort to gauge his worth on the open market. If they feel his knee is on the road to recovery, this is still the most likely signee. He should come cheap for a one-year "prove it" contract as no other team has offered him yet.

Robert Ayers - From the beginning of free agency it's been rumored the Cowboys have interest but he has yet to come to Valley Ranch for a visit. He did recently visit with the Bengals.

Corey Wootton - At only 26 years old, Wootton displayed versatility by playing tackle and end on the defensive line. Shows good potential but has been hampered by injury, if he's healthy he could be a steal.