Cowboys fail the acid test again (Bust the budget)

[MonsterD]

They fumbled it this year-again. Not that the two guys they were bad but going in again into the draft desperate for LB,CB, etc.

 

[gimmesix]

Their idea of busting the budget is doing the same as usual. They clearly weren’t planning on busting the budget.

I don't disagree. It's what I expected, whether they call it all in or busting the budget.

 

[AsthmaField]

I'm with you brother.
I mean, Lloyd, Bush, Dean, Walker Chanel all would have been key signings for us.
Our MLB last year was Kenneth Murray.
He was one of the lowest rated LB in the NFL last year. Think maybe we needed an upgrade?.
And I LOVE Styles, but it looks like with his combine performance he will be off the board by the time we select.
I can't believe we didn't grab one of those guys

Word is that Lloyd has real issues with mentally working with the scheme… IOW he’s not a smart player, and prior to this past season has been a disappointment, which is why Jax didn’t try to keep him. With Parker specifically asking for smart players who can play within his system, there was no way Dallas was going to spend big for him. That was the problem with the uber athletic Murray this past season. It was never going to happen with Lloyd in Dallas.

Quay Walker isn’t a genius either but he’s way better than Lloyd. Still, his lack of instincts has been a problem, which is why GB watched him walk.

Bush has been just a guy, which is why he keeps hopping around the league. He’d be better than what Dallas had last season but, IMO, he wouldn’t be worth what he got in FA. He’s similar to Queen in that way and I feel similarly about both of them.

Dean, I liked but he just can’t stay healthy. He’d be pretty good if you could be guaranteed he’d stay healthy but he hasn’t yet. A lot of teams were leery of his injury history. Most teams weren’t going to pay him what he got from Las Vegas. I did like his football IQ and athleticism though.

Chanel, I like but he’s not good enough to spend a lot on.

In short, there weren’t a lot of FA LB’s that I liked this year. Smarts is a vital trait that Parker needs and there wasn’t a lot of that to offer this year.



I do think that Dallas could do much better in this draft. The LB class is a good one and there are quite a few that I’d much rather have than any in this FA class.

I like the idea of getting a FA LB just to create freedom to pick any position in the draft… and maybe Chenal is that… but I don’t really see the right guy for Dallas to go after.

 

[Verdict]

I think some of you drink urine every morning to start your day, just so you can start off with a loss so you can complain about it.

So far the Cowboys have made some decent moves. Here are the list of positive moves:

1. Reduce Steele’s contract
2. Reduce Hooker’s contract
3. Added a DT
4. Added a DE (from GB). This has flexibility with zero guaranteed money
5. Added a legit safety.
6. Added a no loss Sam Williams contract that he can be cut for a box of cracker jacks.
7. Haven’t given away any premium draft picks.
8. Added a second backup level, low risk safety.
9. Added a solid NT

The meat and potatoes of this draft will begin at around pick 20-about 65. There are multiple options available for linebacker, defensive end and safeties. There are also some solid DT options as well.

The salary cap has to be respected, and the cap cannot be looked at as a one year deal. You have to plan years ahead.

I really HOPE that Dallas trades down in this draft multiple times. Players like Allen, Golday, Anthony, and Rodrigues will be available with a late first round pick or in some cases much later Tarean York, and Kendal Daniels will be available later. We will probably need MULTIPLE linebackers out of this draft. But if we miss on one that’s a position that we should be able to add cheaply in the second wave of free agency after the draft, if we need additional depth.

I think you will also see the Cowboys look at add at least one solid DE/EDGE/OLB and one legit DT out of this class.

I would prefer multiple trade backs and really stock the cupboard with as many picks as we can get even if our first pick is around pick 35. This is the way to go in this draft.

Multiple players may this team much better faster than two studs like Styles and Downs even if they were available.

 

[MRV52]

Crosby will be an eagle for a 4th round pick

 

[Robster8989]

Word is that Lloyd has real issues with mentally working with the scheme… IOW he’s not a smart player, and prior to this past season has been a disappointment, which is why Jax didn’t try to keep him. With Parker specifically asking for smart players who can play within his system, there was no way Dallas was going to spend big for him. That was the problem with the uber athletic Murray this past season. It was never going to happen with Lloyd in Dallas.

Quay Walker isn’t a genius either but he’s way better than Lloyd. Still, his lack of instincts has been a problem, which is why GB watched him walk.

Bush has been just a guy, which is why he keeps hopping around the league. He’d be better than what Dallas had last season but, IMO, he wouldn’t be worth what he got in FA. He’s similar to Queen in that way and I feel similarly about both of them.

Dean, I liked but he just can’t stay healthy. He’d be pretty good if you could be guaranteed he’d stay healthy but he hasn’t yet. A lot of teams were leery of his injury history. Most teams weren’t going to pay him what he got from Las Vegas. I did like his football IQ and athleticism though.

Chanel, I like but he’s not good enough to spend a lot on.

In short, there weren’t a lot of FA LB’s that I liked this year. Smarts is a vital trait that Parker needs and there wasn’t a lot of that to offer this year.



I do think that Dallas could do much better in this draft. The LB class is a good one and there are quite a few that I’d much rather have than any in this FA class.

I like the idea of getting a FA LB just to create freedom to pick any position in the draft… and maybe Chenal is that… but I don’t really see the right guy for Dallas to go after.

Thats nteresting because Lloyd is regarded as a high IQ player who took a huge leap into one of the best LBs in the league due to his work ethic to study tape.
In 2025 he was PFFs 3rd highest rated LB.
Bush was 4th. Chenal 18th.
I'm not as high on Walker as others because he seems lost in coverage.
Dean is a terrific MLB though the injuries are a concern.

Make all the excuses you want.
We needed a Mike and there were many available and affordable and we sat on our hands. Now we may be forced to go LB in the draft.
Like I said Styles can fix this mistake.
I hope he's available and we get him, I just feel he'll be gone by pick 12. There are other solid guys in the draft, but that means neglecting other needs.

If you're argument is the Coyboys are smart to have not gone after a quality LB, when they needed one so bad and there were many good choices available so be it.
We can agree to disagree.
But this team has a 30 year record of misteps, and I believe this free agency, at least thus far, has been a failure.

 

[gimmesix]

I think some of you drink urine every morning to start your day, just so you can start off with a loss so you can complain about it.

So far the Cowboys have made some decent moves. Here are the list of positive moves:

1. Reduce Steele’s contract
2. Reduce Hooker’s contract
3. Added a DT
4. Added a DE (from GB). This has flexibility with zero guaranteed money
5. Added a legit safety.
6. Added a no loss Sam Williams contract that he can be cut for a box of cracker jacks.
7. Haven’t given away any premium draft picks.
8. Added a second backup level, low risk safety.
9. Added a solid NT

The meat and potatoes of this draft will begin at around pick 20-about 65. There are multiple options available for linebacker, defensive end and safeties. There are also some solid DT options as well.

The salary cap has to be respected, and the cap cannot be looked at as a one year deal. You have to plan years ahead.

I really HOPE that Dallas trades down in this draft multiple times. Players like Allen, Golday, Anthony, and Rodrigues will be available with a late first round pick or in some cases much later Tarean York, and Kendal Daniels will be available later. We will probably need MULTIPLE linebackers out of this draft. But if we miss on one that’s a position that we should be able to add cheaply in the second wave of free agency after the draft, if we need additional depth.

I think you will also see the Cowboys look at add at least one solid DE/EDGE/OLB and one legit DT out of this class.

I would prefer multiple trade backs and really stock the cupboard with as many picks as we can get even if our first pick is around pick 35. This is the way to go in this draft.

Multiple players may this team much better faster than two studs like Styles and Downs even if they were available.

Yeah, if our two primary needs remain linebacker and corner, I think trading down will be the best move. Most likely the only linebacker or corner who will be left whose worth 12 will be Jermod McCoy. The next group (Terrell, Hood, Allen) may start in the late teens/early 20s, but I think there are a few linebackers who may turn out as good as Allen who we could get late in the first or early in the second. I particularly like Rodriguez. Getting an extra pick or two would allow us to hit some of these other positions (DE and S) harder than we have.

I'm not for trading out of the first round, but trading back will give us some day-two ammunition.

 

[Floatyworm]

No team will after he failed his physical.

2 nights ago.....Rumors were swirling he didn't want to go to Baltimore. I can't blame him. It's a pit....And Baltimore is getting absolutely destroyed in free agency. I don't think the administration expected that. Now seeing how depleted their roster is.....Factor in the 2027 draft is loaded...and quite frankly...Lamar Jackson sucks....I can see why their administration backed out.
I can't blame them.....It's just too risky of a move to go all in on a player that could have knee problems...and is already pretty beat up. Hell...they could be giving up a top 5 pick...and looking for a QB in 2027.

 

[kramskoi]

Thats nteresting because Lloyd is regarded as a high IQ player who took a huge leap into one of the best LBs in the league due to his work ethic to study tape.
In 2025 he was PFFs 3rd highest rated LB.
Bush was 4th. Chenal 18th.
I'm not as high on Walker as others because he seems lost in coverage.
Dean is a terrific MLB though the injuries are a concern.

Make all the excuses you want.
We needed a Mike and there were many available and affordable and we sat on our hands. Now we may be forced to go LB in the draft.
Like I said Styles can fix this mistake.
I hope he's available and we get him, I just feel he'll be gone by pick 12. There are other solid guys in the draft, but that means neglecting other needs.

If you're argument is the Coyboys are smart to have not gone after a quality LB, when they needed one so bad and there were many good choices available so be it.
We can agree to disagree.
But this team has a 30 year record of misteps, and I believe this free agency, at least thus far, has been a failure.

They matched the Raiders offer on Dean. 12 mil/yr. You can fault them for not at least offering more, to see just how badly LV wanted him. Opportunity missed. And they should take some heat for it.

 

[Verdict]

Yeah, if our two primary needs remain linebacker and corner, I think trading down will be the best move. Most likely the only linebacker or corner who will be left whose worth 12 will be Jermod McCoy. The next group (Terrell, Hood, Allen) may start in the late teens/early 20s, but I think there are a few linebackers who may turn out as good as Allen who we could get late in the first or early in the second. I particularly like Rodriguez. Getting an extra pick or two would allow us to hit some of these other positions (DE and S) harder than we have.

I'm not for trading out of the first round, but trading back will give us some day-two ammunition.

The worst case scenario in the mocks I have done seem to be when we are wiped out with premier defensive talent at #12 and are faced with 1. Reaching for need, 2. Drafting an OT or 3. Drafting Love and NOT GETTING A TRADE BACK OFFER.

If that scenario happens (and it’s somewhat likely actually) it makes it a really challenging draft to not chase your tail.

Additionally, I would add that it seems critical to add one of Mesidore, Howell, Thomas, or Bain (in the unlikely event he falls) or pretty much give up on edge and go with a guy who can play off ball standup OLB instead.

There are several good linebackers but you better grab one by about pick 35-40 or you will be picking from a different (lower) tier.

 

[Verdict]

Yeah, if our two primary needs remain linebacker and corner, I think trading down will be the best move. Most likely the only linebacker or corner who will be left whose worth 12 will be Jermod McCoy. The next group (Terrell, Hood, Allen) may start in the late teens/early 20s, but I think there are a few linebackers who may turn out as good as Allen who we could get late in the first or early in the second. I particularly like Rodriguez. Getting an extra pick or two would allow us to hit some of these other positions (DE and S) harder than we have.

I'm not for trading out of the first round, but trading back will give us some day-two ammunition.

How high do you believe we will prioritize CB in this draft? I’m thinking it’s MUCH lower on team needs list than any other defensive position.

 

[Tabascocat]

The worst case scenario in the mocks I have done seem to be when we are wiped out with premier defensive talent at #12 and are faced with 1. Reaching for need, 2. Drafting an OT or 3. Drafting Love and NOT GETTING A TRADE BACK OFFER.

If that scenario happens (and it’s somewhat likely actually) it makes it a really challenging draft to not chase your tail.

Additionally, I would add that it seems critical to add one of Mesidore, Howell, Thomas, or Bain (in the unlikely event he falls) or pretty much give up on edge and go with a guy who can play off ball standup OLB instead.

There are several good linebackers but you better grab one by about pick 35-40 or you will be picking from a different (lower) tier.

That is my worry. They might get a decent player at #12 but #20 could be sheer luck or an offensive player. I don’t see this draft as one where teams will want to trade up to the Cowboys spots.

This is why I want Dallas to give Cleveland both picks in exchange for #6 and #39, their second round pick. Draft Styles and get a decent defensive player in the 2nd round early.

 

[kramskoi]

That is my worry. They might get a decent player at #12 but #20 could be sheer luck or an offensive player. I don’t see this draft as one where teams will want to trade up to the Cowboys spots.

This is why I want Dallas to give Cleveland both picks in exchange for #6 and #39, their second round pick. Draft Styles and get a decent defensive player in the 2nd round early.

Not a bad play for LB and CB. But if Styles ain't there at 6??? That would really bite.

 

[Tabascocat]

Not a bad play for LB and CB. But if Styles ain't there at 6??? That would really bite.

Well, I wouldn’t offer that until the Giants are off the clock but the agreement would already be set up ahead of time.

 

[kramskoi]

Well, I wouldn’t offer that until the Giants are off the clock but the agreement would already be set up ahead of time.

I think CJ Allen would be a good pickup if all else fails.

 

[jaythecowboy]

This is a take that I could see being possible. The Cowboys should have inside knowledge because their own doctor was involved in the physical. They may be out completely or they may be slow playing the situation and trying to get Crosby for less draft capital.

 

[AsthmaField]

Thats nteresting because Lloyd is regarded as a high IQ player who took a huge leap into one of the best LBs in the league due to his work ethic to study tape.
In 2025 he was PFFs 3rd highest rated LB.
Bush was 4th. Chenal 18th.
I'm not as high on Walker as others because he seems lost in coverage.
Dean is a terrific MLB though the injuries are a concern.

Make all the excuses you want.
We needed a Mike and there were many available and affordable and we sat on our hands. Now we may be forced to go LB in the draft.
Like I said Styles can fix this mistake.
I hope he's available and we get him, I just feel he'll be gone by pick 12. There are other solid guys in the draft, but that means neglecting other needs.

If you're argument is the Coyboys are smart to have not gone after a quality LB, when they needed one so bad and there were many good choices available so be it.
We can agree to disagree.
But this team has a 30 year record of misteps, and I believe this free agency, at least thus far, has been a failure.

Yes Lloyd was rated highly in 2025, which is why I said (in the post you quoted) prior to last year he has disappointed. It was his one good year. Jax didn’t want to try to keep him because all the others weren’t good.

I’m not sure who you’re quoting that has regarded Lloyd as a high IQ player as you say, but I’ve heard in more than one spot that he has trouble processing. The latest time I heard it was Brian Broaddus on a video today where he said he heard it from some scouts and insiders that he knows. Said Lloyd has had problems processing on the run in games and it has hurt Jacksonville’s defense plenty of times. That would make him a bad fit for a Parker defense, much less when he costs $20M per year.

If you don’t want to believe that, then don’t believe it. It’s up to you.

And if you want to be mad, or disappointed or whatever it is that you are, that is obviously your decision too. Speaking for myself though, I wasn’t thrilled with this year’s free agent LB class outside of Dean who terrifies me because he’s as likely to miss long stretches of games as not. I just don’t see a good solution in FA this year.

As I mentioned above, I wanted Dallas to sign a good LB in order to provide freedom in the draft, but I don’t really see one that I’d have been thrilled with. Maybe that is Chenal, but I’m doubtful about that.

So I’m not happy about it, but Dallas will likely not have a good solution at LB heading into the draft. It is what it is. The good news is that this is a good draft class for off ball LB’s.

 

[BoyzBlaster]

Dean and Lloyd people have had lots of questions about them from health to effort. Chenal has been a part time player. I am not even sure we wouldn’t get better play out of guys like Kendricks or Wagner. I do think we should have tried to get more at Edge and maybe a half decent corner.

I am a bit pissed that we are spending money on scrubs that are no better than street free agents that we could have added. $11m cap numbers for Sam, Locke, and the DT. That could have gone to a better offer for one of the LBs.

Dean is a very good player. I'd rather watch 10-12 games of him than 17 of the slop we have now. He's a real pro.This team is going nowhere this season so I'd like to have a few guys I actually enjoy watching on D personally.

 

[Kwyn]

A very deep safety class and we signed 2 safeties in FA.

We need lots of everything. Safety, unless it was Downs somehow, was a free agent target for me because I’ve been looking at CB and LB with our two firsts

 

[Kwyn]

Thats nteresting because Lloyd is regarded as a high IQ player who took a huge leap into one of the best LBs in the league due to his work ethic to study tape.
In 2025 he was PFFs 3rd highest rated LB.
Bush was 4th. Chenal 18th.
I'm not as high on Walker as others because he seems lost in coverage.
Dean is a terrific MLB though the injuries are a concern.

Make all the excuses you want.
We needed a Mike and there were many available and affordable and we sat on our hands. Now we may be forced to go LB in the draft.
Like I said Styles can fix this mistake.
I hope he's available and we get him, I just feel he'll be gone by pick 12. There are other solid guys in the draft, but that means neglecting other needs.

If you're argument is the Coyboys are smart to have not gone after a quality LB, when they needed one so bad and there were many good choices available so be it.
We can agree to disagree.
But this team has a 30 year record of misteps, and I believe this free agency, at least thus far, has been a failure.

The Jags declined his fifth year option and didn’t try to keep him. They thought the price was too high, and like us, they have some salary cap issues.

When a team with hopes of contending and who had developed a player decided cut him loose, I’m wondering why and why. Im assuming Parker might have seen what the Jags saw and made other players a priority.