So what's the holdup on signing Peter Boulware? (This 3-4 needs better LBs!)

[billknows]

Originally Posted by blindzebra

The name dropping was probably not needed but the changes we made, in FA and the draft, would give us a solid 4-3 with a nice rotation up front and 3 solid starters and adequate depth at LB.

Parcells was embarrassed last year and if he's going out losing he wants to do it under his terms. Yes we added the pieces to play the 3-4...though I still think we are a LB and depth at NT away from where we need to be...but it can be argued that if we put the best 11 players on the field we'd do so in a 4-3 with Glover replacing a LB.

Not to mention names,but when Jerry was gloating at PC about D line rotation that we havent seen since the 3 rings, I'm pretty sure he was comparing that great 4 man line we had,just to drop a name that counts...

[WoodysGirl]

Originally Posted by TruBlueCowboy

First of all, he's not injured anymore, at least looks like it. The knee was fine, it was turf toe that put him on the IR.

And he may want money, but who the hell is gonna give it to him? Most teams have already blown their cap room on free agents and draft picks. Jamie Sharper, another terrific veteran linebacker, only received a $1.5 million signing bonus! How is that a lot of money? Who cares what he wants in annual contract money, the bonus is the only thing that hurts us with the cap.

I was reading Lenny P's tip sheet the other day and I believe he pointed out that even tho Boulware says he's healthy enuff to play, teams are rating him at about 80%. So really, he's not fully healthy and I personally wouldn't want the 'boys to bring in yet another person with injury problems.

It would be good due diligence for the 'boys to bring him in for a look-see. Boulware would be a solid pickup, but I'm feeling a strong No towards signing the guy.

[5mics]

Originally Posted by TruBlueCowboy

In the recent DallasCowboys.Com article it says: "Chances are once he's healthy, second-round pick Kevin Burnett will be playing behind Singleton at the left outside linebacker position - a spot Parcells said he wished they were bigger at."

Even though the Cowboys might be eyeballing Ware and Burnett at their outside linebacker positions, it seems to me that it would make more sense to have a vet like Boulware instead of Singleton to help out. Hell, Scott Shanle and Dat Nguyen are our inside linebackers so far! Not exactly a 3-4 unit that inspires confidence. We need some bigger linebackers, some more experienced 3-4 fellas, and at 6'5" and 250+ lbs. Boulware is your man.

[View Full Quote]He's not going to cost a lot. He was too injured and teams have already spent some serious cap money, to land him a fat contract. If he passes a physical but isn't the same ferocious pass rusher he once was, I doubt our cap takes a hit, and if it works, we get 10 sacks a year on the cheap. I don't see what the holdup is on bringing in a vet like Boulware just for insurance. Why is Parcells so worried about depth at corner and running back this year? Those were the injuries last year! This year, it's going to be a new position that gets drained of starters. If we're going to draft high for backup running backs, and bring in 2 new proven veteran corners, why can't we at least try to address some of the other positions with questionable depth?

Parcells most have a lot of confidence in all these rookies, undersized linebackers, and undrafted rookie free agent second or third year players, because if I were Jerry Jones, I'd be looking around the league for some more linebackers.

Edit - I'll put this in now because a lot of people are already replying that he would cost too much but keep in mind that Jamie Sharper, another similar aged (and healthier!) linebacker only got a $1.5 million signing bonus! That's a much cap friendlier and safer contract than what we gave Marco Rivera and others!

I agree! At least bring him in to gauge his interest in being a Cowboy. I'd love to see the Star on his helmet.....he's proven, productive, and a professional!