The Cowboys don't plan to have one of the NFL's highest payrolls next season, but they also want to keep left tackle Doug Free. Free's free agent status is somewhat unclear. Under the old free agency system, an NFL player would become an unrestricted free agent after four accrued seasons. Free, however, is a restricted free agent. Under the new system, in place since last season after the owners opted out of the collective bargaining agreement, a player becomes an unrestricted free agent after six seasons. "I don't want to speak for Doug, but hopefully he's enjoyed being here," team executive Stephen Jones said. "He's obviously a priority for us. We want to sign Doug back. We think he's a very productive offensive tackle for us. He'll be our No. 1 priority when things start up ... to get him signed up."