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What level tender will the Cowboys offer RFA fullback Tony Fiammetta?
Earlier this month, in another look at the Cowboys' offseason plan, I noted Jason Garrett's optimal talent acquisition strategy: use free agency to cover all the team's "must haves" so that they are freed from having to target (and reach for) a player at a specific position in the draft. In a perfect world, Garrett noted, the Cowboys would "draft without needs." Indeed, this is what the top organizations have been doing for some time now, since they began to figure out the salary cap universe's financial nuances.
More recently, as KD reported, Jerry Jones seems to be echoing Garrett's sentiment. Jones noted that if the team was to pinpoint a player it wouldn't happen during the draft - where they would pursue a "best player available" strategy - but in free agency. This strategy makes tremendous sense. The draft is a living, protean entity; trying to target a specific player beyond the first three or four picks is a suicidal endeavor. Free agency, on the other hand, allows you to target a guy--and to get him, if you're willing to spend the right amount of cash.
On a side note, Jones is influenced strongly by his coaches' philosophies--when they actually have a clear, global plan. For years after Jimmy Johnson's departure, he continued to parrot elements of Jimmy's coaching mantra, even as it became more corrupt. If you'll remember, one of the things he loved to say was that he's a "risk-taker." That's pure Johnson. After he hired Bill Parcells, Jones began to incorporate snippets of Billspeak into his interviews. Now, we have evidence of his taking on the RHG's mantra, which can only be a good thing. If Garrett's long-view thinking can begin to influence personnel decisions, the Cowboys will get draft more consistently - making fewer bad free agent reaches as a result - and will improve their personnel. Which is important, as there's a lot of overhauling to be done.
See what needs to be done after the jump...
If, indeed, Garrett's taking the philosophical lead (as I believe he is), then this won't happen in one offseason, as its precisely that kind of knee-jerk, "we've got to make a Super Bowl run now!" kind of thinking that perpetually gets Jones and his NFL plaything into hot water. As I've mentioned elsewhere, I'd be shocked to see a lot of big-ticket free agent signings. Rather, I'd expect the team to focus on building through the draft, and using free agency much like they did last year: either to re-sign their own "nucleus" guys (Doug Free) or to secure stop-gaps who can hold down the fort until they can add talented players through the draft (Kenyon Coleman, Marcus Spears, Abe Elam--and even Orlando Scandrick and Gerald Sensabaugh fit this category: the team had a lot of holes)
So, let's assume that they will proceed more or less as they did late last summer. As we imagine that we are the Dallas brass looking at this roster, we need to ask a couple of questions: first: what positions need to be filled and/ or replaced? and second, how might we best address those roster spots: via free agency? the draft? a combination of the two? Today we'll take a quick, global look at the roster; on Friday, I'll focus on potential strategies for the offense, then early next week, I'll do the same for the defense.
What I've done here is to break the team up by unit, going three deep on the depth chart (so guys like Andre Holmes and Ray Radway don't appear). Any roster spots that were manned last year by guys who are currently free agents (and thus not officially on the roster), I've left open (marking them with a "????"). The team only has two RFAs this offseason, Tony Fiammetta and Kevin Ogletree; I've marked both with an asterisk. None of this information should be particularly new or revelatory. But its important to take a look at to the overall picture when assessing how to address the whole team. Here's the offensive depth chart:
| Starter | Backup | Third String | |
|---|---|---|---|
| QB | Tony Romo | ???? | Stephen McGee |
| FB | *Tony Fiammetta | Shaun Chapas | |
| RB | DeMarco Murray | Felix Jones | Phillip Tanner |
| SE | Dez Bryant | *Kevin Ogletree | Dwayne Harris |
| FL | Miles Austin | ???? | Jesse Holley |
| TE | Jason Witten | ???? | John Phillips |
| LT | Tyron Smith | Jermey Parnell | |
| LG | Bill Nagy | ???? | David Arkin |
| OC | Phil Costa | Kevin Kowalski | |
| RG | Kyle Kosier | ???? | David Arkin |
| RT | Doug Free | Jermey Parnell |
Most of the offensive priorities can be immediately seen in this chart: the Cowboys must find a backup quarterback, a third receiver, a backup tight end and acquire depth at offensive guard. In addition, several questions emerge: at what level do they tender Tony Fiammetta (a significant part of this equation must be: what do they think of Shaun Chapas)? Will they give Stephen McGee another year or will they seek to groom another young QB? Will they offer Kevin Ogletree a tender of any kind? And, perhaps most importantly: how desperate are they to upgrade the OC position?
And here's the defensive depth chart:
| Starter | Backup | Third String | |
|---|---|---|---|
| LDE | Kenyon Coleman | Sean Lissemore | |
| NT | Jay Ratliff | Josh Brent | |
| RDE | Marcus Spears | Jason Hatcher | Clifton Geathers |
| LOLB | ???? | Victor Butler | |
| LILB | ???? | Bruce Carter | |
| RILB | Sean Lee | ???? | Orie Lemon |
| ROLB | DeMarcus Ware | Alex Albright | |
| LCB | **Terence Newman | Orlando Scandrick | |
| SS | ???? | Barry Church | |
| FS | Gerald Sensabaugh | Danny McCray | |
| RCB | Mike Jenkins | ???? | Mario Butler |
What leaps out from viewing this is how many holes Dallas has in its back seven. They'll need to add as many as seven new players just to maintain the status quo; that's a lot of offseason work. The holes are clear: the Cowboys must find somebody to play LOLB--even if its to re-sign Anthony Spencer); acquire two inside linebackers, either as starters or for depth purposes (we might see Bradie James return on a one-year deal), need a strong safety and multiple cornerbacks. Questions abound: will they really move Ratliff out to DE? is Bruce Carter ready to step in and start? Can they afford to get rid of Terence Newman (who I've marked with the dreaded double asterisk)? Can they afford not to? If they get rid of Newman, Dallas will need three corners, so is Mario Butler capable of taking over the fifth corner spot? The fourth?
What is the larger takeaway from this exercise? When we look at the roster this way, it makes more sense that Dallas is looking more at centers than at guards and that they are seriously considering giving Anthony Spencer a franchise tag (who else out there, either in the draft or free agency, is any better than Spencer?). It also makes their interest in Stanford Routt seem more reasonable: a team that needs three corners must explore every available means. Lastly, it seems to justify Jerry Jones' peculiar declaration that the defensive line is a strength. This offseason, it is--because at least the cupboard is stocked.
There are as many as twelve key roster spots that must be filled. Given that a superb draft haul will net three 2012 starters, they would need to sign as many as nine free agents. Given that Spencer's tender would cover almost half of the team's 20 million dollars in cap space, that hardly seems realistic. If, as Garrett and Jones claim, the Cowboys want to pursue a "BPA" drafting strategy, then addressing positions in free agency (like offensive guard and defensive end) that are currently stocked with serviceable (if unspectacular) players seems a luxury they cannot afford.
This suggests that Dallas cannot afford any of the big-name free agents whose names have been bandied about of late, especially if they franchise Spencer. I think its much more likely that we'll see them re-sign Montrae Holland than Carl Nicks or add a Joel Dreesen before a Jermichael Finley.
But that's a topic for further post...
0 recs | 162 comments
Make a list of the Top 3 FAs at every position
Now cross them out. None of them are coming here.
I would put money on Laurent Robinson getting the biggest deal that any player gets from the Cowboys this offseason (not counting Spencer if he gets the tag). And I expect it to be somewhere in the $3M-$4M/yr range.
Key19 - February 15, 2012
Two elements in that discussion seem to favor DAL
1) He has proven successful in our system with our QB, that hasn’t happened anywhere else
2) Number or quality WR FA’s – Over supply may drive down price
If his agent is intent on getting an unrealistic payday, that’s too bad, but at least there are viable, rea$onable options available. I’d prefer to keep a proven entity, but unlike other positions(OLB)we don’t need to be held hostage by a lack of alternatives.
tdships - February 15, 2012
You're right about Robinson...
He has a TON of competition among FA WRs looking for a big payday across the league, and analysts will rank Laurent far down the list of FA wideout talent. I’d guess that this helps Dallas’ bargaining position immensely, nearly guaranteeing he’ll be a Cowboy next season.
Which would be awesome!!!
revellyre - February 16, 2012
Cowboys need 6 new starters...center, guard, DE, OLB CB and safety
In addition they need a good backup qb, and quality backups at tackle, ILB and third WR if we don’t re-sign Robinson.
They address these needs in FA and the draft with some good players and upgrade them over last season, we’ll have a very successful 2012 season.
Terry - February 15, 2012
they don't NEED a new starter at guard or at DE
It sure would be nice. But the guys they have can at least play at the NFL average. Other positions have NOBODY—and so must be addressed first.
rabblerousr - February 15, 2012
I disagree, either Holland or Kosier needs replaced
and either Spears or Coleman needs replaced. I can live with Hatcher as one of the DEs, but we need a more dynamic playmaker at one of the DE positions.
Same with guard, you can have one mediocre guard, but not two.
Terry - February 15, 2012
I find myself somewhere agreeing with both of you yet differing also
I think we need a Center and I think we can manage with our Guards after a year of lifting and coaching.
I would like to see a DE with some havoc in his blood but my thinking is we need to get a NT to push up the middle, and the reason is that we have outside rushers but with no middle push the Qb just steps up inside to avoid it most of the time… and then is not forced to hurry. What do you think of Paul Soliai from Miami? And I would like to add a DE from FA (how good he has to be is in proportion to whether Spencer stays or not).
Got to have at least 1 starting Cb if not a second. Mark Barron at safety, fingers crossed, or FA LaRon Landry???
LiveNDieBlue - February 15, 2012
What did Parcells say?
It takes up to 3 years before you know if an offensive lineman can play in the NFL, and last season they didn’t get the benefit of OTAs or Woicik. Too early to give up on them, but I wouldn’t be against bringing in a cheap vet for a year as long as the young guys still got playing time.
txnomad - February 15, 2012
Landry is a serious injury concern.
Rena - February 15, 2012
...which begs the question, how much is playmaking ability worth?
Troy P. of the Stealers is hurt a fair amount but when he is on the field he is a force of nature. Still I understand your concern about the injury issue, and I think part of my desire to have him is to rob a foe (like they did with Bowen last year) and get someone who makes a difference back there again like Woodson did for us.
LiveNDieBlue - February 15, 2012
He has only played in 17 games the last 2 years and refuses to have surgery doc's said he needs on his achilles.
I would lean towards no as he has had this injury the last 2 years, won’t get it fixed. So why would we expect it to suddenly go away?
Rena - February 15, 2012
He's apparently doing all sorts of PRP treatment and other "treatments" for it.
Whether it’s actually gonna work or not, I have no idea, but the only way I’d sign him is if we could get him to do one hell of an incentive-based contract. Don’t think that’s gonna happen. He’s also said, for what it’s worth, that he wants to stay with the Skins. Why, I have no idea.
spm01 - February 15, 2012
They just
signed Spears to a 5 year deal and he will cost them 2.7 mil against the cap. Coleman is on the last year of his deal and hse will cost 2.3 mil against the cap. Neither of those guys are going anywhere because they are cheap. If you want more production out of them change the scheme.
jevans1729 - February 15, 2012
Ryan isn't going to change his scheme, we simply need better talent at DE, it's that simple
Terry - February 15, 2012
This is not
necesarily a “talent” issue. If Ryan is going to play a hybrid 3-4 with two gap responsibilities, he is essentially giving up his DEs and NT to occupy blockers. Ware doesn’t get all of those one on ones for no reason. If Ryan decides to one gap, it puts more pressure on the LBs but it frees up the DL more. Birddog 26 just wrote a response about this exact thing.
jevans1729 - February 15, 2012
I remember when Wade brought his one gap 3-4 after Bill P.'s two gap system
The talk was Spears would finally start making plays … it did not happen.
BigE - February 15, 2012
I was not suggesting he do anything other than what he did last year
We played some 4-3 and in short yardage that is a good front to run…and that is obviously situational and (hopefully) not often. Still, it would be nice to have a plugger type of NT so Rat is fresh later in the season And so the Qb can’t step up into the pocket.
LiveNDieBlue - February 15, 2012
I agree with
you about the NT because then he would be the only one with two gap responsibility. Then they could move Rat to one of the DE positions and he could just hit the one gap and go.
jevans1729 - February 15, 2012
fine, then you go into the draft either without a CB or an LOLB. Take your pick...
rabblerousr - February 15, 2012
Kosier is done
Holland is an injury risk. Arkin MIGHT be strong enough this year.
We have to have one very good guard brought in from somewhere.
AT THE VERY LEAST.
burmafrd1944 - February 16, 2012
How much
would cutting Newman save the ’Boys in cap space?
egriffey - February 15, 2012
4mil
That’s the latest I heard.
calmyron - February 15, 2012
between 4 & 6 million
Rohpuri - February 15, 2012 via mobile
6 mil if it is done after June 1st
Nardfather - February 15, 2012
Thanks, Everyone
egriffey - February 15, 2012
Stocked w/ serviceable players...
Yes on DE, but with Kosier’s injury- I don’t see it at guard.
Like the chart tho, makes it easy to get the picture.
Cowtoys - February 15, 2012
the larger point is that, to add a guy at guard
would mean that they couldn’t elsewhere—and that would negatively impact the team’s overall talent level.
If they grab another guard, does that means they can’t sign enough ILBs? Then what happens if Carter isn’t ready or Lee gets dinged…at least if, say Holland, gets hurt, Nagy could step in, and play at an average level.
rabblerousr - February 15, 2012
Romo's health
THAT is why we need to upgrade both guard and center SERIOUSLY.
Nagy at best is average. AT BEST. you may be satisfied with that but I am not.
burmafrd1944 - February 16, 2012
Teams overall talent?
you say strengthening guard is a negative impact?
What planet are you from?
burmafrd1944 - February 16, 2012
Ig obtaining a guard prevents them from being able to afford a player at a position of greater need
the, yes, that’s a negative impact on the roster
rabblerousr - February 16, 2012
"if"
rabblerousr - February 16, 2012
moving guys up
You have to pencil Carter as a starter at LILB, and Arkin and Lemon as backups at G and ILB. You just have to, and hope for the best.
I could see the D line remaining unchanged (other than maybe moving Ratliff and playing Lissy/Brent at NT)—as said, there are at least warm bodies there.
I think they’ll add 1 piece on the OL but I could well see some combo of Holland/Kosier/Nagy/Costa/Kowalski starting at the other 2 interior spots. Again, they’re worm bodies.
This team HAS TO add new players at CB (2 or 3 of them), S, LOLB, simply because those spots are empty now. That’s where the picks and FA $ has to be spent for the most part.
DB23 - February 15, 2012
"This team HAS TO add new players at CB (2 or 3 of them), S, LOLB, simply because those spots are empty now. That’s where the picks and FA $ has to be spent for the most part."
Exactly. Which is why dreaming of FA guards is silly. There are code red priorities that HAVE to be addressed. OG isn’t one of them.
rabblerousr - February 15, 2012
In that respect
drafting a G would be more prudent that signing one.
Rohpuri - February 15, 2012 via mobile
One of the
reasons people are talking about guards is Kosier’s injury/age. His return to playing form is not a lock. A FA guard is no sillier than a FA center. No one of the bunch we currently have is a proven commodity.
jevans1729 - February 15, 2012
They are now saying Kosier might be ready by the start of TC as he didn't require surgery.
As to his level of play. /shrug, I have no idea, it didn’t mention that.
Rena - February 15, 2012
I'm glad
for that but he still is not the youngest guard in the league.
jevans1729 - February 15, 2012
oh but it is
because they have guys at guard who have played at the NFL average, but nobody at center who has.
rabblerousr - February 15, 2012
again with the love for average
fail to see how average helps Romo
burmafrd1944 - February 16, 2012
wrong
its my dislike of below average.
For every fancy guy they sign, they’ll have to fill another hole with a UDFA-type. And those guys will play, and will be picked on. Want to watch Alan Ball get beat every week again? Phil Costa pushed into the backfield repeatedly? Terence Newman give up big play after big play? The follow your strategy.
NFL coordinators are bullies: they will find the weakest link and pick on it, exploiting it ruthlessly. When you have an exploitable link, then it doesn’t matter how many Pro Bowlers the roster boasts. Google “O-ring theory.”
So, yes, this team must first work on getting average at every position—and then they can work on getting good or great players.
rabblerousr - February 16, 2012
You can take
that position if you like because that is basically the position the team took last year. The results were an 8-8 season. The first question the team needs to answer is are they trying to win now or are they rebuilding? For my money, the secondary and the interior of the O-line were the two main things that kept us from winning last year and therefore need the money committment. You could sign Nicks and Routt and significantly improve the team. If that meant not resigning the 3rd WR (Robinson), so be it. I can replace the the 3rd WR. Tradeoffs have to be made.
jevans1729 - February 16, 2012
"that is basically the position the team took last year"
But its not. They left holes at interior OL and went with over the hill guys at corner and ILB, precisely because they were cash-strapped from too many big FA contracts.
The positions that were exploited were aged or talent-poor.
rabblerousr - February 16, 2012
Worm bodies? Gross. :P
Rena - February 15, 2012
maybe a C
I think best case is someone like Wells from GB at $4-5m/year to play C and hopefully firm up the whole interior. If they can even afford that given what else they need …
To beat a dead horse—the ‘09 draft continues to kill this team. 2-3 of the holes listed above should’ve been filled by guys from this class. sigh
DB23 - February 15, 2012
James, Elam Brooking and Co
I think will be offered 1 year deals to come back next season mainly in a back up role/depth or in Holland’s Case possible starting Guard.
The alternative is to go into the season with UDFA filling the spots, I would rather have Brooking and Elam in a limited capacity than someone with no NFL experience.
LeedsCowboys - February 15, 2012
There is a quick way to solve the "no NFL experience" problem
And I would rather go that route than what the Cowboys would gain by moving an Alan Ball type all over the place, accomplishing nothing, except long TD passes for the opposition, in the process.
RenoCowboy - February 16, 2012
Spencer
Coming back definitely gives the team options to work with in the draft, not having to panic into taking a pass rusher if a better player is on the board.
The idea is to improve the team as a whole, not just improve one area.
Rohpuri - February 15, 2012 via mobile
resigning their own
I could see Elam for another year at $2.5m, for better or worse. He wasn’t a liability (nor was he a playmaker, but you get what you pay for).
I think you fill back up ILB with a younger guy (Lemon/a late pick/someone like Kirk Morrison)—I really think James & Brooking are shot.
Spencer … if the price is right. If he can be had for 4 yrs/$20 or $24 mil you probably do it. One less hole to fill this year so you can concentrate on the holes at DB and BPA in the draft. Spencer’s market value will be very interesting to discover. I can’t see anyone paying him like a top 10 LB at $8-9 mil/year based on performance but you never know …
DB23 - February 15, 2012
I would love it if Kirk Morrison came to Dallas to be a back up ILB
I went to school with him at SDSU. Really good player, a team leader. Definitely an RKG.
Overall, your FA plan works. Like it.
Rohpuri - February 15, 2012 via mobile
The problem is
he is a top ten 3-4 SOLB. Lamarr Woodley 6years and 61 mil. Spears is at least 2/3 as good as Woodley so somethig like 5-6 years and 40mil is around the going rate. Woodley is not twice as good as Spencer.
jevans1729 - February 15, 2012
Well Ahmad Brooks is also a FA and is comparable to Spencer,
I do not think they will both get large contracts, so maybe we go after the one that doesn’t.
DCB* - February 15, 2012
Spencer and
Brooks are definitely comparable but a good agent is goint to use the Woodley contract as the jumping off point for both players. I believe the team is just looking to see what the market will be for Spencer. I don’t think 6 years at 40 mil is really excessive when looking at the Woodley contract.
jevans1729 - February 15, 2012
Replacing Spencer
Might need 2 guys to do it. If they draft a DE to convert to OLB (Curry, Ingram) he’s likely not ready to start at OLB day 1 and you have to sign a vet (even if a JAG) to play the position (or play Butler) while your pick starts out as a nickle rusher a la Alden Smith. I wonder if they might look to draft a true LB (like Upshaw) for this reason.
DB23 - February 15, 2012 via mobile
What about this?
Re-sign: Holland OG (1 mil), Robinson WR (3 mil), Fiametta FB (.67 mil)
Sign: Ahmad Brooks OLB (5 mil), Channing Crowder (ILB) (3 mil), Brodney Pool SS (2 mil), Tracy Porter (3 mil)
That puts you just in under 18 mil with most open roster spots addressed. Then we have options in the draft.
ary201 - February 15, 2012
How about Peyton Manning for (2 mil)
Brooks might be right, but the other estimates may be a little light.
birdness - February 15, 2012
Like who?
ary201 - February 15, 2012
You can keep
Tracy Porter. We already have CBs like him.
jevans1729 - February 15, 2012
What about the cost of the rookie pool?
BVandy - February 15, 2012
2 mil. those numbers put you at just under 18. We have 20.
ary201 - February 16, 2012
What a bleepin mess!
dave33 - February 15, 2012
Thought provoking article as usual, RR
but incomplete unless I missed something. In your first paragraph you outline the winning strategy, fill absolute must haves through free agency and draft BPA. Sounds good to me. 20 mil to spend, 24 when Newman is in Mexico. So what positions are “the must haves?” You say we need 12 key roster spots filled. Again, which are the must haves and can we afford them with 24 mil?
stubabe - February 15, 2012
I think it's 16 mil, 20 when Newman is in Mexico
and 22 if we want to carry an extra 2 mil to 2013 as dead money.
ary201 - February 15, 2012
exactly right, ary
you posted as I was typing!
rabblerousr - February 15, 2012
its actually 20 mil after they cut Newman
and if they franchise Spencer, which’ll cost 8.8 million, that leaves 11.2 million (or thereabouts) to play with. I think they will, given that he’s the best LOLB on the market, and there’s no guarantee that a rookie will play as well, much less better, that # 93.
How would I distribute that remaining money? I definitely have some ideas, but you’ll have to tune in to installments two and three of the series to read them!!
rabblerousr - February 15, 2012
Spencer is not worth the franchise tag
Let him walk. The opening will allow somebody much cheaper to step up.
birdness - February 15, 2012
Keeping Spencer is like deferred maintainence
More expensive in the short term because you are not addressing the underlying cause.
RHG should know this because he’s all about ‘process’ now.
tdships - February 15, 2012
The question
is does Dallas want to keep Spencer long term? You can franchise him and then agree to a long term deal later. Because he will get a signing bonus paid up front, you can keep the first two years of the deal pretty cap friendly and it will be nowhere near an 8-9 mil cap hit.
jevans1729 - February 15, 2012
I don't think
they would cut Newman until after June 1st. I thought there was an article recently posted that said Dallas was at 17 mil under the cap. If that is so, then we would get to 23 mil under if we cut Newman after June 1st right? Or am I missing something?
jevans1729 - February 15, 2012
you have to save 5-6 million to sign the rooks
Using the more conservative 5 that’ll leave us with 6 million, Robinson is gonna cost 3-5 million. If you take the more conservative number again that’ll give us 3 million in cap space. 3 million to get anyone else unless we restructure some contracts to get relief
somebodyquiet - February 15, 2012
you do not need that much anymore
to sign your rooks under the new CBA
burmafrd1944 - February 16, 2012
So you're saying I missed something?
Just kidding. Because I’m so excited to find out who “the must have’s” are is it safe to say we will NOT get ALL our “must have’s” this off-season? And if so, what ’s the stop-gap plan? Tune in to Part 2?
stubabe - February 15, 2012
Franchise Spencer?
Yea right! First question to ask yourself: is he a franchise player? I don’t know anyone who answers yes to that.
I’m all about bringing him back on a cheap contract but another team will likely outbid us and at that point it’s hasta la vista Mr. Spencer.
Your using nearly 9 million dollars to franchise him and that is a lot of cap space that could be used to fill multiple holes on the roster. The guy is not worth it.
livemontana - February 15, 2012
+9 mil
birdness - February 15, 2012
who is available who is better?
probably nobody. Who’s cheaper? only a guy who would represent a significant drop-off.
I know none of us like Spencer, but he’s in the upper fourth of guys at his position.
rabblerousr - February 15, 2012
if not Spencer?
Who does the tag go to?
P.N.Westernboysfan - February 15, 2012 via iPhone app
I think your misunderstanding what franchising means
No team has to franchise a player. You asked if not Spencer then who? No one
It’s very costly to franchise a player. You only do that when the player is asking for too much and you want to settle on getting another year from him without committing to a long term contract.
This whole thing about franchising Spencer is just hilarious. Even Spencer admitted today he was completely caught off guard by the rumors. The whole thing is a joke. He knows he’s not going to get those kind of dollars. Management hasn’t even reached out to his agent or him to make the complimentary phone call saying “Spence we’d sure love to keep ya”. Jerry said himself after the season ended he was disappointed him Spencer.
Someone starts a stupid rumor the Boys are thinking about franchising him and suddenly everyone is in an uproar as if it might actually happen. I really can’t see it as they can two players of his value for the same dollars. Or few a little more sign a real pass rusher.
I love the guy if he comes back on the cheap but that doesn’t seem likely when he is a unrestricted free agent. We know what kind of player is. Other teams are going to be a little fooled by the numbers and pay him accordingly. He’s the Carmelo Anthony of Outside Linebackers :)
livemontana - February 15, 2012
ok
For some reason I was under the impression that each team had one tag to use per year on a player. Either way the whole notion of it never added up to me
P.N.Westernboysfan - February 15, 2012 via iPhone app
Not necessarily
Sometimes teams use the tag to get a player, who they want to keep, signed for the year and then work out a more cap friendly long term deal during the season.
RenoCowboy - February 16, 2012
take a chance on Butler
and spend the money elsewhere
burmafrd1944 - February 16, 2012
+1
RenoCowboy - February 16, 2012
There are other guys to spend that money on
Mario Williams , Cliff Avril , Jason Jones.
We have Butler to replace Spencer.
Jonathan Stern - February 16, 2012
If they thought Butler could play
don’t you think he wold have?
rabblerousr - February 16, 2012
I think he is about as good as Spencer not better.
Spencer is a former first round choice who played well for 8 games in 2009 of course he is going to get more chances.
Jonathan Stern - February 17, 2012
Back Loaded
Market shouldn’t be higher than 5 or 6 million a year for Spence, which I think is doable. Still have 16 or 17 to play with.
Backloading his contract would give us even more this year by using projected cap expansions as a credit.
With this remaining space the armchair GM in me says we jump on Solai(for 5 a year) and Nicks(for 7 a year).
Leaves us w/5 million to spend on James(1.5), Elam(2), and Fiametta(1.5).
Now we can work BPA with a range of CB, G/C, WR, swing T, DE, LB, S, QB.
Does anyone know if Kitna’s retirement or Kosier’s injury affect our cap at all?
mfoster - February 15, 2012 via Android app
Why does every penny of cap space need to be spent now?
What’s the cap look like over the nexst 5 years? Would over spending now put Jerry into a bind later?
birdness - February 15, 2012
The thing is
Not sure the exact numbers. But, the expansion by 2014 is projected to increase the cap some 30 million or so.
mfoster - February 15, 2012 via Android app
But if we spend it now
On what could very well be another lackluster season, we’ll be kicking ourselves if we REALLY need a player or two in 2014.
ary201 - February 15, 2012
Retirement doesn't cost us $. Kosier didn't need surgery and reportedly will be ready by TC.
Rena - February 15, 2012
SO?
at his age and continuing injury history to count on him as anything other then a backup is dumb
burmafrd1944 - February 16, 2012
Read the question I was answering?
No one mentioned would Kosier be a starter, quality or not next season.
Rena - February 16, 2012
Don't forget you need to sign the rookies...
BVandy - February 15, 2012
So after re-reading your responses, RR
and digesting your charts your “must haves” are inside and outside linebacker and strong safety. What’s that gonna cost using the free agency strategy for “must haves”? And who are they? Part 2, right?
stubabe - February 15, 2012
Free agency? two year plan?
Nice article but it fails the test. It never addressed what happens if we don’t address a need with anything more than JAG. A prime example would be interior line.
Sure we could go with the current OGs we have and hope that either Costa or Kowalski will be better next year but do you really want to do this. We lost Romo for over a half a year in 2010 and almost lost him several times this year through the pressure coming from the inside. Those three positions have cost us dearly in injuries including at RB. So looking at free agent centers, most if not all will resign with their original teams that only leaves the draft and if we get the best one in Konz in the 1st it still leaves two very huge holes. If you think chances are bad now what happens if Romo is gone for the season or worse out for a year or two. Guess fans wouldn’t mind waiting all year for a #1 pick and by the way by the time it comes around and good enough to get you to the playoffs you will need for more pieces.
Another example is pass rush, sure we have a stock pile of guys on the D line. Other than Ratliff on occasion who else got pressure when needed? The answer would be NONE. Any person with any knowledge knows that a successful 3-4 D always has a beast at NT, you know 6’4" 350. Any on the Cowboys like that? NO!
You have have all the great CBs in the world but they can’t cover forever. Yes we need to resign Spencer but truly he probably would accept a deal like 3 years, 13 mil, 4.3 mil/yr (1st year 3.0 cap) so wouldn’t be a need to franchise him. Sign a Carl Nicks to a deal like 7 years, 63 mil, 9 mil/yr avg (1st yr 4.4 cap), Brandon Carr CB 7 years, 47 mil, 6.8 mil/yr (1st year 3.8 cap), and Paul Soliai NT 4 years, $17 mil, 4.2 mil/yr (1yr cap 2.8). Then you still could sign Laurent Robinson WR at say 4 years, 12 mil, 3.0 mil/yr (1st cap 2 mil).
Then in the draft you could draft the BPA or move around a bit i.e. if Richardson at #14 could probably get a Cleveland to give you #22 and #37 for #14, take Konz OC at #22, say Donte Hightower ILB/OLB at #37 (current Scouts projection), Brandon Boykin CB at #45, and say Vinny Curry OLB at #82. (Using current Scouts Inc. projection which will change).
That would make us competitive maybe just maybe a playoff team but definitely give us 2013 at a Super Bowl run.
sandyf - February 15, 2012
I don't think Spencer is going to take 3/13 mil.
I think most everyone would love to take him for that, though.
and if you backload everyone’s contracts, aren’t you setting yourself up for pain again in 2 years?
ary201 - February 15, 2012
It's like the fallacy of consumer financing
Paying interesting on a depreciating asset makes no sense
tdships - February 15, 2012
Preach It Sandyf !!!
I would take your suggestions in a heartbeat, and would add that all the Cornerbacks in the world wont make a difference in the running game (unless you are sure they are going to run the ball and you can send them on a zero coverage blitz)
LiveNDieBlue - February 15, 2012
with the free agents you list here, you've spent 26.3 million
and they will have 20 million, with which they also have to sign draft picks, etc.
And, you’d still have gaping holes at several positions (backup QB, ILB), etc.
You’ll have to try again…
rabblerousr - February 15, 2012
Oh BS
under the new CBA we can probably sign our Rooks for 3 million tops
With the increase in TV money the Cap will go up big time starting in 2014.
burmafrd1944 - February 16, 2012
You're leveraging future flexibility
and that’s what got us last season’s 8-8.
ary201 - February 16, 2012
Add up
the first year cap numbers. Those are the numbers that count. The first year cap number came out to 13mil. That is easily doable.
jevans1729 - February 16, 2012
Gilbert Brown
You guys remember him? Wonder is his big arse is still in shape;)
mfoster - February 15, 2012 via Android app
Has he even been franchised yet? Didn't think so!
I have never seen a rumor overblown like this one. Just wait and see what happens. Everyone is acting like it happened already.
TheCowboyFan - February 15, 2012
Not sure about salaries, but could work
Free Agency
C. Meyers C
R. Bryant NT
C. Crowder ILB
D. Garrard QB
Draft
1. D. Decastro G
2. V. Curry OLB
3. J. Norman CB
4. B. Taylor SS
4. J. Robinson CB/KR
5. D. Wolfe DE
6. R. Ellison TE
7. C. Keenum QB
Resign
A. Spencer OLB
L. Robinson WR
T. Fiametta FB
M. Holland G
A. Elam SS
emmitthound - February 15, 2012
Happy with a 3rd round rookie CB taking so many snaps at CB?
And Scandrick starting the whole year?
ary201 - February 15, 2012
Not really
But scandrick will be paid like a starter this year (5 or 6 mil I think) so it’s a prove it year for him. Plus free agent corners always cost a lot. So signing one will hurt another spot. Regardless, something is going unrolled this year. Can’t fill them all in one year.
emmitthound - February 15, 2012
Scandrick
Got a salary in the range of what an average corner should be getting by the time cap expansions roll around.
If we plan on dropping Newman, we have to pick up at least a new cb2.
Scandrick is already adept at playing the slot(arguably a harder position to pick up than outside corner)
mfoster - February 15, 2012 via Android app
starting to really like Vinny Curry might be my new pet cat
LiveNDieBlue - February 15, 2012
I like your thinking E-hound
but there’s no way they can both re-sign those guys (which would probably cost about 16-18 million) and get all those free agent targets.
Tough nut to crack, no?
rabblerousr - February 15, 2012
Yes
Trying to find a way to get serviceable players in and not be forced to start too many rookies with our cap situation is going to be rough. Forgot who said it before, but we are probably going to need promotions from within(Brent, Arkin, Carter, etc) .
emmitthound - February 15, 2012
Oops
Unfilled
emmitthound - February 15, 2012
Free agency
I’m not sure if I’m focusing too much on semantics here, but I feel like there are a lot of differing viewpoints on how and what for Jerry and the organization are going to use free agency. Is the belief really that Dallas will only be looking at “stopgaps”, or just that they won’t be out to try and buy a dream team with Mario Williams, Carl Nicks, etc?
I know Jones made some comments recently about the 49ers two star ILB’s; I wonder if maybe he’s looking at what at that team as a real blueprint for success. They had major weaknesses in the secondary, but used free agency to fill holes there with Donte Whitner and Carlos Rogers, as well as center with Jonathan Goodwin, and then struck gold with the pass rushing sensation Aldon Smith.
There may not be a Whitner caliber safety available, but I’m liking the idea of seriously attacking the secondary and interior O-Line in free agency, so that the early picks can be used on game-changers and playmakers, rather than hoping to fill a bunch of holes with rookies.
Alan Smithee - February 15, 2012
Agree
Interior OL and Secondary are Essential right now. Pass Rush is Nice to Have. As much as we’d like to – don’t have resources for Nice to Have.
tdships - February 15, 2012
3 FA DBs
Goldson: 1 yr $1.2 mil
Rogers: 1 yr $2.1 mil
Whitner: 3 yrs $12 mil ($2.5 cap hit in 2011)
That’s 3 starters for $5.7 mil in 2011. Can Dallas do similar in 2012? (They paid Elam alone $2.5 in 2011.) I tend to think the lockout really depressed salaries for some of these decent vets and that there will not be such bargains.
DB23 - February 15, 2012 via mobile
The 9ers got lucky and struck gold with those signings
Goldson rejected a 5-year offer they made earlier before he found there was no market for his services, came back with his tail tucked between his legs and accepted that one year deal.
Similar story with Rogers in that the one year deal was the best he could find.
Fortunately for the 9ers, both went on to have Pro Bowl seasons. Now they’re both gonna get paid handsomely. Unfortunately for Dallas, these situations are rare. You don’t see too many DBs signing bargain basement contracts that go on to collect 6 INTs apiece on their way to Honolulu.
dacolan - February 15, 2012
that would be a best case scenario
Probably unreasonable, but they could fall short of that kind of “homerun” offseason and still make major improvements.
Also, given that Jenkins, Sensabaugh and Scandrick are already here, they don’t necessarily have to get three high quality FA DB’s. I would think you’re looking at one starter caliber corner, for sure. Maybe Grimes and Finnegan will be too costly, but I think this is position is a must even if the team plans to take a corner in the first round. I’m very curious to hear what Stanford Routt is looking at $-wise.
Then, you kick the tires on some safeties, maybe look at a reclamation project like LaRon Landry, or maybe you luck out and get a situation similar to the Carlos Rogers one last year, where a talented player had a limited market and took a one year “make good” contract. Maybe Michael Griffin fits there. If not, then I’m betting Elam will be affordable to bring back, and you certainly can look at a developmental guy in the draft, like George Iloka, Kelcie McCray, or someone.
If Dallas has around $20 million to spend, wouldn’t they would be able to go out and get three impact, non-superstar players, at around an average of $5 mil, keep Laurent Robinson(or Spencer, if that’s the direction they choose to go), and then fill out the roster with depth-guys?
Alan Smithee - February 15, 2012
I'd think so
Sign Laurent @ $4 mil
Sign a C @ $4-5 mil
Sign a DB @ $5-6 mil
Use the remaining $5-7 mil for a vet QB, Fiametta, a vet ILB, maybe you squeeze Holland and/or Elam back too.
DB23 - February 15, 2012 via mobile
then what do you do at LOLB?
when we’re already frustrated by the lack of a pass rush?
rabblerousr - February 15, 2012
You can only do so much with limited resources
All of this team’s holes can’t be filled in a single off season. But I feel your pain on wanting more pressure from the SOLB.
dacolan - February 15, 2012
draft
Wes Bunting’s draft rankings have guard and corner as the two deepest positions, so you have an opportunity to potentially find guys at those spots outside the first. If free agency plays out somewhat like that, one would think LOLB is the definite target with the #14 pick.
Alan Smithee - February 15, 2012
Our pass rush
or lack there of, is not what prevented us from getting to the playoffs. It was the secondary and interior O-line play that screwed us and therefore must be addressed first in FA.
jevans1729 - February 16, 2012
Delusional optimism all over the board...
Cowboys need 6 starters on defense alone;
Sensabaugh, Lee, Ware, Jenkins, Ratliff and YOU HOPE Carter fits in.
The rest are JAGS from the word go.
The Cowboys should consider trading the core guys in this unit; Ware and Ratliff, they aren’t going to make it a time when the Cowboys are stocked again on defense. That’s how you rebuild, trade the old worth something for prospects.
Miles Austin might be tradeable as well.
Cowboys need 10 picks a year for the next 3 years, that’s what they should be thinking about. Lower the payroll, mostly restricted players on defense in this process.
Cwon1 - February 15, 2012
Wow,
they were 8-8 not 2-14.
jevans1729 - February 15, 2012
It works in Madden!
BVandy - February 15, 2012
not that much difference.
The object is to win the Superbowl not to go 10-6 and get laughed out of Green Bay 38-20 in the first round of the playoffs.
Jonathan Stern - February 16, 2012
Your talking about moving your only superstar players out for unknowns
Teams don’t do this anymore. Your hoping for a walker trade and it isn’t gonna happen not with the success of first Rounders the last few years. Besides you can’t have all superstars on your team doesn’t work that way you build off of your strength fill in the gaps with good to OK players and force teams to play into your strengths. You don’t trade your strength away and hope you can find those very few first round stars.
Sado44 - February 15, 2012 via mobile
Rat isn't a superstar. He is an above average player now.
Ware is a superstar. What are the strengths on defense that we can force the opponent to play into ? D line is sub par. We have 2 out of 4 good linebackers. The secondary blows. The opponent does what they want. We don’t force anyone to do what they don’t want. Even the Cards scored when they needed to in the 4th quarter to win.
Cwon makes some valid points. What we have isn’t working maybe it’s time to go in a new direction on defense.
football mensa - February 15, 2012
Who wants superstars?
I’m telling you to trade the two probowlers on defense for numbers. I’d trade down as well for more numbers too. I’d get rid of the JAGS on defense as well; spears, hatcher, scandrick, sensabaugh if I could get more picks.
Fans here reflect the organization; slow moving, stuck in the mud thinking. It’s a football organization not a utility company.
Cwon1 - February 15, 2012
u know what if the team could get some high picks for ware n ratt
i’d be down for this idea Cwon… I’d be for trading down as well except I simply don’t trust jerry in that scenario.
DarkKnight88 - February 15, 2012
You do
not trade HOF players for players you “hope” will help you in the long run. There are just too many Aaron Currys out there for that type of thinking.
jevans1729 - February 16, 2012
Haha
Name me one team that actually operates the way you want the Cowboys to.
Before even waiting for it, I’m betting you want to say the Patriots. Hooray. Every team should operate like they have a HOF QB running the show and a HOF HC coaching up both sides of the ball.
I’ll give you this. The Pats aren’t afraid to work the phones and trade a peice away. They never cleaned house the way you’re proposing. Two trades come to mind, Seymour and Branch. Neither were amazing players, but the Pats fleeced two bad teams. If we can get a team to give us a first for Ratliff or Austin, I WOULD LOVE IT. But I don’t think it’s going to happen. Jerry doesn’t make the trades happen. It’s a real weak spot for the F.O.
Trading Ware for anything less than 2 firsts and more would set us back too much. Plus it’s a dumb business risk as he’s one of the franchise cornerstones.
ary201 - February 16, 2012
Okay then, propose some trades and the draft picks you plan on taking with those trades.
How are you going to replace all the massive needs that you just created with those proposed trades? I don’t understand the thought process here. For years everyone has been screaming for a more deliberate approach, building through the draft, making smart decisions, signing quality depth/solid starters rather than stars, etc.. now we’ve given it basically one year, and people are clamoring for the whole thing to be blown up.
I honestly don’t mean to offend you or anyone else, but this is why I’m glad you guys aren’t the GM.
spm01 - February 15, 2012
I wonder what Cwon is on
That’s crazy talk I have a hard time believing that was written with a sound mind
P.N.Westernboysfan - February 15, 2012 via iPhone app
If I were the Pats......
and Brady has a 2-3 year window. I’d think seriously about giving up both of this year #1’s for Ware who could put them over the top. There is a serious cap issue involved.
Ratliff might only be a #2 and a #4, this might be over estimating his value.
It isn’t just about picks, it’s correcting the dead money situation as well. More and sooner the better. The culture of established players, especially on defense, “hanging on” is a #1 problem with this team. I’d rather have hungry nobody’s who know cap space is in sight. Cowboys look like a white elephant with three mortgages in default and a New Lexus in the driveway. All the wrong values.
Cwon1 - February 15, 2012
Dead Money is a temp concern
the Cap will be climbing 5-10 million a year at least starting in 2013.
burmafrd1944 - February 16, 2012
Well uh.. good luck with that.
Which team was it, exactly, that won with “hungry nobodys”? We have plenty of nobodys on our roster right now, if that’s what you want. I’d rather have a couple of established stars surrounded by talent that we’ve built through the draft + a few solid fill-ins via FA. This isn’t like we’re letting guys hang around after they’ve got nothing left. Should we go out and extend Ratliff for four or five more years? No. But we shouldn’t get rid of him just because we can.
Same with Ware. Everyone complained about our lack of pass rush this year, so your solution is to trade our ONLY guy who can really pass-rush? Makes sense. Let’s trade Murray, too, since our running game hasn’t been as good as we’d like.
spm01 - February 16, 2012
NE and NO.....
Filled with undrafted talent for example. Better coaching and team culture is why they go further.
Cwon1 - February 16, 2012
How is trading away as many players as possible
going to change the coaching and culture? Either we’re on the right track now with Garrett or we’re not. Trading away half the defense isn’t going to really do anything to fix that.
ary201 - February 16, 2012
It would indicate.....
how serious they are about reform. All of last years half measures should be accelerated.
Coaches fired this year should have been gone last year, Newman should already have been sacked last year.
They should eat the money now, get draft picks and get on with it.
Cwon1 - February 16, 2012
I think Butler/ Spencer and Hatcher have some value too. But I think you are basically correct.
Jonathan Stern - February 16, 2012
Great chart RR
Looking at our starters who would you all classify as elite(top3) very good(top10) or good(top15-20)? I think Ware is our only elite. Tony, T Smith very good. Witten, Rat, Murray, Lee, Dez all good with the last three with great potential.
Just wondering our overall talent level.
MSM33 - February 15, 2012 via mobile
What is needed is a STRATEGY!!!!
That’s 35 players on the roster (not including a few PS players). For the offseason, there are several options that are present in a myriad of combinations:
LOLB: Spencer, Avril, Williams, Draft (Upshaw, Mercilus, Curry)
Backup ILB: James, Brooking, Draft (Kuechly, Burfict)
Safety: Landry, Taplin-Ross (PS), Draft (Markelle Martin/Mark Barron/Harrison Smith)
CB: Finnegan, Grimes, Thomas, Porter, Draft (Jenkins, Kirkpatrick, Dennard)
There are several more. The million dollar question is what COMBINATION of FAs and drafted players can the Boys acquire? Since FA happens first, I’m sure they will “target” several to include: Nicks, Grubbs, Robinson, Spencer, Fiammetta and many others. One key point to consider includes that some positions on the team contain a great deal of youth (ILB, CB) and could use veteran presence while others contain a substantial amount of age (DE) and could stand a draft pick or two to challenge current backups/PS players.
The best combo (to me) would be:
FAs:
Calais Campbell – DE. Highest priority but least likely acquisiton. #s speak for themselves.
Cliff Avril – LOLB. Stout vs run and can rush passer (11 sacks last year from LDE)
Terrel Thomas – CB3/FS2. Has played both positions, was injured (risk) but will be cheap. Can provide vet leadership somewhat.
Robinson – WR. Obvious.
Fiammetta – FB. Obvious.
Bradie James – ILB (3). Older vet w/ experience. Knows the scheme/system. Will be cheap.
Holland – OG2. Same as Bradie James. Will be tutor for drafted OG.
Draft:
1st round-DeCastro, OG. If not avail, trade down to 20s and pick up Peter Konz.
2nd round-Jenkins, CB. If not avail, then pick up Vinny Curry (if Avril not acquired). Otherwise, Billy Winn.
3rd round-Reyes, DE/DT. IF Winn or Campbell acquired earlier, then Harrison Smith (FS), Grant Garner ©, Lucas Nix (G/T) or Xavier Rhodes (CB).
After the 3rd round, the best draft strategy is BPA as anyone selected is basically a hope/wish. Still to be acquired this late might be a FB is Fiammetta proves to expensive, a blocking TE, punter and most important PR/KR/ST specialist.
Tyrone Jenkins - February 15, 2012
great work, TJ
this is exactly the kind of stuff I’ll be putting into parts II and III of the series.
rabblerousr - February 15, 2012
Especially this:
“The million dollar question is what COMBINATION of FAs and drafted players can the Boys acquire? Since FA happens first, I’m sure they will "target" several…”
rabblerousr - February 15, 2012
No on Konz
medical history is NOT a good risk with a high pick
burmafrd1944 - February 16, 2012
There is zero chance that the Cowboys get both Campbell and Avril as F/As.They probably won’t be able to get either guy.
Jonathan Stern - February 16, 2012
So many holes
So little resources.
emmitthound - February 15, 2012
yup u can thank our fantastic GM for the situation this team is in
DarkKnight88 - February 15, 2012
The team went
8-8 and almost made the playoffs. This is not a 2-14 team. You MUST upgrade the positions that cost you the playoffs first and that is the secondary and the O-line. That is where the FA money MUST be spent if winning next year is the goal.
jevans1729 - February 16, 2012
The team has had that "almost" mentality for how many yrs now?
In 08 the secondary needed to be upgraded yet here we are 4 yrs later talking about the position needing upgrades again.. How long really should it take to stabilize that position? I agree w/ u that oline n secondary need more talent whether it comes from FA or draft I don’t care just get me players that can ball.
DarkKnight88 - February 16, 2012
The problem before
was cap space and that is why it’s so important this year to get at least 1CB and 1OL upgrade. People keep thinking that we can’t get Nicks because it blows up the salary cap. But that is not true. Logan Mankins signed a 6 year 51 mil contract in 2011 with 35 mil guranteed and a 20 mil signing bonus. His cap hit in 2011 was around 4.9 mil. If the Cowboys want to win now, they are going to have to spend some money. Sign Nicks, Routt, and Spencer and keep the total 2012 cap hit around 12-13 mil and its off to the races. This can be done.
jevans1729 - February 16, 2012
sounds good you'll hear no argument from me for that idea
DarkKnight88 - February 16, 2012
Sooo Close.
Am I the only Cowboy fan hanging on that thinks we really are 1 or 2 FA “splashes” and a solid draft away from being a contender?
Listen, these guy have been solid(A little mentally broken, sure. But still very talented.) For the past 2 or 3 years. The proof is in the.pudding regarding the parity of this league. Just look at our last 2 super bowl champs. Completely demolished by injuries, yetsaved by good coaching and a “we have to pull together” mentality.
I say, we have the cap space and midlevel draft pick(that, if all goes as planned, won’t rear it’s head again for a few years) this year. Go out and sign a couple of studs. Other teams are not beating us down. Just taking advantage of the weak links when it counts.
the way I see it, we can go 2 directions this year and give ourselves an identity that has been missing for so long. Either settle this oline thing once and for all with a Nicks signing and DeCastro draft and roll out the “Garrett Way”. Or sign the likes of Soliai, Landry, and Spencer w/ drafting Kirkpatrick and do it the “Ryan Way”.
Either way, we would step out of that Jack of all Trades mentality and apply some much needed accountability to the side ofthe ball that is EXPECTED to perform.
Light a fire under these men’s arses.
mfoster - February 16, 2012 via Android app
You can't have it both ways...
Our GM hasn’t done us a great service with his last few drafts so why do you want to trade the players he has hit on for more draft picks? You really trust Jerrah to strike gold with all of his draft picks? If that’s the case, then we’re already where we need to be with the likes of Arkin, Butler, etc.
There are soooo many wildly varying opinions on here from madden ‘12 style drafts and FA signings to those that think we have no chance no matter what we do. Like all things (think politics here), the truth lies somewhere in the middle. We can’t sign Mario Williams, Paul Solai, Cortland Finnegan and resign Spencer. Likewise, we can’t sign Nicks, Meyers, Grubbs, and draft Decastro for depth. The truth is, we probably will resign one or two of our FA’s. Pick one each from Spencer/Robinson and one each from Holland/Bennett. We have to trust some of our young guys to step up. Let’s just say that we really do have some great youngs guys and with a full off-season, they can turn it up a notch-humor me on this one…let’s say we actually do have something servicable in Killer K (maybe even Costa), Arkin, and Victor Butler. That means we don’t need to spend big $$$ on Nicks/Meyers and Spencer.
I see it playing out like this (and I’ve posted as such before)…we sign either Nicks or Meyers as our offensive FA splash and someone like Routt as a mild defensive FA splash. We’ll resign either Spencer or Robinson, who ever is cheapest/makes the most sense and we’ll try our luck with either Butler or Radway and a 3rd/4th rounder to back them up. We have to decide BEFORE THE DRAFT AND FREE AGENCY which of the young guys we are going with…we’ve already decided that Carter HAS to be the answer at ILB, why can’t we decide that Arkin HAS to be the answer at guard (or Nagy or Costa, etc) and Butler HAS to be the answer for Spencer. There are several combos of young guys on the roster, our own FA’s, other guys FA’s and draft picks that work well without breaking the bank. We will never have 22 starting pro-bowlers, you just have to accept where you are taking a chance and go for it. If they let Spencer walk and don’t think Butler is the answer after a full training camp, how much do you want to bet we can find someone servicable on the last day of training camp cuts?
Lastly, anybody for taking a flyer on Albert Haynesworth at the league minimum?
hjs1971 - February 16, 2012
You can easily
sign Nicks and Routt and go form there. If the team cuts Newman after June 1, he is worth 6 mil in cap space alone. That gets us up to 23 mil. Newman’s cap space can be used for Nicks. The cap hit for Routt would be about 4-5 mil. That leaves roughly 13 mil to play with. Spencer vs. Robinson is easy. Robinson is our 3rd WR. There many WRs out there to fill that roll. Also, I like Fiametta but he is not essential to our success. Get Nicks and Routt. Then if DeCastro falls to you, run to the podium. You then can look Iloka or Vinny Curry in the second round. You then have the rest of the draft to fill in spots. We can replace Robinson and Fiametta. Spencer is a little more difficult.
jevans1729 - February 16, 2012
No on Haynesworth
But I like the rest of the post.
I would re-sign Robinson, Holland, and Fiametta. I would see who came would accept a reasonable contract between Spencer and Ahmad Brooks, if neither, then I’d put that money into the secondary. I would go cheap with a vet SS, CB and a vet ILB. For CB not someone that wants #1 or #2 money like Finnegan. But these are JAG-type players who hopefully have upside still.
I think that’s about all we have money for. The rest if for draftees and UDFA. Hopefully we get a good OG, CB, and DE/DT.
ary201 - February 16, 2012
There is a thread up in fanshots about Haynsworth, but here is a link for you. FYI he is #92.
http://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2012/2/15/2800644/albert-haynesworth-released
Rena - February 16, 2012
this sums up Haynesworth so well
somebodyquiet - February 16, 2012
This is actually what got him canned in NE also.
The “3 worst plays I have ever seen from a DL” 1 writer put it. He got yanked to talk to his DL coach on the sideline and got into a verbal fight with him. He was cut not long after.
Rena - February 16, 2012
mfo I agree w/ everything u said except being a solid draft away
imo I see this team having a better chance starting in 13 but hey I’ll gladly take a strong contender starting now.. I’d luv this team to sign Nicks draft DeCastro, draft D from rds 2-7 then go all out D in next yrs draft.
DarkKnight88 - February 16, 2012
Now I know where Jerry got the idea that the DL was the strength of the Cowboys defense
He was looking at rabble’s chart.
RenoCowboy - February 16, 2012
Oh no!!!! If I thought that, I never wold have made it!!
*goes to create new chart of Cowboys organizational structure, with Stephen Jones as GM
rabblerousr - February 16, 2012
A WHAT IF scenario
Hey, just a thought. I hope the Cowboys don’t develop tunnel vision and only consider marquee players in the first three rounds or consider just one aspect of the overall needs of this team. Edge rushers are fine as they can put pressure on the QB, but, without quality CBs to cover and deny availability to the WRs it won’t change anything that’s now happening to the team.
My perspective is to consider what a player brings to the table. Amongst the CBs, few of the top names are ball hawks. Dallas just does not get turnovers with its current CBs. Besides being a marquee player in College does not guarantee success in the NFL. Look at DaMarcus Russell, Brady Quinn, Bobby Carpenter, Aaron Maybin and Roy Williams.
There are some good CBs which are also ball hawkers as well as excellent coverage backs. I think Rick Gosselin hit the nail on the head when making that point. Don’t dismiss other backs if the one(s) the team wants are not available. Trumaine Johnson, Stephon Gilmore and Casey Hayward have 13 to 15 interceptions. The team would be greatly strengthened if they got at least two of those guy and a free agent such as Brandon Carr.
My view of a draft would be as follows if all the big names such as DeCastro, Dre Kirkpatrick, Devon Still and Janoris Jenkins are gone. Trade down for an extra 2nd or 3rd pick maybe sweeten the pie with a toss in.
1. DT. Fletcher Cox.
2. CB. Trumain Johnson
3. OG. Kelechi Osemele
4. OLB. Shea McClellin
5. OT. Troy Bergman
6. DE. Jake Bequette
7 OG. Ryan Miller
Options: Possible UFA acquisitions.
1. OG. Levi Brown
2. OG. Anthony Collins
3. OC. Chris Meyers
FA Defensive Backs
1. CB. Terrell Thomas
2. CB. Cortland Finegan
3. CB. Brandon Carr
4. SS. Tyvon Branch
5. FS. Mike Griffin
All are experienced. Levi Brown started at LOT for Phoenix. Maybe Dallas can acquire him and shift to guard, ala Leonard Davis.
Dallas has Sean Lissemore and he looks ready. If the team doesn’t give him and Brent-Price opportunities to play they may not develop. Miles, Ratliff, Free, and DeMarco Murray showed up under fire.
The Hawker - February 28, 2012
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