Cowboys create more than 19m in cap space with three restructures

[ElGatoGrande]

Yeah, I think it's the flexibility for this year with the idea that at worst we just roll it into next year. The most likely scenario to me is the trade deadline one or even earlier if the trading team drops out of contention.

That would be the smart thing to do, rainy day money in case of injury or if some position needs shoring up... Or maybe a nice opportunity to upgrade presents itself. If not, then it's a nice chunk of change to go towards next season.

 

[RustyBourneHorse]

Yeah, I think it's the flexibility for this year with the idea that at worst we just roll it into next year. The most likely scenario to me is the trade deadline one or even earlier if the trading team drops out of contention.

I could see that. We have been using the in trade deadline more often of late.

 

[shabazz]

Maybe another move is in play.

Yup.

33 million at a conservative 7% interest is about 2.5 million a year.

For a guy that would drive 60 miles for a 50 cent hot dog, this is the "move"

 

[RustyBourneHorse]

That would be the smart thing to do, rainy day money in case of injury or if some position needs shoring up... Or maybe a nice opportunity to upgrade presents itself. If not, then it's a nice chunk of change to go towards next season.

Exactly, especially if we're just about ahead in the division race and we need an edge in the conference.

 

[805BoysInBlue]

If this is just rollover for 2027, why do it now?

Right, makes 0 sense.

 

[Kwyn]

Or, since we're allowed to carry cap space over, it's probably A. In case we have an urgent need and B. Probably to help with a potential extension for Pickens.

Rusty, I’m one of the biggest GP boosters on the board but it’s not gonna happen.

What’s worse is we won’t be able to come close to replacing him.

If Pickens has another year like last year, he’s almost certain to be gone with pretty much zero chance to replace him. His market will be top 5 and there’s no way the Cowboys are going to do it, as telegraphed by Stephen earlier this week.
He’ll get tagged and we’ll trade him to a team desperate for a WR1 and we’ll replace him with a WR3 in the draft, or maybe Brown, and hope Flournoy can perform like a true WR2 on a permanent basis.

This is the last year we will have WR1a and WR1b.

Oh, and trading Lamb to keep Pickens is a non-starter simply for financial reasons. It would be a $50m dead cap hit because of Lamb’s massive contract and recent restructure.

As to replacements:
Free agency is pretty much a known formula. You get a full letter grade below the money you pay.

Elite WRs change teams in free agency at a near-zero rate. The only really “good ones” that changed teams in recent years were older and no longer elite—guys like Davante Adams and Mike Evans.

While I strongly disagree with the Cowboys' history of being the most miserly and foolishly short-sighted of NFL free agency spenders, it’s really not a good way to improve your team, particularly at premium positions.

What’s problematic about drafting Wide Receivers is they are not a position you can typically find in the middle or late rounds. Sure, there are examples like Puka or Amon-Ra, but they are much more uncommon than, say, hitting on a running back.

History shows that 75% of all elite game changers at WR are drafted in the first two rounds, and about 15% to 20% of the entire elite pool are top-ten picks.
Day-three WRs hit at less than 5%.

So, enjoy it while it lasts and hope that the Jones boys don’t somehow set fire to the whole thing with the way they handle his inevitable franchise tag and trade.

 

[JBS]

According to AI google, the average amount of money NFL teams carry over from season to season is $11.5 million and this is almost three times that.
Even if you take out everything they might have to put out due to bonuses and people hitting contract numbers, that is more than twice as much.

Might be to tag or extend Pickens next season

 

[JBS]

Rusty, I’m one of the biggest GP boosters on the board but it’s not gonna happen.

What’s worse is we won’t be able to come close to replacing him.

If Pickens has another year like last year, he’s almost certain to be gone with pretty much zero chance to replace him. His market will be top 5 and there’s no way the Cowboys are going to do it, as telegraphed by Stephen earlier this week.
He’ll get tagged and we’ll trade him to a team desperate for a WR1 and we’ll replace him with a WR3 in the draft, or maybe Brown, and hope Flournoy can perform like a true WR2 on a permanent basis.

This is the last year we will have WR1a and WR1b.

Oh, and trading Lamb to keep Pickens is a non-starter simply for financial reasons. It would be a $50m dead cap hit because of Lamb’s massive contract and recent restructure.

As to replacements:
Free agency is pretty much a known formula. You get a full letter grade below the money you pay.

Elite WRs change teams in free agency at a near-zero rate. The only really “good ones” that changed teams in recent years were older and no longer elite—guys like Davante Adams and Mike Evans.

While I strongly disagree with the Cowboys' history of being the most miserly and foolishly short-sighted of NFL free agency spenders, it’s really not a good way to improve your team, particularly at premium positions.

What’s problematic about drafting Wide Receivers is they are not a position you can typically find in the middle or late rounds. Sure, there are examples like Puka or Amon-Ra, but they are much more uncommon than, say, hitting on a running back.

History shows that 75% of all elite game changers at WR are drafted in the first two rounds, and about 15% to 20% of the entire elite pool are top-ten picks.
Day-three WRs hit at less than 5%.

So, enjoy it while it lasts and hope that the Jones boys don’t somehow set fire to the whole thing with the way they handle his inevitable franchise tag and trade.

Ben Albright who is pretty good at what he does is suggesting it is to keep GP3

 

[big dog cowboy]

According to AI google, the average amount of money NFL teams carry over from season to season is $11.5 million and this is almost three times that.
Even if you take out everything they might have to put out due to bonuses and people hitting contract numbers, that is more than twice as much.

No.

 

[Kwyn]

Ben Albright who is pretty good at what he does is suggesting it is to keep GP3

I’d love for him to be a cowboy. I think he’s terrific and his competitive fire to beat the man defending him shines bright.

I simply don’t think the Cowboys ever intended to give him a real contract and Stephen pretty much said as much on Monday

 

[Rockport]

That 33 million pays for Pickens tag next year.

They don’t need the money until next year for Pickens so no need for restructures at this point. You’re off base again.

 

[darealvelle]

Yup.

33 million at a conservative 7% interest is about 2.5 million a year.

For a guy that would drive 60 miles for a 50 cent hot dog, this is the "move"

I really dont expect a move to be honest really thinking about it now. Probably creating space for Pickens.

 

[Rockport]

I'm thinking they sign Pickens before he gets too expensive....

They can’t sign Pickens until next year. Keep up.

 

[Rockport]

I really dont expect a move to be honest really thinking about it now. Probably creating space for Pickens.

I really do expect a move. If not before the season, then soon after.

 

[RustyBourneHorse]

Rusty, I’m one of the biggest GP boosters on the board but it’s not gonna happen.

What’s worse is we won’t be able to come close to replacing him.

If Pickens has another year like last year, he’s almost certain to be gone with pretty much zero chance to replace him. His market will be top 5 and there’s no way the Cowboys are going to do it, as telegraphed by Stephen earlier this week.
He’ll get tagged and we’ll trade him to a team desperate for a WR1 and we’ll replace him with a WR3 in the draft, or maybe Brown, and hope Flournoy can perform like a true WR2 on a permanent basis.

This is the last year we will have WR1a and WR1b.

Oh, and trading Lamb to keep Pickens is a non-starter simply for financial reasons. It would be a $50m dead cap hit because of Lamb’s massive contract and recent restructure.

As to replacements:
Free agency is pretty much a known formula. You get a full letter grade below the money you pay.

Elite WRs change teams in free agency at a near-zero rate. The only really “good ones” that changed teams in recent years were older and no longer elite—guys like Davante Adams and Mike Evans.

While I strongly disagree with the Cowboys' history of being the most miserly and foolishly short-sighted of NFL free agency spenders, it’s really not a good way to improve your team, particularly at premium positions.

What’s problematic about drafting Wide Receivers is they are not a position you can typically find in the middle or late rounds. Sure, there are examples like Puka or Amon-Ra, but they are much more uncommon than, say, hitting on a running back.

History shows that 75% of all elite game changers at WR are drafted in the first two rounds, and about 15% to 20% of the entire elite pool are top-ten picks.
Day-three WRs hit at less than 5%.

So, enjoy it while it lasts and hope that the Jones boys don’t somehow set fire to the whole thing with the way they handle his inevitable franchise tag and trade.

All the more reason I think we really need to make a big push this year. Worst case scenario, I think if we get close, I see them trying to tag GP one more time to see if we can't get over the hump. But you're probably right. If Pickens is as good as he was last year, unless Jerry tags him again and convinces him to sign again, I doubt we keep him.

 

[darealvelle]

I really do expect a move. If not before the season, then soon after.

i hope so

 

[JBS]

I’d love for him to be a cowboy. I think he’s terrific and his competitive fire to beat the man defending him shines bright.

I simply don’t think the Cowboys ever intended to give him a real contract and Stephen pretty much said as much on Monday

What Stephen and Jerry say isn’t all that relevant. You want to tell me if this team goes to the nfc champ game or the Super Bowl for the first time in 31 years they’re going to break it up? I wouldn’t bet on it

 

[montgod]

I’d love for him to be a cowboy. I think he’s terrific and his competitive fire to beat the man defending him shines bright.

I simply don’t think the Cowboys ever intended to give him a real contract and Stephen pretty much said as much on Monday

Fully agree with this.

I'll never understand how common sense seems to lose them with their public statements. Do you think Stephen helps with any of these with his comments:
1. Increases value of Pickens? This could be a push, but why always show your cards before you deal? If team isn't in contention, definitely better to trade vs waiting for compensation after he signs elsewhere in the offseason imo.
2. Puts Pickens in positive mindset to begin season? Could definitely motivate him, but for being a choir boy this offseason, feel like it sets a bad precedent to air thoughts like this to the public.
Definitely not a great strategic move.

 

[JMech]

The writing is on the wall!! Welcome back Mazi!!

may you choke on those words.

 

[JW82]

may you choke on those words.

You've never appreciated Mazi's greatness!