Coming in at number three on free agency list - McClain

[CCBoy]

@toddarcher: If the Cowboys keep Rolando McClain, then you would see Sean Lee play on the weak side. He's not played that spot in the NFL but it wouldn't be a big transition for him, in my opinion. In the Cowboys' scheme, the Will is the playmaking spot. Think Derrick Brooks in Tampa Bay. (And I'm not comparing Lee to Brooks, I'm just trying to give a job description). Lee is the Cowboys' best playmaker on defense. I think he will be fine from his knee rehab. He's maniacal with it, so I don't anticipate him losing a step. But there's a big "if" as to McClain. I'm not sure how the Cowboys come up with what's the right price on McClain without having him test the market. You don't want to overpay even for a player who had the season McClain had.

This combination would make nearly as large an elevation of the defensive group, as having both Dez Bryant and Demarco Murray on offense.

 

[alpha]

Can't wait to see what a D with Lee and McClain on the field at the same time looks like!

 

[speedkilz88]

Lee's inside spot in the 3-4 was pretty similar to the weak spot in a 4-3.

 

[jazzcat22]

If we can have Lee, McClain, Hitchins, Carter, Durant a LB. Then a FA and or draft to compete with one or 2 spots with Lawrence and Wilbur, plus Will Smith from the PS, and Watson overcoming his injury (hamstring?). Should create some good competition in TC.
I think with the past injury history they will keep 7 on the roster, at least to start the season.

 

[speedkilz88]

They also have Keith Smith, Troy Davis, Mister Alexander. They could possibly re-sign and bring back James Anderson also.

 

[jazzcat22]

They also have Keith Smith, Troy Davis, Mister Alexander. They could possibly re-sign and bring back James Anderson also.

Keith Smith is a S isn't he, and Will Smith is the LB.
Yes forgot about the other 3.

 

[speedkilz88]

Keith Smith is a S isn't he, and Will Smith is the LB.
Yes forgot about the other 3.

Keith is a LB. Originally they were going to try converting him to SS but once camp started he was at LB and has been off and on from the practice squad to fill in at LB. His size on the roster is also wrong because whoever is in charge of the Cowboys roster mixed his measurements up with another safety (Ryan Smith) on the roster last year. (6-1 229)

https://twitter.com/k_smith31

 

[bounce]

Can't wait to see what a D with Lee and McClain on the field at the same time looks like!

Don't blink, or you'll miss it.

 

[jazzcat22]

Keith is a LB. Originally they were going to try converting him to SS but once camp started he was at LB and has been off and on from the practice squad to fill in at LB. His size on the roster is also wrong because whoever is in charge of the Cowboys roster mixed his measurements up with another safety on the roster last year. (6-1 229)

https://twitter.com/k_smith31

The Cowboys website roster updates are awful lately. They used to keep up decently. but now has just been awful.
I keep a separate spread sheet, and it's probably more up to date than the Cowboys official sight.
I will update Keith to a LB then.
Thanks.
And now that you said this, I do recall him this on and off as a LB'er, and thought something was not right on my sheet, as I looked at is after the season was over.

 

[Nightman]

I think RT is number 3 right now behind Dez and Murray. Getting Free or Parnell back is pretty important. If we don't get McClain we still have Lee,, Hitchens and probably Durant.

 

[gimmesix]

I think RT is number 3 right now behind Dez and Murray. Getting Free or Parnell back is pretty important. If we don't get McClain we still have Lee,, Hitchens and probably Durant.

I consider getting back one of the two right tackles to keep this line intact to be our most important free agent move.

Dez is second-most important, while getting some combination of McClain/Durant/Carter back is probably on par with getting Murray back.

 

[AbeBeta]

I think RT is number 3 right now behind Dez and Murray. Getting Free or Parnell back is pretty important. If we don't get McClain we still have Lee,, Hitchens and probably Durant.

Free is the leader of this line. He won't cost a ton

 

[Longboysfan]

Free is the leader of this line. He won't cost a ton

Unless offered a ton by another team. Washington has been signing EX-Cowboys for the past few years.

 

[Bowdown27]

I can NOT WAIT to see mcclain Lee hitchens and either durant or carter as our lb core. Unbelievable talent. Health is another story.

 

[Nightman]

I consider getting back one of the two right tackles to keep this line intact to be our most important free agent move.

Dez is second-most important, while getting some combination of McClain/Durant/Carter back is probably on par with getting Murray back.

I have been surprised at how little attention RT has gotten so far. We don't have one right now unless you count Weems or THill.

I guess fans assume we will sign one of Free or Parnell, but nothing is guaranteed. I would hate to use another 1st round pick on the OL instead of the DL, but if they both leave they might have to.

 

[Outlaw Heroes]

Apart from Dez, there's not a "must have" guy among the Cowboys' free agents. Guys like Ro and Free are nice to have, but suitable replacements can be found elsewhere (including among our other UFAs-to-be). I'm not sure Murray even qualifies as nice to have anymore, given his workload last season and the history of guys coming off such a workload.

 

[Echo9]

If we can have Lee, McClain, Hitchins, Carter, Durant a LB. Then a FA and or draft to compete with one or 2 spots with Lawrence and Wilbur, plus Will Smith from the PS, and Watson overcoming his injury (hamstring?). Should create some good competition in TC.
I think with the past injury history they will keep 7 on the roster, at least to start the season.

I don't see us resigning McClain, Durant AND Carter. All three would be a stretch considering how well Hitch has played and the money it would cost. Take Carter out of the mix, and I agree though. Carter has shown enough flashes and is young enough that some other team is going to throw like 6mil per at him and that's too much. I'd love to see McClain and Lee on the field together though.

 

[big dog cowboy]

Lee at Will healthy for 16 games could be All-Pro.

 

[Doomsay]

Free is the leader of this line. He won't cost a ton

Team though otherwise, rightly or wrongly.

 

[mahoneybill]

Lee at Will healthy for 16 games could be All-Pro.

He, and the emergence of Carter, would give us some " intercepting linebackers" similar to the Pats when Teddy Bruschi ( 12 career interceptions) was on their team.