Free Agency: Darren Sharper, S

[casmith07]

I think this is a no brainer replacement for Ken Hamlin at the FS position. Sharper would make Jenkins, Newman, Scandrick, and Sensabaugh all more lethal in coverage because a QB would literally have nowhere to go with the ball.

Thursday, March 11, 2010
Shouldn't Cowboys show Sharper some love?
By Tim MacMahon

The New Orleans Saints haven't made safety Darren Sharper feel loved since the Super Bowl.

"If the love was right, that would have been taken care of," Sharper told the New Orleans Times-Picayune, referring to his free agency. The love would have been reciprocated."

Sharper was one of the NFL's best bargains last season, when he got paid $1.7 million and picked off nine passes during an All-Pro campaign. Now the 34-year-old safety wants a two- or three-year deal for significantly more money.

Shouldn't the Cowboys at least consider using their one big salary slot with the Final Eight free agency rules on Sharper?

Jerry Jones has made no secret that he wants more playmaking from his safeties. Sharper is one of the premier playmaking safeties in NFL history. He has 63 career picks, which leads all active players. He has 11 touchdown returns, more than anybody but Hall of Famer Rod Woodson. His 376 interception return yards last season, when he had three touchdowns, set an NFL record.

The Cowboys value Ken Hamlin because of his savvy and communication skills. They wouldn't lose any of that with Sharper, but they would address the defense's turnover deficiency.

[casmith07]

Numbers...my only hangup at this point would be age, but Sharper is playing like a 3rd or 4th year player out of college at 34, like Keith Brooking.

Darren Sharper
Career NFL statistics as of Week 11, 2009

Tackles 635
Sacks 7.5
INTs 63

[dadymat]

i would do it and draft a young un to groom....that way we wouldnt have to even consider using our first on the safety position this year....unless a no brainer fell to us

[22Cowboys21]

I think we should go get him!

[TheSport78]

Depends on his contract demands. I doubt he'll sign a one year deal because that's what the Saints are offering. I would have no problem releasing Hamlin, signing Sharper and drafting a safety somewhere in the 1st three rounds to groom.

[casmith07]

Agreed, lol. My main concern is his age though. And what if he doesn't want a 1 year contract? Would you feel comfortable with signing him to a 2 or 3 year contract? And it also depends on the money he demands. No more then 4 Mil IMO.

Quote From: the brutal Atogwe thread (http://cowboyszone.com/forums/showpost.php?p=3305406&postcount=148)

Absolutely. I would actually release Ken Hamlin and sign Darren Sharper to whatever we were planning to pay Ken Hamlin over the next 2 to 3 seasons, with most of it front-loaded for this season.

You KNOW you're going to basically generate at least a few more turnovers at this position alone, let alone what Sharper would allow Newman and Jenkins to do to opposing WRs. We'd likely be able to play a lot more press-man and regular man coverage instead of relying more heavily on Cover 2 Flat Zones.

I would not feel bad at all about basically swapping Ken Hamlin for Darren Sharper for the same amount of money.

You could bet your bottom dollar too that if Ken Hamlin got released, he'd be in a NYG, PHI, or WAS uniform by the end of the week. He's not amazing, but he'd definitely upgrade their secondaries.

[johnnyd]

i would do it and draft a young un to groom....that way we wouldnt have to even consider using our first on the safety position this year....unless a no brainer fell to us

agreed , assuming thomas was there at 27 then yeah ,but i want no part of mays at all , and i don't want to force someone like nate allen , jones or burnett.

[Cowboys22]

I'd love to have him on a two year deal. Michael Hamlin and a rookie would them have time to be ready to play.

[dbair1967]

You could bet your bottom dollar too that if Ken Hamlin got released, he'd be in a NYG, PHI, or WAS uniform by the end of the week. He's not amazing, but he'd definitely upgrade their secondaries.

And I bet Romo and our skills guys would just be licking their chops over it. They could attack the middle of the field like there's no tomorrow knowing Hamlin is zero threat to cut in front of a pass.

[LatinMind]

And I bet Romo and our skills guys would just be licking their chops over it. They could attack the middle of the field like there's no tomorrow knowing Hamlin is zero threat to cut in front of a pass.

IMO if dallas was to bring in a player like sharper. sensabaugh would be a goner. not because hamlin is any better, to me theyre the same player. but because jerry owes hamlin alot of money

[Bob Sacamano]

IMO if dallas was to bring in a player like sharper. sensabaugh would be a goner. not because hamlin is any better, to me theyre the same player. but because jerry owes hamlin alot of money

A lot of Hamlin's money comes off the books I believe. Don't quote me on that.

[casmith07]

agreed , assuming thomas was there at 27 then yeah ,but i want no part of mays at all , and i don't want to force someone like nate allen , jones or burnett.

I don't know about Earl Thomas. When's the last time someone came out of Texas and did something?

I much rather would have Nate Allen. I would draft him based on what we've gotten out of Mike Jenkins alone.

Nate Allen, 2009 - 80 tackles, 1 FF, 5 INT.
Career - 216 tackles, 2 FF, 10 INT.

The only years he had less than 80 tackles were his freshman year where he recorded 2 tackles, and his junior year (injury shortened) where he garnered 53 tackles.

He can already cover pretty well...imagine learning behind Sharper for 2 or 3 years before getting a shot?

Sharper, Sensabaugh, Newman, Jenkins, Scandrick, Ball, Allen, M. Hamlin...I doubt we'd carry that many DBs, but that's a NICE platoon of DBs. At least two of those guys (Ball and Scandrick) would be ready to start in about 1 or 2 seasons if some of the older guys needed to get shipped.

At any rate, Jerry needs to sign Darren Sharper. Like tomorrow.

[casmith07]

A lot of Hamlin's money comes off the books I believe. Don't quote me on that.

I think if Hamlin is released this year, his cap hit for the next year or two is significantly less than what it would be if we waited a year.

[SLATEmosphere]

I don't know what the hell Jerry is doing.

He's being way too cute.

Get Sharper. Draft Nate Allen. It's not that ****ing hard.

Sharper is 34. Ya I get it. He's old. Get over it. The dude can still play

Alot of people doubted him last year. He looked great. Alot of people doubted Brooking when we signed him. He looked great.

[Bob Sacamano]

I think if Hamlin is released this year, his cap hit for the next year or two is significantly less than what it would be if we waited a year.

Yeah, I think your interpretation is more correct.

[dbair1967]

I think this is a no brainer replacement for Ken Hamlin at the FS position. Sharper would make Jenkins, Newman, Scandrick, and Sensabaugh all more lethal in coverage because a QB would literally have nowhere to go with the ball.

Thursday, March 11, 2010
Shouldn't Cowboys show Sharper some love?
By Tim MacMahon

The New Orleans Saints haven't made safety Darren Sharper feel loved since the Super Bowl.

"If the love was right, that would have been taken care of," Sharper told the New Orleans Times-Picayune, referring to his free agency. The love would have been reciprocated."

Sharper was one of the NFL's best bargains last season, when he got paid $1.7 million and picked off nine passes during an All-Pro campaign. Now the 34-year-old safety wants a two- or three-year deal for significantly more money.

Shouldn't the Cowboys at least consider using their one big salary slot with the Final Eight free agency rules on Sharper?

Jerry Jones has made no secret that he wants more playmaking from his safeties. Sharper is one of the premier playmaking safeties in NFL history. He has 63 career picks, which leads all active players. He has 11 touchdown returns, more than anybody but Hall of Famer Rod Woodson. His 376 interception return yards last season, when he had three touchdowns, set an NFL record.

The Cowboys value Ken Hamlin because of his savvy and communication skills. They wouldn't lose any of that with Sharper, but they would address the defense's turnover deficiency.

I definitely wouldnt break the bank to sign him. He had a great season, but his previous two or three years in Minnesota were nothing special and alot of people thought he was done.

As someone else mentioned, the ideal thing would be a 1yr deal, which is apparently all that his won team is willing to do for him. Beyond that, the odds he'd be worth the deal lessen greatly.

I'd much prefer to find a long term answer via the draft.

[CanuckCowboysFan]

Quote From: the brutal Atogwe thread (http://cowboyszone.com/forums/showpost.php?p=3305406&postcount=148)

Absolutely. I would actually release Ken Hamlin and sign Darren Sharper to whatever we were planning to pay Ken Hamlin over the next 2 to 3 seasons, with most of it front-loaded for this season.

You KNOW you're going to basically generate at least a few more turnovers at this position alone, let alone what Sharper would allow Newman and Jenkins to do to opposing WRs. We'd likely be able to play a lot more press-man and regular man coverage instead of relying more heavily on Cover 2 Flat Zones.

I would not feel bad at all about basically swapping Ken Hamlin for Darren Sharper for the same amount of money.

You could bet your bottom dollar too that if Ken Hamlin got released, he'd be in a NYG, PHI, or WAS uniform by the end of the week. He's not amazing, but he'd definitely upgrade their secondaries.


Yeah, I'm starting to open up to the idea. The fact that he was 34 scared me a little, but after last season I have confidence in the guy. However, I can't get that whiffed tackle on Addai in the SB out of my head. Yeah, he is more then capable of playing man to. A solid CB somewhere in the draft then would basically make the secondary unstoppable.


3 years 14 Mill is what I would offer. And I wouldn't be surprised at all if Snyder was all over him if we released him as well.

[SLATEmosphere]

I definitely wouldnt break the bank to sign him. He had a great season, but his previous two or three years in Minnesota were nothing special and alot of people thought he was done.

As someone else mentioned, the ideal thing would be a 1yr deal, which is apparently all that his won team is willing to do for him. Beyond that, the odds he'd be worth the deal lessen greatly.

I'd much prefer to find a long term answer via the draft.

Sharper. 1 yr 4 million dollar contract. Seeya Hamlin.

Draft Nate Allen in the 2nd. Have him learn a year, maybe even getting a few snaps at the star position in some packages.

He takes over in 2011 at FS for the next ten years.

[Bluefin]

IMO if dallas was to bring in a player like sharper. sensabaugh would be a goner. not because hamlin is any better, to me theyre the same player. but because jerry owes hamlin alot of money

Ken Hamlin isn't any more appealing to me at strong safety than he currently is at free safety.

He isn't a sound tackler and has poor man coverage skills.

[casmith07]

I definitely wouldnt break the bank to sign him. He had a great season, but his previous two or three years in Minnesota were nothing special and alot of people thought he was done.

As someone else mentioned, the ideal thing would be a 1yr deal, which is apparently all that his won team is willing to do for him. Beyond that, the odds he'd be worth the deal lessen greatly.

I'd much prefer to find a long term answer via the draft.

I would hardly call these numbers "done."

2007 - 63 tackles, 8 PD, 4 INT, 1 TD
2008 - 69 tackles, 5 PD, 1 INT

Consider the fact that he was playing on a team that had basically nobody playing cornerback, nobody playing Strong Safety, and nobody playing on offense either except for Adrian Peterson. And they were still a playoff/Super Bowl favorite.

Sharper would be even better in Dallas than in New Orleans - he wouldn't have to play Mr. Cover-Your-Butt for his CBs and pick off passes and roam in double coverage all over the field because you can actually leave Newman and Jenkins on an island and be okay. Mike MacKenzie? Not so much.

3-years, $12M, with a $3.5M signing bonus. Let's make a deal.

[casmith07]

Sharper. 1 yr 4 million dollar contract. Seeya Hamlin.

Draft Nate Allen in the 2nd. Have him learn a year, maybe even getting a few snaps at the star position in some packages.

He takes over in 2011 at FS for the next ten years.

Agreed except on the contract figures - Sharper won't sign for 1 year...that's why he's not still in New Orleans right now.

Agree 100% on drafting Nate Allen.

Change your sig to Darren Sharper, kthx. :laugh1:

[dbair1967]

I would hardly call these numbers "done."

2007 - 63 tackles, 8 PD, 4 INT, 1 TD
2008 - 69 tackles, 5 PD, 1 INT

Consider the fact that he was playing on a team that had basically nobody playing cornerback, nobody playing Strong Safety, and nobody playing on offense either except for Adrian Peterson. And they were still a playoff/Super Bowl favorite.

Sharper would be even better in Dallas than in New Orleans - he wouldn't have to play Mr. Cover-Your-Butt for his CBs and pick off passes and roam in double coverage all over the field because you can actually leave Newman and Jenkins on an island and be okay. Mike MacKenzie? Not so much.

Just repeating what many said, that he was a shadow of his former self there. To say they had nobody playing CB isnt accurate either. And they've always had a stout defensive front.

I'm not totally opposed to it, but at some point age is going to catch up to him bigtime. He's getting up there. I tend to think this season was more of a mirage than anything else. Old safeties dont remain playmakers very long, at some point not being able to run is a huge detriment.

[SLATEmosphere]

rNHA1TzrUm8

Nuff said.

[LatinMind]

I think if Hamlin is released this year, his cap hit for the next year or two is significantly less than what it would be if we waited a year.

this is hamlins 3rd yr of the deal

Signing bonus - $9 million
2008 base salary - $605,000
2009 - $4.305 million
2010 - $5.596 million
2011 - $5 million
2012 - $6 million
2013 - $7 million

salaries in 2008 and 2009 were guaranteed. and in the first 3 yrs of the deal he was 19.506 mil, which comes out to 1.5 mil a yr for signing bonus

hes owed 7096000 this yr. he wont be cut. then hes still owed another 4.5 guranteed for the remaining 3 yrs.

[yimyammer]

Sharper is 10 times better than Hamlin!!!!!

(Cue the Hos)

[casmith07]

this is hamlins 3rd yr of the deal

Signing bonus - $9 million
2008 base salary - $605,000
2009 - $4.305 million
2010 - $5.596 million
2011 - $5 million
2012 - $6 million
2013 - $7 million

salaries in 2008 and 2009 were guaranteed. and in the first 3 yrs of the deal he was 19.506 mil, which comes out to 1.5 mil a yr for signing bonus

hes owed 7096000 this yr. he wont be cut. then hes still owed another 4.5 guranteed for the remaining 3 yrs.

Not sure where you got that. I got this:

Hamlin is guaranteed around $1 million of his $5.596 million base in 2010. If the system didn't change, it would cost the Cowboys about $2 million of cap room.

Under the upcoming system, it would cost them the $1 million or so Hamlin is due.

Source: http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/football/cowboys/stories/022410dnspoarcheritem.1490a597e.html

[Hostile]

I have no interest in adding Darren Sharper. I expect to be virtually alone in that opinion. It will shock and dismay some. They will think I am disbanding the clique that doesn't exist. It may force them to look only at opinions instead of personalities. It is damned cruel of me to destroy myths in such a haphazard fashion.

[adamknite]

I thought we should of signed him years ago when he left Green Bay. Now, not so much, but I wouldn't be mad or anything if we did.

[gimmesix]

I don't know what the hell Jerry is doing.

He's being way too cute.

So because you don't know what he's doing, he's being way too cute?

Maybe, just maybe, he and his staff have a plan.

[yimyammer]

In all seriousness, I'm no expert but I'm not wild about signing a 34 year old safety that may prevent another player from developing or for that matter failing so the team can find the right person, especially if he impacts the cap that could return in the future. Perhaps if Dallas could get a good contract like NO got with him last year, it might make sense, but I'm sure he'll just stay in NO if he cant get the big bucks.

If I am going to wish for anything, I hope we have the talent evaluators on staff that can find and develop youth in this and all positions.

[Hostile]

In all seriousness, I'm no expert but I'm not wild about signing a 34 year old safety that may prevent another player from developing or for that matter failing so the team can find the right person, especially if he impacts the cap that could return in the future. Perhaps if Dallas could get a good contract like NO got with him last year, it might make sense, but I'm sure he'll just stay in NO if he cant get the big bucks.

If I am going to wish for anything, I hope we have the talent evaluators on staff that can find and develop youth in this and all positions.Damnit yim. I wanted to be all alone in not wanting him. You want him right now.

:wink2:

[SLATEmosphere]

So because you don't know what he's doing, he's being way too cute?

Maybe, just maybe, he and his staff have a plan.

Doubt it.

I honestly don't know where this franchise is headed.

We used to wheal n deal and now we are extremely frugile.

I have no clue what our strategy is.

[Hostile]

Doubt it.

I honestly don't know where this franchise is headed.

We used to wheal n deal and now we are extremely frugile.

I have no clue what our strategy is.Never mind...shut the hell up Hos.

[SLATEmosphere]

Never mind...shut the hell up Hos.

not saying it's bad.

Just don't get these Dr Jekyl and Mr. Hyde offseasons.

[yimyammer]

Damnit yim. I wanted to be all alone in not wanting him. You want him right now.

:wink2:

I honestly have no expertise to say either way.

If I could see into the future and know how he would impact the team and that a younger player couldn't be drafted and perform quickly, then it could make sense.

Since I'm no Nostradamus, I'll just stick to judging the past and continue *****ing about the Roy Williams trade

[Bob Sacamano]

In all seriousness, I'm no expert but I'm not wild about signing a 34 year old safety that may prevent another player from developing or for that matter failing so the team can find the right person, especially if he impacts the cap that could return in the future. Perhaps if Dallas could get a good contract like NO got with him last year, it might make sense, but I'm sure he'll just stay in NO if he cant get the big bucks.

If I am going to wish for anything, I hope we have the talent evaluators on staff that can find and develop youth in this and all positions.

Ken Hamlin is going to do that if he stays here, and I don't think Dallas gets rid of him w/o a viable vet to take his place. Might as well get a real FS in here.

[Hostile]

I honestly have no expertise to say either way.

If I could see into the future and know how he would impact the team and that a younger player couldn't be drafted and perform quickly, then it could make sense.

Since I'm no Nostradamus, I'll just stick to judging the past and continue *****ing about the Roy Williams tradeYeah but man, I don't need yet another person to be accused of needing to find a hotel room with. Here is my chance to be a contrarian and have no one agree with me and you gotta screw everything up. I hope you can live with the shame that accompanies agreeing with me.

[Bob Sacamano]

Yeah but man, I don't need yet another person to be accused of needing to find a hotel room with. Here is my chance to be a contrarian and have no one agree with me and you gotta screw everything up. I hope you can live with the shame that accompanies agreeing with me.

No one has a problem with people agreeing with you, Hos. Just the pack mentality that always seems to swirl around you if some don't toe the Party (Dallas Cowboy, not what me and you discussed via PM) line. The guffaws, Internet back slaps and, "boy, Hos, you really owned that guy! hahaha ones"

[Hostile]

not saying it's bad.

Just don't get these Dr Jekyl and Mr. Hyde offseasons.You doubt there's an off season plan, even after the strategy they've used in the tender offers?

Is there ever a desire to simply not be a reactionary and try and learn from what is really going on?


Edit...80k. Didn't even realize.

[Bluestang]

Count me in the very, very small group that doesn't want to sign this guy. I watched alot of NO games and Sharper cannpt tackle a RB to save his life. He is horrible in run support and was one of the prime reasons that NO was terrible against the run (and why we were effective against them). He made Joseph Addai look like a superstar in the Super Bowl.

His age is of concern too but he may also not fit into this system. Just because he was successful in NO doesn't mean it will translate here. I'm ready to get rid Hamlin like everyone else but not with another aging vet.

[kowboyMarlon]

Count me in the very, very small group that doesn't want to sign this guy. I watched alot of NO games and Sharper cannpt tackle a RB to save his life. He is horrible in run support and was one of the prime reasons that NO was terrible against the run (and why we were effective against them). He made Joseph Addai look like a superstar in the Super Bowl.

His age is of concern too but he may also not fit into this system. Just because he was successful in NO doesn't mean it will translate here. I'm ready to get rid Hamlin like everyone else but not with another aging vet.

Another reason not to sign Sharper is that he can't pass a physical right now. That's according to the Times-Picayune. Thats also New Orleans has not extended much more of an offer to him.

[casmith07]

In all seriousness, I'm no expert but I'm not wild about signing a 34 year old safety that may prevent another player from developing or for that matter failing so the team can find the right person, especially if he impacts the cap that could return in the future. Perhaps if Dallas could get a good contract like NO got with him last year, it might make sense, but I'm sure he'll just stay in NO if he cant get the big bucks.

If I am going to wish for anything, I hope we have the talent evaluators on staff that can find and develop youth in this and all positions.

That's my biggest hangup too...He's not just over 30, he's halfway to 40.

I guess the way that I look at it, though, is that you can't get worse by switching Hamlin for Sharper, except maybe in chemistry and even then Sharper's a great guy and not some knucklehead. I think the rookies and young DBs on the roster would learn more from Sharper than Hamlin, too, but that's 100% me talking opinion not based on any real knowledge of what Ken Hamlin is trying to do to mentor younger guys.

The deal would have to be very cap friendly though. I know I said 3-years, $12M earlier, but I'm thinking somewhere more along the lines of 2 years, $7M. That would put him at 36 or 37, and he might even retire if we made a deep run this next year or won the Super Bowl, which would work out well, since we'd have a bunch of young guys ready to step up.

I dunno...just throwing an idea out there. He'd look good in Silver & Blue :)

[Hostile]

No one has a problem with people agreeing with you, Hos. Just the pack mentality that always seems to swirl around you if some don't toe the Party (Dallas Cowboy, not what me and you discussed via PM) line.My apologies that what I say often makes sense to people Bob. I should be damned ashamed of myself for not being a total freaking moron. I should forget all that I know and feel about the game in favor of trying to be self important and accusatory. I should over react to everything instead of trying to analyze why decisions are made and I should definitely not try to make sense. Damn me, damn me completely to hell.

[SLATEmosphere]

You doubt there's an off season plan, even after the strategy they've used in the tender offers?

Is there ever a desire to simply not be a reactionary and try and learn from what is really going on?

I'm just pretty bored with this offseason

Excuse my knee jerk reactions.

[yimyammer]

Yeah but man, I don't need yet another person to be accused of needing to find a hotel room with. Here is my chance to be a contrarian and have no one agree with me and you gotta screw everything up. I hope you can live with the shame that accompanies agreeing with me.

Just this one time...;) ...I don't think I'm really agreeing or disagreeing with you or anyone in this post, i have no idea what the best move is. I do wonder how so many people can be so certain in their opinions considering I doubt many, if any, have the expertise, insight or access to players to form such staunch positions

[Bob Sacamano]

My apologies that what I say often makes sense to people Bob.

It's more like you homer out and like-minded homers respond favorably. Or derisively. Depends on who you ask.

[gimmesix]

Doubt it.

I honestly don't know where this franchise is headed.

We used to wheal n deal and now we are extremely frugile.

I have no clue what our strategy is.

If you're trying to nail down a specific strategy Dallas uses in free agency, you're never going to find it. Strategies shift based on what the team has and what the team did.

The reality is that Dallas does not have to make a single move this off-season to get a starter. Jones can pick and choose opportunities to upgrade knowing that he does not have to replace a Ken Hamlin or a Flozell Adams for this team to succeed.

You might think he does, and that's frustrating you, but Jones obviously doesn't think there is anyone he absolutely has to have (which I agree with). It's going to be all about seizing the right opportunities ... which requires patience.

[Hostile]

I'm just pretty bored with this offseason

Excuse my knee jerk reactions.I have to excuse them. If I comment in any other way you fly off the handle and direct all kinds of scorn at me and anyone who dares agree with me.

Me, I prefer to study the game, and learn. But I can see why that is no fun. Look how many enemies it gets me and anyone who tries to do the same.

[Hostile]

Just this one time...;) ...I don't think I'm really agreeing or disagreeing with you or anyone in this post, i have no idea what the best move is. I do wonder how so many people can be so certain in their opinions considering I doubt many, if any, have the expertise, insight or access to players to form such staunch positionsWe all value our own opinions. Nothing wrong with that. I think a lot of them are poorly considered.

[Hostile]

It's more like you homer out and like-minded homers respond favorably. Or derisively. Depends on who you ask.I never homer out. I agree with some things. I disagree with other things. Some people are mature enough to realize that, some aren't.

[unionjack8]

I have no interest in adding Darren Sharper. I expect to be virtually alone in that opinion. It will shock and dismay some. They will think I am disbanding the clique that doesn't exist. It may force them to look only at opinions instead of personalities. It is damned cruel of me to destroy myths in such a haphazard fashion.

actually you're not alone. I dont want Sharper either. I like how he played last year but at some point the guy will slow down, and when he does it;ll happen fast imo.

He's had a good career, a damn good one but i'd much rather look at Nate Allen or Major Wright in the draft and for sure i'd be thinking long and hard about bringing in Atogwe for a look.

I'm no fan of Hamlin either and would love to see an upgrade at FS.

[RealCowboyfan]

I think we should go get him!


Great Point. I would love to get Darren Sharper because of his playmaking skills.

[Bluestang]

It's awesome to think about how good this defense has gotten in the last year that everyone and their brother wants to get rid of Ken Hamlin because he is the weak link.

[FuzzyLumpkins]

Id rather get Atogwe. He got the minimum tender so no draft pick.

[Rampage]

Tim Mcmahon is acting like a crazy fan with that stupid article.

[Arch Stanton]

I don't think Sharper is on the radar. He was a guy they thought they could target in the NO game. Besides he's old.

[dbair1967]

Doubt it.

I honestly don't know where this franchise is headed.

We used to wheal n deal and now we are extremely frugile.

I have no clue what our strategy is.

The strategy is to be nothing like the Redskins, hence, why we are better than them right now and have been for some time. It's also why we had a team that went 11-5, won a playoff game for the first time in awhile and have the other 3 teams in this division chasing us now. We'll be a significant favorite in the NFC.

This team is stocked with good young talent, most of whom who are just entering their primes. And your questioning their "strategy"?? Just because Jones and co are smart enough to avoid bad contracts just for the sake of adding some big name players, doesnt mean there's no "strategy"

[Hoofbite]

The strategy is to be nothing like the Redskins, hence, why we are better than them right now and have been for some time. It's also why we had a team that went 11-5, won a playoff game for the first time in awhile and have the other 3 teams in this division chasing us now. We'll be a significant favorite in the NFC.

This team is stocked with good young talent, most of whom who are just entering their primes. And your questioning their "strategy"?? Just because Jones and co are smart enough to avoid bad contracts just for the sake of adding some big name players, doesnt mean there's no "strategy"

I don't think anyone suggested being the Redskins.

I think Jerry has some ideas lined up but I agree with Slate a little bit, I don't know what they are or what they appear to be heading. Jerry and Co. seem to have reversed tracks on their acquisition policies.

IMO it kind of seems like the team is overestimating it's talent level.

They spent an entire draft on special teamers last season. In a draft that many considered weak, they picked a dozen guys who were viewed mostly as backups and many people expect them to use a pretty valuable pick on a KR guy this year. Not saying that I am against it, just pointing it out.

And now it kind of seems that Dallas isn't really all that interested in FA. I realize the restrictions are there but it's a little odd to see the team slow play to this extent. The safety position has a couple of guys worth looking at and Dallas just doesn't really appear to care.

Just kind of seems Dallas is a little too comfortable. I'm all for building the team the right through the draft but if you can potentially upgrade a position in FA, why not? Even though I don't care about the cost because it's not my money and I have faith that the Jones' will get a nicely structured deal, I'm not advocating breaking the bank here.

Just a little strange I guess. Jerry has always been a guy who wasn't afraid of making a move in FA, kind of odd to see the team show no interest in doing anything. I really hope they aren't overestimating the talent at a couple of positions.

[Hoofbite]

I don't think Sharper is on the radar. He was a guy they thought they could target in the NO game. Besides he's old.

People, myself included, have been saying Sharper is old for many years and he is still proving them wrong.

I don't care how old he is, 9 INTs is stellar.

[Hostile]

I don't think anyone suggested being the Redskins.

I think Jerry has some ideas lined up but I agree with Slate a little bit, I don't know what they are or what they appear to be heading. Jerry and Co. seem to have reversed tracks on their acquisition policies.No they haven't. Tell me who we rushed to sign in 2009? 2008? 2007? 2006?

Not since 2005 when in one day we got Marco Rivera, Anthony Henry, and Jason Ferguson have we tried to make a quick big splash. Even that was 3 days into the process.

IMO it kind of seems like the team is overestimating it's talent level.Or that you are under estimating it.

They spent an entire draft on special teamers last season. In a draft that many considered weak, they picked a dozen guys who were viewed mostly as backups and many people expect them to use a pretty valuable pick on a KR guy this year. Not saying that I am against it, just pointing it out.

And now it kind of seems that Dallas isn't really all that interested in FA. I realize the restrictions are there but it's a little odd to see the team slow play to this extent. The safety position has a couple of guys worth looking at and Dallas just doesn't really appear to care.It can't possibly be that the team does not agree with fan and media perception of some of our players right?

Just kind of seems Dallas is a little too comfortable. I'm all for building the team the right through the draft but if you can potentially upgrade a position in FA, why not? Even though I don't care about the cost because it's not my money and I have faith that the Jones' will get a nicely structured deal, I'm not advocating breaking the bank here.

Just a little strange I guess. Jerry has always been a guy who wasn't afraid of making a move in FA, kind of odd to see the team show no interest in doing anything. I really hope they aren't overestimating the talent at a couple of positions.I don't think there is any fear. I also think that there really isn't anyone all that great to be had. I especially don't want to sign someone who will cost us draft picks. Screw that. If we sign no one, and simply draft guys, I will be fine with it.

That said, we will sign a couple of guys at least. I am sure of it. One reason the Jones get nicely structured deals is because they have a solid plan in place immediately.

[Gzus]

I don't think anyone suggested being the Redskins.

I think Jerry has some ideas lined up but I agree with Slate a little bit, I don't know what they are or what they appear to be heading. Jerry and Co. seem to have reversed tracks on their acquisition policies.

IMO it kind of seems like the team is overestimating it's talent level.

They spent an entire draft on special teamers last season. In a draft that many considered weak, they picked a dozen guys who were viewed mostly as backups and many people expect them to use a pretty valuable pick on a KR guy this year. Not saying that I am against it, just pointing it out.

And now it kind of seems that Dallas isn't really all that interested in FA. I realize the restrictions are there but it's a little odd to see the team slow play to this extent. The safety position has a couple of guys worth looking at and Dallas just doesn't really appear to care.

Just kind of seems Dallas is a little too comfortable. I'm all for building the team the right through the draft but if you can potentially upgrade a position in FA, why not? Even though I don't care about the cost because it's not my money and I have faith that the Jones' will get a nicely structured deal, I'm not advocating breaking the bank here.

Just a little strange I guess. Jerry has always been a guy who wasn't afraid of making a move in FA, kind of odd to see the team show no interest in doing anything. I really hope they aren't overestimating the talent at a couple of positions.

I think that they've learned from their previous mistakes and from the mistakes of many other teams. The big free agency splash is not what builds your team but frugal and smart spending coupled with quality drafting. I like this new version of the Dallas Cowboys and their new strategy for player acquisition, it's much smarter and less reckless. You wait around and play smart and you can bring in players that are a great value and perform well in your current scheme, ie. Olshansky and Brooking. If the Boys were all about the splash they could have done some extreme moves like resigning Canty, look where that got NYG.... Smart is always better, make a splash when it's there to be made but never when it puts your team in a bad position.

[Arch Stanton]

People, myself included, have been saying Sharper is old for many years and he is still proving them wrong.

I don't care how old he is, 9 INTs is stellar.

That's true, but it is a young man's game and eventually there will be a talent drop off. And as I said in my post they thought they could do some things against him. Cue the Austin TD.....