In the midst of the sloppy and frustrating mess that was the 2011 season, the Dallas Cowboys still had some players emerge and provide us with hope for the future. Sean Lee showed he is a certified, Chuck Norris approved stud at linebacker. DeMarco Murray made many of us eat a bit of crow over whether he was a wasted draft pick. And Tyron Smith showed that a number one pick could be very wisely spent on a tackle.
Those were pretty much cases of high draft picks living up to expectations. But there was also one huge surprise, a late signing that wound up becoming far more valuable to the team than anyone could have predicted. Laurent Robinson came in, and with both Miles Austin and Dez Bryant fighting the injury bug, became the top target when Tony Romo wanted to put one in the end zone. His eleven TD receptions tied him for fourth in the league (third among wide receivers), and he was right there with Dez and Jason Witten for total yards as well.
With him joining Miles and Dez (it is hard to call him the third receiver given what he did), the Cowboys have a potent receiving corps, and the team can focus on other needs in the draft and free agency.
But then, I happened across this article about Mr. Robinson, which didn't exactly make my day.
Wide receivers that catch 11 touchdown passes and go on the free agent market aren't a dime a dozen, and Robinson will command some pretty decent dollars from other NFL teams as a 26-year-old.
Conventional wisdom would say it's a no-brainer, the Cowboys need to do all they can to bring back Robinson, but can you afford to pay the kind of money he'll command for a guy that ideally would be your No. 3 receiver?
I don't think that is a Baby Ruth floating in the punch bowl.
My begging and pleading for this to addressed after the jump.
There has been a lot of discussion around here about Jerry Jones and his role as team GM (much of it encouraged by me). Well, here is a test for his ability.
Jerry - excuse me, Mr. Jones, we need you to work a deal out for Laurent. His production was so consistent, and he and Tony were just so comfortable that this seems like a very smart move to make. There is always a fear that paying a player for one good year will haunt you if he was just a flash in the pan, but the evidence is that Laurent is not a one season wonder. He came to the Cowboys with a strong recommendation from Norv Turner, and his performance was simply one of the best in the NFL, as pointed out on ESPN's Dallas Cowboys Report:
As a result, Football Outsiders' DVOA metric (explained here) scored Robinson's season as 43.1 percent betterthan what we would expect from an average wide receiver. Robinson had the fifth-highest DVOA of the last 20 years for a player with a minimum of 60 pass targets.
And the indications are that he wants to continue wearing the Star, based on his comments from mid-November.
"I would like to, but I'm just trying to play right now and let that handle itself later in the year or at the end of the season or whatever," Robinson said Wednesday. "I'm just focused on this week and getting better everyday in practice."
See? He not only knows how to run patterns, work with Tony and demonstrate some real RKG traits, but he already has the mantra of Garrettspeak down pat.
It is obvious he has earned a higher paycheck than the veteran minimum ($685,000.00) he got last year. And one thing Jerry Jones has repeatedly demonstrated is his ability to find the money to pay players. This just seems like a really good place to make a wise investment for the team.
Having said that, there is obviously a point at which the price tag could become too high if some other team turns their lonely eyes to Mr. Robinson and offers to overpay him, at least given his value to the Cowboys. The problem is that he is more a 1C or maybe a 1B than a 3rd wide receiver for the team, at least based on his contributions. Can the Cowboys afford to pay number one type money to three wideouts?
I don't know the answer on that. Maybe Laurent will consider that his situation with Dallas is a known situation, and there is no guarantee that things would work out any better with a new team than it did at his first three stops. But money talks. And there are some teams out there with some really big cap space to play with. Some of you might have some ideas on what would be a maximum that Dallas could afford to offer him. I would like to see a four year deal myself. Miles pulled in a hefty $8,540,000 in 2011, which is obviously way high, but Dez, on his rookie contract, only got $1,112,500. Is something in the $3 to $4 million range reasonable, and would it be enough? (Pay figures from Fox Sports.)
I just hope things can work out for him, because I like seeing number 81 catching balls in the end zone.
1 recs | 212 comments
O Line. D Line. Secondary.
Repeat after me.
Nickthegrip - January 4, 2012
Agreed!
Dwayne Harris, Andre Holmes, and Raymond Radway. We should be able to get production from one of these guys. How can we seriously be thinking about giving a significant contract to a WR with all of the other holes on this team.
MdFan24 - January 4, 2012
Your list includes
a 6th round rookie an 2 undrafted rookie free agents. Would you really be ok with that? With the injury problems Miles and Dez have had there is no way i would feel good about any of those guys stepping in to start.
Im not knocking your opinion and im not saying that we should break the bank to resign Robinson. But don’t underestimate the importance of the 3rd wr. If they don’t resign Robinson they will have to address it in another way.
TARHEEL PAUL - January 4, 2012
I am!!!
Sign Robinson… be smart! We have already been looking all over god’s green earth to find a receiver that is in sync with Romo and you don’t want to sign him. You guy are kidding right. I did not see the sarcasm font. I bet there trolls for another team trying to steal our talent. GO AWAY~!!!!!!
Rex Pfister - January 4, 2012
If the Eagles sign Robinson away from us
and he is productive there. The Cowboys would be the laughing stock of the NFL. Er, even more so than what happened Sunday night.
sanhoo - January 4, 2012
Here's my opinion
While I agree with you that I would like him back too this is the exact situation that jerrah falls in to that has hamstrung this team. He gives large contracts based on one years big production as a starter in Dallas. Mb3, Roy williams(both of them) Doug free-release, shoot even romo, miles Austin,spears,… Some have been decent but some have seriously hurt this team. Jerrah will offer him a tender but if a big spender comes along its bye bye L-rob I guarantee it. Everyone else’s comments about what if dez and miles get injured again I hear and agree with to a point… But the reason the cowboys are at home right now is the secondary. The next is there was no pass rush. Newman is old. Jenkins has quit and refused to tackle since he landed in Dallas. And scandrick is so up n down. We need like four new DBS and two pass rushing d linemen. Let’s not forget about the upcoming releases of brookings and Bradie James.
Datschu - January 5, 2012 via mobile
Dude smart...
What happens you don’t sign him… these rookies are a bust… and we end up with no replacement… Dez gets hurt and we have to go with … what’s his name… I’ve been trying to forget it all year… who’s that guy Paul… I think his name is a plant or a bush or something. Oh yea… sorry TREE!!!!!! WTF are you guys even thinking you sign Robinson ASAP… don’t give him time to look around. Sit down with him and be serious about wanting him for the next 5 years in a Cowboys Jersy and offer him 25M-30M to do it. Make it 20 MIL with incentives … like 10 TDs gives you another mil 1,000 yds gives you another so it dont count against the cap.
Rex Pfister - January 4, 2012
I get it he had an amazing season
and understand wanting to lock up Robinson long term, but I still think he is a luxury when we have serious needs. You guys are not being realistic. Why would he not want to be paid like a #1 after this season? He has a short window to cash in. Also, keep in mind Dez may want more money next season plus what we are paying Austin.
I just for once want to see some attention paid to our deficiencies. Robinson doesn’t stop quarterbacks from marching up and down the field with little to no resistance. He also doesn’t stop opposing defensive lines from killing Romo every time he drops back to pass.
MdFan24 - January 4, 2012
This is what I meant above.
I’d love to see Robinson signed, he was a great pickup. I would prefer that instead of signing him, the Cowboys put the money they would need to sign him into the OL, DL, or Secondary.
Many of us complain that the team goes for style over substance, and I see this as more of the same – not taking away from Robinson’s efforts. Romo cannot get any WR the ball with his own lineman pushed back into him. Shore up that area and I believe a different third WR could shine.
Nickthegrip - January 5, 2012
Here's the rub
There’s an Opportunity Cost to signing LR, there’s an Opportunity Cost to let him go. At this point, he is a much more known entity than his replacement, whoever that may be. There’s got to be value in that.
I am not advocating over-paying, but at the same time, why create another void when there are so many already? Even with a Defense heavy draft, DAL cannot address all its needs in a single offseason. With Dead Money, expected cuts and cap credit carried forward DAL will only be able to afford a single Upper Tier FA(not Top Tier), among maybe a couple of middling FA’s.
One school of thought – until the D is completely retooled, DAL may just have to outscore the opposition to win. I can name at least 3 other current playoff teams that fit that model – Hint: only 1 is playing this w/e.
tdships - January 5, 2012
Exactly.
Thats what I am thinking, lets get some more OL and keep LR and just flat out outscore people.
thebigham - January 5, 2012
Robinson,Secondary,DL,OL
sanhoo - January 4, 2012
Robinson, OL, DL, Secondary
speedmetal - January 5, 2012
Don't forget the chance to watch Bruce Irvin tonite...
beautifultyrant - January 4, 2012
I watched. I liked what I saw.
Where do you think he’ll go? Third round?
dave33 - January 5, 2012
I heard Steven Dennis this week on G&C
stating that he thinks he’ll get close to 6 to 7 on the open market. Now Dennis is usually wrong about everything, so hopefully he is also wrong about this.
I have no answers, only questions:
can we keep all three wrs? Should we? If not, is Robinson the one we should part company with? With Miles’ perennial case of the dropsies and injuries should we keep Robinson and trade miles?
dave33 - January 4, 2012
we sure as hell need him. Thats for sure.
Do you sign him t stupid money? No. But you can’t get by with just two good wr’s anymore. You need ATLEAST 3 if not 4. With the death of the FB position the 3rd wr is now a starting position.
TARHEEL PAUL - January 4, 2012
You raise an excellent point.
Just makes me hope more they can work something out.
Tom Ryle - January 4, 2012
Ok, I'm confused
Does Fiametta not play for us anymore? Did we not all unanimously agree that when he was out, our running game really suffered? When did the FB position die? Help me out here.
Frammis - January 4, 2012
exactly
Lissyyyyy - January 4, 2012
it hasn't died.
I chose the wrong word there. But im pretty sure if you go back and look at the # of snaps from the offense there would be more plays with a third wr than there were with a traditional fb. The fb just isn’t used like it used to be.And that goes across the league.
Really just trying to make the point that the 3rd wr is a very important position. I’m not so sure he’s not the the #2 or 1 anyways.
TARHEEL PAUL - January 4, 2012
The problem is that the spread has pretty much killed it in the college ranks
So a good blocking FB is hard to find in the draft. All the more reason to resign Fiammetta. But I’m not real worried about another team throwing money at him. With the cap, no on would over pay for a fullback………. Well except maybe for danny…… I could see three year thirty mil deal from that clown.
just4fun - January 4, 2012
We need to save cap room for defense. I'd love to keep Robinson, but at what price?
We must be prudent here. If Dez and Miles are both healthy, how many balls are left for Robinson. I’d rather sign a FA on defense and spend the money there than over pay for a third WR even if he’s a 1-C.
pfloyd1 - January 4, 2012
You said it best
You can’t and shouldnt count on that. Neither have proven they can stay healthy for the year.
TARHEEL PAUL - January 4, 2012
TP,
I understand your point, but you just can’t play the what if game. I want Robinson on the roster too, but there is a monetary ceiling you will have to set for any player, which cannot be exceeded. People are complaining constantly about excessive unwarranted contracts JJ negotiates with his players. We just can’t afford to overspend if there are gaping holes elsewhere.
If given the choice between letting Robinson go if it meant I could sign C Campbell or M Williams,
I’d opt for the defensive players.
pfloyd1 - January 4, 2012
Thats exactly what you are doing though.
And both have proven to be injury prone.
Jace M - January 5, 2012
Sorry.
Forgot to quote.
“you just can’t play the what if game”
Jace M - January 5, 2012
Don't Forget
Brookings and James, as well as Newman should be gone next year. Freeing up quite a bit for the Defense. I am hoping that LR would turn down bigger money if it meant he got to stay in the Big D.
Aaron Burtram - January 6, 2012
We always seem to get screwed one way or the other. If Miles had been healthy,
he would have played and Robinson would not have impressed to the degree that has probably made him a hot commodity and we could have signed him to a reasonable contract before the rest of the league knew how good he was.
pfloyd1 - January 4, 2012
There will be a lot of free agent talent at WR this offseason...
Bowe, Jackson (Vincent & DeSean), Meachem, Garcon, etc… All of these guys did well with their first teams and will be regarded as proven talent as a result. With Robinson, you have a guy who failed with his first two teams and whose success this year may be entirely dependent on the situation.
LDVFootball - January 4, 2012
Yep yep.
Don’t forget Reggie Wayne too. There’s plenty of WRs to be had along with Jeffery and Blackmon in the draft. I can’t see teams breaking the bank for Robinson.
Omar Little - January 5, 2012
Damn. Now I'm worried.
dave33 - January 5, 2012
I can
he could end up in Chicago, he would be their #1 on day one……
BigBad Joe - January 5, 2012
But is he a No. 1 receiver?
Look at how opposing DC’s treated him, even after his breakout games. Chicago is one of the teams I see drafting a receiver. They may have had their fill of retreads.
LDVFootball - January 5, 2012
It was just a bad situation, because Jerry was not allowed to sign him during the season
Now he will have to give a hefty home town discount to stay. If Miles had any value I’d trade him, but I doubt he has much value given his injury history
just4fun - January 4, 2012
Receiver desperate teams are going to want him
Redskins would be a good destination for him. He has burned them a few times so they probably respect his skills quite a bit.
Lissyyyyy - January 4, 2012
Robinson too expensive?
Just for a moment think about Tree in place of Robinson in all those games. There is no way we are still in the the Playoff hunt in December. If we don’t score points no number of defensive players will save us. Robinson is a known quantity. FA’s and draft choices are not, regardless of scouting reports or performance on other teams. If you don’t keep Robinson you will have to replace him with a FA (more expensive) or draft choice (unknown quantity.
50yrcowboy - January 4, 2012
But how far do you go? Jerry can't afford a bidding war.
Fernie67 - January 4, 2012
Hopefully you draft a wr and G or C and sign a G in the offseason
That way we can run the ball more and work play action. Dez will have to take a step up the next level. From listening to Broadus I think he will. He appears to work hard and doesn’t even know what quit means on the field.
just4fun - January 4, 2012
He may not know
the meaning of a lot of words.
randyd - January 4, 2012
as long as he doesn't as "what do voluntary mean" I'm okay with it.
just4fun - January 4, 2012
Wow...Darren Hambrick, right?
Classic.
jakezze01 - January 6, 2012
That is the funniest comment I've ever seen on this site.
HarrisburgCowboyFan - January 5, 2012 via mobile
Then Rec' it. Don't be stingy, they're free.
fs65 - January 5, 2012
Rather than Robinson leaving for nothing, I would trade Austin
I would sign Robinson to around 7 million a year. And trade Austin for some draft picks. We paid all his guaranteed money up front so there would be virtually no cap hit if we were to trade Austin.
Lissyyyyy - January 4, 2012
Who wants to trade for a wr who missed most of the season with injuries?
just4fun - January 4, 2012
Players get injured it happens. But it was only minor injuries
its not like he tore an ACL or something major like that.
He’ll have trade value. 2nd and 4th sounds about right.
Lissyyyyy - January 4, 2012
I'm not saying I wouldn't be infavor of trading him, but I just doubt anyone would do it
just4fun - January 4, 2012
For a hamstring injury? are you for real?
Lissyyyyy - January 4, 2012
miles earn his keep what about Robinson???
If thats the cause Jj was justifies in paying ken hamilin all.that money..
JJ just need to protect himself you know have esculators in the contract.. ex. If Robinson has 10 TDs in a season he earns 3 million in bonus etc…
Robinson is a one hit wonder right now. He may be legit but we really dont know right now..
I just would not trade Austin.bc this guy show up.
lostar2009 - January 4, 2012 via mobile
Robinson was a third round pick and always had talent
he was just in bad situations early in his career.
Anyhow basically it is let Robinson leave and get nothing. Or trade Austin and get draft picks.
Those are your two choices.
Lissyyyyy - January 4, 2012
What if you pay the guy and he isnt the same guy
You traded miles so now you only have dez.
Yea you have draft picks but rookies rarely step up so quickly..
Hey im.just saying we know Miles is beast when healthy..So why change a good thing ???
You trade miles you are forgeting you need like 2.more WRs..
lostar2009 - January 4, 2012 via mobile
bc you only have Dez and Robinson left..
You still need.depth in your WR core..
lostar2009 - January 4, 2012 via mobile
What if Miles sucks again next year
that is just about if not more likely.
Lissyyyyy - January 4, 2012
He doesn't suck when he's healthy.
Anyone on them can get injured on any play. What if’s are not an option.
Mikellie - January 4, 2012
on=of
Mikellie - January 4, 2012
and that is why no one wants to give a #2 for him
His production per game has for the last three years is 82.5>65.1>57.9.
Declining production even if you discount the injury
just4fun - January 4, 2012
But he comes cheap at 1 million next year then his contract averages 6 million after that
he has a very cap friendly contract, which should make him attractive.
Lissyyyyy - January 4, 2012
We'll have to see
just4fun - January 4, 2012
The cap figure might look attractive, but the production doesn't
I don’t think teams will risk a second round pick for a player that atleast appears to be in the decline.
just4fun - January 5, 2012
He put the offense on his back in the 49er's game.
Injury prone? yes. A terrible receiver? no.
MdFan24 - January 4, 2012
He wasn't injured for the past few games
and he was pretty pedestrian.
Lissyyyyy - January 5, 2012
umm I disagree with that premise Lissy...
I posted this in another thread, but apparently it needs to be repeated…
miles Austin: 10 games
43 recs- 579 yards 7 TDs
4.3 rpg 57.9 ypg 0.7 TDs
16 game pro:
69 rec 926 yards 11 tds
Dez BRyant:15 games
63 rec- 928 yards 9 TDs
4.2rpg 61.86 tpg 0.6 td
16 game pro:
67rec 989 yards 10 tds
Lauent Robinson: 14 games
54 recs 858 yards 11 TDs
3.85 rpg 61.28 ypg .78 tds
61 recs 980 ypg 12 tds
if you notice that LR finished around half a catch per game behind both Dez and Miles for the year….and this is with Both of them being banged up for several games…..While I like Robinson, and think that he would be a great player to have…to say that he is as good as Miles is almost laughable….
I am Ironman!!! - January 5, 2012
No, we have a 3rd choice. Pay LR and keep them both.
fs65 - January 5, 2012
wouldn't the other team have finish his contract in a trade? if i'm guessing right 54mil?
0k - January 4, 2012
he gets paid 1 million next year
and we already paid out all his guaranteed money
Lissyyyyy - January 4, 2012
but if you trade him, I think his signing bonus gets dumped on this years cap
instead of over the life of the contract. So, the ther team won’t have to pay the hefty signing bonus, but it’ll go on our cap
just4fun - January 4, 2012
no he didn't have a signing bonus
we front loaded his contract. In 2010 Austin had a 17.1 cap hit.
http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/dallas-cowboys/miles-austin/
Lissyyyyy - January 4, 2012
Correction. Miles contract contains no signing bonus
just4fun - January 4, 2012
actually He does now
He reconstructed his contract this offseason, which turned this past years salary into a signing bonus…..which is now prorated across his contract….
I am Ironman!!! - January 4, 2012
do you know how much?
Lissyyyyy - January 4, 2012
was it all of it?
Lissyyyyy - January 4, 2012
found something on his restructured deal
http://espn.go.com/blog/dallas/cowboys/post/_/id/4681481/restructured-contracts-to-be-filed-today
My guess is a 6mil+ signing bonus this year.
just4fun - January 4, 2012
sound like we put about 7.5 million into signing bonus
which means if we were to cut him it would cost us 6.25 million against the cap. But since he is owed 1.15 in salary this year our net cap hit would be 5.1 million.
Lissyyyyy - January 4, 2012
So that would be at least a 5 mil cap to trade Austin
plus the 7ish mil to sign Robinson resulting in 12 mil worth of cap space to sign him. That’s too much. That Mario Williams money.
just4fun - January 4, 2012
I just don't think they'll consider trading Austin.
He’s good and think of all the money JJ has already paid him to get to this point, a cap friendly deal.
pfloyd1 - January 4, 2012
I dont think there is a cap hit when you trade a player
when you trade them you are also trading there contract. The other team takes the hit.
TARHEEL PAUL - January 5, 2012
actually if I understand it correctly
Dallas would take the Cap hit, because Austin left the team… regardless of via trade or releasing…IF a player leaves the team then that team takes the hit…
I am Ironman!!! - January 5, 2012
Nope
the hit stays with the team trading the player…..the hit for prorated money stays with the club….now im not sure if there is a way to slit the hit over two years (like if you cut past the June date) but the trading team takes the hit
BigBad Joe - January 5, 2012
slit = split sigh
BigBad Joe - January 5, 2012
if Miles is only get paid 1 million why on earth would you trade him???
Hes young, really his play is that of a pro bowler… Why would you let him go to get a rookie who may not be as good as him???
Trading him can set this team back like 3 years.. because that is how long it usually takes a WR to reach his prime.
lostar2009 - January 4, 2012 via mobile
Because there are only two starting WR's
and you would lose value by sitting one of them on the bench for half the offensive snaps when you could get draft picks for them.
Lissyyyyy - January 4, 2012
$7 million a year for one year of production?
Are you forgetting this guy is a 2007 third round pick that bounced around the league for several years? Is it worth betting that much money on him continuing this seasons output? Also, remember he was cut in the preseason over a hamstring injury.
MdFan24 - January 4, 2012
not going to happen "BIG CONTRACT"
DIRE WOLF - January 5, 2012
how quickly we forget the Cards game and how we were all clamoring for Miles' return
somebodyquiet - January 5, 2012
Wow would'nt it be nice to have some of the 25 million in dead cap money right now???
But at least JJ got Sensabugh and Scandrick locked up. I remember a few times during the season LR saying he would love to sign a longer deal with Dallas. I am guessing it would have been cheaper to sign him then then now
082288 - January 4, 2012
League rules prevented him from being extended during the season. Not sure about the specifics
just4fun - January 4, 2012
New BFF
It is clear that Robinson and Romo are on the same page. You know, I didn’t see Tony having to tell #81 where to go. I did see him constantly telling #88 where to go. Let me see Miles had 2 catches for 20 yds against the Giants. Then there’s his precious hammy that caused him to miss, what 8 games. You all can’t be serious about letting Robinson walk. I’d get rid of Dez or Miles before him. Frankly, I’m sick of Dez mania. Yes, he had solid to good numbers, but he still seems lost at times. I do advocate not being stupid with LR and overpaying. I also favor doing it now and a short term deal. Say three years max.
For you all talking Holmes, Harris, and Radway, I need some of what your tooting. Hello! Zero catches in the NFL. “We SHOULD be able to get production”, potential is just that until they produce. Also the big name FAs will command more money than Robinson. I’ll stick with the known product.
However, I too am HIGHLY in favor of several new facess on D. Newman, Ball, Brooking, and James must go. That should free up some more cash as well.
faniva - January 4, 2012
radway broke his leg in preseason
0k - January 4, 2012
Austin's cap hit in 2012 is only 1.15 million and Dez's is 1.725 million
We aren’t paying our receivers all that much next year to begin with.
Lissyyyyy - January 4, 2012
JJ Cap Guru
If you give JJ credit for one thing its being a Cap guru. Unless a dark horse team steps in with a ridiculous offer he will wear the star again next year. and it will be for around 2.5 mil against the cap.
LonnieCarl - January 4, 2012 via Android app
Zero production until he became a Cowboy
Cut by multiple teams. Never was a factor until he landed with the Cowboys.
I doubt other teams are going to want to throw money at him just because he did great with us. He sucked with a bunch of other teams including the WR desperate St. Louis Rams.
So hopefully that bodes well for us resigning him because we really can’t afford to give our 3rd wide receiver anything more than what a 3rd wide receiver normally makes. He is great for us though and am really hoping he comes back,
livemontana - January 4, 2012
He caught 11 TDs this year. Someone will throw money at him
Hopefully he will take enough of a home town discount to stay
just4fun - January 4, 2012
Cant overpay for the guy. Not if he's gonna be a #3
Now if we think outside the box and move Miles Austin, sign me up.
Carl Shelton (GloryDayz88) - January 4, 2012
I might use Austin as a trade chip to move up in the draft and get a CB like Claiborne
Lissyyyyy - January 4, 2012
See. I like the idea of moving Austin.
But id rather get an extra pick than move up. I think Dennard and Jenkins are pretty close to Claiborne. If we can maybe net an extra 2 for Miles, I think our options open up in the first 2 rounds.
Carl Shelton (GloryDayz88) - January 4, 2012
Claiborne is the best CB in the draft
more length than Jenkins, and doesn’t have character concerns.
Also has more length than Dennard and is more athletic.
Lissyyyyy - January 4, 2012
thats a great idea.
But you dont know what it will take to sign Robinson, hes an UFA. Can they even start the FA negotiations yet?
StarloverinWNC - January 4, 2012
Free agency starts Tuesday, March 13, at 4:00 PM eastern
pfloyd1 - January 4, 2012
He's our own FA so yes
Lissyyyyy - January 4, 2012
No, he is a four year vested veteran meaning he is guaranteed to be a free agent at the end of the season
Jerry is not allowed to sign him. He’s will be a free agent no matter what
just4fun - January 4, 2012
I think you mean tagging players
I don’t that affects the team’s ability to resign their own players.
Lissyyyyy - January 4, 2012
as in he is not a restricted free agent
not being a restricted free agent doesn’t mean your team can’t resign you before FA starts
Lissyyyyy - January 4, 2012
I think they can start to negotiate with him once the season is over, but not before his current contract expires.
He is an UFA, but can agree to a deal with the Cowboys before actual free agency begins. The Boys just could not extend him while he was under the current contract. Now, whether he opts to wait for free agency to start, is his decision and he might opt to test the waters before he signs. Then again I might be totally wrong!
pfloyd1 - January 4, 2012
Here a link and a quote (from the link)
“Dallas can’t offer Robinson a new contract during the season because he qualifies as a vested veteran which means that he has four-years of experience and signed a a minimum-salary deal with the team.
This guarantees that Robinson will be a free agent at the end of the season and considering his 2011 production (49 catches for 792 yards and 9 touchdowns) there should be plenty of interest in the wide receiver."
http://nfltraderumors.co/laurent-robinsons-staying-in-dallas/
just4fun - January 4, 2012
I hope we're not singing:
Here’s to you, Mr Robinson. Jerry loves you more than you will know. Whoa, whoa whoa.
God bless our cap Mr Robinson. Heaven holds a place for those who pay. Hey, hey hey.
Please Jerry, let’s not have another multi million dollar backfire. This guy looks great right now and I love his play but I shudder at the thought of another overpriced bidding war that ends up badly for us.
Benthere - January 4, 2012
Nice pickup on my line.
Love it when people get those little nuggets.
Tom Ryle - January 4, 2012
I like your posts for those nuggets man. Good stuff.
And your story break lines usually make me grin. And I usually need it so it’s working for me.
Benthere - January 4, 2012
This line?
fs65 - January 5, 2012
This.
Tom Ryle - January 5, 2012
I know. It was a joke.
fs65 - January 5, 2012
I can't believe this!!!!
I really can’t believe I’m reading half of these comments. Robinson is RKG simple plain nothing but one of the best for this team. You pay him what you need to pay him to keep him all this BS about Salary Cap… make the friggin deal. Trading any of our talent at WR right now is just plain stupid.
TO MANY OTHER AREAS OF NEED TO BE TRYING TO FIND ANOTHER RECEIVER.
Rex Pfister - January 4, 2012
If you had to pay Robinson 7-8 million, wouldn't it be more prudent to pay that money to a Defensive starter rather than a third WR.
That’s the point we’re making about the cap.
pfloyd1 - January 4, 2012
You may have to give him 7-8 mill as a signing bonus
but i dont see having to give him that per year just to keep him. If a team gives him that a year, then that means his signing bonus would be atleaast double that. And im sorry, i just dont see anyone giving him a $16 mill guaranteed.
TARHEEL PAUL - January 4, 2012
What if some team like the Skins offers him a Chris Canty like contract, would you be willing to match that?
If he views himself as a number one receiver and there are teams, who might buy that argument, are you going to spend that kind of money? I don’t know, but there has to be a point beyond which you wouldn’t. Let’s face it, he could be signed and just as easily get hurt like any other player.
pfloyd1 - January 4, 2012
Only thing we got going for us is that he's been other places and it's not worked out
So, maybe he thinks it’s better to stay. and the market is deep in WR this year.
just4fun - January 4, 2012
That's very true; others may command more money and maybe JJ and SJ can sweet talk him.
pfloyd1 - January 4, 2012
This list makes me feel better about our chances
Wes Welker, New England Patriots
Dwayne Bowe, Kansas City Chiefs
DeSean Jackson, Philadelphia Eagles
Vincent Jackson, San Diego Chargers
Steve Johnson, Buffalo Bills
Marques Colston, New Orleans Saints
Pierre Garcon, WR, Indianapolis Colts
Robert Meachem, New Orleans Saints
Mario Manningham, New York Giants
Jerome Simpson, Cincinnati Bengals
Early Doucet, Arizona Cardinals
Harry Douglas, Atlanta Falcons
Josh Morgan, San Francisco 49ers
Deion Branch, New England Patriots
Braylon Edwards, San Francisco 49ers
Eddie Royal, Denver Broncos
Lavelle Hawkins, Tennessee Titans
Ted Ginn, San Francisco 49ers (KR)
Andre Caldwell, Cincinnati Bengals
Roy Williams, Chicago Bears
Earl Bennett, Chicago Bears
Eric Weems, Atlanta Falcons (KR)
just4fun - January 4, 2012
Would any of our FAs qualify to be put on that list?
sanhoo - January 4, 2012
those are FA WR for 2011
just4fun - January 5, 2012
Me too.
That’s a heck of a list.
bloodyhanded - January 5, 2012
No
i would not wat jj to match a crazy deal like canty got.
TARHEEL PAUL - January 5, 2012
+1
Agree with you pfloyd1, at a certain point, the pricetag will just be too high for us
somebodyquiet - January 5, 2012
Depends on who's available
there may not be any defensive starters available that is worth that
Lissyyyyy - January 4, 2012
really doesn't matter ...
1. I know my voice isn’t going to be heard by Jerry
2. This guy is an RKG for this team and that’s what they need you are building Long term not just next year…. the dead money is going to go away and the salary cap won’t be so bad as long as we don’t spend foolish money on some free agent from hell.
3. Offense is the name of the game in the NFL
Rex Pfister - January 4, 2012
Keep this core together, absolutely agree.
For the most part, It’s not about Robinson, it’s about keeping this trio of receivers together. These receivers compliment one another which makes them indispensable. So let’s not cut Austin for the flavor of the month.
sanhoo - January 4, 2012
He and Dez seem to respect each other
And they both can learn from Austin who has been in the system
We have 3 legit threats with them, so JJ dump the Tree, and pick up some cash from Newman, Ball, Brookings etc who need to leave.
Bottom line is production, and he’s done it.
oldtimer - January 5, 2012
NO
If you don’t score pts what difference does it make… without Robinson this offense would have been mediocre all the time… he was the go to receiver even after Dez and Austin came back. I don’t care… how you have to structure the contract to make it work you do it.
Rex Pfister - January 4, 2012
Only trouble is, you mentioned incentives, etc up above.
All another team has to do to best that is guarantee money. Look, I’m all for keeping the guy but he isn’t going to give us a discount of any sort. If you get a Dan Snyder and his fatass wallet involved, Jerry will react like the billionaire he is and overpay and we’re back in salary cap hell again.
Benthere - January 4, 2012
Look... ya need to give it a break.
First: you have no idea what Robinson wants… salary or play wise.
There was this practice squad player that could have taken a start on an NFL team and instead decided to sit on the GB practice squad rather then play for the Vikes.
What does anyone here know about Robinson. What I see from him in interviews is a real good person, not a showboat, not a flashy shinny toy… just a damn good WR. You pay to keep those guys. They don’t give you headaches. This is a JG kinda guy and he’s going to be playing here next year.
Rex Pfister - January 4, 2012
And when was the last time Jerry acted like this billionaire that you speak of?
Its been a few years since Jerry has went crazy with the check book in free agency.
TARHEEL PAUL - January 4, 2012
Tis not free agency of which I speak. More resigning guys who quit playing when the paycheck comes.
I don’t think Robinson is one of those but the past experience thing still makes me wary.
Benthere - January 4, 2012
i can understand that
Barber is the one that sticks out to me.
TARHEEL PAUL - January 4, 2012
Signing Scandrick was not a smart move. Scandrick is a mediocre cb who got starters money.
football mensa - January 5, 2012
CUT NEWMAN
PAY ROBINSON!!!
Rex Pfister - January 4, 2012
Plus 1 million
oldtimer - January 5, 2012
ROOKIES
Not going to hit hard on the Salary Cap because of the ROOKIE SALARY CAP LIMIT
Rex Pfister - January 4, 2012
I wonder if there's another Victor Cruz at U Mass this year.
Maybe he has a younger brother.
pfloyd1 - January 4, 2012
Hector Cruz?
TARHEEL PAUL - January 4, 2012
Are you serious? Is there really a Hector Cruz out there TP? LOL
pfloyd1 - January 4, 2012
LOL
I dont think so. But it sounded good.
TARHEEL PAUL - January 5, 2012
Pay Robinson
If you can re-sign him somewhere in the neighborhood of $5-6 mil per year, even with some extra incentives and a good chunk guaranteed, you have to do it. How often did we use 3 wr sets the last 2 years? How often were Miles or Dez hurt and/or hobbled these last 2 years? With our defense (or lack thereof) we will be playing from behind quite a bit anyway.
Cut Newman and don’t resign James, there’s a few million. Replace them with some young, cheap, hungry guys. Can they be much worse than those two? True, James wasn’t horrible, he’s ok on running downs and off the bench, and he’s a good leader, but he’s on the downward slope.
Imagine a healthy Cowboys offense- especially with a moderate guard/center upgrade and a full offseason for those young lineman ( not to mention Smith at LT and Free at RT)- if they could score points at will their D being top 10 becomes much less important.
i dont rent Im a romowner - January 4, 2012 via mobile
Hey not to change the subject but Bruce Irvin of WVA is as quick as a cat and lowers his shoulders and pads really well.
He does remind me a lot of Aldon Smith. Maybe not as good but pretty close.
pfloyd1 - January 4, 2012
Definitely wouldn’t mind seeing Irvin in the Blue & Silver.
G_SWAG - January 4, 2012
it is Ingram that Wes Bunting has compared to Aldon...
LDVFootball - January 5, 2012
I think so, Chia certainly has.
pfloyd1 - January 5, 2012
Give him Crayton money. It was reasonable, before he had a hissy fit when RW came.
Mr._Mulligan - January 4, 2012
RW has been forgotten
Excellent reference point. No draft picks given up, great production, and less money that RW
That formula says , find the space, and sign LR
oldtimer - January 5, 2012
huge mistake letting Crayton go for RW.
losing Crayton hurt this team
DCNation73 - January 5, 2012
Agree w/ Lissy
I wouldn’t be happy to see Austin go, but we have to play the Cap game. It’s not the good old 90’s anymore. I’d say trade Austin for a 2nd plus another pick, but instead of moving up in the draft, use that 2nd to draft a pass rusher or a CB to replace Newman or Ball. We have too many holes to plug & we have to do it thru the draft to avoid being in Salary Cap hell. If the scouting team can continue their good performances as in the last 2 drafts & keep find players like Robinson we should be ok. I don’t like the idea of depending on Ogletree, but we have to stick to rebuilding thru the draft to get some defensive help. I still believe that we have to have a potent offense like someone posted earlier, but we have to throw a bone to Ryan & Ware. Imagine how much the team could improve w/ our 14th in the 1st, 13th in the 2nd & then add maybe a 2nd & 3rd for Austin while staying within budget. Who would you guys like to see if we get an extra 2nd & 3rd should we trade Austin to be able to sign Robinson? Will the Cowboys be closer to a Super Bowl, w/ Austin, Bryant & Robinson or Bryant, Robinson & the players picked up by another 2nd or 3rd w/ the Austin trade? Just look at our recent drafts to see the potential of drafting another Lee & Murray w/ those acquired picks. Cheers & go Cowboys!
99yard_TD_Run - January 4, 2012
Read above
Austin retructured his deal in the offseason to help with cap space this year…..moved his salary to signing bonus so it could be prorated……he would be a cap hit to cut or trade, not worth it IMO
BigBad Joe - January 5, 2012
I think this all depends on where you rank WR's as a position
I would say
1. QB
2, Edge rusher
3. Left tackle
4. CB
5. WR
6. Center
7. Safety
8. every other starter
This is just me, I could be totally wrong
I think you take care of the top 4 spots and then pay Robinson like a good WR
firejasongarrett - January 4, 2012
Is Tron not a LT?
Switch him and Free seems like a no brainer right?
thebigham - January 5, 2012
i would LOVE to have him back
but not if the price it’s too high
ratware - January 4, 2012
And that is the rub.
Tom Ryle - January 4, 2012
Reactionary
You’re going to knock Austin for having Kitna at QB last year and having a few hammy pulls this year? Why give him an off season with our strength and conditioning coach (who is reputedly a whiz at tailoring regiments to each specific player’s needs) and see how he comes back next year. Moreover, if our Yuglies come back stronger next year or we wind up drafting DeCastro we’ll start seeing route trees that favor the strengths of our QB and our WRs. In the last Giant’s game I saw a lot of off coverage by the DBs and cover 2 by the safeties, that’s because we can’t block well enough to run a lot of precision double moves that Romo throws well. How many times have you seen Miles run a sluggo (stop and go) and make a big gain? They just have to guard against the mid-distance throws because by that point Romo is probably scrambling and the window to hit it has closed. A running game would do wonders for that as would better blocking so you can hit the deep routes and try to let our receivers get behind safeties.
Its like clamoring to trade Andre Johnson because he had some hammy issues this year. Everyone always wants to emulate what other teams do well, trading a known commodity who has a ridiculously team friendly contract and youth on his side to try to resign Robinson to an even bigger contract is not what the Pats would do. They would make Robinson an offer and if he didn’t take it it would be the next man’s job to step up.
That’s what we’re trying to do here in Dallas now, next man up.
G_SWAG - January 4, 2012
The problem is the next man up hasn't been successful
nor do we have a bench full of players that are capable, which is why Robinson fell into our lap in the first place. A great decision, if I may add, of Garrett’s. He recognized in time that the next man up wasn’t going to cut it, took a gamble, and came up aces with Robinson. If Garrett had the same perspicacity for the defensive side, we would have had a much longer season.
sanhoo - January 4, 2012
Doling out another big contract isn’t going to help us build our reserves though.
The only way we can make this work mathematically is giving him a large base pay and signing bonus next year while we’re not paying too much for Dez and Miles, I would just hate to see us sitting out FA again because our WR corps is eating up 1/6th of our cap space.
G_SWAG - January 5, 2012 via mobile
Thank You.
BrickTop - January 5, 2012 via mobile
If Robinson wants to be here he will have to take less money to do so
If he wants to be the #1 guy and take the money he won’t. It’s really up to Robinson more than the Cowboys
just4fun - January 5, 2012
It would be BRAIN DEAD STUPID NOT to sign this guy to a long term deal.
He has MORE than proved his worth to this team. He’s got GREAT hands, KNOWS the routes (can Dez say the same thing, and he’s been here longer), and maybe more importantly, ROMO trusts this guy. He KNOWS LR knows where he’s supposed to be when the ball is thrown his way. This guy LOVES crunch time and WANTS the ball to make plays.
He has MORE than earned a huge paycheck. All this talk about fixing the D and O first means NOTHING if we don’t sign LR. Remember ALL the talk about sighing MA to a long term contract and how we couldn’t get along without him??? This guy is not only the BETTER WR, his numbers prove it and he wants to play here.
Don’t you guys want a HOME RUN threat every time he’s on the field? This guy can stretch the field and score. Austin is injury prone and is out for weeks sometimes. LR played with a hurt shoulder and RAN back to the sideline from the locker room so he could play.
IF we don’t sign him, his leaving would DEVASTATE this offense. Think about it. MA is injury prone. Dez hasn’t had his “breakout” season yet. Witten is getting older. MB is MB and may not even be here next season. Do you really want a MAJOR PLAYMAKER to leave? I say not only no but HELL NO!!!!!
Cowboy88 - January 5, 2012
It would be BRAIN DEAD STUPID NOT to sign this guy to a long term deal.
He has MORE than proved his worth to this team. He’s got GREAT hands, KNOWS the routes (can Dez say the same thing, and he’s been here longer), and maybe more importantly, ROMO trusts this guy. He KNOWS LR knows where he’s supposed to be when the ball is thrown his way. This guy LOVES crunch time and WANTS the ball to make plays.
He has MORE than earned a huge paycheck. All this talk about fixing the D and O first means NOTHING if we don’t sign LR. Remember ALL the talk about sighing MA to a long term contract and how we couldn’t get along without him??? This guy is not only the BETTER WR, his numbers prove it and he wants to play here.
Don’t you guys want a HOME RUN threat every time he’s on the field? This guy can stretch the field and score. Austin is injury prone and is out for weeks sometimes. LR played with a hurt shoulder and RAN back to the sideline from the locker room so he could play.
IF we don’t sign him, his leaving would DEVASTATE this offense. Think about it. MA is injury prone. Dez hasn’t had his “breakout” season yet. Witten is getting older. MB is MB and may not even be here next season. Do you really want a MAJOR PLAYMAKER to leave? I say not only no but HELL NO!!!!! SIGN HIM ASAP!!!
Cowboy88 - January 5, 2012
Sorry about the double post...
Cowboy88 - January 5, 2012
Brain Dead Stupid?
That sounds like our GM.
Lord Humungus - January 5, 2012
I think with all the resources spent on the wr position
i would prefer o line or d line. At some point you have to build the lines. You have to quit spending money and picks on the wr position. Jerry’s pursuit of that position along with ilb’s has just shredded this team.
He was great in Dallas. He was a chain mover. He isn’t worth busting the bank for unless you trade Austin. There are other facets to this team that need to be addressed.
football mensa - January 5, 2012
I agree that OL and the defense need to be addressed BUT
You simply cannot let LR go. He is too valuable to the offense and puts points on the board. Its like saying, okay, Michael, Irvin, you’re great and all but wel’ll let you go in FA ’cus we want to spend that money on another project player OT. DUH…..you do that and you get what you deserve.
And, I"m willing to “Bust the Bank” for quality players like LR who are playmakers rather than “project players” who never pan out. We’ve got enough of those already.
Cowboy88 - January 5, 2012
Offer Robinson starter money and chances are he'll take it
Right now he’s clearly a more productive receiver than Dez and has a better rapport with Romo…If Dez doesn’t breakout in the next few years let him go in FA and chalk him up as another bust.
Terry - January 5, 2012
How is 63 catches for 928 yards and 9 TDs not productive?
mtibus - January 5, 2012
not as productive as Robinson
Terry - January 5, 2012
wrong Terry
on a per game Basis Dez was much more productive…..
miles Austin: 10 games
43 recs- 579 yards 7 TDs
4.3 rpg 57.9 ypg 0.7 TDs
16 game pro:
69 rec 926 yards 11 tds
Dez BRyant:15 games
63 rec- 928 yards 9 TDs
4.2rpg 61.86 tpg 0.6 td
16 game pro:
67rec 989 yards 10 tds
Lauent Robinson: 14 games
54 recs 858 yards 11 TDs
3.85 rpg 61.28 ypg .78 tds
61 recs 980 ypg 12 tds
the only thing that LR beat Dez and Austin at is TD’s and even then it only amounts to 1-2 over the course of a complete season…..
And Remember Dez dealt with a thigh bruise for 2-3 games, which more than likely affected his release off the snap….. which is key in the redzone….
I am Ironman!!! - January 5, 2012
You have to factor in that Dez is a starter and gets more reps and targets
and if you do Robinson was clearly more productive with the opportunities he had compared to Dez.
Terry - January 5, 2012
Robinson was a starter for most season too.
thebigham - January 5, 2012
I wouldn't say most, Dez started more games
Definitely had more targets
Terry - January 5, 2012
I would say that Dez also faced alot more Double Coverage than LR
either way Dez out produced LR and was equal to Austin this year…..
I am Ironman!!! - January 5, 2012
disagree
Terry - January 5, 2012
Dez improved a lot during the course of the season
he got a lot better of getting off of press coverage and reading coverages.
Also, i rarely saw LR doubled but we’ll have to agree to disagree
somebodyquiet - January 5, 2012
How could you even call Dez a bust at this point?
mtibus - January 5, 2012
I didn't if you read my post
I said if he will be if he doesn’t improve his production as a starter…his numbers at this point reflect the production of a #3…obviously he’ll have to get better to live up to his status as first round pick we traded up for
Terry - January 5, 2012
Doesn't' PFF have Dez as their 11th rated WR in the league?
That’s just in Dez’s second year, injury. learning curve, and all. Yet, Terry thinks he is a bust in the making. LOL…
LDVFootball - January 5, 2012
I never said that, just that he has to get a lot better
Terry - January 5, 2012
I would give Robinson...
3.5-4 million tops! His body of work doesn’t deserve 8 million. If he was a #1 on any other team would he do as well? It’s questionable for sure. I do want Larent signed along with Finnegan. I don’t care what avenues they take to fill the other roster holes…but those two are the most important signing to me; but they need to be reasonable and not destroy their cap room.
mtibus - January 5, 2012
yeah, he deserving of #2 receiver money, but not #1 money
Terry - January 5, 2012
on any other team, he'd be a #1
Given time, he’ll be #1 HERE. He’s simply that good.
Cowboy88 - January 5, 2012
He is not that good...
In the Arizona game, the Cardinal’s No. 2 corner pretty much contained him. (The Cardinals were in a press, man scheme for most of the game.) Meanwhile, Dez on the other side was matched up against the Cardinal’s No. 1 Corner and had 6 catches. Robinson has profited this year from the respect Dez has gotten by opposing D’s. If he were to face the same coverage, he would not have been as productive as Dez.
LDVFootball - January 5, 2012
Broaddus said Dez improved a lot from the first of the year to the end of the year.
I’ve had my doubts about Dez, but I feel better after hearing this.
DIRE WOLF - January 5, 2012
Austin the guy that scares me & leaves me with doubt.
you can’t win in this league with 1 or 2 WRs especially in a pass first offense so if they don’t pay Robinson then they’ll have to pay someone or spend another decent draft pick to replace so it all depends on what the market is Robinsion.
i agree they can’t pay him 6 or 8 milion but if they can get him for 4 or 5 million then its a no brainer knowing he can get the job done.
i also don’t know how much this team can reley on Dez. he still acts like a kid & physical Wrs can get him out of his game pretty fast. i agree he got better as the season went but this kid was suspose to be an instant stud/top 10 pick coming out of college & i haven’t seen that.
DCNation73 - January 5, 2012
physical DBs** not Wrs
DCNation73 - January 5, 2012
Austin is the receiver I have the most confidence in
He has proven he’s an elite receiver when healthy
Terry - January 5, 2012
was anyone with a star on there helmet "that good" in the Cardinals game?
even the coach made some mistakes so 1 game is way smaller sample then the other 14 he did well in.
DCNation73 - January 5, 2012
Ok, look at the Jets game, before the year of improvement...
On natural talent alone, he made mincemeat of Cromartie, so much so that Rex took Revis off Miles and put him on Dez. Even after that, Dez made that dynamic fade stop catch on Revis. Watch that catch again, he stops on a dime and elevates almost above Revis’ head to make the catch. Too bad he injured his thigh on that punt return. The only thing that held him back this year was that thigh injury.
LDVFootball - January 5, 2012
yeah like signing Finnegan is a good move.
that dude is a pain in the rear & doesn’t get along with others very well. i don’t see a 5% chance of Dallas bringing him with a huge contract like he wants.
DCNation73 - January 5, 2012
A few points...
I didn’t see anyone question whether LR saw less double coverage than Austin or Bryant this season. I would bet he did and that helped his production. If you trade Austin, that extra coverage goes to LR. Might be a good question for Broaddus.
I have to laugh when people comment that Austin is injury prone and argue to give LR big money. If I remember correctly, LR had at least one major injury and this was his first healthy season. And just because he was healthy while on this team for 1 season and hurt for other teams means he is less injury prone than Austin?
Overall I’d say he was better than Bryant this season but his upside is lower. I’d offer him a 4-5 contract with a base salary around $3 mil/yr plus incentives for yards and TDs that can add $1 mil for 900 yards and 5 TDs and $3 mil for 1100 yards and 9 TDs. Maybe just the yardage if he argued for that because TDs are so variable year to year. If he gets more than that we move to the next guy or sign another FA WR. So you end up with 4 mil for decent production like this past year and 6 mil for top end production. He’s not in the same league as Steve Johnson and he only asked for $7.5 mil per year and buffalo balked at that. I don’t see other teams offering more than 5 mil, but if they do we pocket the compensatory draft pick. It’s not like you don’t get anything in return.
HarrisburgCowboyFan - January 5, 2012 via mobile
We need three receivers for our three wide sets
not two receivers and JAG. Austin, Robinson, and Bryant are a good combo, and you still have two good receivers if one goes down to injury. It’s time to move on from Tree after third season anyway.
There’s no need to break the bank for him, but no reason not to re-sign him, especially if you think of him as the Y receiver rather than the Z.
Sure we need lots of other things on the roster, but three good, productive receivers are a need as well.
Uncle Angus - January 5, 2012
yeah, all the great offenses have 3 pretty good WRs
I’d make a very diligent effort to sign him if I were Jerry, but just don’t give him #1 receiver money like Austin.
Terry - January 5, 2012
some have 4 & 5 pretty good WRs
the Packers & Saints might be the deepest at WR i’ve ever seen.
DCNation73 - January 5, 2012
You can't have too many.
Think of the reason we got LR in the first place. I mean besides Norv doing us a favor.
It was because Miles and Dez were hurt. Then your #3 IS your #1.
Uncle Angus - January 5, 2012
Absolutely.
There’s no reason to overpay, but multiple wideouts are a legitimate expense.
Uncle Angus - January 5, 2012
On our team, he's a 2-3 guy
So you have to pay him like a 2-3 guy (I’m thinking somewhere around $3M). You simply can’t break the bank for a single season of production. Yes, that occasionally means that a gem will slip away to some other team, but the vast majority of the time it means you stay out of salary cap hell. If some other team wants to pay Robinson like a #1, you thank the guy for a good year and congratulate him for landing a big payday.
dteowner - January 5, 2012
You have to sign this guy
Great hands, good route runner, solid in the red zone, in sync with the QB. He makes our offense really tough to stop. You have to bring him back and he has never had success like he has had with Dallas. I bet he signs here even if it is for slightly less money
Nardfather - January 5, 2012
gotta resign him
if we lose him, it makes us use a draft pick on a WR or sign another one
the only thing we got going for us is that its a deep WR class in free agency
I really hope we resign this guy, he would be a huge loss
Archie Barberio - January 5, 2012
absolutely agree 100%.
Cowboy88 - January 5, 2012
+1
i’m in on this kid & his natural ability to catch the ball is a lot better then Austin could ever be. plus you need 4 really good WRs in a pass first offense so they’ll have to replace him with someone else if finds more $ with another team.
i see zero in Tree, Holley or Harris to make me think that one of them would be the answer. Harris might be the slowest WR i’ve ever seen & after watching him return kicks it was obvious he was out of place.
if they do draft another WR in the later rounds or find one undrafted its a must they can help in the RETurn game. field position is that important & this team hasn’t had a legit returner since Primetime left.
DCNation73 - January 5, 2012
What? Overpay an injury prone player who had one good year? Sounds familiar?
Welcome to Jerry’s World.
LR is a great asset on the team but this was the first season he’s been healthy. Think its gonna stay that way? History is not on his side.
Now if the team had drafted better and had a emerging #3 in the wings, Jerry’s World would not have to overpay for a one year wonder. LR may be more than a one year wonder, but doubt is our friend. Jerry’s World is filled with optimism and look what it got: Roy Williams, Roy Williams, Marion Barber, Bigg, etc.
The deal is lose/lose for the Boyz. LR performs great – lose for the boyz as the money could have been used to shore up the OLine or DLine. LR performs poorly or gets injured, big lose for the Boyz as LR’s salary remains legacied to the team.
bresson - January 5, 2012
all WRs get injured
I don’t know of any receivers that stay completely healthy year in and year out….only one I can think of in the past several years was Marvin Harrison.
Terry - January 5, 2012
He was singled most of the time, can you say Alvin Harper.
Having Dez and Austin makes him a much better WR. I’d love to keep him, but Dallas has more pressing needs.
DIRE WOLF - January 5, 2012
if he takes 3 or 4 million like James Jones did for Green Bay that would be hard to pass up.
i’ve seen Dez struggle with single coverage & theres no guarentee Dez will become the #1 WR they intended on when drafting him. also Austin with Austins injuries & bricks for hands was a huge mistake resigning him to that much money. sure Austins nice once he’s on the field & has the ball in his hands but i don’t know if they can depend on him like they should for 9 Million a year.
DCNation73 - January 5, 2012
By the Arizona game, Dez had figured out how to deal with press, man coverage...
By the last Giants’ game, he was finally using his amazing upper body strength to push cornerbacks aside and get into his route. He’s not going to be getting much single coverage for years to come. He will be treated by opposing DC’s (as he has been this year) as our No. 1 receiver. I just hope that by design or execution JG finds more ways to get him the ball. He has the best hands on the team. He can win jump ball contests. And, if this year is any indication, he is always there when it counts.
LDVFootball - January 5, 2012
His route running needs a lot of work, thats where Robinson is a better receiver
Terry - January 5, 2012
yeah, I'd go 4 million a year for him...I think he'd take that
Terry - January 5, 2012
You just can't overpay for anyone in FA, whether it's your own or someone elses.
You must be prudent and evaluate the talent of the individual, his projected playing time and production, his age and projected longevity, his injury history and likelihood of repetetive future injuries, etc. Once a complete evaluation has been completed, you must place a monetary value and celing beyond which the cost/benefits decline. Then either sign him or pass. We haven’t been tremendous at doing this in the past. We must do better.
pfloyd1 - January 5, 2012
robinson and romo
think how many td’s robinson could have caught if romo wasnt being sacked so often. if jerry can always find the money to sign players, sign some proven offensive linemen as well so the qb will have time to throw the ball to him.
hiredavid61 - January 5, 2012
If Jerry doesn't resign Robinson
he should be sh&t!
Cowboys Dominance - January 6, 2012
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