NFC East Team Needs: Giants, Cowboys, Eagles in search of cornerback

theScore goes division by division to identify the biggest positional needs for all 32 NFL teams entering free agency.

NFC
EAST | NORTH | SOUTH | WEST
AFC
EAST | NORTH | SOUTH | WEST

Dallas Cowboys

Biggest need: Safety

Other needs: Edge-rusher, wide receiver, cornerback

Dallas recorded a paltry eight interceptions, the second-worst total in the NFL last season. Barry Church is a liability in coverage at this point, while JJ Wilcox and Jeff Heath are untenable options at free safety.

As the Cowboys prepare to move on from Greg Hardy, their dormant pass rush needs an upgrade. With the exception of DeMarcus Lawrence, the Cowboys completely failed to generate pressure on quarterbacks and ought to pursue a marquee rusher.

Dez Bryant is one of the NFL's best wide receivers but is recovering from a foot injury. The Cowboys lack depth at the position and will need to upgrade if they're to maximize Tony Romo's closing window of opportunity.

Potential free-agent targets: Dallas may be forced to scrape for bargain-value help, but should blow its budget on Eric Weddle to strengthen a talented, yet erratic, secondary.

If they can't land Weddle, the Cowboys should target edge-rushers Chris Long and Robert Ayers, the latter of whom would come as a double-edged coup, after playing for the Giants.

Anquan Boldin, James Jones, and Mohamed Sanu are all cost-effective options at wide receiver who would reduce Bryant's task of carrying the Cowboys' passing game. If they strike out on all three, the Cowboys might strongly consider improving their depth through the draft.

New York Giants

Biggest need: Cornerback

Other needs: Safety, linebacker, edge-rusher, guard

New York ranked last in total yards allowed and passing yards allowed, with a porous secondary serving as the primary culprit. With top cornerback Prince Amukamara slated to become an unrestricted free agent, the Giants' secondary could very well continue to be in dire straits.

Landon Collins was capable during his rookie year, but the Giants would be wise to add a veteran safety to facilitate his growth. The Giants need to upgrade their front seven, especially the inside linebacker position, as opposing offenses had far too easy a time moving the chains on New York last season.

The Giants' identity used to be built around a ferocious pass rush, which played a major part in the team capturing two Super Bowl titles in the past decade. However, the Giants recorded a paltry 23 sacks, the third-worst total in the league. With Jason Pierre-Paul regressing after losing a finger in a fireworks incident, the Giants will need to find a few players to attack the quarterback.

Potential free-agent targets: The Giants should prioritize re-signing Amukamara, but if they fail to do so, they'll be in the market for multiple cornerbacks. Armed with plenty of cap space, the Giants could pursue Sean Smith, Adam Jones, and Antonio Cromartie, all proven top-caliber cornerbacks.

George Iloka is a young, supremely underrated safety who excels in both the run and pass game, and would alleviate a number of New York's woes on the back end. Danny Trevathan would be an excellent fit for the Giants at inside linebacker, with his speed translating perfectly to their scheme.

Philadelphia Eagles

Biggest need: Cornerback

Other needs: Guard

The Eagles need to pursue a cornerback, but may be wary after giving Byron Maxwell an ill-advised six-year, $63-million contract last summer. Second-round pick Eric Rowe may be the long-term answer, but the Eagles would be wise to find another cornerback to stabilize a shallow pool.

Once a position of strength, the Eagles desperately need an upgrade over Allen Barbre and Matt Tobin at guard. The Eagles failed to create holes for 2014 rushing champion DeMarco Murray, and amending this weakness is a top priority.

Potential free-agent targets: After last year's debacle, the Eagles will likely opt for a number of low-risk, high-reward cornerbacks such as Leon Hall, Jeremy Lane, and Antonio Cromartie. Kelechi Osemele is one of the best guards in the league, and would be an immediate solution to the Eagles' stagnant running game, while Richie Incognito is coming off an outstanding campaign.

Washington Redskins

Biggest need: Linebacker

Other needs: Safety, edge-rusher, cornerback

The Redskins possess the most bleak cap scenario in the NFL and it will be extremely difficult to improve the club via free agency.

Washington's interior linebacker core is among the worst units in the league, as Perry Riley, Trent Murphy, and Will Compton all fail to inspire confidence. Although the Redskins have many bodies on the roster at inside linebacker, almost all of them are replacement-level talents, save for rookie Preston Smith, who broke out at weak-side linebacker, and Junior Galette, who missed the entire 2015 season.

Ryan Kerrigan steers the Redskins' pass rush, but is often a one-man island and will need some help. The Redskins could aid their cause by deploying Smith at outside linebacker, but need upgrades regardless.

Potential free-agent targets: It may be difficult for the Redskins to remedy their financial predicament, but, if they find a way to get under the cap, they could target Sean Weatherspoon, Justin Durant, or Casey Matthews, veteran options who can play starter minutes.

With a limited budget, the Redskins might eye Adrian Clayborn or Dwight Freeney in free agency, with Freeney being the more cost-effective option.