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Jerry Jones and Stephen Jones, director of player personnel, ponder what to do in free agency this year.
Ask most Cowboys fans about the greatest needs the Cowboys have going into the draft this year, and chances are you'll get some combination of interior offensive line, cornerback, defensive line and pass rusher. Some might even argue that a seven round draft isn't enough to fill all the Cowboys needs.
Even though the Cowboys are drafting fairly high this year, there's virtually no chance that they'll be able come away from the draft with four first-year starters/significant contributors at all four positions of need. At #14 and #45, the Cowboys should expect to draft first-year starters or significant contributors, but if they were to find an immediate starter in the third round, that would be a very big win on draft day.
This of course means that the Cowboys may need to fill at least two of their most gaping holes via free agency. But which ones? Especially considering that while the Cowboys are not exactly cash-strapped, they are on a budget. The reported $20 million or so in cap space the Cowboys could create for 2012 will only take you so far in free agency.
After the break, we look at which positions could be particularly attractive if you're trying to build a team on a budget.
For us normal humans, $20 million sounds like a whole lot of money. But compared to the cap room some NFL teams will have in 2012, it isn't all that much. Here are the six teams with the largest amount of cap space for 2012, according to ESPN's John Clayton:
1. Chiefs: $62.995 million
2. Buccaneers: $60.496 million
3. Bengals: $60 million
4. Broncos: $50.735 million
5. Redskins: $47.56 million
6. Jaguars: $45 million
So the Cowboys will be on somewhat of a budget entering free agency, and need to be financially prudent in their free agent acquisitions. One way to do that is to go after position groups in free agency that are relatively cheap, and use the draft to stock up on position groups that are relatively expensive.
As a measure of the relative cost of a position, I'll use the franchise tag numbers for each position. In the past, the franchise tag was calculated based on the the top five salary-cap salaries at a particular position. This was reworked in the new CBA, and the tag number is now calculated as a percentage of the overall cap figure at the position over the last five years. Here are the 2012 franchise tag numbers:
| Position | 2012 Franchise Tag Value | 2011 Franchise Tag Value |
| Quarterback | $14.4 million | $16.1 million |
| Cornerback | $10.6 million | $13.5 million |
| Defensive End | $10.6 million | $13.0 million |
| Wide Receiver | $9.4 million | $11.4 million |
| Offensive Line | $9.4 million | $10.1 million |
| Linebacker | $8.8 million | $10.1 million |
| Defensive Tackle | $7.9 million | $12.5 million |
| Running Back | $7.7 million | $9.6 million |
| Safety | $6.2 million | $8.8 million |
| Tight End | $5.4 million | $7.3 million |
Importantly, I'm not suggesting that these are the contract figures the Cowboys should pay any potential free agents. But what these numbers do is provide a picture of which position groups are cheaper relative to others, i.e. it's a lot cheaper to sign a top tight end than it is to sign a top cornerback in free agency.
You'll notice that the offensive line number is not split by position in the table above. Using the old approach of the top five salary-cap salaries at the position and some dirty math, a tackle would come to roughly $12 million, a guard to about $8 million and a center would come in at close to $6 million.
Jason Garrett is a big proponent of filling needs in free agency, and then trying to go BPA in the draft.
"In a perfect world, what you want to try to do is go into the draft without needs," Garrett said in a Year-End Special TV interview with Brad Sham. "I think you tend to draft worse when you say, "I think we need to draft this position or that position. And regardless of how objective you want to make that process, you invariably say, 'OK, we have a need here, so maybe we bump a player up ahead of this guy when they're really probably pretty similar.
"In an ideal situation you want to address your needs prior to the draft. Hard to do that, but you're trying to do that so you can draft as purely as possible. Couldn't do that last year."
If the Cowboys are trying to fill as many needs as possible during free agency - and with a limited budget - their best bet is to go after position groups that won't break the bank.
With a limited budget, it would make sense to acquire a center, a safety, and a guard or two and perhaps some defensive line help in free agency. Tight end could also be an option, but that depends on what the Cowboys think about their roster depth. And the higher-priced positions like cornerbacks or pass rushers would make good targets in the draft.
Which need positions would you try to prioritize in free agency?
0 recs | 184 comments
First
Thing I want is a center.
MilesAhead - February 17, 2012 via Android app
Plus plus plus
In other words agreed
Mojoness - February 17, 2012
What are the chances that
between Nagy, Kowalski, and Costa, we have a cheap, young, developing starting Center who (while not dominant) will perform about as well as an affordable guy we might pick up in FA?
Now ask yourself: what are the chances that between Newman, Ball, etc. we have a cheap (oops, not Newman), young (oops, not Newman), developing (oops, everybody here has had multiple off-seasons and seasons to show their lack of ability to develop) starting corner who will perform as well as an affordable guy we might pick up in FA?
Grabbing someone like Routt is a no-brainer. Center is a bit trickier—only if we blow the bank in a bidding war can we be sure to get better than we’ve already got. Which would then show zero confidence in developing some of the real potential that’s already on the team.
boyman - February 17, 2012
your logic is infallable, you may have a convert
I have been a proponent of some confidence in this line but I have also been a fan of signing a center. The way you reason, drafting Decastro in the 1st or the best available interior lineman may be enough to round out this OL. With limited resources I hope the Cowboys have enough confidence in the current OL to make this an option.
Of course the reality is that the market should define the result. If midgrade CBs are going to be priced the same as an elite center, then I’d rather we sign the center.
Becho - February 17, 2012
You know what I'd like to see?
The cap numbers at 14 for each position we’re trying to fill, compared with projected FA prices.
With cap expansions on the horizon and the nucleus of this team “paid off” the ’Boys could make some major roster waves in the next couple of years if they work it right.
mfoster - February 17, 2012 via Android app
Excellent point
The teams needs not just one, but 2 corners.
PhilipKDick - February 17, 2012
3
We are replacing Newman, Ball and Walker.
Rena - February 18, 2012
Hope is not a plan
I agree there is good reason to be optimistic but the center position held this team’s offense hostage this year.
Ask yourself this… If you were an eagles fan, what signing would you most hate to see. Because good center could make this offense really really good. A bad center will get Tony killed… again….
Mojoness - February 17, 2012
Agree, agree, agree
I am willing to trust that one of our young linemen can serve as a starting guard much more than hope that Costa will be at least an average center next year. Hope is not a plan. We need to acquire a center even if he is older, with at least the idea that Costa, Kowalski will have another year to develop.
swj010 - February 17, 2012
Williams and Avril are younger, blue chip players that rarely hit the market.
Their current teams just happen to have large dollars already tied up at those positions.
Both of those guys would play out an entire six-year deal at a high level.
That’s where I’d invest the money.
It’s obvious how improtant a pass rush is in today’s NFL, and we aren’t going to find any kind of immediate help there in the draft.
fivetwos - February 17, 2012
Aldon Smith, Ryan Kerrigan, and JJ Watt, Brooks Reed provided immediate impact their rookie years.
It is very possible to get an impactful rookie pass rusher in the draft, but you usually have to take him in the first or possibly second round.
Yoko Romo - February 17, 2012 via mobile
Who
Name 1 OLB that’s expected to come in and impact the game like Kerrigan or Smith?
Upshaw? Curry? Mercilus?
None of these guys are thought of as game changing or even GREAT 3-4 OLB prospects. They’re good but not great.
Every year, the draft happens. SOMEONE has to be picked by default. But when you compare those picks vs. other picks of players at the same position for different (previous) drafts, they pale in comparison. This isn’t a top notch year for OLBs. This year, there are 2 potential HoF QBs, one potential pro-bowl CB and a whole crap load of O lineman (Kalil, DeCastro, Reiff, Martin) that are expected to compare favorably with other greats. Maybe one 4-3 DT, one WR, one 3-4 DE and one ILB are supposed to be great. All of the QBs, the WR, the CB and D lineman should be gone by 14. The ILB and maybe one of the O linemen might be available.
Dallas essentially has 2 options if they want one of the elite talent prospects – trade up or hope. If they stay and hope, which position makes the most sense for Dallas to focus on w/ their 1st pick? ILB where they just drafted a 2nd rounder in for the past 2 years (and are fairly young at that position) or O line where the one of the starters from last year was 34, had to be cut, then re-signed after he got serious about the job?
Tyrone Jenkins - February 17, 2012
You know
Nobody thought Kerrigan was going to be nearly as impactful his rookie year as he was.
Was even considered a reach where he got picked up.
Nobody thought John Randall would be a hall of famer when he went undrafted.
Nobody thought Miles would be our WR1 when he was running down thw field on kick-offs.
Hell, would could have guessed Arian Fostet would come off the practice squad to replace a first rounder that was not producing and turn out to be one of the most talented players in the league.
I guess what I’m getting at is the draft is a crapshoot. Well, not completely. A crapshoot with people applying educated guesses at best.
Hell, with as many UDFAs as we’ve signed in the past few years, I think we’re about due for a 5th or sixth rounder to pan out.
mfoster - February 17, 2012 via Android app
Anyone drafted after round 3
is a hope. Plain and simple.
But if you look at starting players per team, most are from the 1st round. And, starting players by draft round follow 2-UDFA in that order. There’s always a few later round picks that start – some even turn out elite (Tom Brady). But, over time, 1st round picks end up being better picks.
Tyrone Jenkins - February 18, 2012
Who
Using your analysis I believe that DeCastro OG and Dre Killpatrick CB will be available @ 14 and you could make a good argument for either. One of these should be our 1st pick. The pick will be made however based in part who we sign in free agency. It appears that Routt CB and Huff FS from the Raiders could both be Cowboys next year or Nicks OG. Should we sign the 3 FAs Dre becomes the pick I also like Mark Barron SS in round 2 and we may need to move up to get him. He is recovering from a double hernia and may drop to round 2. This is my analysis.
jrcowboy49 - February 17, 2012
Kinda pointless
to decide who to grab at 14 without knowing what we upgrade in FA. But, hey, that’s what is so fun about the offseason. Getting an experienced C, in my opinion, is an absolute must. We can’t sit back and hope Costa comes around. He was slightly less than horrible last season and unless Satan buys a parka, Costa will be pretty much the same. If we do get Myers or someone else I wouldn’t be adverse to nabbing DeCastro at 14. That would bolster the O-line for years to come.
However, that wouldn’t do anything to help the weakest position on the team—DB. We were home in January because the back end of the defense didn’t have a clue. They were timid, indecisive and simply out-matched physically and mentally. This area has to be addressed as early in the draft as possible and as often as possible. Trying to get help in FA couldn’t hurt either.
REAP IT - February 18, 2012
Vet QB
Safety ,CB Vet QB then Center
LeedsCowboys - February 17, 2012
Vet QB?
You = Dumb. Name an available QB on the market who’s better than Romo. Go ahead….I’ll wait….
Hatchetman337 - February 17, 2012
Now that I think about it, you may have meant as a backup, so I bow out...
Hatchetman337 - February 17, 2012
of course he means backup...no sane or rational fan wants to replace Romo
Terry - February 17, 2012
Vet QB yes
The vet would be the backup and therefore not needed to be better – just available to replace him in case.
Unless you think McGee is capable of doing that.
Tyrone Jenkins - February 17, 2012
Not so much. McGee has been OK
But that’s about it.
Hatchetman337 - February 17, 2012
I'm not a big fan of vet backup QB.
1. If the best player on your offense goes down, you’re screwed anyway.
2. Young new guys that nobody expected (see Kurt Warner’s story) often do O.K. when thrown in the fire.
3. If McGee isn’t that guy, then fire his ass and draft another guy, even in a low round, and keep doing so as often as necessary, because replacing a guy like Romo takes years of hit or miss.
boyman - February 17, 2012
I would like to pick a late round/UDFA QB anyway to make the #3 and see how he does the next couple of years.
Like you say, it takes time.
Rena - February 18, 2012
I believe he is discussing back up qb ....
DougCosby84 - February 17, 2012
Vet QB?
Hey hatchetman337, before you get your underware in a wad, a vet QB to back up Romo is a good idea. If Romo goes down early in the year do you feel comfortable with McGee?
jrcowboy49 - February 17, 2012
I meant to add a back up Vet QB
sorry for confusion
LeedsCowboys - February 17, 2012
Ha ha
I think most of us got that….
dunkman - February 17, 2012
Yeah, I'm dumb....sorry :)
Hatchetman337 - February 21, 2012
If we have to choose between a Backup QB and a starting Safety...
I would rather have the safety. A QB like Redman will run about 3 to 4 million and lets be honest, if Romo gets hurt we will be toast anyway. For less than 3 mil a year we could get a starter like D. Lowrey or M. Adams. I would rather have one of those guys and roll with McGee than a benchwarmer
Becho - February 17, 2012
No toast please
If Romo gets hurt for an extended period of time, we are toast. More commonly, Romo could be hurt for 4 weeks or so. I’d like a fighting chance to win 1/2 to 3/4 of those games. In McGee I do not trust.
Silverblue - February 17, 2012
High-priced backup QBs are a luxury ...
that good teams cannot afford. With only so many dollars to go around, make sure you have a solid offensive line that keeps your QB upright and spend the money on players that will contribute. If you asked anybody who were Mannings, Brees, Rodgers, and Brady’s backup QBs before the last game of the regular season, I think most people would be hard pressed to name any of them.
You cannot be good by spending money on players that won’t contribute. McGee knows the system — he may not be great (or even good), but he is cheap.
Conn Cowboy - February 17, 2012
I agree becho
Now we could get by with McGee in a pinch if we had the defense to stop opposing teams. Maybe he is only good for 2 td passes a game but fix our oline and our run game helps him alot and fix our defense and he could walk us to the playoffs. Houston did it with by far the worst qb in the league. Chicago would have but there defense fell apart. McGee is 100 times better than Houston’s third string qb.
Sado44 - February 17, 2012 via mobile
anything
anything on the offensive line that needs upgrading, and saftey, then corner. i’ve wanted them to pick up someone at the NT position for a while (not that i think poorly of Ratliff, i just think we need a mamoth in the middle who can really push the pocket) but i dont think that will happen in free agency at least.
DonKnotz - February 17, 2012 via Android app
Yeah if your going to run the horrible 3-4. It is a must to have a huge body in the middle, I don't understand why we haven't gotten one if these yrs ago at a cheap price.
Dynamicduo - February 17, 2012 via mobile
Ratliff rocks...
A larger NT would be ideal. That way Rat can be moved to his more natural position at DE. As good as he is in the middle, he’s even better on the outside. Believe it or not, Sean Lissimore is an outstanding talent at DE. He was only in on a very limited number of defensive snaps last season but was a factor on 25% of those plays. That’s incredible for a D-lineman. Good against the run and at getting to the QB. Dallas’ D-line is not in terrible shape. One more capable addition and they move up from very good to dominating.
REAP IT - February 17, 2012
my thoughts
I would definitely go with a veteran center or guard. We all saw the advantages of having Kosier on the line. Hopefully Chris myers from Houston can be lured away, but I really doubt him leaving a young up and coming team. I want jenkins, kirkpatrick, or decastro in first and in second a vinny curry, chandler jones, Harrison Smith, or powerful guard. We have too many holes to fill. Dang!!
JesseWar3 - February 17, 2012 via mobile
In a perfect world we get a FA center, OLB, G, and cb so we can stick to BPA.
I say get a center, cb, and resign holland. Then we should be able to stick to BPA in the draft. But cb isn’t cheap, luckily there’s a few in FA this yr so we may be able to get an upgrade to Newman for the same money we were paying him.
The problem with all this is if we don’t resign spencer we have to have an OLB also. There are just too many needs. We’ll have to see what players are available at what cost and go from there. With all the holes in this team I’ll bet we don’t see any big name FA’s signed
Dynamicduo - February 17, 2012 via mobile
I do not think we should sign both a guard and a center
I trust some of the young talent on the team and it be nice to leave room to draft an interior lineman. if you sign two and draft one, you most likely have to cut three of: Nagy, Costa, Akrin, Kolwowski, Koiser (not cap friendly), and Holland (meh). Thats a lot of cap space and youth spent on the OL
Becho - February 17, 2012
Holland isn't signed, he is the gaurd I want signed
He should come at league minimum and was our best gaurd last yr. if he comes in not looking like shamu he should be sufficient, at least for another yr.
Dynamicduo - February 17, 2012 via mobile
It pains me to say this, but
That is exactly why I do want FA OLs… I think at least one of Arkin, Costa, Nagy will be ready to start this year. And I believe 2 will next year. I truly believe both Nagy and Arkin will be quite good; drafting more just clogs things up. I’d draft Decastro if Dre is gone. I am not in love with Dre but we really need a big tough CB who can tackle (the opposite of Jenkins) so he’d be my first choice unless one of the rushers blows up the combine is there. If neither are then you snag decastro and our line would be set IMO Tron-DeCastro-Nagy-Arkin-Free would be the future.
stegosaurus! - February 17, 2012 via mobile
But we cannot hope and then watch Romo die
like we did this year
burmafrd1944 - February 17, 2012
3 impact FAs
With $20 mil I figure you can snag 3 players who can make an impact, for instance:
S.Wells C – $4.5 mil per
L.Robinson – $4 mil per
T.Kelly DE – $5 mil per (he’ll be cut by Oak)
Sprinkle the other $7 mil around as best you can: Fiametta, Montrae, back-up ILB, S, vet QB.
Draft your Spencer replacement and at least 2 CBs – those spots are too expensive and won’t leave you the $s to plug enough other holes.
DB23 - February 17, 2012 via mobile
Then you're drafting need over BPA and we suck for the next 10 yrs again
Dynamicduo - February 17, 2012 via mobile
You can't get everything in FA
and we have a lot of holes…
How much would you pay Spencer for his production?
Mojoness - February 17, 2012
4 million
Yeah we can get nearly everything in FA. Get an average cb, above average c, resign holland to nothing, resign spencer for 4 mil if he will (if not get someone close to it). That takes care of our glaring needs to an extent, then draft BPA. We take care of our needs and build talent through The draft.
I understand what your saying though. It’s very hard to fill ALL of our needs through FA, that’s why I say we get average guys in FA then draft BPA. The draft will get us at least 2 more solid starters possibly 3 and the other FA pick ups should be equal to or greater than last years guys. Making us a lot better.
Dynamicduo - February 17, 2012 via mobile
Db23
Your setting yourself up for failure doing this. You can’t enter the draft with a position and no body to fill it. How would you like to be starting your season with a 3rd rounder olb a 2nd rounder Cb and undrafted CB a old out of work Saftey. You have to use free agency to fill those positions you have no one to fill before draft that’s why you leave the o line alone and grab a olb if not Spencer and corner and Saftey then if anything is left you look.for oline help. You can’t enter the draft with hopes you fill your empty holes cause if you don’t you have already lost your season.
Sado44 - February 17, 2012 via mobile
you are correct sir
hear u Sado, agree that there are at least warm bodies under contract at OL & DL; not the casevat DB & LOLB. They’ll have to add some guys there even if it means they will have insufficient $s to upgrade other areas. That said bet hey have a spot or 2 that is still a big hole come the draft—have to prioritize and take chances with so many holes I think …
DB23 - February 17, 2012
what is this thing about everyone wnating to pay more than 4 millions for above average players
ratware - February 17, 2012
Ross Tucker on Sirius this morning
was of the opinion that instead of Mario, the Texans will make Wells their priority; either long term deal or franchize. He is the leader of that fine O line and Ross says the team is well aware of how important that is.
Bottom line is that it is easier to get a RB- so they will not tag Foster
To tag Mario would cost $22 million since the escalator clause is still in effect and he was a #1 pick.
burmafrd1944 - February 17, 2012
You mean Meyers?
CowboyWay - February 17, 2012 via mobile
Mario Williams should go to
the Detroit Tigers. He’s a 4-3 DE, not a 3-4 OLB. He could play OLB and prob be pretty good but that’s not his natural position. And just think about how good the Lions would be w/ him there…
Given that, the Texans need to resign their C, sign a #2 WR (watch out – they might offer L Robinson some $) and resign their RB.
If the Lions get Mario, they won’t need Avril – who I like for the Boys. See how the world works in our favor sometimes…
Tyrone Jenkins - February 17, 2012
and that's the Detroit LIONS
Tyrone Jenkins - February 17, 2012
The Lions are in salary cap hell. No way they can afford Williams.
One.Cool.Customer - February 17, 2012
I was going to say, when did he start playing baseball
Terry - February 17, 2012
The Lions are in an awful cap situation and have other needs defensively.
They also have a huge need at corner back. They nearly traded a first rd pick for Asante Samuel last year but they can’t get a quality player there in free agency because they can’t afford one.
They’d spend money on a corner before upgrading an already good player in their pass rush.
bitterlyhonest - February 17, 2012
yeah I meant Myers
but I think we won’t get wells either
burmafrd1944 - February 17, 2012
Why do I get the feeling...
that the Redskins will be significantly imporved next year ? Look at their cap space. They could fill every need they have in free agency. Their d is already stout.
Look at the Bengals. All that cap room and already a good young team.
Compare them to Dallas with an established qb and still missing the playoffs.
Something just isn’t right within the organization. Let’s see if Jerry and his lackey’s have figured this thing out yet. They don’t need to sign o lineman 30 years old already. Scandrick and Rat were dumb contracts. Jerry needs to tap the brakes on giving out stupid contracts. I want Jerry to be smart I just don’t think he can be.
football mensa - February 17, 2012
Why not sign scandrick or rat back cuz if u don’t sign them, then u need 3 CB and 2 DL and a OLB if Spencer is not back then u need a Safety and then u need O-line, and a backup QB!! This would b impossible if u don’t sign them 2! Filling all the needs are still almost impossible this offseason anyway, it’s gonna take more than one offseason to get the team back right anyway!!
Coop1228 - February 17, 2012 via iPhone app
Jerry spent too much on Rat and Scandrick.
football mensa - February 17, 2012
I will give u that on scandrick but he plays the slot and that’s harder than the outside, rat cuz his age but he still one of our best D-lineman if he goes the line is really trash!! They couldnt just give him anything and expect him 2 sign!!
Coop1228 - February 17, 2012 via iPhone app
I would have let Rat walk and signed Mario.
He would have cost more but not signing rat would have absorbed some of the blow. It’;s a cold business. I don’t gat attached to players. When they are not up to par I have no problem releasing them. Jerry has a problem with thank you contracts. Rat’s production has been in a steady decline. he shouldn’t have been signed to that large of an extension.
football mensa - February 17, 2012
Mario won't be going anywhere...
Houston will franchise him. With the new rules in place, his cap figure won’t move much for them.
calmyron - February 17, 2012
Well I live in Houston and the consenus here is , that he will walk.
They have too many free agents and not enough space. The emergence of Brooks Reed makes losing Mario palatable.
football mensa - February 17, 2012
Yes, I too live in Houston
Mario may or not be walking but he SHOULD. The Texans don’t need him (#3 defense while he was hurt) and he’s playing out of position. The Texans needs to sign their C and RB back and pick up a #2 WR opposite Andre Johnson.
But, the same reason the Texans don’t need Mario is the same reason the Boys don’t either. He’d be playing out of position no matter where you put him.
Tyrone Jenkins - February 17, 2012
Tyrone do you listen ot the local radio hacks ? If so which station ?
I live on the south side of downtown. Where are you located ?
The consensus is Mario will walk. Let’s trade them Miles Austin for Brooks Reed.
football mensa - February 17, 2012
ha, are you kidding?
ratware - February 17, 2012
I live in katy but work
on the SE side (yeah, I know, shoulda moved closer to work).
I listen to ESPN radio – 97.5. It’s mostly national (Mike and Mike, The Herd, SVP) but there are some local guys who can be decent from time to time.
Thoughts are the Mario will walk and the Texans won’t be all that unhappy about it.
Tyrone Jenkins - February 18, 2012
Cool Tyrone. I do a lot of work in Katy.
Ya it’s quite the drive for sure. The Houston sports radio scene just isn’t that good anymore.
Granato blows.
football mensa - February 18, 2012
Mario will get $22million if franchised
I heard this happens because you cannot have a franchize player make less; and also there is the escalator clause that is still there
burmafrd1944 - February 17, 2012
I really don’t think scandrick is that bad I just think he needs better coaching
Coop1228 - February 17, 2012 via iPhone app
How is
5.4 mil per too much for a position that averages 10 mil per?
jevans1729 - February 17, 2012
Redskins will never get any better unless they find a qb
Terry - February 17, 2012
Which they very well could do with signing Flynn.
football mensa - February 17, 2012
not necessarily
Flynn is an unknown commodity at this point. Reminds me of Kevin Kolb. One or two great games doesn’t mean you’re a great qb
Terry - February 17, 2012
He is better than Kolb. Romo was unknown too.
football mensa - February 17, 2012
Nobody knows if he's better than Kolb yet
Signing him to a big contract at this point would be stupid. Romo didn’t sign his big contract until he proved himself through 16 games.
Terry - February 17, 2012
I do. He is better than Kolb.
It’s not even close. Flynn has more talent than Kolb. He is smarter than Kolb. Still Romo was unproven. Jerry didn’t even want to give him a chance. Jerry wanted to stay with Bledsoe.
football mensa - February 17, 2012
Flynn had one good game...he could very well be a system qb
Terry - February 17, 2012
Go check out the game vs the Pats.
SO is Rodgers a system qb ? They play in the same system.
football mensa - February 17, 2012
Rodgers has proven himself over many games
and yes, GBs system I think does inflate Rodgers numbers a bit. He’s be a great qb elswhere, but his numbers are insane with GB.
Terry - February 17, 2012
Nobody knows how good Flynn or Kolb really are yet.
Kolb had a couple years of showing under his belt. Flynn only has a few (great) games.
You don’t know who’s smarter.
bitterlyhonest - February 17, 2012
I do bitterly. Flynn will out perform Kolb.
If you care to make a little side wager and see who has the better stats at the end of the year I would be happy to oblige you.
football mensa - February 17, 2012
Id make that wager mensa but we all know its the system in place when he gets there that will prove the victor. Arizona will be good this year and kolb will improve alot if they bolster ther line to keep him upright.
Sado44 - February 17, 2012 via mobile
Put your money where your mouth is. I will wager with you.
Flynn has better stats than Kolb next year. If either misses more than 4 games the wager is nullified.
football mensa - February 17, 2012
Romo
did not get pd till he was a known
Flynn is going to get money this of fseason with very little on the resume
BigBad Joe - February 17, 2012
Still Flynn is better than Kolb.
Romo didn’t have a long track record. Jerry had to pay him because Jerry was too dumb to actually try drafting a qb. Jerry prefers signing used up qb’s like Bledsoe instead of trying to develop one.
football mensa - February 17, 2012
not true at all
Romo played a full season and it was obvious he was the real deal. And you contradicted yourself as Romo was developed.
There is more than one way to develop prospects and acquire talent than through the draft.
Terry - February 17, 2012
Romo wasn't drafted.
The Boys took a flyer on him and it paid off. Still Jerry has admitted he didn’t want Bill to switch qb’s at halftime. No contradiction at all. Look at how many qb’s have been drafted by Jerry since Quincy.
football mensa - February 17, 2012
drafted or not drafted didnt Dallas develop Romo???
yehti - February 17, 2012 via mobile
They did, hence the contradiction
Terry - February 17, 2012
No contradiction. Romo wasn't drafted. Dallas lucked out by signing him.
If it wasn’t for Sean Payton Dallas never would have looked at him.
Btw one season is not enough of a track record always. Scott Mitchell ?
football mensa - February 17, 2012
im not saying they develop alot of QBs
but give due where its deserved. you dont hesitate to burn them for all there screw ups
yehti - February 17, 2012 via mobile
You said jerry prefer to sign old qbs then develope one.
There’s your contradiction Romo was developed doesn’t matter his they got him he was developed. I think Mensa just puts things down without thinking about it and doesn’t realise what he is saying half the time.
Sado44 - February 17, 2012 via mobile
I never said squat about developing a qb. Try some more. LOL
football mensa - February 17, 2012
Sorry i cant
Copy and paste but look up a few posts Mensa last sentence Jerry likes to sign used up qbs like bledsoe instead of trying to developed one. Can’t call BS when its in plane text.
Sado44 - February 17, 2012 via mobile
Sweet. Draft n develop.
plane text.
football mensa - February 18, 2012
Parcells was the guy who wanted Bledsoe
Rohpuri - February 17, 2012 via mobile
Matt Flynn will be QB for the Dolphins
His former QB coach/OC is now the new sherrif in Miami. Miami will be Flynn’s first choice, as they have talent on offense: RBs Reggie Bush and Daniel Thomas, WRs Brandon Marshall and Devon Bess.
Redskins only have Helu and Royster at RB, mediocre WRs, a TE on roids who may or may not be back, and another TE who talks a bigger game than his gimpy knees let him play.
Rohpuri - February 17, 2012 via mobile
Im not able to call jerry dumb
His net worth is more than my entire family tree has made our entire life. Maybe not but still I’m just saying Mensa you would be screwed if you ran this team right now you’d be looking for 3 CB a Saftey ( wait you hated the sensy signing too right so 2 safteys ) a nt a de a olb a 3rd wr center one guard and a te omg way to go there buddy I’m gonna root for your team for sure.
Sado44 - February 17, 2012 via mobile
I wouldn't dedicate entire drafts to special teams. LMAO.
I wouldn’t sign 2 baseball players to play qb. I wouldn’t have brought in Ryan Leaf. Ya Jerry is genius. I wouldn’t have hired Wade. LMAO. Keep trying Sado. Go.
football mensa - February 17, 2012
Nevervsaid
Jerry hasn’t made his mistakes but saying let rat walk let sensy walk et scandrick walk your talking about having to fill 12 positions which have no one there to play at all. Oh yea trade Austin for who was it on defense so that leaves one wr with actual true talent on offense come on man. Your all over the place today Mensa.
Sado44 - February 17, 2012 via mobile
Yea Austin was awesome this year. Won many many games for Dallas.
Nothing like a good offense with no defense. We need an impact olb more than we need 3 wr’s. Then again you like the bad secondary and their huge fail in money time. Good thing we have Austin. He does much for the d. Yup I would trade Austin for Brooks Reed today. Robinson will be cheaper than Austin .
What good does a good offense do with out a d ? How did that work out vs the Gmen ?
football mensa - February 18, 2012
Jerry and his lackey’s
. . . I think those days are over. I think Jerry is in a new phase. I think Jerry is motivated by old age and the new stadium. I think Jerry is being eclipsed by his son (and his team including other family members). We saw the impact of these other forces way back when Jerry hired Tuna. At the time, there was much discussion about Jerry giving into his family forces that recommended drastic change. Most significantly, I think Redball is not a lackey; he comes across so gentle and quiet, but, Redball is tough as nails and he has a plan. I expect an agresive FA sweep; and another very good to great draft.
Iowacowboy - February 17, 2012
The "Wade" period hurt us bad,
it seems they felt they were just so close during the Wade era that they were only worried about the next season. IMO Garrett and Stephen have a long view for this organization, not that they aren’t trying to win next year, but they aren’t going to sacrifice the long term for one season. I like how they approach things now.
DCB* - February 17, 2012
I also think we've read several sources
that said Wade insisted on scouting and selecting his own players. I think Garrett and Stephen Jones are going to let the scouts do their jobs and that should also help.
dunkman - February 17, 2012
if you mean a lot comments here on BTB about your several sources then you're right with no doubt
ratware - February 17, 2012
yeah and the post jimmy period as well
ratware - February 17, 2012
Don't rush in FA
Sign Robinson at a reasonable price. I think both parties want to be reasonable here.
Find a Vet QB ( if McGee isn’t ready to be #2 ) or even a younger player (Drew Stanton from the Lions ) may have better upside.
CB is a must, but a servicable one on a short incentive based deal.
S to replace Elam at about the same money.
oldboysfan - February 17, 2012
should be the same strategy as the draft, dont reach
for a player through need and “settle”, which i think they did last year with elam. i would go free agency for depth, like TE and QB, and even OG and DT, then look to the draft for S, CB, CB, DE, OLB.
rockkicker - February 17, 2012
It always comes back around to the same problem
This is really the same argument, but expressed a different way. We don’t want to get stuck drafting for need, but we don’t have much FA money, so we have to go for cheaper positions in FA, which still leaves us drafting the more expensive positions, e.g., in our case, positions of need come April. This is the complexity every team faces every year. Assembling the puzzle on a budget.
Because we have to get our rooks in under that budget, the amount we have to spend in FA is less. Plus, we need to resign Robinson and Fiametta. This is why the team is always looking for the next UDFA. So what we can spend to bring in players in FA is actually more like about 14-15 million. I think a lot of people are going to be disappointed. We’ll probably be looking at some shorter deals, as well.
Sensible is going to be the approach the Cowboys have to take. But then again, that’s what we thought the Cowboys were stuck doing last year, and Jerry went after Nnamdi. We just don’t have enough information about what can be done to make accurate assessments.
The Cowboys won’t bring in any superstars in FA. They’ll try to find some good football players, but probably none of the names being commonly floated around. Your approach is dead on OCC. They’ll go after players at affordable positions, and hope to get some impact from the draft. I’ll guess they’ll sign a backup QB, a center, a guard, a safety, and maybe a corner or de. They may get lucky and lure a really good player in on a back-loaded contract. But that behooves the Cowboys, not the player whose looking to get paid.
White Wolf - February 17, 2012
WW
I believe the Cowboys pick up an additional 4mil when they release Newman who is still officially on the team.
oldboysfan - February 17, 2012
Actually,
it’s 6 mil if he is released after June 1st.
jevans1729 - February 17, 2012
This sort of what I'm thinking as well
they’ll get serviceable FAs that kinda, sorta fill their needs, and then draft as if they’re set. If I’m right, free agency is going to really p*** off a lot of folks here.
dunkman - February 17, 2012
Then they
will be mediocre again.
jevans1729 - February 17, 2012
What positions will the Cowboys fill?
Depends on SEVERAL factors – the most impacting one being how much they offer the guys they target.
It’s been widely speculated Dallas will target Nicks, Campbell (if he’s not franchised by Az) and quite possibly Avril from Detroit. Any one would of these guys would meet the criteria for a “big splash” sigining that provides hope for the fan base, sells jerseys and makes Jerry more money while also helping the team (one would hope).
Let’s discuss Nicks shall we. Nicks is widely regarded as one of the top OGs in the NFL. The reason he’s available is due to NO paying Jhari Evans a huge sum to play at the other OG and it’s thought (not known but thought) that NO doesn’t want to tie up that much $ on interior line positions. I have another theory…while Nicks is definitely good, he ultimately will NOT be worth the total value of his next contract. OCC pointed out that 11 franchise $ for O line will be 10.1 (not sure if that’s for OGs or OT but we’ll go with that). When was the last time an OG really earned more than $7 mil / yr for more than 4 years? There have been a few but that’s usually not the case. Leonard Davis was the #2 pick overall (as a LT). Dallas signed him to a 7 yr contract (albeit he was 29 at the time) – Dallas is now eating the cap hit from cutting him. If Nicks is offered anything from Dallas, it will probably be above $7 mil a year and for more than 5 years (quite possibly be 7 yrs) . That will mean in 2016, Dallas could potentially be paying Free $8 mil/yr, Nicks his $7+ mil (who will probably be underperforming by then) and be trying to re-sign Tyron Smith to a contract as the starting LT. Not a good plan in my book. Instead, for o line, the Boys should see if Ben Grubbs would take $3 mil / yr. If so, great; sign him up. If not, then wait til the draft and target DeCastro or Glenn or Osemele or start getting Holland in shape NOW.
Caliais Campbell would be a tremendous acquisition but, like Nicks, expensive. I don’t think a 3-4 DE should make more than $5-6 yr as the position is brutally unforgiving (causes injuries) and can be filled w/ young talent each year. The 2 gap system is sometimes difficult to teach but I’d trust my coaching staff before I felt the need to offer Campbell or anyone else upwards of $8 mil / yr to play that position. Plus, this is probably a mute point if he signs the franchise tender I’m sure Az will offer.
Avril is the player that interests me the most for several reasons. He’s young, he’s roughly the same size as Spencer and he will probably cost just a few million more than Spencer would have costed the team. I don’t know if he’s actually better than Spencer (I thought Spencer was good but that’s another subject) but at least he’d be the CHANGE that everyone seems to be looking for. One point of note is that whatever he commands by way of salary, when coupled with Ware’s contract, that’s a LOT of scratch going to your OLBs. I guess if you run a successful 3-4, the OLBs SHOULD be the guys making all the $ as they’re the guys you depend on to make plays. Avril will need to come here and make the Pro Bowl to satisfy fans at this point…
Tyrone Jenkins - February 17, 2012
Tyrone compare the Niner's d to the Dallas d.
Niner’s have a real 3-4 de. Dallas has 4-3 de’s posing as 3-4 de’s. The Niners are much more intimidating. Dallas needs a real de or switch to a 4-3.
football mensa - February 17, 2012
I agree Cowboys need more dynamic DEs
That is definitely one of the weakest areas on the defense and team.
Terry - February 17, 2012
I too agree
Campbell is a 3-4 DE. I was mentioning Avril for OLB.
The issue w/ the 3-4 is playing 2 gaps. So few college teams play that way that it’s not coached until NFL entry. It’s not hard to learn, just different. And depending on the player (who may have been playing 1 gap DT all his life), takes time to get good at it.
Football players are football players – they play football no matter where you put them. You can put a DT at guard and he’d eventually pick up how to block. Eventually. You could put a TE at OLB and they’d learn how to read QBs, drop into coverage, take on blockers and rush the passer, etc. sooner or later.
What Dallas fans need to realize is that an 8-8 team w/ aging superstars doesn’t have time for experimentation and coaching younger out of position players. If the Boys want to be in the Superbowl in 2015, that means the players they draft NOW will be instrumental in getting them there. Some of the FAs they’re looking at (like Elam, etc.) might not be on the team then. Those FAs that are need to be FAs that are a natural at the position and can grow w/ their new team and coaches.
Now, who in FA would be right for the Boys given that?
Tyrone Jenkins - February 17, 2012
Thats almost funny mensa
So Dallas has 4-3 defensive ends trying to pose as 3-4 defensive ends. Coleman is 6’5" 306 lbs Geathers 6-7 320 lbs hatcher is 6-6 302 lbs spears 6-4 315 lbs those are 4-3 dt not de. Here are a few 4-3 de jpp 6-5 278 lbs Justin tuck 6-5 268 lbs Chris avril 6-6 260 lbs vanden bosch 6-4 266 lbs Jared Allen 6-6 270 lbs. Now should I continue or do you see how ignorant that statement was.
Sado44 - February 17, 2012 via mobile
And again you don't get it. Figures. LOL
Size isn’t what counts. It’s how they play. What’s that saying about a box of rocks. LOLOLOLOL. Keep Banging Sado. Go.
football mensa - February 17, 2012
Really
Mensa so what do de do in the 4-3. They rush the passer what do dt do in the 4-3 the run stoppers. Your telling me we have 4-3 de (pass rushers) trying to play 3-4 de if that was the case we would have more pressure than we do now from our line our de are true dt’s they are run stoppers not pass rushers that’s the problem you got it totally backwards man. Now if your talking about gap assignments that’s not on the players that’s on the scheme and again you got it wrong. So there ya go mister box of rocks. You know Mensa the one problem with knowing everything is. You can’t ever learn anything.
Sado44 - February 17, 2012 via mobile
Dude you don't understand football period.
How has the 3-4 worked in Dallas ? Size isn’t the issue. Ability is the issue. It takes a different kind of player to be a 3-4 end. I didn’t mean to offend the rocks. In your case pebbles is a more accurate correlation.
Btw Hatch 4-3 de in college. Spears a 4-3 de in college. Rat 4-3 dt in college. Ah nevermind. Even in black n white it’s over your head.
football mensa - February 18, 2012
actually, you're both right
and wrong at the same time. I would have to say that Mensa is “more” correct though.
A 3-4 DE is NOT a 4-3 DT due to style of play (Mensa is correct). A 3-4 DE has responsibility to cover run support in 2 gaps: B and C. Size is key in that height (6-4+) and decent weight (280+) are key in being able to stand up the OT (or also engage the OG at the same time) and peer into the backfield to judge where the play is going. A good 3-4 DE “feels” or uses instinct to be good. Otherwise, their job is simple occupation of 2 blockers.
There are actually 2 varieties of 4-3 DT. There’s a 1 technique DT who plays slight off center of the C. He is the heavier and sometimes shorter of the 2 varieties. And his responsibility of the A gap on the weakside of the line (that’s the side of the line without the TE – if the O is in a 2 TE set, the formation can get a little different but for simplistic sake; he’s the weakside DT). The 2nd variety of 4-3 DT is the 3 technique. Usually lighter and a little bit taller (kinda similar to the 3-4 DE) but only responsible for the B gap. However, size does matter, usually but instincts not required. Just tell the guy to shoot the gap, get in the backfield and create havoc (there are zone blitz schemes that just might have a DT drop back into coverage but that is another story).
So, style of play and size determine position along the D line. Of course, there have been cases of guys who were not “standard” size having success but they’re the exception.
Tyrone Jenkins - February 18, 2012
When I look at those six teams with the most cap space...
I wonder which one is going to end up with Payton Manning.
White Wolf - February 17, 2012
none of the above
If he is healthy enough to resume his career, which is in serious doubt right now, I think he goes to the Cards.
Terry - February 17, 2012
if Manning leaves the Colts i think 4 or 5 teams have a legit shot at getting him.
Cardinals, Redskins, Broncos, Chiefs and somewhere you least expect him.
DCNation73 - February 17, 2012
If Manning signs with the Cards...
they will be undermining their own roster. They have cap issues already. Players will be let go just to sign their second QB in 2 years.
White Wolf - February 18, 2012
Basing this off of OCC's article...
This is the first time I’ve seen a break-down like this Cool. It’s logical and concise as always.
I dug back into available FA’s at the bottom of the list positions:
TE: With Bennett probably leaving it will need to be addressed, I would leave it to FO to find young/well rounded player lurking in the shadows.
Mr. Jones intends on using his money… here’s a quick wishlist. My Criteria being Value/Impact/Longevity. I’d rather see Jerry & Co. spend money to fix the Now and built for Future.
Safety: Tyvon Branch, Oakland, 24
DT/DE: Kendall Langford, Miami, 26 OR Calais Campbell, Arizona, 26
OLB: With Spencer possibly exiting… Wesly Woodyard, Denver, 26 OR Erin Henderson, Minnesota, 26
CB : Brandon Carr, Kansas City, 26
Question to everyone reading… Will any DB Jerry drafts be able to start right away?
Baloo. - February 17, 2012
They may have too.
oldboysfan - February 17, 2012
It's time to forget about Calais Campbell
Cardinals Have No Intention Of Letting Calais Campbell Get Away
He’ll sign an extension or he’ll get franchised. End of discussion.
One.Cool.Customer - February 17, 2012
next best option Avril
Jonathan Stern - February 17, 2012
Exactly
as much as I think campbell would’ve help, he was always a long shot.
Tyrone Jenkins - February 17, 2012
Avril is a olb in the 3-4
Not defensive end
Sado44 - February 17, 2012 via mobile
Done then...
Baloo. - February 17, 2012
On that list Carr and Campbell would be the most intriguing to me.
Sign those two players and this is a different team. Augment that with a strong draft and this team would be significantly improved.
football mensa - February 17, 2012
Hell, I'd argue replacing Newman with a good player is significantly improving the team.
Omar Little - February 17, 2012
And that sir , you wouldn't even need to argue.
football mensa - February 17, 2012
Anything to get t-hurdle out of dallas
Infact I may tell my 9 year old to go try out he can do better than he did. Infact they should let women in the NFL that would be a damn good upgrade of t-hurdle.
Sado44 - February 17, 2012 via mobile
i think Claiborne, Kirpatrick & Jenkins will be instant starters.
i’d also think players like Minnefield & the pile of CBs that could be drafted in the 2nd or 3rd rounds could contribute right away.
DCNation73 - February 17, 2012
How good is Laurent Robinson?
How much of his success was due to his skills, and a good rapport with Romo? How much of his success can be attributed to getting favorable coverage due to the wealth of offensive weaponry surrounding him?
Im not saying I know the answer to that question. Im just saying that the Cowboys better damn sure know the answer before they make a decision on this guy. $4-5 million is a ton of money to pay a 3rd WR. If it comes to forking over that much dough, I personally would rather see if I could get the same production from some combination out of Andre Holmes, Raymond Radway, Dwayne Harris, and whoever the 2nd TE ends up being.
I love what Robinson was able to come in and do, but the Cowboys have to be 100% sure before they make a major investment. What if Dez goes bananas next year for 1,400/14 TDs? Won’t be long before hes gotta have a new deal, Austin is already gettin some serious paper. Thats a lot of cash to have allocated to one position.
Carl Shelton (GloryDayz88) - February 17, 2012
When was Austin's extension signed?
Omar Little - February 17, 2012
Austin signed
his contract in 2010. Seven years 56-57 mil I believe.
jevans1729 - February 17, 2012
I believe Austin got most of his money in the uncapped year though.
football mensa - February 17, 2012
Yes, instead of a signing bonus his 1st year salary was $17 million.
So no cap hit on that amount, thank goodness.
Rena - February 18, 2012
Your 3rd WR can become ....
your 2nd WR after just one play. As such, you better have a good one.
This is a passing league, so you better have some good WRs on the roster.
Conn Cowboy - February 17, 2012
Agreed. But the same is true at really any position isnt it?
My issue isnt the player. I love the player. But what is the right price for this team?
Carl Shelton (GloryDayz88) - February 17, 2012
No ...
Your 3rd guard doesn’t get playing time. You 2nd center and 3rd tackle don’t get playing time. Your 2nd QB doesn’t get playing time. Your 3rd ILB probably isn’t going to get playing time (beyond special teams).
Your 3rd WR, however, is going to get a lot of snaps. A 3rd WR, like a 3rd CB (notice the symmetry), is going to play and they are going to play a lot.
$5M may be too much – and I think Laurent would be very lucky to get that much. He isn’t a guy that was undrafted – slowly improved – and now has caught fire. He’s been cut several times already (in fact, I think the Cowboys cut him early in the season before bringing him back). If he is in the $3M range, I think that would be good for a guy who produces TDs and will be a mismatch against more 3rd CBs.
Conn Cowboy - February 17, 2012
He's not coming back for $3 million.
He’s done enough to steal some bigger money on the free agent market. Someone is gonna think he’s good enough to be a #2 or a #1B, and he’s gonna “Peerless Price” them. I just hope its not us.
Carl Shelton (GloryDayz88) - February 17, 2012
There are way
too many FA WRs out there for us to have to worry about a Peerless Price signing.
jevans1729 - February 17, 2012
yeah, the market saturation of WRs really helps us with re-signing Robinson
Terry - February 17, 2012
sorry but i didn't see Dez or Austin actually scaring teams last season
you act like Robinson was playing opposite of Fitzgerald, C.Johnson or A.Johnson type of player. Dez really needs to step his game up this season & learn the playbook. the dude has beast talent
DCNation73 - February 17, 2012
Where is all this "Dez needs to learn the playbook" stuff coming from?
Thats just lazy analysis. The coaching staff and the quarterback have gone out of their way without being prompted to praise Dez for his improvement and mental work ethic. And yes, playing with Dez, Austin, and Witten will get you single coverage, usually against the other teams 2nd or 3rd best corner.
Carl Shelton (GloryDayz88) - February 17, 2012
Then what's the reason for his poor route running??
If he ever learned that part of the game, he’d be unstoppable.
Terry - February 17, 2012
I think it takes time
and he’ll get there. In college the demand for great routes was less severe.
AustonianAggie - February 17, 2012
only the fans think they will pay him that
he will be in the 2-3 m range
ratware - February 17, 2012
How do the Redskins have that much cap space?
Omar Little - February 17, 2012
Funny how they are supposed to be in cap hell every season yet they always seem to have room.
Maybe Snyder’s cap team is better than Jerry’s cap team.
football mensa - February 17, 2012
what i'm really interested in is
that of all teams listed above, how much roster spots do they have to fill?
slowmotion80 - February 17, 2012
No ...
They dumped their big salary cap anchor in Haynesworth.
Plus they have no QB, WRs or RBs to speak of. If they try to go after Flynn or Manning, they are going to spend big $$$$. They are probably going to franchise Fred Davis. They have to spend a lot of money to seriously upgrade their skill positions.
Don’t be surprised if Danny-boy throws big $$$ at Mario Williams.
It is easy to have lots of salary cap room when you have no talent.
Conn Cowboy - February 17, 2012
You can save a lot of cap space
by having really crappy QBs and WRs. Won’t win a lot of games, but you’ll have plenty of cap….
dunkman - February 17, 2012
Yet they signed a dt with 41 mil guranteed and cut. Still, they have mega cap room.
football mensa - February 17, 2012
They didn't cut Haynesworth, they traded him to the Pats.
Rena - February 18, 2012
Same cap hit.
But they did do that in 2010. That’s why they have so much cap room.
football mensa - February 18, 2012
Huff as a Safety
have read I think on NFL.com that Huff might be available with the Raiders being in a cap hell, he is shortly due around $5-7million in March, would it be worth having a look at it or is he best left alone
LeedsCowboys - February 17, 2012
Yeah
There will be some cap casualties too that are good players, Huff may be overpaid but that doesn’t mean that he’s a bad player.
Omar Little - February 17, 2012
March 13th cannot come quick enough
My guess is that until March 13th there will be about 100 articles on this blog on who the Cowboys will try to sign in free agency. It was fun for a couple of weeks … but it is getting pretty tedious now.
Conn Cowboy - February 17, 2012
If DAL continues its recent trend
Of waiting fro the market to settle before making any moves, the natives here will get very restless…
tdships - February 17, 2012
Chia will start a strike again.
Rena - February 18, 2012
the Cowboys just don't have much $ to play in FA.
i could see Center, Safety, TE & WR addressed in FA but the future at CB, Guard, Pass Rusher will come from the draft.
it wouldn’t surprise me if they signed a tier 2 CB in FA for the right price but that position is really expensive to fill that way.
DCNation73 - February 17, 2012
Have a feeling
I don’t know why but I have a gut feeling Washington is going to go after Robinson. I could see Danny boy throwing big money at him to stick it to Dallas.
It's Our Deztiny88 - February 17, 2012
I agree with you OCC
that O-line is a priority. But the secondary is a greater “need” position, i.e., use free agency, provided that solid, dependable, smart players are available. Passing league demands that we fill the black hole in the back first. I’m a believer in strength in the trenches but we have virtually 1 really good player in pass coverage. Not gonna get er done.
stubabe - February 17, 2012
I'm curious to know ...
How do you guys feel about Tyvon Branch?
Professor Ch@os - February 17, 2012
if I were a franchise tag worthy Defensive Tackle
I’d be pissed off to drop in value 5 million in one off season. Holy Cow!
AustonianAggie - February 17, 2012
My radical plan
I know JG would like to fill needs in FA and draft BPA but I don’t see that being possible this year. In the future when this roster has been fixed, then yes. So with that in mind this is what I would do.
FA Signing
Jeremy Parnell, Tony Fiammetta, L Robinson on offense. Let all the rest go.
Defense:
Sign Manny Lawson OLB Cincy
Sign two of the following MLBs
Larry Grant SF
Omar Gaither Car
Dan Conner Car
Chase Blackburn NYG
Brendon Ayanbadejo Bal
Sign Mike Adams S Cle
Sign one of the following CBs
Terrell Thomas NYG
Jason Allen Hou
William Gay Pit
Richard Marshall Ari
Rashean Mathis Jack
Dimitri Patterson Cle
Donald Strickland NYJ
That would be 8 FAs that would upgrade our roster. Not positive but think Stephen and Jerry should be able to sign them at an average of $2 million per for this year. That still leaves us our draft money.
Draft:
Round 1 Decastro
Trade our third round pick (83) and our first round next year to Cincy for their 21 and take Peter Conz CE.
Round 2 eeither George Iloka FS/SS or BPA CB
Round 4 Take either Jonathan Massaquoi or Shea McClellin
Round 4 Comp pick. Josh Norman or BPA CB
Round 5 BPA at NT or CB
Round 6 Micah Pellerin CB
Round 7 Devon Ramsay FB
Priority UDFA Alex Tanney QB Monmouth
There you have it, my radical plan. I hope this wasn’t to long for comment section.
BluegrassCowboy - February 17, 2012
Fire away....what are your thougths?
Free Agents:
CB Brandon Carr
DT Paul Solai…bonus acquisition puts Jay Ratliff at DE (Everyone’s favorite…sorry to beat a dead horse here)
S Michael Griffin
QB Shaun Hill or Jason Campbell at (2 year deal)
WR Eddie Royal (1 year deal)
Resign:
LB Bradie James….farewell deal if he agrees…(maybe pick up Channing Crowder)
CB/S Alan Ball (there is value here as a backup)
FB Tony Fiametti
Notable Peace outs:
Abe Elam
Terrance Newman
Keith Brooking
Martellus Bennett
Anthony Spencer (key drop for our offseason)
Sorry guys not enough loot to pay Laurent Robinson as a high end # 2 WR when he is our #3
Draft:
1st: G David DeCastro or DE Melvin Ingram
2nd: BPA at G, DE or CB available (Hopefully trade back up in 1st )
3rd: DE Andre Branch (Clemson)
Noonelikestheeagles - February 17, 2012
we don't have that much cap space ...
Professor Ch@os - February 17, 2012
Obviously a real quarterback.
I guess Grossman won’t be back, but the other two QBs have done more in the playoffs with less talent than Romo. It’s laughable.
Brandon10 - February 17, 2012
You hide behind a computer screen
and always come on a blog to talk sh!t. You’re such a sad person. I bet if you seen Romo you would be clamoring for an autograph. Like the effin’ loser you are.
BrickTop - February 17, 2012 via mobile
I don’t know him as a person. I just dont like him as a football player. He is going to take this team nowhere. 6 years of disappointment. Cheers to another lousy year.
Brandon10 - February 17, 2012
I don’t even know how to respond to that… You’re clueless as a football fan.
BrickTop - February 18, 2012 via mobile
He is a Eagles fan.
Rena - February 18, 2012
A little too harsh
My bad, man.
BrickTop - February 18, 2012 via mobile
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