The latest from Len P. on Darren Howard in his Tip Sheet

[jlust22]

• Last week in this space, we reported that the Oakland Raiders were the latest team to demonstrate interest in acquiring New Orleans "franchise" defensive end Darren Howard in a trade. This week, the Raiders ratcheted up talks by speaking directly with Howard's agent, Gary Wichard, about what it would take to sign his client to a long-term contract.

That doesn't necessarily mean the trade negotiations are significantly further along, only that Oakland remains interested enough to have made the next logical step. Word is that Howard isn't quite as enamored with the prospects of going to Oakland as he was the potential for a trade to Dallas, where he would be reunited with Cowboys tackle La'Roi Glover, a former New Orleans line mate. Translation: It's going to take a little more money to persuade Howard, who is coming off a season in which he tied his career best for sacks (11) despite playing much of the season out of position at tackle, that he wants to commit long-term to the Raiders. How much more? We don't know. But Wichard had proposed to the Cowboys, who remain interested in Howard as well, a six-year deal at $34 million and change, with $16 million of that in bonus money.

Another sticking point is that Saints officials haven't demonstrated much interest in the trade bait the Raiders are dangling, principally "franchise" cornerback Charles Woodson.

[ddh33]

And the saga continues...

In all seriousness, I think the Cowboys interest in actually making the Howard deal happen may depend on what happens on draft day. For instance, if Derrick Johnson is on the board at #11, he is going to be awfully hard to pass up. He's a playmaker, and he's local. Jerry will love him.

In that scenario, you might take DJ, and then try to make a deal with New Orleans to get your pass rusher. You could use that #20 pick to stockpile more picks later.

[InmanRoshi]

I think there is a defensive end the Cowboys are hoping is there at #11 or after a short trade down. Howard is the contingency plan in case he's gone.

[Portland Fanatic]

I think there is a defensive end the Cowboys are hoping is there at #11 or after a short trade down. Howard is the contingency plan in case he's gone.

I agree he may be the contingency plan...plus if we get him now we've locked ourselves to 4-3...not sure they want to do that.

[ddh33]

The contingency plan certainly sounds logical enough to me. I've kind of thought that if he was THE priority, he would have already been here. I'm just wondering which pass rusher you think is the target?

[Portland Fanatic]

The contingency plan certainly sounds logical enough to me. I've kind of thought that if he was THE priority, he would have already been here. I'm just wondering which pass rusher you think is the target?

At this point I'm think it's Merriman...can play both OLB or hand down DE. I'd be surprised if it's DJ, but he's one heck of a football player so would not be disappointed...just surprised.

[InmanRoshi]

The contingency plan certainly sounds logical enough to me. I've kind of thought that if he was THE priority, he would have already been here. I'm just wondering which pass rusher you think is the target?

I'm thinking it might be Spears. Parcells supposedly loved Kevin Williams coming out of the draft. Mickey said he was Parcells second choice behind Newman. Parcells loves big, strong, physical players on the D-line. He said your ideal DE in a 4-3 should be 290 lbs. And if you believe that he and Belichick run similar philosophies, the Patriots have pretty much taken a big, strong, defensive lineman every draft since Bellichick took over ... Richard Seymour, Ty Warren, Vince Wilfolk, Marquis Hill ... he likes to spend those high picks big lineman, even if its just for depth, over pass rushing OLB's.

[booboo]

And the saga continues...

In all seriousness, I think the Cowboys interest in actually making the Howard deal happen may depend on what happens on draft day. For instance, if Derrick Johnson is on the board at #11, he is going to be awfully hard to pass up. He's a playmaker, and he's local. Jerry will love him.

In that scenario, you might take DJ, and then try to make a deal with New Orleans to get your pass rusher. You could use that #20 pick to stockpile more picks later.

By the same measure, whos to say that if Derrick Johnson is gone at #11 and we don't pick up any DE in the draft, that Howard might even seak to command more from the boys in a trade?

[Hollywood Henderson]

I don't agree that a Howard signing means 4-3 at all...

DH can play ether inside or out, very versitle strong player! He could easily play a 3-4 DE!

Now if we could pull off the trade for him for tiny Dat/gnat or a 2nd rounder next year, we did make out great!

It would also allow us to have alot of options in the draft this year!

[ddh33]

Well, I have a few thoughts about the whole defensive end position.

I think I already said in this thread that if Darren Howard was the absolute number one target of Dallas, he would already be here. I suspect that if he ends up here, it's because Dallas could get something else they wanted.

I believe that if Merriman is the target, folks better be preparing themselves to be disappointed. I don't think he's falling any farther than the Skins. The good news, I suppose, is that I don't think Merriman is Dallas' target.

I think Spears makes the most sense. He's the kind of guy Parcells loves. He got a lot of attention from Dallas when they met. I believe he can effectively play the end in a four man front. I also think he allows a certain versatility that should appeal to a team wanting to show multiple looks.

[jem88]

And the saga continues...

In all seriousness, I think the Cowboys interest in actually making the Howard deal happen may depend on what happens on draft day. For instance, if Derrick Johnson is on the board at #11, he is going to be awfully hard to pass up. He's a playmaker, and he's local. Jerry will love him.

In that scenario, you might take DJ, and then try to make a deal with New Orleans to get your pass rusher. You could use that #20 pick to stockpile more picks later. He might be good but I hate the idea of drafting a Longhorn.

[Nors]

• Last week in this space, we reported that the Oakland Raiders were the latest team to demonstrate interest in acquiring New Orleans "franchise" defensive end Darren Howard in a trade. This week, the Raiders ratcheted up talks by speaking directly with Howard's agent, Gary Wichard, about what it would take to sign his client to a long-term contract.

That doesn't necessarily mean the trade negotiations are significantly further along, only that Oakland remains interested enough to have made the next logical step. Word is that Howard isn't quite as enamored with the prospects of going to Oakland as he was the potential for a trade to Dallas, where he would be reunited with Cowboys tackle La'Roi Glover, a former New Orleans line mate. Translation: It's going to take a little more money to persuade Howard, who is coming off a season in which he tied his career best for sacks (11) despite playing much of the season out of position at tackle, that he wants to commit long-term to the Raiders. How much more? We don't know. But Wichard had proposed to the Cowboys, who remain interested in Howard as well, a six-year deal at $34 million and change, with $16 million of that in bonus money.

Another sticking point is that Saints officials haven't demonstrated much interest in the trade bait the Raiders are dangling, principally "franchise" cornerback Charles Woodson.

Wichard threw his Plexiglass like offer at Cowboys. Admitted days later to never hearing back. Trade went dead in the water and NO mgmt recently saying they are getting cold shoulder from Dallas! helllo?

At that Price let the Raiders have him....

[jobberone]

I think Dallas is keeping all options open to improving the team. That's a no brainer.

It seems they felt they could get Howard for less as time went on. The Saints will either have to pay him and play him or cut him unless they make a deal. The closer the draft gets the more pressure on everyone. After that the pressure builds until July15. It's obvious Dallas does not feel pressured to make a move here at any cost and they feel they have other options.

Ala, someone like Pryce and the draft. The Broncos are in a worse fix than NO and with a player with a bad back. They went out and got another DL. So Denver appears ready to cut ties. They can only fall back on a release and resign at a lower contract. I doubt Pryce will not go to another team.

Pryce would do better to take a decent bonus (assuming he passes a physical and the doctors give the green light in regards to him being able to play out a contract for at least a 2-3 years) and load it up with incentives for playing time, sacks, pressures, yada.

This gives Pryce some bargaining leverage with teams and teams an out if he fails to perform. Some form of can't play due to preexisting injury and the acquiring team has only a little cash risk, holding a roster spot for a potentially non-productive player and the risk of not drafting another player at that position. The upside is a Pro Bowl quality pass rusher.

I would hope Dallas is looking at Pryce as an option and looking via "back" channels already.

[dmq]

this gut is waiting for a payday and we have to give them a draft pick. PASS!!

[Seven]

I think Dallas is keeping all options open to improving the team. That's a no brainer.

It seems they felt they could get Howard for less as time went on. The Saints will either have to pay him and play him or cut him unless they make a deal. The closer the draft gets the more pressure on everyone. After that the pressure builds until July15. It's obvious Dallas does not feel pressured to make a move here at any cost and they feel they have other options.

Ala, someone like Pryce and the draft. The Broncos are in a worse fix than NO and with a player with a bad back. They went out and got another DL. So Denver appears ready to cut ties. They can only fall back on a release and resign at a lower contract. I doubt Pryce will not go to another team.

Pryce would do better to take a decent bonus (assuming he passes a physical and the doctors give the green light in regards to him being able to play out a contract for at least a 2-3 years) and load it up with incentives for playing time, sacks, pressures, yada.

This gives Pryce some bargaining leverage with teams and teams an out if he fails to perform. Some form of can't play due to preexisting injury and the acquiring team has only a little cash risk, holding a roster spot for a potentially non-productive player and the risk of not drafting another player at that position. The upside is a Pro Bowl quality pass rusher.

I would hope Dallas is looking at Pryce as an option and looking via "back" channels already.

Jobber you usually make sense. Your Posts are always fair and board savvy.
I just can't agree with anything that includes Trevor "Wiley".http://cowboyszone.com/forums/images/icons/icon9.gif

[Chuck 54]

I agree he may be the contingency plan...plus if we get him now we've locked ourselves to 4-3...not sure they want to do that.
Let's see...he's a big DE who got 11 sacks playing out of position at DT this past year...yet we don't think he can play DE in the occasional 3-4????

I think we're crazy if we think we'll find a better DE in the draft than in Howard...none of these guys are evening getting the play that merits a #11 pick in my opinion.

[Chuck 54]

At this point I'm think it's Merriman...can play both OLB or hand down DE. I'd be surprised if it's DJ, but he's one heck of a football player so would not be disappointed...just surprised.
Why do so many people think Merriman can put his hand on the ground and play DE...he's never done it !!!

He stands up outside as a LB...let's the blockers get their hands on him...then when the QB doesn't find someone to pass to or is flushed by others outside, he DOES close with great speed and gets the sack....look at the highlight videos....there wasn't 1 play where he actually got back there before the QB had a chance to look around....on most of his highlight reel sacks, the QB had been back there quite a while...I"m just not seeing the allure of Merriman at all unless we really think he can play strictly OLB.

[Nors]

I don't agree that a Howard signing means 4-3 at all...

DH can play ether inside or out, very versitle strong player! He could easily play a 3-4 DE!

Now if we could pull off the trade for him for tiny Dat/gnat or a 2nd rounder next year, we did make out great!

It would also allow us to have alot of options in the draft this year!

GOOD POST -

[jobberone]

Jobber you usually make sense. Your Posts are always fair and board savvy.
I just can't agree with anything that includes Trevor "Wiley".http://cowboyszone.com/forums/images/icons/icon9.gif

I don't blame you. He'd have to pass the gauntlet to get on my team. See a recent post I made.

If he's able to play at all he'll probably play well. But that's the question. I don't see him playing though and not playing at a high level. It's his injury that is killing his marketability and value.

I don't think there's much question that both Howard and Pryce both have better track records in terms of success than Wiley. They just are presenting the Cowboys (and others) with different sets of problems to overcome. And both have to answer injury questions especially by far Pryce.

[JackMagist]

I wouldn't mind bringing Pryce in as a rotation guy if he can pass the physical and he doesn't cost too much. I would not trade ANYTHING for him and I would not pony up a big SB for him; maybe $1 mil SB for a two year contract at the vet min. Other than that I'd let him play for someone else.

If we can get Howard for the 2nd rounder and Pryce for a song and both are healthy we would have a pretty good D-line to work with.

[Cbz40]

I wouldn't mind bringing Pryce in as a rotation guy if he can pass the physical and he doesn't cost too much. I would not trade ANYTHING for him and I would not pony up a big SB for him; maybe $1 mil SB for a two year contract at the vet min. Other than that I'd let him play for someone else.

If we can get Howard for the 2nd rounder and Pryce for a song and both are healthy we would have a pretty good D-line to work with.


That would be an excellent move if we could make it happen. A Formidable DL for sure.

[big dog cowboy]

If we can get Howard for the 2nd rounder and Pryce for a song and both are healthy we would have a pretty good D-line to work with.
That sounds great but Pryce will cost more than you think. I would really be surprised if Denver outright cut him.

[junk]

GOOD POST -

Did you read this post? It advocated the trade for Howard, you know. Something you have been arguing against constantly. Did you just see 3-4 and say "GOOD POST"?

[Chief]

I'm thinking it might be Spears. Parcells supposedly loved Kevin Williams coming out of the draft. Mickey said he was Parcells second choice behind Newman. Parcells loves big, strong, physical players on the D-line. He said your ideal DE in a 4-3 should be 290 lbs. And if you believe that he and Belichick run similar philosophies, the Patriots have pretty much taken a big, strong, defensive lineman every draft since Bellichick took over ... Richard Seymour, Ty Warren, Vince Wilfolk, Marquis Hill ... he likes to spend those high picks big lineman, even if its just for depth, over pass rushing OLB's.

I agree.

They're now waiting on the draft and Spears seems like a guy who would fit. Purcells is supposedly good friends with Nick Saban, so he'll know a lot about the guy.

[Big Country]

I agree he may be the contingency plan...plus if we get him now we've locked ourselves to 4-3...not sure they want to do that.

That's not going to always be the case... Remember last year Dallas was playing with the 3-4 and they made a lineup out of last year's crew. Maybe not the best 3-4 as far as prototypical 3-4 personnel goes.

But, if the Cowboys say they are sticking with the 4-3... that's just fodder for all the armchair athletes, writers, and sports reporters. The Cowboys still can use the 4-3 for a base defense against the run on first and second down and then use formations out of the 3-4 to blitz from, if needed for pressure situations.

Remember the real reason Dallas will use the 3-4 is pressure on the QB. That is probably because they haven't been able to rush the passer consistently since the last time they saw the playoffs about a decade ago. The 3-4 with zone blitzing utilizes your best atheletes on defense and puts them in position to pressure the quarterback.

Really it doesn't matter to me as long as we can get back to the old smashmouth defense that makes the opposing offense groan when they have to take the field.

[Erik_H]

I wouldn't be surprised to see the Howard trade go down while we were on the clock at #42.