Cowboys hosting free agents Joe Looney and Jason Jones

Offensive lineman Joe Looney and defensive end Jason Jones are visiting with the Cowboys today, according to sources. Both are relatively young and could come relatively inexpensive in the fourth week of free agency.

The Cowboys are interested in Looney for his versatility as a backup after losing Mackenzy Bernadeau to the Jaguars in free agency. Bernadeau was active for all 32 games over the past two seasons, though he made only two starts. He served as the backup center as well as a swing guard.

Looney has Bernadeau’s same skill set, having played both center and guard for the Titans last season. Looney, 25, started a career-high six games last season for the Titans after starting only four in his three seasons in San Francisco.

Jones, who turns 30 in May, is an eight-year veteran who has played 95 games with 65 starts. He spent four years with the Titans, one with the Seahawks and the past three with the Lions.

Jones has 28 sacks and 10 forced fumbles in his career.

He plays a position that remains the Cowboys’ biggest need. They signed restricted free agent Benson Mayowa but remain thin at defensive end with DeMarcus Lawrence recovering from offseason back surgery and Randy Gregory suspended the first four games of 2016.

The Cowboys have attempted to re-sign Jack Crawford, who has played the last two seasons in Dallas.

The Cowboys have signed Mayowa, defensive tackle Cedric Thronton and running back Alfred Morris, while holding onto several of their own free agents, including running back Lance Dunbar, linebacker Rolando McClain, linebacker Kyle Wilber and tight end James Hanna.

Looney made a base salary of $427,059 last season, while Jones made $3.2 million.

This story was originally published March 28, 2016 at 2:07 PM with the headline "Cowboys hosting free agents Joe Looney and Jason Jones."