There's a question that's been brewing in my head for a while. If the Cowboys max out on their projected cap space, how will that affect the future of the team?
I'm no salary cap expert, I don't even play one on the internet; as tempting as that can be. I know the basics, how a signing bonus gets prorated over the life of the contract to calculate the cap impact for each year of the deal; as well as how the bonuses get accelerated for a cut player depending on when they get released. I do have some semblance of a base. I have a spreadsheet that lists the majority of last year's cap numbers before August's purge; but that does nothing more for me than put a visual to the well traveled report that Dallas could be playing with $20 million in free agency. I'll give you three guesses who helped me with the spreadsheet and the first two don't count.
Now, I've seen in several places that the expected 2012 cap is going to be around $125 million. The $20 million being bandied about for Dallas to play with is contingent on their release of Terence Newman, which would save them about $6 million off the cap this year, and put $4 million in dead money on the 2013 cap.
But outside of that, Dallas seems to be sitting pretty moving forward.
The Cowboys currently have 23 players under contract for 2013 (according to rotoworld.com), and that includes Newman. Not only that, but the heavy hitters on the payroll, the players commanding the most dollars, are signed for the next few years. Dallas could easily augment its roster with a splashy vet or two, and still be able to extend their own guys or dabble in the market again the following year.
Follow the jump to see the roll call.
Here's a look at the players the Cowboys front office have molded their long term strategies around.
| Offense | Signed Through | Defense | Signed Through |
|---|---|---|---|
| Witten, Jason | 2017 | Ratliff, Jay | 2017 |
| Austin, Miles | 2016 | Scandrick, Orlando | 2016 |
| Free, Doug | 2016 | Sensabaugh, Gerald | 2016 |
| Arkin, David | 2014 | Ware, DeMarcus | 2015 |
| Bryant, Dez | 2014 | Carter, Bruce | 2014 |
| Chapas, Shaun | 2014 | Newman, Terence | 2014 |
| Harris, Dwayne | 2014 | Spears, Marcus |
2014 |
| Murray, DeMarco | 2014 | Taplin-Ross, Justin | 2014 |
| Nagy, Bill | 2014 | Brent, Josh | 2013 |
| Smith, Tyron | 2014 | Hatcher, Jason | 2013 |
| Kosier, Kyle | 2013 | Lee, Sean | 2013 |
| Romo, Tony | 2013 | Lissemore, Sean | 2013 |
A couple of notes.
1 recs | 108 comments
Well, I hope that McGee doesn't get a chance at a lot more production next
year, if you know what I mean.
Fernie67 - February 10, 2012
Also, I kind of agree on Witten's contract. I can't prove it, and don't want to
believe it, but to me, he looked slower this year. I’m happy he’ll retire a Cowboy, but I kind of wonder if he’ll stay uber productive until 2017.
Fernie67 - February 10, 2012
i love me some Witten - but you're correct in that he looked slower in 2011
and can’t break a tackle to save his life…
McLovin9 - February 10, 2012
Wow ... you actually do watch some games
Witten suffers from the belief that he is still 24 years old and/or a running back. He’ll make 1 guy miss out of 10. He should use his size/strength and just run through people instead of run around him.
Was it the Jets game that he could have just bowled through some DB into the endzone but tried to get cute and got taken down short of the end zone? This was right before the Romo fumble.
Conn Cowboy - February 10, 2012
yes - i watch every game - closely...thanks for noticing
and yes – all he had to do was put his shoulder into Jim Leonhard (a guy he outweighs by 80lbs) and he probably straddles the sideline for the final 3 yards as they were almost running parallel
another play was a 3rd down deep in Giants territory in the final game when the Cowboys were coming back – he needed to fight for a couple of inches but he didn’t make it…and then 4th down Romo takes the quick snap and they get stuffed – drive over
coincidentally – it was Witten in the Seattle playoff game that couldn’t get into the endzone that led to Romo’s infamous Seattle slip…
anyways – he’s a surefire HOF player and love that he’s a Cowboy – just wish he fought a little harder for yards
McLovin9 - February 10, 2012
Nitpick.
I’m trying to agree with you here. I very much remember Witten “not” getting that first down in the Seattle game. I’m, to this day, pretty certain that he DID get enough for a first. We would have scored a touchdown if they had gotten that call right. Dammit.
BigDumbFace - February 10, 2012
I think he fights for extra yards..
but I don’t think he is that great at it.
Unique - February 10, 2012
I agree on that one
You have to play to your strengths — Witten’s strength is not running around guys or making them miss. Maybe when he was young, but he has to learn to change is tactics to suit his capabilities.
Conn Cowboy - February 10, 2012
The Witten contract doesn't really bother me
Witten is elite – perhaps he’ll be paid in 2015 and beyond for past production (much like Rat is being paid now).
What scares me is the FREE contract. $32 mil over 4 years? I think that’ll make him the highest paid RT (if he’s moved there) in the league. Does anyone really think he’s better than Tyson Clabo, Damien Woody, Erik Pears, Ryan Diem or Willie Colon? Some of the guys on the list are injury prone and/or retiring but made far less than $8 mil / yr and were more productive.
Tyrone Jenkins - February 10, 2012
The Cowboys can always restructure Free's contract
Antonio S - February 10, 2012
Free will probably continue to get better through our three years.
Witten and Rat are my favorite Cowboys. But their contracts are unrealistic. Neither will be playing in ’17, prob not ’16. Maybe Jerry has faith that they will retire with THE STAR when the time comes. If a player retires, their cap hits disappear, I believe.
BlueNSilverBlood - February 10, 2012
Quite a gamble
Jerry Rice, best WR to ever play the game (some say the best player to ever play) played for 3 other teams AFTER San Fran. He was in the league for 20 years…
Players rarely retire prior to contract end.
Tyrone Jenkins - February 10, 2012
Yeah, it is.
I believe in Rat and Witten’s character, though. They both had to have known they weren’t playing until ’17. What do I know, though?
BlueNSilverBlood - February 10, 2012
Football is a game of inches ...
I loved the call — it is a classic Tom Brady play. However, he needed to do it faster.
You cannot let the defense get set on a 4th and 1 sneak. That is the key to the play — catching the defense off-balance.
Conn Cowboy - February 10, 2012
Witten is one of my favorite players
but he wont see the end of his contract that ends in 2017.He probably has 2, maybe 3 solid years left here. I saw an article that says dont be surprised if we drafted a TE relatively high either this year or next to be his replacement. If they can find the next Gronkowski I’m all for it. Never too early to start thinking about the future, just like QB…
Boyzfan94 - February 10, 2012
3 minimum, more like 5 at least
Terry - February 10, 2012
3 and that maybe stretching it considering his contract
He is going to have to restructure. That said, I think Ratliff’s future on this team is alot more in question than Witten. I’m not sure he is here after next season..
Boyzfan94 - February 10, 2012
yup, Rat I can see gone in 2013
thebigham - February 10, 2012
Terry - if you think Witten is catching 90 balls/year for next 5 years you're crazy
i think he can keep his current production up for another 2-3 years – then we’ll see a decline…
and with a contract to 2017 – that means he needs to restructure or be released
McLovin9 - February 10, 2012
Witten > Tony G
thebigham - February 10, 2012
If Gonzo can do it so can Witten
He’s only 29 or 30, he’s still got a lot of good years left. Really great players who don’t have health concerns can be very productive well into their 30s, Witten is no exception.
Terry - February 10, 2012
What a crock !!
Different kind of athlete, different kind of player. Gonzales has much more natural thletic ability than Witten.
football mensa - February 10, 2012
Witten > Tony G
Without a doubt. Future will show you.
thebigham - February 10, 2012
The future may never come.
That you can’t deny. Fandom clouding your judgement again.
As it stands Gonzo > Witten
football mensa - February 10, 2012
As much as I enjoy watching Jason Witten.
I will not argue with anyone who tells me Antonio Gates or Tony Gonzalez were more athletic than Witten. It’s a simple fact. Those two were pretty good power forwards in basketball…Gates never played a down of football until he became a SD Charger, and Tony G was actually given a tryout by the Miami Heat when he had his first contract dispute with the Chiefs.
Rohpuri - February 11, 2012
Of course as it stands Witten hasn't been playing as long.
You are over compensating on your “realist” shtick.. Witten > Tony G
thebigham - February 11, 2012
Witten's Decline Is Already Here
. . . this is like criticizing Muhammed, I know, but Witten has played hard and tough for many years now. His body is showing wear and tear. Just look at his red zone production. Dallas is on thin ice at TE, at a time when TE offensive productivity is at a premium. The Martellus pick is looking more and more suspect . . . Phillips is an overacheiver. Maybe Dallas should go steal a TE in free agency.
Iowacowboy - February 11, 2012
Witten - the right call
I’m with others here and I hope I’m wrong but Witten is just looking slower. The idea that he’s going to be good for multiple years seems far fetched at his age. When you see the benefit the Patriots got from tight ends, among others, got from the TE position, it puts Witten’s performance in an even dimmer light.
I know talking about Witten’s decline is heresy and I"m a Cowboy apostate for even daring to talk such talk so I might as well double down and ask if the Cowboys should be thinking about resigning Bennett. He was better catching the ball and with his speed and size, he COULD be a handful. To me, and there were several plays like this last year, he’s not physical enough. It’s like he thinks he’s a feathery 6’ flanker who will make the pretty catch when he could just go up and out-muscle smaller DBs. He’s obviously got that meanest in him when he blocks. I just wonder if he might be a revelation if Garrett gave him an opportunity to catch 50 or more passes.
jdg4660 - February 11, 2012
You guys are blind
http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WittJa00.htm
Look hes had one of his best season this past year. The patriots don’t have an Austin Dez LR to take away targets from Gronk, Same with Graham. The only person playing you can say is better than Witten is Tony G. Witten will be able to perform at this level for another 5 years. He doesn’t rely on skills that diminish with age. He relies on position, coverages, and his great hands.
thebigham - February 11, 2012
Witten can't do what Gronk can. Realism at it's finest.
Witten has been a great Cowboy. A great player. Maybe a hof career. Why is it so hard to admit that someone may be better ? No shame in that. Even more realism.
The Saints don’t have any wr’s ?
football mensa - February 11, 2012
Too Simplistic Arguments
Barely touched on in this debate on Witten’s place in the hierarchy of NFL tight ends is the difference situations each one face. Just off the top of my head we are considering Athleticism, Excellence over time, Supporting Cast, and Offensive Scheme to name a few. Thus let’s rate them subjectively among multiple variables and see how the rankings change:
1) Athleticism
2) Excellence over time
3) Supporting Cast
4) Offensive Scheme
5) Dependability (being were you are supposed to be and in-tune with the QB)
Gronk may be an athletic freak, but he only has one season, has a great QB and coach, along with terrible receivers, thus he is a focus of the offense. I have no clue how he rates on #5. Did he have a better season than Witten, yes, but let’s see how he does over 4-5 years before the anointing oil comes out.
Gonzo, is the Gold Standard because of his play overtime. Depending on how much longer he plays, Witten may not be able to catch him in Stats or longevity
Gates, very Athletic, but more injury prone and does not have the track record of Witten. He also has become less of the offense’s focus over the last couple of years (see Vincent Jackson), partially from injuries.
Graham…same as Gronk. He has done it for two years now, but let’s see how things go forward. He has a better passing QB than Witten, not to mention the protection Brees gets. I also think NO has a better offensive scheme than Dallas and defenses can’t focus on just one player effectively, thus teams don’t game plan for graham.
One other thing to consider is how defenses adapt to the break-out years of Gronk and Graham going forward. Will both stay healthy and be able to excel has other teams learn how to play them? One thing that makes Witten and Gonzo so great is their ability to perform at a high-level over many years.
Through Thick And Thin - February 11, 2012
kind of hard to see him losing a step
he was never the fastest guy… he relies on being where he’s supposed to be, when he’s supposed to be there… he’ll be a solid player for the next few years, but that doesn’t mean we can’t draft someone next year to play with him
CowboysFan4Life - February 10, 2012
Yeah, I think regardless, they'll draft someone. It seems like Bennett will be gone.
Fernie67 - February 10, 2012
I agree
Witten has a gift for getting open and it doesn’t rely on his speed
AustonianAggie - February 10, 2012
Another thing I have noticed lately.
He seems to catch the ball and then sort of slow down and look to see who is coming at him, which kills his momentum and lets the defender push him back. I know I saw plays where if he had just kept going forward instead of trying to find a way to cut around the defender, he would have made another two or three yards, at least, which would have been big a couple of times.
Tom Ryle - February 10, 2012
You know what I saw him doing a lot.
Was springing a player for another 5 yards by making a great downfield block. He would come out of no where to cross the face of a defender allowing our man to run free another 5 yards or so.
thebigham - February 10, 2012
Witten and Ratliff
These contracts gave fair market value to two players who were underpaid for way too long.
The problem – the deals have come simply too late in their careers. By 2014 I think we’re going to be stuck with both to avoid having 8-10 mil accelerated to that years cap for either one.
foyesboys - February 11, 2012
The best part is...
it only takes one year to win it all.
BigDumbFace - February 10, 2012
Broaddus reporting that Cowboys scouts looking at Routt this morning.
“If money is not right, don’t see this happening, important.” He adds.
GonzoBallSHU - February 10, 2012
Routt is a jag. We have enough of those.
I brought up the Witten stuff about 2 months ago. Rat too. Thank you contracts are one of Jerry’s problems. If Dallas doesn’t win the superbowl in 2 years it’s time to tear down and rebuild.
KD has it right. 2 years , or it won’t happen.
football mensa - February 10, 2012
2nd in the league in TDs scored against him. 17 penalties. Sounds like Al Davis' last Debacle.
This makes me happy
Drop Newman in June(4 mil)
Drop Kosier(2 mil)
Drop Holland
Drop Dockery
Drop Elam
Drop Bennett
Drop Ball
Drop Brooking
Pick up Laron Landry or Michael Griffin(4 mil a year), Peyton Hillis(5 mil), and Carl Nicks or Ben Grubbs(7 mil).
(Note…I would scratch any one of these guys, excluding the guard pick-up if Campbell is not franchised by the Cardinals)
Keep Spencer(4 mil).
Keep James(2 mil)
Trade Austin and Felix to the Browns for pick 22 and a 4th
Draft Kirkpatrick(1/14), Konz/Decastro…?(1/22)(Note…If the coaching staff feels one of our young guards is progressing enough to not take an IOL early, we could move on a guy like Alshon Jeffrey or Brandon Thompson here), Burfict(2), Ta’amu(3), Joe Adams(4/101), Michael Brewster(4/113), Ryan Broyles(5), Cliff Harris(6) OL/TE/P (7)
With this set-up we have plugged nearly all of our holes and have a solid infusion of hard nosed youth.
Yeah, so we get rid of Felix and he’s an Arkansas guy and Jerry is an Arkansas guy. Well, so is Peyton Hillis(Change of pace-short yardage) and so is Joe Adams(Slot-Return).
So, we get rid of Austin. Huge contract and nice return from an undrafted guy. We now how Broyles and Adams, plus the reserve guys that I think are pretty deep.
Ta’amu will help us move Rat outside.
Burfict, Kirkpatrick, Landry, and Harris bring some attitude to this D.
There are sooo many upsides. Plus we get a guy named Cliff Harris and one with the last name Landry on our team.
Destiny.
mfoster - February 10, 2012
Couple of isues
Elam, Holland, Bennett, etc. wouldn’t be drops. They’re already off the team.
Second, you want the Cowboys to fill EVERY need they have next year. That isn’t smart thinking as it leads to overspending and going after players who aren’t that great but just happen to be available at the time (like Landry or Griffin).
I do like your thinking about Campbell as I think signing him would go a long way in terms of improved pass rush. If he is somehow acquired, the Spencer really isn’t needed and would be too expensive.
The Boys have to find a better way of balancing the old w/ the new. Drafting players brings in more talent (hopefully) but is ALWAYS bring in less knowledge. You can’t have a team full of rookies as there isn’t enough corporate knowledge to go around. But, you can’t have a team full of vets as their isn’t enough youth plus vets are more expensive.
Tyrone Jenkins - February 10, 2012
Holland
Is still signed through next year I thought?
Either way, Jerry says he wants to spend all of his money this year.(not usually a great idea. But, we already have our core setup with livable contracts that they’ll have to live with due to afew poor seasons. Plus, the capis projected to stretch significantly over the next few years)
On the Landry/Griffin thing. I like the safeties we have, but they’re too similar. Weneed a range guy or a pounder to mix in there.
The only 3 down rookie defender we’d be using is Kirkpatrick. Harris would take Ball’s place. Ta’amu for situational nose. Burfict for situational ilb 2.
Broyles is coming off an acl thing, but is Miles made over.
Adams is Patrick Crayton on crack.
Konz\DeCastro are starters pposite Nicks/Grubbs day one.
Brewster can battle it out with the rest of our young guys for center.
mfoster - February 10, 2012 via Android app
Who are the S starters
Sensy and Church? McCray? Taplin-Ross?
Elam is a FA. Dallas doesn’t have a starting caliber FS on the roster.
Tyrone Jenkins - February 10, 2012
They don't have a starter period at any safety spot.
football mensa - February 10, 2012
S
I’d be fine rolling with Sensabaugh and McCray
mfoster - February 10, 2012 via Android app
Landry has a chronic achilles problem that has landed him on IR the past two seasons
and may require surgery.
“Michael Griffin has been abysmal in coverage in the past.” —KC Joyner
Grubbs graded out about as well as Montrae Holland last season, and was absolutely destroyed in the AFC championship game. Pass.
Love Campbell, but no way he makes it to FA. Spencer is serviceable and you can’t fill every hole in one off season. Re-signing him is probably the team’s best option, but I think we can do better than James. I’d like to see them sign a vet ILB capable of starting to a Brooking-like contract.
And no way do I trade Austin and Felix for pick 22 and a 4th.
dacolan - February 10, 2012
School of Belichick
How do you think the Pats always have so many dang draft picks?
They churn the roster.
I am a huge Miles and Felix fan. But, if there are quality free agents(Hillis, Steve Johnson)to be landed for the same price or better and you can aquire draft picks. Do it!
mfoster - February 10, 2012 via Android app
If Hillis and Stevie Johnson were obviously as good/better than Felix/Miles
and could be had for the same/less $, why wouldn’t Cleveland just sign them themselves and save their draft picks?
dacolan - February 10, 2012
System.
Felix may not be as attractive a trade piece as Austin. But,that’s the thing. They’d be a package deal and they both fill huge needs for Cleveland. Austin is the deep threat possesion slot guy they need to compliment the size of Cribbs and Little. Felix is the solid blocking explosive catch out of the backfield guy Holmgren needs. They’re both proven commodities.
They don’t want Hillis anyhow.
mfoster - February 10, 2012 via Android app
Cleveland isn't dumb enough to trade for Felix.
football mensa - February 10, 2012
not to mention that if we sign Landry, we'd have to listen to his mouth, and I'm ok with leaving it in DC
phoenix11 - February 10, 2012
Nobody Is Going
to give you a one and a four for Austin and Felix.
Iowacowboy - February 11, 2012
Fantasy Football is awesome.
Johnny Cage - February 12, 2012 via mobile
Rob Ryan...
was his DC in Oakland….
PacmanJones - February 10, 2012
Nice article on him here...
http://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2011/06/14/interview-with-stanford-routt-cb-oakland-raiders/
PacmanJones - February 10, 2012
other teams that are interested have deeper pockets than us...
they can have him..
Boyzfan94 - February 10, 2012
I'm wondering how much he'll warrant on the open market
Looked like he was a good player before last season, but now I’m not so sure. I do think he’s better than Newman at this point, but how much? And how much is that worth? Would be nice to secure some veteran depth going into the draft. If we draft a CB in the first two rounds and pick up a guy like Routt and get better at FS, doesn’t our secondary look a lot better?
ary201 - February 10, 2012
another report
http://espn.go.com/blog/dallas/cowboys/post/_/id/4690097/cowboys-express-interest-in-stanford-routt
ziggy19 - February 10, 2012
Excellent article
But you’re missing some players (Rotoworld is kinda quirky – you have to go player by player and view contract details). Spears is signed through 2015. Coleman through 2012. And, that would make 6 D lineman signed on the team in total. Also, Robert Gallaway signed a futures contract.
I think Coleman needs to go and Geathers (who is an RFA) shouldn’t be resigned. If Calais Campbell can be had for about $6-8; like 4 yr / $25 million or so, then the Boys should seriously consider. We’ve all been debating team needs and one thing that is a definite is pass rush. In RR’s scheme, that means both OLB and DE. Campbell has shown he can do that in a 3-4 and so can Hatcher.
Tyrone Jenkins - February 10, 2012
yep, missed Spears extension
updating now
KD Drummond - February 10, 2012
Robert Callaway
ary201 - February 10, 2012
Cab Calloway???
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=08wOPt-2PeE
AustonianAggie - February 10, 2012
I think we'd all love to see Campbell in a Dallas Uni
But I really doubt it’s going to happen and certainly not for the money you want him at. They’ll probably franchise him. And even if they don’t he’s a pass-rushing DE that’s still fairly young and has been to the Super Bowl. It’s going to be a bidding war.
ary201 - February 10, 2012
Campell
is a 10 mil a year player or more (probably more). The man is 25 and has produced more than 90% of 3-4 starting DL in this league.
foyesboys - February 11, 2012
Actually, I think the tear down and rebuild
has already begun- build started two drafts ago and tear down began last off season with the release of the scarier players KDD cites above. It will continue w/ releases of Newman, lack of pursuit of James, etc.
What I believe they’re trying to do is rebuild for a last push before Romo exits. I hope someone is able to talk Jerry off the ledge of trying to patch all the holes in one off-season and getting us back into salary cap hell.
There’s been a lot of insightful discussion here about the importance of the interior OL. With a very young T. Smith and relatively young Free, growing a young O-line together while fixing the defense, both of which I think will take at least a couple of offseasons, is the smart way to move forward.
This and next off-season will be absolutely critical in determining whether the Cowboys reside in the upper or lower third of the league come 2013-2014.
Cowtoys - February 10, 2012
I certainly hope that those who say Stephen Jones is taking more control
are correct in their assessments.
I still think we’ve given some strange deals in the last year though. Scandrick and Spears come to mind.
ary201 - February 10, 2012
Listeneing to Sirus Radio
they were saying last night some 600 FAs are hitting the market this offseason. They expect alot of one year deals to occur because of it. There are alot of teams that have 30, 40 and even 50 million under the salary cap so are measly 20 millions is nothting compared to those teams. Speaking of one year deals I expect Elam to get another one. Not what people want to hear, but I think their options are limited this year.
Boyzfan94 - February 10, 2012
he should be cheap
no one else will want him and he knows the system.
ziggy19 - February 10, 2012
The Bengals are 60 mil under the cap.
They have 2 first round picks and they were good this year with a rookie qb. When Romo retires Jerry will go the Bledsoe route again and it will be more of the same.
football mensa - February 10, 2012
See, I think Garrett and Stephen won't let this mistake happen again.
I expect them to draft Romo’s replacement either this year or next year. If it’s this year, I think the guy will be Kirk Cousins. If it’s next year dark horse pick is Tyler Wilson, unless the team completely craps the bed and finishes with the number 1 overall pick, if that happens, I think it will be Matt Barkley.
Rohpuri - February 11, 2012
Cousins will be a career backup.
Wilson and Landry Jones. I prefer Wilson at this point. There will be someone come out of no where. Ya Barkley will probably be number 1. So I pose the question….if Dallas bombs in 2012 do you try and trade up for Barkely ? Meaning trade the true tradeable commodities we have on this team.
football mensa - February 11, 2012
Must spend to Salary Cap in new CBA
Speaking of Salary Cap Hell/Space…I remember reading that for the 2012 year and beyond that the CBA requried all teams to spend something like 96-99% of the salary cap on their players every year. This includes all the player benefits, salaries, and dead money from other years etc.
If the above is true, then all those teams with 30, 40, 50 million in cap space HAVE to spend like crazy this off season and will probably make for some very interesting contract terms.
Through Thick And Thin - February 10, 2012
Tampa has something crazy like 50 mil they said
Boyzfan94 - February 10, 2012
3rd???
I heard something about KC and Tampa being the two big players this year. Both w/ more than 50 million. But, that the ’Boys were stepping into FA in 3rd with around 20.
mfoster - February 10, 2012 via Android app
Add the Bengals, Titans and Jags to that list of teams with room
From a Sun-Sentinel Article:
ary201 - February 10, 2012
I will be mega stunned if Peyton ever plays again.
football mensa - February 10, 2012
Manning, P
I think he plays again and plays at a high level. The fusion thing is not that big a deal from the bone standpoint. The fusion site will be and is today stonger than before. It is the nerve thing that is the problem and by all accounts, this has stabilized and thus, there should be no reason he can’t regain the strength necessary to return to normal. Obviously today he is weak and noodle arm . . . but that is to be expected until he has recovery time.
Iowacowboy - February 11, 2012
The only thing that can make me smile about the Gnats:
They have a bunch of players that now want to get PAID, and they are already at the cap. LOL.
fs65 - February 10, 2012
Gmen have 21 free agents.
football mensa - February 10, 2012
Victor Cruz wants $$
Rohpuri - February 11, 2012
The big question is.. will he go on Dancing with the Stars?!?!
thebigham - February 11, 2012
he's got another year on his rookie contract though.
They have Cruz by the balls.
StarloverinWNC - February 11, 2012
The thing is, there is a cash provision in the salary cap floor. It can't be met with bonus's, etc.
http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/We-have-a-proposed-deal.html
http://www.buffalorumblings.com/2011/7/24/2291147/new-nfl-cba-revenue-sharing-salary-cap-floor
Rena - February 10, 2012
Guys, this may be an oversimplification, but
The projected TV revenues alone for 2012 and 2013 total 20 billion dollars. This figures nearly doubles to 39.5 billion in 2014-2015. That means that each team in 2014-2015 will receive somewhere in the neighborhood of 600 million per year with roughly half going to the players. Assume that each team has other revenue sources totalling 50 million, just a wild guess. That would translate to roughly 325 million as the players “share” per year. Assume that 50-100 million go to benefits, etc., ergo, the salary cap should increase to somewhere between 225-275 million. The salary cap hits, dead money, we are talking about appear relatively inconsequential when considering the projected salary caps in 3-4 years.
pfloyd1 - February 10, 2012
Spend spend spend
We are the freakin’ Dallas Cowboys. My son is 2. Don’t make him a Texans fan Jerry.
mfoster - February 10, 2012 via Android app
That is your job.
Be a good dad and make him a Cowboys.
fs65 - February 10, 2012
fs ur sig makes me smh
jerry take ur things n just go to the moon or something.
DarkKnight88 - February 10, 2012
I'd rather he just hire a GM.
BTW, are you shaking your head at me or with me?
fs65 - February 10, 2012
I'm shaking my head with u
cause that statement is true n it makes me sad
DarkKnight88 - February 10, 2012
Shaking Head With You
and shedding a tear. Jerry the GM = massive failure post Hershel Trade time.
Iowacowboy - February 11, 2012
Trust me
The boy has a piece of turf from the stadium, a ball that I personally fetched about 20 signatures on (including Stephen Jones. Ha), 4 jerseys, a helmet, and a blanket with his name on it. Cowboys are kiiind of a big deal around here.
Kid’s got a better arm than I do.
mfoster - February 10, 2012 via Android app
Father of the Year.
/wipes tear from corner of eye
fs65 - February 11, 2012
This may be an oversimplification continuation, but
that seems to me like an opportunity for smart teams to retain the best players on their rosters and never let them sniff free agancy. Leaving chumps to overpay for cast-offs.
Cowtoys - February 10, 2012
Yup, I was going to bring this up sometime soon.
We could backload or give huge signing bonuses to smoeone like LR knowing the cap hit will be rather small in the coming years.
thebigham - February 10, 2012
This can bite us in the end.
Jerry tries to sew up contracts early for his “stars” only to have them sink into mediocrity.
ary201 - February 10, 2012
I'm curious about salary cap growth as well.
This year it remains fairly stable from last year, but my understanding was that we would see significant growth in the coming years.
I wonder how SJ is factoring this in. This is the type of thing that leads me to believe, (even though I don’t necessarily agree with it), we will see a major signing, like Nicks.
jazzbo251 - February 10, 2012
Great Salary Cap Explanation
Go here to learn all the cap will work goign forward:
http://www.askthecommish.com/salarycap/faq.asp
Through Thick And Thin - February 10, 2012
$125 million(ish) in 2013 to $155 million(ish) in 2014
according to this back-of-the-envelope salary cap accounting:
http://bleedblackandgold.com/blog/2012/02/05/steelers-salary-cap-situation-not-as-dire-as-the-numbers-say/
…I don’t have time to go look all this up at the primary source, so just secondary sources today
Through Thick And Thin - February 10, 2012
Yeah, I was just preparing a similar post. By my dirty math, I came to roughly the same numbers.
The Cowboys will push as much money into 2014 as they can.
One.Cool.Customer - February 10, 2012
need to be a little careful projecting the cap
The TV networks will be putting a lot of eggs in the NFL basket; actually cutting down on Prime Time money to sink it into the NFL. However that might come to bite them. There is a clause I believe in the contracts that if the TV networks do not have a certain amount of revenue then the amount going to the NFL will drop accordingly. That is why the Cap will probably only grow 5-10 million a year for the next few years instead of the 30-40 million some will claim.
burmafrd1944 - February 10, 2012
With this salary cap thing changing in the coming years
it looks like its going to be set up for the teams that have a strong nucleus of YOUNG good players to succeed. ( all the more reason to hit paydirt with those draftpicks.) Jerry is in position to get his dynasty back. No wonder he was so involved in the new deal. He knows he screwed this team up and isn’t going to give up until he figures out a way to redeem himself. We as fans must demand this. This is our team. With out us, nothing he does is possible. He may own the team, have the final say, and be the man who controls " the big red button" but I believe he truly loves the Dallas Cowboys and will go to his grave knowing he gave it his best to keep this America’s Team. Rest in peace Tom Landry…
letsgtld - February 10, 2012 via mobile
1.
WodenOCC2.
HALOCC3. Lee Ford?
tanstaafl - February 10, 2012
ROFL
Rena - February 11, 2012
lmao
KD Drummond - February 12, 2012
Trade Values......Defense
In terms of draft value points, what are Ware and Ratliff worth in the current market?
I just don’t see it happening in numbers of players in the current mix. I’d rather get closer to scratch on the defense. How many of what kinds of picks could the Cowboys get?
I realize it’s unlikely and extreme.
Cwon1 - February 11, 2012
Ware could offer a nice return. I think the Pats would jump all over that.
And they have the picks to offer. Rat might get you a 4th. Rat will be another player held onto by Jerry longer than he should have.
football mensa - February 11, 2012
Cap relief.....
Again, regarding Ratliff. t’s hard to measure based on what appears how much dead money is retained in a trade;
9/9/2011: Signed a seven-year, $48.625 million contract. The deal contains $18 million guaranteed.
It looks like he was held too long already if a 4th is all there is.
Cwon1 - February 11, 2012
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