Cowboys free agent debate: Tony Hills

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:

Offensive tackle Tony Hills

Type: Unrestricted

What he did: After Doug Free was lost to a foot injury in October, the Cowboys signed Hill off of the Miami Dolphins’ practice squad. He was active for five games in Free’s absence because of foot and ankle injuries and saw action in three games in special teams or short-yardage situations. Though he only started one game in his career, he offered up a decent insurance policy.

What he could do: With the Cowboys likely facing an either/or situation with Free and Jermey Parnell, Hills could be brought back to compete for the swing tackle spot. The Cowboys like Donald Hawkins’ potential and kept Darrion Weems despite season-ending shoulder surgery. Neither Hawkins or Weems, however, has game experience coaches like in backups so Hills could have a shot to stick.

What it should cost: He is likely looking at a one-year deal at the veteran minimum with little to no signing bonus. He will have to weigh his chances of competing for a roster spot with the Cowboys or elsewhere. With Frank Pollack as the offensive line coach, perhaps Hills would have a better chance of sticking with the Cowboys as a backup rather than signing elsewhere.

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