Blogging The Boys

+1

I would give that to a pass rusher tho

lostar2009 - February 2, 2012 via mobile reply

Me too and I would have traded the Bruce Carter pick for a first this year

Jerry has to sign, or pass, Nicks before the Draft. If Jerry decides to spend the money, he should do it wisely. I also prefer good drafting to patching holes with expensive FAs but a young All-Pro OG has a much better chance to be worth the money than just about any other FA.

Why not do both..

Fix the Oline and we are a beast in the east..

bevomav - February 2, 2012 reply

Not even close.

Until the defense gets addressed we’re just another mediocre team.

don't agree

if we fix the line, no defense in the east can stop us… not even the giants < if we got both nicks and decastro

It doesn't matter if they can stop us.

They can easily match points with us right now with our swiss cheese secondary.

depends on how we score

If we can become more balanced and take time off the clock by running the ball better with a better OL, thats less time the defense is on the field which would help them play significantly better.

There is no doubt the interior line needs to be upgraded.

But it can easily be done without blowing $60 million on Carl Nicks.

Who says we have to sign him for 7-8 years?

Sign him to 4-5 for $32-$40 million.

He and his agent will laugh at that offer.

they might go for 6yrs @ 9mil.

anyway you just back load the contract...

Evans Contract:
BASE SALARY S. BONUS MISC. BONUS CAP HIT
2010 7,000,000 1,714,285 - 8,714,285
2011 3,000,000 1,714,285 - 4,714,285
2012 3,000,000 1,714,285 - 4,714,285
2013 7,200,000 1,714,285 - 8,914,285
2014 6,800,000 1,714,285 500,000 9,014,285
2015 6,800,000 1,714,285 500,000 9,014,285
2016 8,000,000 1,714,285 500,000 10,214,285
2017 UFA

Cut the player(If they aren’t performing) @ the end of year 5 and take 3.5mil hit in dead money. Your off the hook for 17million in those last 2 years.

Exactly and the Salary Cap in year 5 will be double what it is today.

3.5 mil in dead money is nothing.

pfloyd1 - February 3, 2012 reply

then it becomes a chess game, who has the ball last and enough time to score

IRONRAVEN - February 2, 2012 reply

Seconded.

Paying that much for O-linemen is stupid. Just be smart and draft them well. Keep a good, fresh, young rotation and if you develop one that turns out to be really good find a way to keep them. But if you’re going to give out big money to a free agent then give it to somebody like Mario Williams who is going to be a true game changer.

thats easy to say and all

the only olineman we’ve hit on lately is tyron … and he was a first rounder

we have something special on the offense, it can be real special… if we have a solid o line…. and that oline is here if we get nicks and decastro

Well...

the only olineman we’ve hit on lately is tyron … and he was a first rounder

That is because we have morons running the draft process. Until this changes nothing is going to get better. Championship teams are not built through free agency anymore.

I have to disagree.

2009, yes, but 2010 and 2011 show a lot more competence. Tyron, Sean Lee, Dez Bryant and DeMarco Murray all have been valuable. Bruce Carter is still unproven, but I think he will prove out. If either Nagy or Arkin become solid starters, then those two drafts will go a long way towards making this team a success.

Jason Garrett is the big dog in the draft now, and so far I have no real complaints. (For what that’s worth.)

Our O-line and secondary have been known problems for about 4 years now.

And what are our two biggest issues going into this offseason once again? Just saying.

But after one JG draft

They went hard after the line and I suspect will do the same with thew secondary. Erasing all evidence of Wade will take some time….

dunkman - February 2, 2012 via mobile reply

Understandable.

But erasing the evidence of Jerry is impossible because regardless of what the Cowboys would have you believe he’s still got his filthy hands all over everything. If it is truly 100% up to Garrett, his staff, and the scouts then that’d be great. But we all know it’s not. I’m going to take the skeptical, wait and see approach as I always do. If they do it right and do the things they’re supposed to do, great. But I won’t be a bit shocked if Jerry gets a wild hair up his ass and does something stupid.

Hey Tom,

whats the chances of Dallas moving up in the draft to get the LSU CB M.Claiborne? my cousin is a high ranking police officer in Florida & while working at the senior bowl that week he talked to a lot of scouts, tv talking heads but he found this one guy who worked with Dallas. without the long story they talked a bunch for a few days (my cousins a huge Cowboys fan) & wile talking the man told dont be surprised if Dallas moved up in the draft for that CB out of LSU M.Claiborne.
he also noted J.Jenkins was probably higher on his draft list then most other scouts/teams & it almost made it sound like Dallas could be targeting both those CBs in rounds 1 & 2.
do you really think Dallas would move up & do you think Claiborne is worthy of that move? even with J.Jenkins red flags do you think he makes it to the 2nd round & would Dallas target CBs with the first couple picks?

DCNation73 - February 3, 2012 reply

Janoris Jenkins will

never make it to the second round. Especially if he runs a sub 4.4 40 at the combine.

jevans1729 - February 4, 2012 reply

Mario williams would destroy this defense

A pure pass rusher opposite ware is the last thing we need. Think what ya want but the fact is with Mario’s speed and ability he is purely a pass rusher he can’t cover and doesn’t play the run very well. Which means he better be better than ware cause with him on the team ware is in coverage and playing the run first. Anybody who doesn’t want the best pass rusher to ever play the game rushing the passer is just insane.

Sado44 - February 2, 2012 via mobile reply

I'm not talking about using him as an OLB...

I'm not sure you even understand what's going on here.

Oh yea i understand

But putting a pure pass rusher as a 3-4 de won’t work either true it would help the pass rush but what does it do for the run which no matter what the league is moving to 3-4 de need to excel at run stopping not just pass rushing. Won’t work he is a bad bad bad signing for this team.

Sado44 - February 2, 2012 via mobile reply

Mario in his Career

has been considered a pretty good run defender….

agreed

If we pay Nicks

Will Jerry still be able to keep the lights on in Jerry World?

Antonio S - February 2, 2012 reply

Jerry has no worries there

his total dept service on the stadium is about 10 mil a year, he makes 120 mil on sponserships, marketing and the legends concessions that is unshared with the league and does another 170 mil on ticket sales and other stadium revenue that is their cut after the league share. Not counted in all this is the annual seat options non stadium related revenue from football operations and non football operations. Jerry is not hurting for money at all.

Damn!

yehti - February 2, 2012 via mobile reply

I don't have the article with me

but the Cowboys had the highest revenue stream last year.

Yes, I was gathering info to do a post

I had seen some folks with valid questions on here and some in the media who were to lay to research the revenue and cashflow questions with the Cowboys. I started gathering information to do a post. I understand fans thinking that the books are not open to anyone given the conversations last year with the CBA. Reporters out there are another story who cover the NFL. The stadium was partly was done through partial public funding so the revenue and profit figures with the stadium operations are public information. Also with Legends Hospitality since a 1/3 ownwer id Goldman Sacs and a publicly traded stock, that revenue is public information. The 30 mil revenue I listend for Legends is only the profit portion for the Cowboys only out of the Cowboys Stadium operations and not the other revenue coming in from the other parts.

Plus Jerry is marketing the stadium increasingly as a college venue.

The Southwest Classic with A&M and Arkansas, the Cotton Bowl, and other games are adding to the cash flow.

Boxing, concerts, etc.

I know the City of Arlington is thrilled with their cash flow from it. It is a lot more than was projected when the funding was granted.

Yeah, We should get the picture that Jerry is not hurting for money.

When he signs players and gets involved with Free Agency has nothing to do with cash flow.

Sooo...

Once, the franchise was in a position to be able to consider naming the palace without regard for corporate sponsorship. Sure, it’s likely not the most financially advantageous thing to do, but the franchise ownership had the ability to withstand the want at the time. It was not a need. I like it being Cowboys Stadium, without the corporate branding. The Cowboys are their own brand, now aren’t they? Irrelevant, since it’s not my decision. So how’s that going? Still able to withstand the want? Or is it slipping towards need? All-in-all, revenues are up, the cash’s coming in. Yep, value-wise, pretty successful. Worth? Well, I have issues there.

Safe to put aside concern over greed bringing about a shameful labelling Doritos Cowboys Stadium, Miller Lite Cowboys Stadium,…?

Tans I love my Miller Light and Doritos

Post the boards and lights anywhere and everywhere.

Please just don’t name the stadium “Doritos Park”.

If I was suddenly given insanely huge amounts of money

I would pay to have the stadium named “Tom Landry Field at Dallas Cowboys Stadium”.

Just sayin’.

That would show a huge amount of respect

I would vote for that

Ummmm.....

REC!

How bout Hooters Stadium?

this isn't green Why?

tanstaafl - February 3, 2012 reply

Well it is in Dallas so it would be

Frito Stadium
Dr. Pepper Stadium
Or we would have the Lone Star Beer Bowl

In my research I found that the city of Arlington gets

A 10% ticket tax
$3.00 for every car parked
along with the other tax revenues generated by other businesses.

Arlington is only on the hook for 148 mil on the stadium that is paid over 30 years. Both sides are doing very well.

Don't forget bowling.

They actually had a bowling event in that stadium.

Ok, Let's add more money in

JJ is doing well for himself. He is not hurting

I am starting to think

When I grow up, I do not want to be a personal coach and scout. I want to be JJ’s son.

Does he have any daughters or granddaughters, because I wouldn't mind marrying them.

Hope my wife doesn’t read this comment.

His daughter is very powerful behind the scenes of the Boys.

When I grow up...

… I want to be the guy that buys the Cowboys.

Ohhh nooo…
Right, forgot, the devil’s in the details, the devil’s in the details, …

Ok, Homer Simpson

Maybe Hank Scorpio can help you

Maybe he should just start small

like with the Denver Broncos :-)

BigBad Joe - February 3, 2012 reply

If Dallas continues to be a bad to mediocre team the revenue will come to a halt.

Fans in Dallas are tired of the sub par product that Jerry is rolling out. Which I think is a good thing. Jerry takes the fans for granted. Winning to Jerry is less important than him being gm.

Not true.

Did you just ignore all the other events JJ books at the stadium, or just not read any of the above posts so you could get right to spewing your hate?

The 8 Cowboys home games per year are just a part of all the events he books there each year.

The Cowboys are the meal ticket in that stadium.

The Aggies and Hogs were contemplating not playing there after this season.

What hate did I spew ? LOL

mensa, mensa, mensa …

ha!

Yeah, the Cowboys would have to suck for fifty years, and change their colors from blue and silver

BlueNSilverBlood - February 3, 2012 via mobile reply

The Cowboys have gone through darker periods

(3 straight 5-11 seasons) and their popularity barely dipped. Even according to those subjective polls that don’t favor the Cowboys but favor the flavor of the month (Green Bay won this year), Dallas fell to second place. Plus, the Cowboys are popular all over the country, not just the picky DFW area.

I guess the Cowboys were bleeding cash in the late 80s so who knows

When Jerry bought the Cowboys they were losing a million dollars a month.

The three 5-11 seasons even Jerry admitted sales had dipped as well as attendance. Winning trumps all.

football mensa - February 3, 2012 reply

23 years ago, 1989

It’s 2012, genius. Jerry ain’t Bum, but he’s bright. Bright enough to ensure the pretentious palace’s show appeals to gullible innocents, to the entertainment-seeking townsfolk. You needn’t concern yourself with how the big-top’s circus is doing financially.

In short, Jerry ain’t in the business of losing money. Now, games, that’s another matter. Put your concern there.

tanstaafl - February 3, 2012 reply

there's enough corporate seats and snooty surbanites

who come to see and be seen and do the little golf clap for the Cowboys. They’ll probably show up, win or lose, even if they complain about the team.

ScottB1985 - February 3, 2012 reply

He'd swap for Romo and leave the wife tho

Mancrush Extreme!

Realist Larry - February 3, 2012 reply

Not sure if I want that

I have started dating a girl but I think if I brought that up she would go Zues on me and hit me with lightening bolt in my reat.

and the Magic Flute is being performed there

I will go over this in a future post with a beakdown

The point I wanted to get across is that JJ is not hurting for money at all. His cash flow does not affect his thought process with FA. He will probably sell the naming rights to his stadium for a ton ( 500 mil a year) and there are no fincial worries. Do not worry about Jerry and his money.

There is no way that the naming rights are going for 500 million total, let alone per year

Seanrude - February 2, 2012 reply

yeah, when I read the article saying the Cowboys had the highest total revenue

stream in the NFL, it was like 200 million or somewhere in the 100-300 million dollar range. No way a naming right doubles your income

More like...

… Snoopy going goofy over Meadowlands, shelling $17-20mil/yr, 25 yrs, $400mil deal . Or the proposed LA stadium’s rights (supposed) record at $23.3mil/yr over 25 yrs. Or…

And people wonder why the excited states is financially farting non-existant coin?

tanstaafl - February 3, 2012 reply

I would give it to Nicks. We addressed OG in last years draft twice. We can still draft a gem later in the draft.

Alpha - February 2, 2012 reply

if you give it to Nicks?

I’m on the Decastro wagon, but if you give it to Nicks I’ll who ill be the first to say there’s no need to take a guard that high. So then I go with Kontz and get that Stepnoski/Gurode type reliability at C. We’ll put Kosta on his way with this kid. But I know better we’ll take a corner with that pick unfortunately.

P.N.Westernboysfan - February 2, 2012 via iPhone app reply

That is what frightens me

When I see a mock draft with the Boys selecting Alfonso Dennard at 14…I shiver.

If that happens…may as well redraft Shaun Chapas in the second because the draft is a bust.

even scarier still....

Dennard doesn’t bring all the baggage that a Jenkins or a Fitzpatrick does I’m scared of drafting low character players when we got something building

P.N.Westernboysfan - February 2, 2012 via iPhone app reply

Drafting Chapas still pisses me of..........

We coulda had Hynoski, a real FB.

Didn't the Giants struggle to run the ball this year?

They usually do it pretty well. I know their OL isn’t great, neither is ours. I doubt Hynoski is a real difference maker.

better then Chapas

yehti - February 2, 2012 via mobile reply

Good thing Chapas isn't our FB then.

He was a 7th rounder, yes? It isn’t surprising that he isn’t awesome.

could Chapas hurdle T-old?

yehti - February 2, 2012 via mobile reply

If I say yes, does that mean he's good?

ha i know i wanted Hynoski, your right it was a 7th so not a huge loss Dallas missed

yehti - February 2, 2012 via mobile reply

I'm no scout.

I had heard about him, but the first time I watched him play was with the Giants. He went undrafted.. I don’t think we really are missing much at all. I get that people like him, though. Maybe it’ll turn out that he’s really good.

next Moose

Curious why you say that, Dire

Seriously. No knock on Hynoski, not much opinion either way on it, just what brings you to making that particular comparison? You really see Moose in him?

Maybe a big whitetail buck.

In the next year or two he'll be the best FB in the league, wait and see.

Or maybe it'll be Chapas.

Wait and see.

Or maybe Fiammetta blows them both away.

The Holy Romo Empire - February 3, 2012 reply

+1

Love the username

Grimlock83 - February 3, 2012 reply

Ehhh...

It seems like the options for guard in the draft seem to be better than those for center. I hope they’ll get an adequate center and a developmental guy like Brewster in the 3rd or 4th to take over in a few years.

Hopefully the reliability without all of the over the head snaps

Gurode seemed to do that a lot. As horrible as Costa was, there was only one game I can remember (1st skins game) that he had snapping issues. Meanwhile Gurode would put like 5 or 6 over romo’s head every year…

ProBowlFactory - February 2, 2012 reply

49ers!!!

Did you not watch this game? Costa put 5 or 6 over Romo’s head in 4 freakin’ quarters.

mfoster - February 2, 2012 via Android app reply

Inflation?

Montrae Holland knows inflation too.

It’s called mixing the off-season and a few buffet tables…

The defense needs too much help to squander big money on Chubbles from the Saints…

Oh look Montrae......Lunch!

Archie Barberio - February 2, 2012 reply

too many veggies for Montrae there

What are those at the bottom

I’m guessing fried chicken fingers or jalepeño poppers. either way, that makes me hungry, I need lunch…

ProBowlFactory - February 2, 2012 reply

the inflation rate has been very low the last two years due to depressed demand

in the recession

I'd rather sign a quality center for less

and then draft DeCastro or another guard in 2nd or third round. This would give us more money to re-sign Robinson and another quality FA at another position.

If the interior of the OL was the Cowboys only weakness, signing Nicks would make sense, but since we need 5-6 new starters next season, it doesn’t.

Agreed

We need some replacements pronto…..Guard is being addressed…Arkin is developing (crossing my fingers) Nagy will be healthy and decent (again crossing) and we can nab another young guard/center in the draft.

Our OL can be elite with three studs

Currently we only have one. If we address center in FA, we’re up to two and if Free regains his 2010 form at RT, now we’re up to three.

Even if we have two average guards, as long as our center and bookends are really good, our OL should be fine and like you said, either Arkin or Nagy could develop into a good player eventually.

BlueNSilverBlood - February 2, 2012 reply

I totally agree.

Especially after our young Gs have time to strength train.
Picking up a FA C and drafting a NT allows us to use our current talent as much as possible and frees money for FA CBs.

gonna have to back that up

That’s the scenario that works best I’ve been tryin to come up with a better one and I can’t and don’t know if I’d want to if I could. With the alternative being Jenkins or Dennard.

P.N.Westernboysfan - February 2, 2012 via iPhone app reply

There's nothing to say that the center you draft will be a stud.

Though I agree with the main point. DeCastro (or Nicks), Smith, and an improved Free at RT should be an elite OL provided that the center and other guard are competent.

I'm not saying to draft a center

I’m saying to sign a stud center in FA like Myers

Nah, why bother

Tony’s got some scramble left in his wearied broken body.
Me likey when Tony scrambles.
Me no likey when Tony can’t scramble.
Me likey most when Tony doesn’t need to scramble.
Me no care where C comes from, just less swinging-gate and wake-up-Tony hikes in C.
Me? We?

I don't agree with that

the guards open up the running gabe, which opens up the passing game… Guards are important… too important to cross our fingers over

center is much more important

i don't agree with that

You don't have to agree but it's the truth

Ask Callahan, he’ll tell you the same thing.

With a HoF C and sh!t G's that story'd change beore dear Tony hit the turf

There’s no “more” on the Line.

starbury_to_s-jaxci2000 - February 2, 2012 reply

You have no idea what Callahan would say, and don't pretend that you do

Seanrude - February 2, 2012 reply

maybe if they pay nicks

they can go with homegrown player at center

Tron, Nicks, Kowalski, Nagy, Free? can the 3 cover up the 2 provided everyone healthy a gelled after the summer?

then instead of chasing every FA possible for defense just draft everyone for defense and then sign cheaper vets and maybe sneak in Calais Campbell or Finnegan?

but I’m no pro at this so I hope they just dont go after the big shiny toy. But I do think Nicks could help cover up more holes with Tyron and a healthy Free and they can get by molding the center and other guard from within the organization into capable starters

Negative, gotta have a stud center

and none of the guys on our roster will ever qualify.

BlueNSilverBlood - February 2, 2012 reply

broaddus says

Nagy or Kowalski at C next year. Nagy really projected as C coming out of Wisc.

Nicks at one G, let Kosier/Arkin/etc compete for the other spot. Maybe not great overall, but better.

I would go CB with 2 of first 3 picks, the other pick a LB or S depending on other FA signings.

DB23 - February 2, 2012 reply

A high level C changes the face of our line. We have OGs coming out of our South sides.

buy are the Gs any good?

maybe good enough…..

yehti - February 2, 2012 via mobile reply

Maybe good enough.;-)
I do think one of them will develop into a pretty high level player.

BlueNSilverBlood - February 3, 2012 via mobile reply

that's one way to go

If that’s the way it turns out, we take corner with the first pick. Than I’m hoping the C Kontz who played at Wisconsin too is still there for us with the second pick. And with all do respect to Nagy. This kid would be an improvement twice fold instantly

P.N.Westernboysfan - February 2, 2012 via iPhone app reply

No on Konz

health problems

burmafrd1944 - February 2, 2012 reply

What type of health problems?

somebodyquiet - February 3, 2012 via mobile reply

blood clots

I am Ironman!!! - February 3, 2012 reply

There is no sneaking in free agency

Campbell and Finnegan will cost big money. These guys are vets – they know what’s going on. They either get their money to stay, have the league bid for their service, or they find out they are unwanted and sign for peanuts.

How many unwanted JAG free agents should Jerry be collecting?

Baked Potato Soup - February 2, 2012 reply

What is Approx Value?

And how is it determined?

“Approximate Value” was developed by Doug Drinen at Pro-Football-Reference.com and is designed to assign a value to any player at any position for any given year. The algorithm behind AV weights position specific metrics (i.e. yards or points scored/allowed) with an indicator for durability (total games played and seasons as their team’s primary starter) and quality (Pro Bowl and All Pro nominations) and then normalizes all this at a team level.

TCB Orange Dino - February 2, 2012 reply

Spending that kind of money on a guard

is crazy. So N O overspent for the other guard doesn’t mean we have to. Give that guy that much money over that many years and he might take the rest of his carrer off.It happens a lot.

if you got it spend it on somebody

It’s not like Nicks is the best free agent guard available, he’s arguably the best free agent overall. We didn’t get the guy we wanted last year, I don’t see that happening this year, I think we’ve been setting up to spend

P.N.Westernboysfan - February 2, 2012 via iPhone app reply

And that's fine, but blowing your entire wad on a G is stupid.

Especially when considering all the defensive holes and factoring in that there are plenty of other options available for upgrading the interior line.

agreed

Seconded

BlueNSilverBlood - February 3, 2012 via mobile reply

Guards

can cover for a mediocre center. Costa of course is much worse then that; but Killa has a good chance to be decent.
If we get Decastro and Nicks, then we have a very solid O line. Both of them are crushers in the run game; and we could FINALLY have a short yard run game.
And they are EXCELLENT in pass blocking.
Romo might actually make it through a season without an injury.

burmafrd1944 - February 2, 2012 reply

I'm fully behind improving both lines

But if this draft is really that deep for interior linement and CBs, I would think the smart money is going to be spent on OLB/DE in FA.

Although if you went with Nicks he seems to have none of the question marks Bigg had…

dunkman - February 2, 2012 via mobile reply

Correct.

if this draft is really that deep for interior linement and CBs, I would think the smart money is going to be spent on OLB/DE in FA.

We also need 3 cb's this year. Are we going to start a almost all rookie secondary?

That’s what I’ve been saying as well. You almost HAVE to get at least one of the ‘Good’ cornerbacks in FA this year.

all rookie secondary?

We already have Jenkins and Scandrick to man the outside. Bring in a rookie or 2 and a vet (terrel thomas) to man the outside and push scandrick in. Sensabaugh at SS, not sure about FS… but it’s hardly an all rookie secondary

Note the word "almost" in my post.

And Jenkins is hurt about every game. That would leave 2 vets and how many rookies on the field together?

At a minimum we'll have

Jenkins, Scandrick and Sensabaugh. And probably Elam. I think that should be enough veteran presence.

dunkman - February 2, 2012 via mobile reply

Is there a Day 1 Starting caliber CB past round 1 in the draft this year? We need a true #1, Mikey Jenkins aint proven to be that guy yet.

If you want to upgrade that position.

No.

We have Scandrick, Jenkins, and Sensabaugh that will be back there in some capacity. Look, Jerry is just going to have to take the training wheels off, pony up and draft some good young players on the O-line and in the secondary. Plain and simple. That’s all there is to it.

Draft Defense!!!

Nicks is a beast. Tried and true. He would be great next to Smith on the left side of the line. Also, before you treat DeCastro too harshly, think about how much pressure is on a young center with little help at guard. if we get Nicks, I think our O-line issues are solved. We have two young guys and a vet who can rotate at the other guard position. We could also try and take Philip Blake out of Baylor in a later round. He can play guard and center.
We really need to draft defense. We need Jenkins or Kirkpatrick. Devon Still would be great, if he falls that far.

Starman - February 2, 2012 reply

+1

jevans1729 - February 2, 2012 reply

Who heard Nicks say it like this?

I’m not a ~~business~~smart man, but I know what ~~inflation means~~ is.

haha.

I have faith in the Trinity that they will shore up both lines!

d'oh!

Love! I know what Love is!

Why don't you love me, Jenny?

Cowboys should save their money & build through draft

The Cowboys have gaping holes on both offense and defense and really need a 2 or 3 excellent drafts so as to have a corp of good young talent before even considering signing any high priced free agents. I could see where it would benefit a team like Green Bay to sign a player like Carl Nicks but the cowboys aren’t one or two high priced free agents away from a super bowl.

mrniceguy101 - February 2, 2012 reply

point taken

That’s my stance exactly on the whole Nicks scenario. I see no point in spending that much in the situation we are in, with the depth at O’line in this draft if DeCastro’s even there at #14 you have to take him otherwise take the best corner left even though I’m not crazy about questionable character issues

P.N.Westernboysfan - February 2, 2012 via iPhone app reply

I still like the idea better of going after a FA C like Myers are a more affordable price and then also being able to afford a nice D player in FA like a pass rusher, then drafting DeCastro, and if we miss him this G class is deep and we could get a good player in the 2nd or 3rd round. just seems like more bang for the buck and better overall improvement.

scottmaui - February 2, 2012 reply

My thoughts exactly

why patch up the line another year with an old center

when we’ll be in the same boat next year, or 2 years…. Sign Nicks, draft decastro… let nagy/arkin/kowalski fight it out for C… or draft a C in the later rounds

still leaves us plenty of ammunition for the defense

Myers isn't old, he's 30 which is prime age for OL

30 will need to be replaced in 2-3 years

we just went through that… it was painful

not necessarily, a lot of OL play well into their 30s

Look at Matt Light with the Pats, he’s 33 or 34 and still playing well.

I doesn't have to be painful, Dallas just needs to be smart.

We have Costa, Kowalski, and Nagy. Chances are, they can get a veteran center, plan on starting them for 2-3 years, and at the same time, preparing someone else to take their place.

This is EXACTLY where the Cowboys need to start.

Build and continue to replace dominant lines, O and D. It will reap dividends aka wins. And for a long time.

stubabe - February 2, 2012 reply

sign Nicks to a 4yr 32 million

draft DeCastro this Oline is complete. this would give 4 years for Arkin Nagy Costa Killer K to develop. then Ncks is gone your Oline is still legit after 4 years. i doubt thats what they do tho.

yehti - February 2, 2012 via mobile reply

i guess same could be said Myers instead of Nicks as well

yehti - February 2, 2012 via mobile reply

Actually at 26 I wouldn't mind a 7 year 56 mil contract.

Just make it cap friendly. Giive him a good signing bonus prorated over 7 years and keep the guarantee payable over 4 years. That essentially makes it a 4 year contract with the Cap hit around 3-3.5 mil in years 5,6,7. The salary cap by then will be twice what it is today.

At 26 He has at least 4 good years and probably more like 6. That’s not a bad investment and is doable.

pfloyd1 - February 2, 2012 reply

30 mil

gurantee 25 mil signing bonus ought to do it.

jevans1729 - February 2, 2012 reply

Well said pfloyd1

Agreed

I love DeCastro and greatly want him, but I wouldn’t be upset with Nicks. He’s definitely awesome and young enough to where he’d still be pretty close to his prime by the time a seven year deal would be up. His concerns are basically this:

Men that huge tend to be more injury prone than smaller guys, they also age worse than men that are smaller.

Plenty of guards are able to age well, and I don’t see any reason why Nicks can’t age well too. There’s other strategic concerns about the big signing being Nicks but that’s for a different day. He’d be worth it.

If not Nicks then Grubbs.

I don’t want to go into the draft PRAYING that DeCastro makes it to us.

A line of Tyron/Arkin/Kowalski/Kosier/Free

frankly…scares the shit out of me.

Ehhh...

They’re about 15 months apart in age, which is a lot for a guy that big. Nicks has been consistently elite the past three years whereas Grubbs has just been good. Nicks has been better every year…Grubbs is a guy that sounds like he’ll get over paid.

I think Jerry is gonna give him the deal

Jerry said he wanted to use all the cap room he could use

Trueblue122 - February 2, 2012 reply

He will without signing Nicks

There is Robinson, possibly Spencer and a center, that will take up most of our cap room

Center's not going to be that expensive, Terry.

Neither is Robinson and Spencer. I can see us dropping $10 mil, tops, between the three of them.

TheBlueBaron - February 2, 2012 reply

You're wrong, none of those players will be inexpensive

If Robinson is commanding more than 4mil/year he isn't worth signing.

Spencer is a hard one to gauge. It’s a tight market for players like him. I bet he gets a 5-7mil/year offer from someone. And it forces us to change our draft strategy and go after a LB. It’s a horrible spot for us to be in going into the draft. Unless we switch to a 4-3 and sign one of the better DE.

Robinson is worth signing at 5 or 6 mil a year, don't kid yourself

Austin and Bryant are china dolls, we need at least three good WRs at any given time.

please Terry...you make yourself seem foolish with absolutes like this.

One year, one hit wonder thats bounced around the league for 4 years…The FA crop is massive. We don’t need to pay 5-6mil for our WR3 this year.

POS STATUS 2011-2012 TEAM NEW TEAM YEARS DOLLARS SIGNED
Dwayne Bowe WR UFA Kansas City TBD —
Marques Colston WR UFA New Orleans TBD —
Early Doucet WR UFA Arizona TBD —
Braylon Edwards WR UFA San Francisco TBD —
DeSean Jackson WR UFA Philadelphia TBD —
Vincent Jackson WR UFA San Diego TBD —
Steve Johnson WR UFA Buffalo TBD —
Brandon Lloyd WR UFA St. Louis TBD —
Mario Manningham WR UFA New York TBD —
Robert Meachem WR UFA New Orleans TBD —
Steve Smith WR UFA Philadelphia TBD —
Mike Wallace WR RFA Pittsburgh TBD —
Reggie Wayne WR UFA Indianapolis TBD —
Wes Welker WR UFA New England TBD —
Seji Ajirotutu WR RFA San Diego TBD —
Danny Amendola WR RFA St. Louis TBD —
David Anderson WR UFA Washington TBD —
Devin Aromashodu WR UFA Minnesota TBD —
Donnie Avery WR UFA St. Louis TBD —
Doug Baldwin WR RFA Seattle TBD —
Deion Branch WR UFA New England TBD —
Plaxico Burress WR UFA New York TBD —
Andre Caldwell WR UFA Cincinnati TBD —
Greg Camarillo WR UFA Minnesota TBD —
Mark Clayton WR UFA St. Louis TBD —
Michael Clayton WR UFA New York TBD —
Jerricho Cotchery WR UFA Pittsburgh TBD —
Patrick Crayton WR UFA San Diego TBD —
Dominique Curry WR RFA St. Louis TBD —
Britt Davis WR RFA Denver TBD —
Rashied Davis WR UFA Detroit TBD —
Harry Douglas WR UFA Atlanta TBD —
Pierre Garcon WR UFA Indianapolis TBD —
Ted Ginn Jr. WR UFA San Francisco TBD —
Anthony Gonzalez WR UFA Indianapolis TBD —
Derek Hagan WR UFA Buffalo TBD —
Johnathan Haggerty WR RFA Cleveland TBD —
Joe Hastings WR RFA San Francisco TBD —
Lavelle Hawkins WR UFA Tennessee TBD —
Domenik Hixon WR UFA New York TBD —
Jesse Holley WR RFA Dallas TBD —
T.J. Houshmanzadeh WR UFA Oakland TBD —
Malcolm Kelly WR UFA Washington TBD —
Quinten Lawrence WR UFA Kansas City TBD —
Stefan Logan WR UFA Detroit TBD —
Ruvell Martin WR UFA Buffalo TBD —
John Matthews WR RFA San Francisco TBD —
Josh Morgan WR UFA San Francisco TBD —
Legedu Naanee WR UFA Carolina TBD —
Jordan Norwood WR RFA Cleveland TBD —
Chad Ochocino WR UFA Cincinnati TBD —
Kevin Ogletree WR RFA Dallas TBD —
Preston Parker WR RFA Tampa Bay TBD —
Roscoe Parrish WR UFA Buffalo TBD —
Logan Payne WR UFA New York TBD —
Aldrick Robinson WR RFA Washington TBD —
Eddie Royal WR UFA Denver TBD —
Chaz Schilens WR UFA Oakland TBD —
Jerome Simpson WR UFA Cincinnati TBD —
Mike Sims-Walker WR UFA Jacksonville TBD —
Matthew Slater WR UFA New England TBD —
Courtney Smith WR RFA New York TBD —
Donte Stallworth

Agreed.

I really really like Robinson, but he’s not worth $6 million. As long as Witten, Austin and Dez are here, there is no reason to spend that much on a 3rd wide receiver. Congrats to Robinson though, as he likely has made himself a rich man.

I do to, I'm happy for him.

But if Im Jerry I aint shelling six large to make him stay. Highest I’d go is $3.75mil on a 1 year and I’d reverse the market on em since there’s such a big crop. I’d find someone good that would take a discount for whatever reason and get em for 2mil. Hey they could just as easily get injured and you’d be back to square one right?

One receiver I like...

A lot of folks may not like him, but should Robinson depart, I would take a serious look at Mario Manningham. Pierre Garcon would also be a nice pickup. Having said that, both of these guys may be looking to be starters for their next teams.

That’s the thing with the third receiver types; you’re either trying to land the seasoned veteran who still has a couple of years left in the tank and just wants to play, or you’re looking for that diamond in the rough.

And besides, Robinson has already said he wants to stay and money is not an issue.

I don't think he said the last part...

Robinson has made it know he would like to stay with the Cowboys, but I don’t believe he said money isn’t an issue. His agent would never allow him to say that.

He didn't say money wasn't an issue.

What he did say was

"Money doesn’t drive me to play this game. I play because I like to have fun. I think I have a good fit here with the Cowboys."

Here’s the link:
http://espn.go.com/blog/dallas/cowboys/post/_/id/4689536/laurent-robinson-this-is-where-i-want-to-be

That sound like "not an issue" to me.

Money doesn’t drive me to play this game. I play because I like to have fun.

Good stuff.

BS Terry. Robinson isn't worth 5 mil a year.

football mensa - February 3, 2012 reply

This is what we need to do.

Unless we switch to a 4-3 and sign one of the better DE.

How much would a center cost?

Someone like Saturday? A proven vet who could contribute and teach for a good couple years. This would allow us to “build” during the draft but also have a very serviceable liine in the mean time.. Then target Robinson and maybe a DB in FA..

AmericasTeamm - February 2, 2012 reply

Myers is a much better option than Saturday

Probably around 3-4 million a year less than Nicks.

Ehhh...

Robinson, a center, and Spencer should allow them room to sign another good player. Unless they get Myers or Spencer gets overpaid (in which case he should be allowed to walk). They should be able to get Laurent, Finnegan, Spencer, and a Center to play for a year or two.

possibly but you really don't know at this point

Robinson, Spencer and a center won’t come cheap, I guarantee that much.

if Dallas knew for sure that DeCastro would be there, then maybe dont sign Nicks

im not sure whats right but i do know the Dallas teams in the 90s had the most dominate Oline. id love to see that again. plus Dallas plays Tuck, JPP, Osi (maybe) Babin, Cole, Orakpo, Kerrigan. so i think Oline is the highest priority.

yehti - February 2, 2012 via mobile reply

excellent point about the division opponents

I'd rather we sign a good C - the usual suspects you've all heard repeated...

Then put the money towards Robinson, one of the elite FA pass rushers, and a mid-level CB. With a good pivot in place I feel confident Arkin/Nagy/Killer K/Holland/Kosier/et. al. can man the G spots, and another mid-round lineman at one of the interior OL spots is probably on the cards as well.

That would give us the most freedom in the draft. And yes, a trade down-trade up tango is possibility there – how would you like to land Janoris Jenkins AND Mark Barron, or perhaps Dontari Poe and then two DBs and a C/G from the 2nd and 3rd rounds?

TheBlueBaron - February 2, 2012 reply

That Oline will get Romo killed - again!

Hey let's try that again!

I’m sure we’ll get different results THIS time.

How so?

The weakest link on the Oline was at center with Costa. Replace him with Myers or Wells, and suddenly that’s a strength. Holland graded out positive for the season. Arkin and Nagy will have had a full off-season working with Woicok and learning the system.

I strongly reject this notion that our entire line must be made up of 1st round draft picks and high-priced free agents, especially at the expense of what is the actual weakness of this team. This whole concept that “oh, we just have to make the offense elite, then they can carry the defense!”? Look how that turned out for the Saints and Packers. The Patriots are in the Super Bowl BECAUSE a CB made a good play to prevent a TD pass, then Billy Cundiff missed a short FG.

TheBlueBaron - February 2, 2012 reply

agreed

exactly

Tyron worked out well as a rookie but there is noo guarentee that the next 1st round OL will be an immediate impact player. Smith is a freak of nature. OLs are developed over a 2-3 season period. Those guys have to work well TOGETHER its not about having the most talent but the group working the best as a team. That is how you build an offensive line.

sexililkitti - February 4, 2012 via mobile reply

YES!

Sign up Nicks… then draft Decastro, and let the youngin’s fight it out for the remaining center spot… maybe even draft a C after rd 2

This would give us arguably the best o line in the league…. for the next 5 years? We can still upgrade the defense, just not “all in” in one year

Romo is in the prime of his career… let’s give him a shot to lead us, in stead of putting band aid’s on a defense which needs too much to be elite this year

the offense, on the other hand, can be elite this year, with these 2 simple moves (of course, simple if Nicks wants to sign, and Decastro is available)

I like that, Romo likes that but ...

What about pressure from the D and what happens to the secondary? Does Spencer resign?

Even if we signed 3 JAGS for our Secondary and just re-sign Spencer, have we really taken a step back on D? Hell I think Butler is gonna give you 5 sacks next year if u just give him some playing time.

YES

He is the best guard in the league right now and is only 26. He is superior to Davis in every way so I wouldn’t even bother comparing them. You sign this guy and it eliminates the need to draft a guard at 14, which in my opinion is to high for an interior offensive lineman. You can then focus on defense which is clearly a major need. You drafted 4 lineman last year, 1 of them has to be able to step in and play the other guard. I am hopeful that Arkin improved his strength enough to take that spot because he has far more upside than any of the other young lineman on the team and could possibly play center as well. I remember when they drafted him they mentioned they saw him as a possible future center

Nardfather - February 2, 2012 reply

Drafting 4 doesn't mean any will ever by starter quality

Drafting a guard at 14 gives us a prospect that should start right away.

Who were these 4 Linemen again that we drafted last year?

Tyron (1st), Arkin (4th), Nagy (7th)…

I think Killer might have gotten mixed in there

Those UFDAs can be sneaky.

He's right. Evans is the baseline plus inflation...

7years/59.5 Million with a 13 Million Signing Bonus. SIGN that MAN Jerry. Pair him with Tron @ Left Tackle, trade back and Draft Konz around 20. Plug Arkin/Nagy in at RG with Free at RT.

That would be a great line.

Agreed. That would most likely set our line for years

and probably give us an extra draft pick or two to spend on defense. Don’t forget about Kowalski. I would hope that of those three linemen drafted last year (Tron excepted), one of them could be a decent starter

Enough of the Delocated ads!!!

chromecowboy - February 2, 2012 reply

no doubt, they are creeping me out

Nardfather - February 2, 2012 reply

Well

the good news here is that we’re talking about a guy who in all likelihood will live up to his contract. The team hasn’t signed a blue-chipper FA since TO, and that was a risky signing. Davis was way overpaid.

I think I’d rather have Myers and go after one of the pass rushers, but I won’t complain if we go this route.

Nicks, Tyron and Free on the same line is going to lead to one vicious running attack, and hopefully a passing offense that keeps Romo clean.

foyesboys - February 2, 2012 reply

I don't want to question Nicks' economic credentials

but inflation has been quite low the last two years. Cheese may be a dime more and gas is always all over the map, but those are very small things in a family’s budget. Houses are much cheaper, cars are flat, energy bills are lower, especially with this warm winter leading to oversupply of natural gas.

Yeah, and there is no such thing as

global warming, right?

Carl Nicks will be just like Nnamdi last year.

We all will claim to want to be financially viable, but if we get involved and don’t seal the deal this board will explode with negativity haha.

Creasy729 - February 2, 2012 reply

8mil/year is not a bad going rate for the BEaST young guard in all of Pro Football.

Who else has to have a OG?

It might take more than 8mil/year.

That’s a fair question.

Probably every team.

Asomugha was older and got a huge deal before.

There were also fewer other options available. Everyone here likes DeCastro and they do have other young guards on the roster. Not to mention there’s other guards available in the second, too. Not quite the same, IMO. I won’t be too upset either.

I dont think it's the actual situation that dictates the pyschology

Of it all. What went on last year was not rational whatsoever, so why would it be any different this year?

Creasy729 - February 2, 2012 via mobile reply

I would take Brandon Brooks in the second round.

Especially in a trade down scenario where we end up with a dirst and 2 second round picks. Dude is a big ol pile mover.

first not dirst

If that happens again, I'm running for the hills. This board lost its mind that day.

Fernie67 - February 2, 2012 reply

haha i was checking every 10-20 seconds that day

yehti - February 2, 2012 via mobile reply

I even got caught up in the hype

with as many “I don’t want him” sentiments I had, “The Chase” was rather intoxicating.

Same here

I went from hating the idea to being disappointed we didn’t get him to relieved he didn’t get signed. Thank God for lithium….

dunkman - February 2, 2012 via mobile reply

And Jim Beam.

Maybe that's who needs to sponsor the stadium....

dunkman - February 2, 2012 reply

Here's something to think about guys.

If we gave Nicks a similarly structured contract to what NO gave Evans his cap hit could be more than reasonable this season and next.

Evans only counted 4.71mil against New Orleans CAP in 2011 & the same 4.71mil in 2012. We would still have room for a CB, Center, and DE/NT signing.

sign finnegan

draft decastro…if he is not there draft a guard in the second the line depth is derp invthis draft and finnegan would be a huge upgrade to our secondary

rioplayer7 - February 2, 2012 via mobile reply

If the window for "winning" is truly closing....

Than Jerry should seriously think about dropping some cash on Nicks. I absolutely love David DeCastro, but as with any rookie, there’s going to be a learning curve and growing pains the Cowboys may not want to go through. Nicks provides a proven talent; he’s just entering his prime at 26; and he’ll add a veteran presence to a young developing line.

$8-9 million per for Nicks is money well spent IMO. We spent that much on the human trashbag, Terence Newman, last season.

The window will be open for a few more years, no need to over spend on one player

window could stay open longer with Nicks....

yehti - February 2, 2012 via mobile reply

but you would give Robinson 6Million?

smh…

It isn't overspending...

$8-9 million isn’t overspending in today’s NFL for top talent. Nicks is a top talent at his position. I like Laurent Robinson, but he isn’t a top wideout, and he certainly isn’t worth $6 million per.

What are the chances that Nicks is one those get paid and never heard from again guys?

IMO.... thats always a concern and is scary.

you have to hope if/when Dallas talks to him he doesnt show them signs

yehti - February 2, 2012 via mobile reply

No, he's the real deal

He and Jhari Evans are the biggest reasons why Brees can throw for over 5,000 yards every year

There are a lot of real deal players that work their butt off for that big pay day and then are content

yeah, but normally you see those guys as the ones

that miraculously reach their potential in a contract year. Not always, but a lot of the time. Being a top guard since you walked into the league, you’re as sure as you’re going to be on any free agent you are looking at.

Exactly...

They are the reasons Brees at 6’ ft. can step-up in the pocket and deliver the ball downfield. Romo is having to spin out of would-be sacks as soon as the ball is snapped.

The fly in the ointment is whether NO is really going to lie down and let him go.

If they decide he is worth keeping, this is all just speculation. Wouldn’t hurt to force them to pay a bunch for him, though.

Funny how none of these "real deals" will take an incentive-laden deal

Mustn’t be the “real deal”, especially not in their own mind and knowing.

Why would they?

The market will support their need for guaranteed money.

5Blings - February 3, 2012 reply

the new advertisement

am I the only one who is not happy with the top add (adult swim). I come here to read about the boys not see grown men in their underwear. This is the best blog going about the boys but if mgmt is going to advertise porno then I guess it’s goodbye.

Lol, seriously.

I was at a coffee shop earlier and I was embarrased to bring up the page becuase it looked like I was into some kinky stuff to the people on the right and left of me.

I've sent the complaint up the line

I hate the add too, but calling it porno? Really? LOL.

adult swim

Don’t know about anybody else but with a title like that what other conclusion is there? Then to see pics of men in underwear? IDK but old school math 1+1= 2. Like phillybo commented I sometimes read at work and it could cause some issues.

Actually, the title adult swim comes from public pools where you have adult swims, or time the kids get out and only adults are allowed in the pool.

Adult Swim is on the Cartoon Network and has programming meant for adult audiences, though it certainly isn’t pornographic.

I completely get how it could be inappropriate and I am sick of it as well. I’m just giving the history behind the title.

adult swim

So what your saying is when they make the kids get out of the pool all the men then strip to their underwear and put on hoods to go swimming with each other?

Isn't a bathing suit nothing but underwear?

This Delocated show looks like crap and I will not watch it, but read the rest of our comments.

technically yes

so what is the hood for?

No idea. Haven't watched the show nor to a plan to.

And from what I have gathered, most people here don’t plan on watching it either.

if you were that guy

would you want your face shown?

Thanks Grimm, you beat me to the explaination.

And to add, Adult Swim refers to the after midnight programming on the Cartoon Network (i.e. no kids allowed in the pool).

Yes it is for adults, no it is not pornographic. I have never seen Delocated and from the ads, I have no desire to. But there is a lot of funny stuff during adult swim. Kind of like how a lot of the stuff Bugs Bunny did was not meant for the kids, but to keep the adults who used to watch TV with their kids interested too.

I do what I can.

If you think that's porn, you've be living a sheltered world.

Go to xhamster, that’s porn.

Well it does kinda look Barry Maniloish.

a man in his underwear wearing a hood

So I guess thats suitable for all ages?

You see much worse on prime time network TV.

yes you are correct

However, I can limit what my children see during those hours but if they just walk in and see this it sets a really poor example. Maybe, you should watch the movie courageous and examine the principles the movie is trying to convey?

how would you respond?

I’m reading my fav blog about what the boys are going to do with the draft and free agency and my 10 year old daughter walks in and sees that add and ask whats that?

that's a man in his underwear with a hoodie on.

I would say bathing suit.

A 10 year old kid has never seen a man in a bathing suit? All they have to watch is America’s Funniest Videos.

Absolutely!

I come here to read about the Cowboys and see attractive, grown women in their underwear.

Now you've forced my hand.....

And proud to have done so.

You know, the sad thing is that I will agree that the cheerleader pic is better than the guy in the hood add.

Him on that bear is scary.

C'mon, the ad's there for you.

/shudder, trying to give me nightmares?

Trying to make himself (and us) the better option.

Tom

I know hour one of the front page writers and a good one at that. Can’t argue with the masses it’s your site. So goodbye and enjoy your pics of men. One member at a time.

You did notice I said "women" up there?

A bit over the top?

Don't let the door hit you in the ass on the way out.

she is missing something

where is the hood

She's not doing her job right.

That’s what the pom-poms are for.

I don't see a hand

5Blings - February 3, 2012 reply

Attractive grown nearly nude women pics are good for you.

sorry Tom

Im not wearing any so you will have to be content with just reading about the Boys ;-)

sexililkitti - February 2, 2012 via mobile reply

wow

the images……

That explains it! Hell I thought there was a fish market around here.

DIRE WOLF - February 3, 2012 reply

X

WE NEED BALANCE!!!!

Keeping up with the Giants, Eagles, Saints, Packers, etc. cannot be accomplished by trying to get into shootouts with any of them. All it takes to lose a shootout is one or two defensive stops and all of those teams have more play makers on defense than Dallas. Not to mention, one miscommunication between Romo and a WR (of which there tend to be a few each game) or one holding/false start penalty (of which our tackles have a few a game) can stop our drives and have us chasing the lead.

It’s a team game! Going all in on Offense or Defense in FA/Draft isn’t going to help the TEAM!

The philosophy needs to become and remain shoring up each position with value and depth! How do you think the same few teams end up in the post season every year! It’s not by going out and spending a bunch of money on the biggest FA, that’s for sure.

D Rock 76 - February 2, 2012 reply

Interior line was the weakest link

Give Romo a pocket.

FINISH THE OLINE REBUILD!

Dear Jerry

Its time to stop hoping these late round draft picks pan out on the oline. So you really need to……………PAY THE MAN JERRY!

TARHEEL PAUL - February 2, 2012 reply

Or just draft them early.

Because everybody knows that’s where most of the really good ones are found.

TX, Tarheel, Starlover, birdness u guys speak

the truth, its a shame jerry may not pay attention to y’all.

DarkKnight88 - February 3, 2012 reply

There's no may not about it.

The man doesn’t get it. And what’s worse is he’s conned much of the fanbase into believing that he does and that he has some kind of master plan. They will practically eat whatever BS he feeds them right out of his hand.

Well he’s not going to con me. I know my football and there’s no way he can convince me that what he’s been doing to this team the last 17 years is the right way to do things. The results speak for themselves.

exactly rite the results cannot be argued

this team has been mediocre @ best for many moons now, 2 playoff wins in 15 yrs that stat there makes my blood boil n yes the common denominator here is jerry.. I learned my lesson the hard way but i stopped drinking the kool-aid after 07 that was the final straw.

DarkKnight88 - February 4, 2012 reply

I will be BRUTALLY honest

you all are completely right and completely WRONG at the same time…

JJ is running a business. You’ll are talking about trying to better a football team. JJ knows that Tyron Smith jerseys don’t sell as well as Dez Bryant or Tony Romo jerseys. You’ll know that a stout offensive and defensive line is key to every playoff making team. JJ knows that from a marketing and sales standpoint, skill positions are a cash cow. You’ll know that…well, you get my point.

The real KEY issue is convincing JJ that a better O and D line would eventually (not right away but eventually) make the team better and would therefore allow greater production by his skill players. Which in turn, means success for the business AND the football team at the same time.

You would think JJ could grasp that concept….

Tyrone Jenkins - February 4, 2012 reply

In the long term the only thing that sells is winning.

It doesn’t matter how many skill players Jerry goes and gets. Eventually people are going to get tired of sucking and quit paying attention (aka spending money) altogether. It hasn’t happened yet but seeing the way other franchises in DFW have been treated and practically blacklisted by the local fanbase after management ineptitude I have to wonder how much more patience people have in them. It’s worked against other franchises in our area. Perot sucked as an owner, people stopped going to games, Cuban bought the Mavs and coaxed the fanbase back, the Mavs have been in the playoffs every year for the last 10 years and won a title last year. The Rangers sucked forever, people got sick of it, stopped going to games, forced Tom Hicks into bankruptcy, the new ownership came in, coaxed the fans back out, did things the right way and now the Rangers have been to consecutive World Series.

Of course it’s harder to take this action with the Cowboys because (a) people are so loyal to this team no matter how bad Jerry screws it up, and (b) are more of a global fanbase than our other teams and the fans outside of the metroplex are a lot more patient and willing to put up with a whole lot more BS than we are apparently. So forcing change with the Cowboys is a little tougher than what we’ve faced with our other teams.

TXHC - February 4, 2012 reply

Same here.

TXHC - February 4, 2012 reply

General Thoughts...

First time poster, Been a ‘Boys fan since I learned what football was (Their last SB). So I am part of the generation that has never witnessed our boys hold up that coveted Lombardi Trophy.
Reading everyones thoughts has been very informative… Here are some of my thoughts.
I have seen a lot of misteps and bad decisions made in the past 4-7 seasons. But 20/20 Hindsight holds true.
What I do know is that the secondary should have been addressed 3 seasons ago. I personally believe solidifying the trenches would help out a ton.
With that, we have not had stability and dominance with our OL since……….. exactly.
Murray just broke Smith’s rushing record his rookie year, behind our patch-work line. Imagine what we could do with more development of the young O-Line. Is it necessary to pay big money for Nicks? I’d rather take another hit in 1st round and get DeCastro, then go Defense the rest of the draft. Using FA to lock in a battle tested CB, and Center that can teach the yuglies then pass the torch.
We are paying for years of neglect and bad organization (Not all JJ’s fault)
And JG is helping right the ship, have patience, Rome wasn’t built in a day.

Sorry for long post, just been silent for whole season, figured I’d jump in.

welcome, Baloo.

here’s a newbie rec to get you started my friend.

Taking a Bow***

Welcome!

Newbie Rec!

We can address all three of the O-line, D-line, and our Secondary in Free Agency. They might not be Campbell, Finnegan, & Nicks. If JJ is serious about spending 20mil in FA, we could have a decent(mid-tier) one of all three.

Can somebody tell Garrett that I think in FA this year our goal should be to address as many glaring needs as possible, so JJ doesn’t go reaching in the draft?

Thanks for posting!

Newbie recs all around!

Welcome, rec and you are now green.

Nice post

Good points all around, but what if Jerry passes on Nicks and then DeCastro gets picked early? Lots of dynamics out there.

Agreed...

I didn't give you a newbie rec.

I gave you a rec because what you said is right on. This place needs more like you. Stick around.

Baloo here's another newbie rec thrown ur way

but feel free to join the action here @ the best site on the net.

DarkKnight88 - February 3, 2012 reply

If the cowboys could set up their FA Contracts like this it's not so far fetched...

BASE SALARY S. BONUS MISC. BONUS CAP HIT

Guard – Nicks
2012 7,000,000 1,714,285 - 8,714,285
2013 3,000,000 1,714,285 - 4,714,285
2014 3,000,000 1,714,285 - 4,714,285
2015 7,200,000 1,714,285 - 8,914,285
2016 6,800,000 1,714,285 500,000 9,014,285
2017 6,800,000 1,714,285 500,000 9,014,285
2018 8,000,000 1,714,285 500,000 10,214,285
2017 Free Agent
DE – Mario Williams
2012 6,005,000 4,000,000 - 10,005,000
2013 7,800,000 4,000,000 - 11,800,000
2014 685,000 5,303,000 - 5,988,000
2015 4,500,000 5,303,000 500,000 10,303,000
2016 5,500,000 5,303,000 500,000 11,303,000
2017 12,250,000 1,303,000 - 13,553,000
2018 13,750,000 1,303,000 - 15,053,000
2019 Free Agent
CB – Cortland Finnegan
2012 1,416,417 2,000,000 - 3,416,417
2013 1,694,165 2,000,000 - 3,694,165
2014 8,000,000 2,000,000 - 10,000,000
2015 6,016,000 2,000,000 - 8,016,000
2016 7,600,417 2,000,000 - 9,600,417
2017 7,500,000 2,000,000 - 9,500,000
2018 UFA

Cap Hit (Total for 3 Players)
2012 – $22.1 Million
2013 – $20.2 Million
etc, etc…

Bonus points if you can name the actual player who’s contract stats match each position above.

Finnegan's contract greatly resembles the one Jerry gave me in '02

It should but it's your '08 contract. And you are apparently signed thru 2014.

just a wild guess

Nicks=Davis

Mario=Ware

Cortland=Newman

I am pretty sure on the 2nd and 3rd ones….am about 60% sure on the first one….

1st is Evans from NO. But yeah Ware and Newman are the other two.

I think it's a mistake to use up all of the cap space in one off season.

Say Dallas infuses 5 total new starters this season , it would be beneficial to have some cap room remaining to augment the team next off season. I might bust thebank for Nicks but I wouldn’t try to sign 3 players of the same ilk.

How about drafting some players like that ?

Couple of different dynamics involved

First, the cap is expected to grow substantially in the ’13 season, so its not using all your cap in 1 year. The consensus is DAL has enough room presently to sign 1 Top tier FA and a lesser, but starter-caliber player. With at least 5 starting positions in play, its a numbers game – Draft alone will not supply enough quality talent.

Further, it’s become fairly typical that FA is used to augment the Draft. DAL is at least 2 more drafts away from the retooling/rebuilding or whatever Jerry-speak is in use for what we are doing. Until such a time DAL can restock primarily through the Draft it would be irresponsible not to utilize this channel

tdships - February 3, 2012 reply

But will they hit on their picks. That is the question.

DO you trust Jerry ?

football mensa - February 3, 2012 reply

short answer, NO!!

DarkKnight88 - February 4, 2012 reply

In other news.

I just apped for promotions in Boston, Philly and Pittsburgh. I have got to be nuts, even if it would only be for 1 year.
Someone just shoot me now…

This may sound odd, but if you take philthy, you can see the 'Boys twice.

Philly and Washington.

I actually wondered if we would play the Pats and I could see them then.

I am not sure I could bring myself to go to Eagles stadium. I was around the Vet a few times when I was delivering a load at game time. It was a dump and I just don’t like the city at all.

They play in the Linc now, but your point is VERY well taken.

no but we play the AFC North

So if you get a job in PA you have a good shot to go see a lot of live Cowboy games.

thebigham - February 3, 2012 reply

The Giants are closer to Philly than the Skins are

Seanrude - February 2, 2012 reply

Um, yikes!

Fernie67 - February 2, 2012 reply

Another thing to note...

Jerry and Co. has been burned a lot with FA choices and has tried to build through draft but the rookies never stepped up to the plate. ASA (if he developed properly) would have matured enough by now to step in and be an above average safety, instead was a flop.
If I was Jerry, I would be a little gun shy after the headaches of Pacman, Tank, and the worst deal of the decade… Roy Williams trade.
He tried to put all his eggs in one basket with Asomugha, passing up Weddle, Jonathan Joseph and Dawan Landry.
Jerry says he plans to put that money to use, I expect him to step out from the shadows.

http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/34676/chilo-rachal

Chilo Rachel

Fits the mold were looking for on the right side, unrestricted free agent, young, and will be a lot cheaper than nicks.

MPK9 - February 2, 2012 reply

I continue to say

The way to build a championship franchise is by DRAFTING well – not signing other peoples FAs to high priced multi-yr contracts…here’s why:

Drafting well means that a team pays less for the same (or roughly the same) production. Lee didn’t make the Superbowl but neither did David Harris (Jets) – Lee makes about $7 mil/yr less and both have the similar production.

Drafting well also builds team loyalty – if the team treats the player right. Perhaps, when the time comes to re-sign them, they might be apt to provide a home team discount.

Lastly, and most importantly, players have greater continuity with their coaches and other players by starting out as rookies. If Nicks comes here, he’ll probably be accepted with flying colors but will take some time learning the playbook, even more time learning the personalities of his teamates, etc. Even though they’re doing the same job, there new team may speak a new “language” in terms of audibles and the like.

Ask any coach, its usually a lot easier to assimilate a younger team than a team full of veteran players who have already established their own identities.

Every draft, the Cowboys need to draft the BEST PLAYER AVAILABLE at a position of need for the 1st 3 rounds. This will ensure that players who have the greatest potential to produce to a starter level are acquired.

For rounds 4-7, the Boys can draft for ST, for PS development or just draft the BPA in hopes of possibly finding a diamond in the rough.

Signing BIG NAME FAs to multi-yr contracts should occur only if the team is 1-2 players away from a Championship. This strategy applies to teams that mad deep playoff runs from the previous year and aren’t losing a ton of players due to retirement or FA – not for building a team. Signing veteran FAs that may have 2-3 more “good” years of production left but a highly undervalued (cheap to acquire) makes more sense for building teams that the veterans can provide the necessary technique and leadership in practice while allowing the younger players to actually gain experience from playing.

Tyrone Jenkins - February 2, 2012 reply

agreed

Carl Nicks will stay with the Saints

but if we could get him that would be huge, if we draft a Decastro or Glenn then we still need Holland or Kosier to start. We probably will not make a move at C so there will be a lot of competition at those other spots, do you want Kosier or Holland at LG? Yes, Decastro or Glenn would not do so well between Costa and Smith so expect the young OG to be on the right-side, could be Arkin or Nagy, and the veteran on the left. A guy like Nicks makes Kosier and Holland expendable. Kosier might be too banged up to be a starter so Holland might be the best bet, both Dockery and Kosier were terrible down the stretch.

If we don’t draft an OG in the 1st 3 rounds then we’ll need to get some depth in Free Agency, preferably younger. Personally I think we will be drafting a DE or OLB in the 1st and that leaves a CB or OG in the 2nd/3rd rounds.

scraig - February 2, 2012 reply

I Like

I would like if this would Happen

If nicks signs
1st round De Melvin Ingram(If he Falls)Or Decastro(Complete overhaul of Guard)
2nd Round CB Brandon Boykin or CB Stephen Gilmore
3rd Round ILB Like Tank Carder or a S like Markelle Martin
4th Round C Michael Brewster or C Ben Jones
5th Roun QB,OLB,Cb,S

If nicks goes else where
1st Round Decastro
2nd Round CB Brandon Boykin or CB Stephen Gilmore
3rd Round ILB Like Tank Carder or a S like Markelle Martin,or a DE/OLB type Player
4th Round C Michael Brewster or C Ben Jones
5th Roun QB,OLB,Cb,S

Dustin B101 - February 3, 2012 reply

I want no part of Cortland Finnegan.

Just throwing that out there. I can’t stand that dude. There is no way I could root for him.

Okay so he lost to Andre Johnson

But just imagine what he’d do against Desean hahaha

thebigham - February 3, 2012 reply

I'd rather not.

I just flat out don’t like him. He’s a punk and is one of the dirtiest players in the game. Let somebody else have him.