During the first week of free agency, the Cowboys brought back several of their free agents, something they have a reputation for doing.

While they're using Monday to look at some outside talent to bring depth to key areas, another in-house free agent needs to be given heavy consideration.

Nose tackle Jonathan Hankins was brought in by the Cowboys just before their Week 8 battle with the Chicago Bears last season. At 6'3" and 340 pounds, Hankins was the space eater the Cowboys needed on the interior of their defensive line.

Hankins made an impact immediately as the Cowboys held running backs Dalvin Cook, Jonathan Taylor, and Dameon Pierce all under 85 yards. Unfortunately, a pectoral injury forced him to miss the final four games of the regular season, but he played 55 snaps in the playoffs and recorded a sack against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The Cowboys have neglected the 1-technique defensive tackle spot for quite some time. However, Hankins wouldn't require a huge financial commitment, and he's already shown was his presence can mean to an already stout defensive unit in Dallas.

Dallas has some talent on the interior with Osa Odighizuwa, Quinton Bohanna, Neville Gallimore, and Chauncey Golston. Stopping the run consistently has been a bugaboo for the Cowboys' defense over the last few years despite how good they're as a unit overall though, so Hankins being brought back only makes Dallas better in that area.

Hankins is still out there on the market, and the Cowboys should certainly call his reputation about another deal.