Dallas seems to be upping its trade game

[gimmesix]

While we haven't really seen much of a shift in the front office's free agent strategy, which is mostly cheap one-year players, the last two years have shown more willingness to trade.

Last year, we brought in Murray, Elam, Milton, Pickens, Clark, Q. Williams and Wilson through trades and, of course, traded away Parsons. This offseason so far, we've made almost as many trades as we have FA signings. We've traded for Gary and traded away Odighizuwa and Thomas, while we've signed Thompson, Locke, Wheat, Ogbonnia and Howell.

Dallas has always been willing to make trades, but there seems to be a more concerted efforts to use that than shift to paying for high-cost, high-quality FAs. We'll see if the trend continues, though, as we still need to add several pieces on defense.

 

[big dog cowboy]

We'll see if the trend continues, though, as we still need to add several pieces on defense.

It likely will. The retooling of the defense might generate another trade or two. The Cowboys will be active on draft days as well. Trying to get the pieces specifically on defense that CP wants. At least the Cowboys are making moves.

 

[gimmesix]

It likely will. The retooling of the defense might generate another trade or two. The Cowboys will be active on draft days as well. Trying to get the pieces specifically on defense that CP wants. At least the Cowboys are making moves.

Could definitely see that on draft day. We've done that multiple times before, especially with the later-round picks. Considering our lack of success with late-round picks (and the league's in general), we might be better off with some Cooks and Gilmore-type pursuits with those picks ... which are always more valuable on the clock as teams see players fall and wants them. Teams also end up with vets that they are willing to trade because the draft fell in such a way that they drafted replacements.

 

[Acceptablename]

While we haven't really seen much of a shift in the front office's free agent strategy, which is mostly cheap one-year players, the last two years have shown more willingness to trade.

Last year, we brought in Murray, Elam, Milton, Pickens, Clark, Q. Williams and Wilson through trades and, of course, traded away Parsons. This offseason so far, we've made almost as many trades as we have FA signings. We've traded for Gary and traded away Odighizuwa and Thomas, while we've signed Thompson, Locke, Wheat, Ogbonnia and Howell.

Dallas has always been willing to make trades, but there seems to be a more concerted efforts to use that than shift to paying for high-cost, high-quality FAs. We'll see if the trend continues, though, as we still need to add several pieces on defense.

Lots of time left to acquire players

 

[Coogiguy03]

Could definitely see that on draft day. We've done that multiple times before, especially with the later-round picks. Considering our lack of success with late-round picks (and the league's in general), we might be better off with some Cooks and Gilmore-type pursuits with those picks ... which are always more valuable on the clock as teams see players fall and wants them. Teams also end up with vets that they are willing to trade because the draft fell in such a way that they drafted replacements.

We have those 5th round picks hopefully we can work some magic with it

 

[Fla Cowpoke]

While we haven't really seen much of a shift in the front office's free agent strategy, which is mostly cheap one-year players, the last two years have shown more willingness to trade.

Last year, we brought in Murray, Elam, Milton, Pickens, Clark, Q. Williams and Wilson through trades and, of course, traded away Parsons. This offseason so far, we've made almost as many trades as we have FA signings. We've traded for Gary and traded away Odighizuwa and Thomas, while we've signed Thompson, Locke, Wheat, Ogbonnia and Howell.

Dallas has always been willing to make trades, but there seems to be a more concerted efforts to use that than shift to paying for high-cost, high-quality FAs. We'll see if the trend continues, though, as we still need to add several pieces on defense.

The benefit of these trades is that they aren’t hitting the cap as hard as they would if they were free agent signings. The trading team is taking the hit for the signing bonus and leaving salaries that can be easily manipulated.

 

[kramskoi]

The benefit of these trades is that they aren’t hitting the cap as hard as they would if they were free agent signings. The trading team is taking the hit for the signing bonus and leaving salaries that can be easily manipulated.

If they could get something done for LB Jonathan Greenard (Vikings) that would be nice. I think the Eagles are also after him so it could escalate. Vikings want at least a 3rd (and Dallas now has one) for him in a trade.

 

[reddyuta]

so far this has been an unmitigated disaster of epic proportions, not only have we not addressed pressing needs at CB and LB but we have deliberately sabotaged our best group at DT .there is no justification for this unless you want to tank the season for one of the good QBs in the next draft.

 

[Rayman70]

Moving to a 3-4 forced the front office to move different. The CP hire was sorely needed. Hes done an honest unbiased evaluation obviously of the defense. Like it or not, we are in a full on rebuild defensively. Nobody is locked into a roster spot. If CP thinks Quiennen isn't a fit in the new scheme hes getting traded. Same with overshown. Bland might not be here. No matter the scheme, we are a terrible defense. Buckle up guys.

 

[Rayman70]

so far this has been an unmitigated disaster of epic proportions, not only have we not addressed pressing needs at CB and LB but we have deliberately sabotaged our best group at DT .there is no justification for this unless you want to tank the season for one of the good QBs in the next draft.

Its early. We were a awful defense. Nobody's safe. Why keep around bad players? Bland BTW was horrible too. Diggs was hot mess and got all the daggers. But what was just as bad was watching Bland . His wheels are just gone. I think hes cooked. Wouldn't be shocked to see him traded for a day 3 pick. Just to unload that contract. Gonna be painful this year. Might be even worse than last season. Transitional.

 

[blueblood70]

While we haven't really seen much of a shift in the front office's free agent strategy, which is mostly cheap one-year players, the last two years have shown more willingness to trade.

Last year, we brought in Murray, Elam, Milton, Pickens, Clark, Q. Williams and Wilson through trades and, of course, traded away Parsons. This offseason so far, we've made almost as many trades as we have FA signings. We've traded for Gary and traded away Odighizuwa and Thomas, while we've signed Thompson, Locke, Wheat, Ogbonnia and Howell.

Dallas has always been willing to make trades, but there seems to be a more concerted efforts to use that than shift to paying for high-cost, high-quality FAs. We'll see if the trend continues, though, as we still need to add several pieces on defense.

I agree they’re moving differently, but whether it will work is hard to say. Even last year they tried a different approach and it didn’t pan out, but now they’re starting over, similar to the Raiders, who wasted $100 million and are now overhauling their entire coaching staff, moving on from their quarterback, eating big contracts, and making questionable trades.

The move with Osa and Thomas seems odd, but it shows they’re focusing on the team, rather than fan opinion, or contract implications.

They could have cut Clark for free with no cap hit, yet they chose to keep him over Osa, even though stats suggest Osa has been better in some areas over the last three seasons.

I think it’s about scheme fit—Clark plays the 3-4 well, can line up at multiple spots like nose tackle or end, and is comfortable in that system.

He’s the better run stopper, while Osa excels at pass rushing and the 5-tech. Still, eating $16 million just to get a third-round pick, with only $4 million in cap savings this year and next, suggests this wasn’t about comfort.

They easily could have kept Osa, avoided the dead money, and not risk keeping the wrong guy—but they didn’t.