Jerry Jones sees a need for "obvious improvement'' in the offensive line heading into next season. When asked about left tackle Flozell Adams, the Cowboys owner paused for 14 seconds before he formed an answer.

"If we could have a season like that out of him (again) this year, it would be great,'' Jones said. "I was very pleased with his season.

"But certainly, that's the question mark. That's when you have decisions to make right there, can you get a year like that out of him.''

Adams turns 35 in May and is scheduled to make $7.5 million. Those factors, coupled with the emergence of Doug Free, spark an internal debate about Adams' value to the club.