What is the deal w/former Lion Tackle-Taylor Decker?

[John813]

Nice player but I don’t see it.

After Miller’s contract is finalized, the team is likely to have between $10m-$12m left under the cap. They are required to keep $3m-4m free to cover the 53 man roster expansion (currently only the top 51 count) as well as practice squad and IR.

So, realistically they have around $8m

With that $8m in mind, the cowboys have typically try to keep at least $5m-$7m free to start the season to allow themselves flexibility to replace injured players or make a trade deadline move if something appeals.

Decker is almost certainly not a fit for the team’s current situation. He was scheduled to get $15m base and when the Lions approached him about a pay cut he didn’t even listen. He just asked for his release.

He’s said he still wants to play but is likely waiting to see who has injuries and a deep pocket closer to the season

The only reasonable way to free up cap would be Bland and Ferguson restructures, both of which would make their later years extremely difficult to escape once they decline further than they have.

Curious to see if Millers deal has any void years to lower this years cap.
Hypothetically, they could do the same with Decker, but I doubt they would unless they were desperate enough to need a starter.

Say 1 year, 15mil, with bonuses up to 20,

12 of the 15 is signing bonus. Make the bonuses tied to Superbowl or postseason, IE something where if he were to hit said bonuses it would reflect in 2027 cap hits.

4 void years.

3mil base + 2.4mil signing bonus = 5.4mil cap hit in 2026.
Contract voids in 2027 at some point, maybe where dallas could June 1st cut him prior to voiding to spread out dead cap over 2 years.

 

[darthseinfeld]

He was released by the Lions a few months ago and remains unsigned. He would be an ideal pickup for the Cowboys to add a quality veteran at the position. Having heard anything about an injury nor his play falling way off, but it is surprising he remains unsigned.

He is a below average starting OT right now. He would be a good signing as a swing OT, but I doubt he wants that and especially to get paid like that. Id be all for it on a Von Miller deal. North of that, he isnt worth it

 

[darthseinfeld]

folks may be remembering his prime moreso than more recent history.

Yup, he is below average right now. Not terrible, and would be a good back up, but I dont see that happening

 

[darthseinfeld]

Question is, will he upgrade the position?

He probably isnt better than Guyton right now

 

[75boyz]

He probably isnt better than Guyton right now

I would strongly disagree but I can respect your opinion as well.

 

[Cowboyny]

He probably isnt better than Guyton right now

Just thinking about possible Tackles who might help.

 

[Cowboyny]

He considered retirement. He’s not looking to work cheap.

If that's the case, we can cross his name off the list of players who can help the position.

 

[Kwyn]

Just thinking about possible Tackles who might help.

It’s one of the most needed by pretty much everyone.

I’d love to have some depth, but it’s just not out there.

People complain about Guyton and Steele but if the Cowboys released either of them, they would have offers before end of business.

 

[Cowboyny]

It’s one of the most needed by pretty much everyone.

I’d love to have some depth, but it’s just not out there.

People complain about Guyton and Steele but if the Cowboys released either of them, they would have offers before end of business.

Yes, they are always in high demand and is why the Cowboys keep on trying to add them through the draft. Outside of 1st rd, they have really developed any.

 

[Stash]

If that's the case, we can cross his name off the list of players who can help the position.

 

[McKDaddy]

People complain about Guyton and Steele but if the Cowboys released either of them, they would have offers before end of business.

Yeah, the league has a supply issue with quality offensive linemen & particularly T's. Colleges just aren't developing them like they used to. NFL needs to treat them as multi year projects rather than instant starters.

 

[darthseinfeld]

Just thinking about possible Tackles who might help.

Its going to depend of what he is looking for. If he still wants to get paid like an NFL starter, the Cowboys are going to he out. If he is willing to take back up money, he would be a good fit. I think if he was willing to take back up money, he would be on a roster right now. He is probably just waiting for an opportunity to replace an injured starter

 

[Fla Cowpoke]

Yeah, bland and Ferg. Not options

Would make about 8.6m restructuring Bland, and 4.8m restructuring Ferguson. They both have no guaranteed money after this year, so they could be done if they really needed the money, but in reality that is pushing all your chips into the center of the table. Would have to be for someone incredible. Only a couple players would even make sense. Crosby would be one.

 

[gtb1943]

He would be a definite upgrade to steele if he is healthy

 

[Kwyn]

Would make about 8.6m restructuring Bland, and 4.8m restructuring Ferguson. They both have no guaranteed money after this year, so they could be done if they really needed the money, but in reality that is pushing all your chips into the center of the table. Would have to be for someone incredible. Only a couple players would even make sense. Crosby would be one.

I agree.

For those interested, here’s their cap numbers and the dead money cap hit if they are cut or traded

We’re probably stuck with both for awhile so I’m hesitant to push money to 2028 or 2029 for either of them

Ferguson - 8th TE in the league

Bland - 9th CB in the league

 

[Fla Cowpoke]

I agree.

For those interested, here’s their cap numbers and the dead money cap hit if they are cut or traded

We’re probably stuck with both for awhile so I’m hesitant to push money to 2028 or 2029 for either of them

Ferguson - 8th TE in the league

Bland - 9th CB in the league

Definitely don’t think either would be cut or traded….only restructuring would make any shred of sense.

 

[StarLord]

Great work here.

Prepare to have it ignored.

This made me chuckle. Also true!

 

[StarLord]

Curious to see if Millers deal has any void years to lower this years cap.
Hypothetically, they could do the same with Decker, but I doubt they would unless they were desperate enough to need a starter.

Say 1 year, 15mil, with bonuses up to 20,

12 of the 15 is signing bonus. Make the bonuses tied to Superbowl or postseason, IE something where if he were to hit said bonuses it would reflect in 2027 cap hits.

4 void years.

3mil base + 2.4mil signing bonus = 5.4mil cap hit in 2026.
Contract voids in 2027 at some point, maybe where dallas could June 1st cut him prior to voiding to spread out dead cap over 2 years.

No one in their right mind who wants money would agree to Super Bowl incentives with the Dallas Cowboys.

 

[John813]

No one in their right mind who wants money would agree to Super Bowl incentives with the Dallas Cowboys.

Only mentioned an option where the bonus money wouldn't be held in escrow for 2026.

If you tie a bonus to being a starter for 4 games, then, there will be a hold on the current year cap for said bonus. If the bonus isn't a gimmie, but possibly attainable, then sometimes it could slide to the following year cap charge if the player were to hit it.

Instead of SB, could say All-Pro, or Pro-bowl or playing 95% of snaps etc.

 

[kskboys]

He wants more than what he's worth at this point in his career.