Cowboys free-agent debate: Nick Hayden

With 20 players set to be restricted or unrestricted free agents, the Dallas Cowboys will have plenty of decisions to make on who to keep and who to let go.

Let's take a look at the free agents to be and how they could fit into the Cowboys’ future:

Defensive tackle Nick Hayden

Type: Unrestricted

What he did: Considering he signed a "futures" deal after the 2012 season with no signing bonus or guaranteed money, Hayden was a productive signing. He started 32 games the past two years. In 2014, he led the Cowboys' defensive line in tackles with 52, according to the coaches. He had four tackles for loss, eight quarterback pressures and two pass deflections. He is not a world-beater, but in a scheme that values effort and being in the right place and doing your job, Hayden was a productive player.

What he could do: In a perfect world, Hayden is probably a useful backup. He turned 29 earlier this month and has had some nagging injuries, like a hurt shoulder that limited some of his practice work. He will not be a pass rushing threat. He has one sack in his career, but that's not what he's asked to do. He's asked to chew up some blockers, make the occasional play and help stop the run.

What it should cost: The analytics folks don't care much for Hayden's game but the coaches, especially Rod Marinelli. But it shouldn't cost much. Hayden is a rotation player, a good locker guy and will do everything the coaches ask him to do. We're talking a small signing bonus on a two-year deal that keeps his salary-cap figure low.

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