Your Offseason Plan

[Dalmations202]

I really don't know what MM wants or needs for his offense/defense, but with what you wrote I would only make a few changes.
1) If MM really does like Dak.......offer him 5yrs at 30M each year 150M. Guarantee it all with exception of injury clause. If he takes it, start looking for a high potential QB to draft low, if he doesn't take it then franchise him, and find what MM is looking for in a QB higher in the draft or FA.
2) Amari -- offer him 5 years and 80M. If he takes it great, if not, move up and use draft capital. This draft has some very good WR in it.
3) Change Jordan Phillips for Andrew Billings and save some $$$$. Billings is stout, and underutilized, IMO, and can hold up the interior.
4) No Ebron........find a guy. I think a tall T (eligible lineman) that can catch a little for Red Zone and a tall WR who can block a little (Jay Novacheck type) matched with Jarwin would be fine.
5) Crawford, pay cut to $4M or cut
6) Quinn at least offered $12M
7) Byron Jones offered $10M or let walk
8) Resign Antawn Woods to $8M or let walk

If all sign, you rework all the 4 linemen to get under cap.
Cut the punter and FB and Gregory.

Of course no clue who falls, but Kinlaw usually falls to 17, so he and Tristen Hill battle for the 3T. Draft Fotu in the 2nd and let him battle in there as well.
Draft Jordyn Brooks, LB, Tech in the 3rd and he will be starting by next year, and would allow for Smith to be a stand up rusher on 3rd down.

4-7 for me would be guys who had high potential to fill a certain role. Such as a QB to develop, or a true blocking TE that could catch a little but primarily could block in the red zone. Guys who don't have the "pretty' stats but do the lunch pail work needed for a team to thrive.

Safety is still a problem, but hopefully D Wilson, Woods, and whomever you get in the draft and FA can fill the role.

 

[Stash]

I know, but that is an algorithm that just averages four comparable players. I'm not knocking you, I just think that if you look at those comps you end up believing Phillips gets a higher amount.

Admittedly I expected it to be a bit higher myself. And I'd still be OK with paying him a bit more than what they have listed. I would just structure the deal to protect myself a bit and not guarantee too much money if I can help it. Pay well to play well.

 

[Ranching]

Pretty much spot on, can't disagree with any of it, nor make even any slight changes.

My off season plan consists of a little golf, some time on the beach, experimenting with my game day menu. Salud.

 

[Stash]

Great post! I do wonder if Dak will hold out if tagged. I don't know much about Dix other than he was a high pick and didn't realize Ebron had 13 TDs in 2018. How old is he?

He's 26.

https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/E/EbroEr00.htm

 

[Kaiser]

I also would not keep Tavon Austin. As a returner, I think he can be replaced in the draft with a guy who will run more north and south on returns. As a receiver, he's easily replaceable.

Plus JonVea Johnson has elite speed, he was just too raw and dropsy to make the 53 man roster. They stashed him on the IR last year he could easily fill a similar role next year as a speed guy playing limited snaps.

 

[Kaiser]

Admittedly I expected it to be a bit higher myself. And I'd still be OK with paying him a bit more than what they have listed. I would just structure the deal to protect myself a bit and not guarantee too much money if I can help it. Pay well to play well.

Did you know Phillips has a striking facial resemblance to Tyrone Crawford?

 

[Swagger]

Out of interest, why do people not want Ebron?

Provided he can stay healthy the guy is a BEAST!

 

[Crazed Liotta Eyes]

He's 26.

https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/E/EbroEr00.htm

Intriguing. I remember the draft hype around him because he was a monster physically.

 

[Stash]

Did you know Phillips has a striking facial resemblance to Tyrone Crawford?

Not in the slightest way!

 

[foofighters]

Now that most of the big coaching decisions have been made and the staff is nearly complete, I've started to take a look at the roster, and the players I would keep and those I would let go. I'm interested to see what you all would do if it were up to you?

1. I would franchise tag Prescott for this year. Give the new staff a year or so to work with him and then truly decide if he is worth the huge investment. Having said that, I fully expect the team to give him a long term deal instead. $35 million annually.
2. Give Amari Cooper the big money contract. He's a proven commodity on the field and a safe bet off the field. It will certainly be overpaying, but you signed on for that when you traded for him. $18-$20 million annually.
3. Pay Robert Quinn. No Cowboys defender was more disruptive and more productive than he was. If anyone deserves to get paid around here, it's him. Don;t let good pass rushers get away. $10 million annually.
4. Let Byron Jones walk. Good player, great teammate, team guy. Allergic to the football and will likely cost $14-$15 million a year. Just not a playmaker and this defense needs them.
5. Cut Tyrone Crawford. A no-brainer. Saves you $8 million in cap room that can be used for an actual starter.
6. Sign DT Jordan Phillips. A huge, mountain of a man at 6'6" and 340 lbs to solidify the middle of your defense. A young player that came into his own in 2019 with 9.5 sacks. Pay Phillips the money you saved by releasing Crawford. $6 - $8 million annually.
7. Sign Ha-Ha Clinton-Dix to help to solidify one of your safety spots. Bye bye Jeff Heath, thanks for everything. $5 - $6 million annually.
8. Sign TE Eric Ebron. A former 1st round pick and a high end athlete at the position, much needed in McCarthy's offense. 13 touchdowns in 2018 is no joke. $7 million annually.
9. Re-sign Randall Cobb. He was worth the money last year and will likely want to stick around.
10. Re-sign Tavon Austin for the same modest salary as in 2019. I think the new staff and special teams coach will better utilize him.
11. Bring back Sean Lee in whatever capacity he chooses. If he wants to play another year? Let him play. If he wants to get into coaching? Make him a defensive assistant. The point is that you don't let a football guy and mind like that leave the building.
12. Dedicate your draft capital to fixing your defense. The offensive side has enough talent and investments and the defense doesn't. While the offensive picks have hit, the defensive ones have missed, so it's back to the drawing board and the draft.

That's my early plan, what do you folks think we should do?

Ain't nobody got time for all that. That's why I hire a GM so I can have it easy and look good when we are winning SB's...

 

[Stash]

Out of interest, why do people not want Ebron?

Provided he can stay healthy the guy is a BEAST!

He does have his warts.

Drops more passes than the other top TE's. And did essentially 'shut it down' this year to get himself 100% healthy for free agency.

He's not perfect by any means, but he's probably about the best you're going to get to step right in and contribute here.

But if anyone has any better options, I'm always open to hear about them too?

 

[OmerV]

What's your beer of choice?

I don't stick to one - just depends on mood - but I normally gravitate toward things like Dos Equis Amber and Shiner Bock. I'm not opposed to more common domestics like Coors light, but if I'm in the mood for something with a little more substance, Sam Adams or Dogfish 60 minute are good choices. If I happen to be in a restaurant or bar with a large beer menu I will usually try new things.

That said, I really don't drink as much beer these days as my post made it sound. The older I get, the less I tend to drink. If I do drink, I'm easily as likely to drink whiskey or gin these days.

 

[Hawkeye19]

Not sure if you knew or not but Bones Fassel did some good work with Tavon with the Rams. That's why I think they might keep him. Anything offensively would be a bonus.

Transition tag with Cooper isn't a bad idea either.

Going with my plan, cornerback becomes a big draft priority, likely early and often.

If Bones can maximize Tavon, I’m all for it. I am just used to a coaching staff that refuses to adapt and position role players effectively lol

 

[ShiningStar]

Out of interest, why do people not want Ebron?

Provided he can stay healthy the guy is a BEAST!

For me, health . Id rather use Blake and Dalton and see how much the TEs will be needed in the new system, if not much, dont invest to much, if really needed, than sign a cheap vet and draft one early next year, or this year if MM wants to. Tho id still rather go safety.

 

[Stash]

I don't stick to one - just depends on mood - but I normally gravitate toward things like Dos Equis Amber and Shiner Bock. I'm not opposed to more common domestics like Coors light, but if I'm in the mood for something with a little more substance, Sam Adams or Dogfish 60 minute are good choices. If I happen to be in a restaurant or bar with a large beer menu I will usually try new things.

That said, I really don't drink as much beer these days as my post made it sound. The older I get, the less I tend to drink. If I do drink, I'm easily as likely to drink whiskey or gin these days.

I hear ya. My tastes change all the time as well. Largely depending on the seasons. Heavier in the winter, lighter stuff and shandy's in the warmer months.

But I enjoy a nice Dos Equis Amber myself, especially with a nice Mexican meal. A big frosted mug? Can't beat it!

 

[CWR]

Now that most of the big coaching decisions have been made and the staff is nearly complete, I've started to take a look at the roster, and the players I would keep and those I would let go. I'm interested to see what you all would do if it were up to you?

1. I would franchise tag Prescott for this year. Give the new staff a year or so to work with him and then truly decide if he is worth the huge investment. Having said that, I fully expect the team to give him a long term deal instead. $35 million annually.
2. Give Amari Cooper the big money contract. He's a proven commodity on the field and a safe bet off the field. It will certainly be overpaying, but you signed on for that when you traded for him. $18-$20 million annually.
3. Pay Robert Quinn. No Cowboys defender was more disruptive and more productive than he was. If anyone deserves to get paid around here, it's him. Don;t let good pass rushers get away. $10 million annually.
4. Let Byron Jones walk. Good player, great teammate, team guy. Allergic to the football and will likely cost $14-$15 million a year. Just not a playmaker and this defense needs them.
5. Cut Tyrone Crawford. A no-brainer. Saves you $8 million in cap room that can be used for an actual starter.
6. Sign DT Jordan Phillips. A huge, mountain of a man at 6'6" and 340 lbs to solidify the middle of your defense. A young player that came into his own in 2019 with 9.5 sacks. Pay Phillips the money you saved by releasing Crawford. $6 - $8 million annually.
7. Sign Ha-Ha Clinton-Dix to help to solidify one of your safety spots. Bye bye Jeff Heath, thanks for everything. $5 - $6 million annually.
8. Sign TE Eric Ebron. A former 1st round pick and a high end athlete at the position, much needed in McCarthy's offense. 13 touchdowns in 2018 is no joke. $7 million annually.
9. Re-sign Randall Cobb. He was worth the money last year and will likely want to stick around.
10. Re-sign Tavon Austin for the same modest salary as in 2019. I think the new staff and special teams coach will better utilize him.
11. Bring back Sean Lee in whatever capacity he chooses. If he wants to play another year? Let him play. If he wants to get into coaching? Make him a defensive assistant. The point is that you don't let a football guy and mind like that leave the building.
12. Dedicate your draft capital to fixing your defense. The offensive side has enough talent and investments and the defense doesn't. While the offensive picks have hit, the defensive ones have missed, so it's back to the drawing board and the draft.

That's my early plan, what do you folks think we should do?

I like your plan, although Ive become more interested in re-signing Byron Jones after seeing the play of our other cbs. Also its been pointed out that what Quinn gives you in pass rush he often takes back in run defense. I agree though, double digit sack artist dont grow on trees. That said Id want a reasonable.

 

[LifetimeBoysFan]

That’s a solid plan. I agree with the majority of it. I would feel better with a better safety than Ha-Ha. He is certainly an upgrade, and offers familiarity too. That aspect is enticing. If that signing doesn’t prevent us still from kicking the tires on Delprit in the draft, I can live with it. I am so annoyed we didn’t address the safety position last year in the draft or in free agency. We had the pick of the litter basically and passed.

I’m also ok with keeping Byron Jones for the right price. If he gets top corner money I am not interested. I do feel he is stable and solid. If he can be brought back for the 10M or less range I think they should go for it.

I definitely am all in on drafting defense this year. A WR or TE too if they don’t land Ebron or increase Jarwin’s role. I think drafting a WR is still a solid move as long as it is after we have loaded up on DT, CB and S first. Either after a combo of early picks and free agency or via the draft. Green Bay had a knack for finding solid wide outs in middle of the draft. Maybe, hopefully even, McCarthy can bring some of that to the war room now. So long as he is better at that than Marinelli was at finding the next Warren Sapp over the years.

I would have zero complaints if we follow your plan too. Just offering a slight mod that I’d be content with too. At the end of the day though I feel like a breath of fresh air and a new approach is coming and is very welcomed by me.

 

[Stash]

I like your plan, although Ive become more interested in re-signing Byron Jones after seeing the play of our other cbs. Also its been pointed out that what Quinn gives you in pass rush he often takes back in run defense. I agree though, double digit sack artist dont grow on trees. That said Id want a reasonable.

If we're concerned about run defense, look to the other side, where Lawrence and Bennett were letting quarterbacks and running backs run around that side again, and again, and again. If I could choose to pay just one of them today, I'd keep Quinn and send Lawrence packing. But we know we're stuck and have to make it work.

 

[Stash]

That’s a solid plan. I agree with the majority of it. I would feel better with a better safety than Ha-Ha. He is certainly an upgrade, and offers familiarity too. That aspect is enticing. If that signing doesn’t prevent us still from kicking the tires on Delprit in the draft, I can live with it. I am so annoyed we didn’t address the safety position last year in the draft or in free agency. We had the pick of the litter basically and passed.

I’m also ok with keeping Byron Jones for the right price. If he gets top corner money I am not interested. I do feel he is stable and solid. If he can be brought back for the 10M or less range I think they should go for it.

I definitely am all in on drafting defense this year. A WR or TE too if they don’t land Ebron or increase Jarwin’s role. I think drafting a WR is still a solid move as long as it is after we have loaded up on DT, CB and S first. Either after a combo of early picks and free agency or via the draft. Green Bay had a knack for finding solid wide outs in middle of the draft. Maybe, hopefully even, McCarthy can bring some of that to the war room now. So long as he is better at that than Marinelli was at finding the next Warren Sapp over the years.

I would have zero complaints if we follow your plan too. Just offering a slight mod that I’d be content with too. At the end of the day though I feel like a breath of fresh air and a new approach is coming and is very welcomed by me.

$10 million or less on Byron Jones? Then yes! Absolutely! Sign me up! But I can't see that happening.

 

[Kingofholland]

Now that most of the big coaching decisions have been made and the staff is nearly complete, I've started to take a look at the roster, and the players I would keep and those I would let go. I'm interested to see what you all would do if it were up to you?

1. I would franchise tag Prescott for this year. Give the new staff a year or so to work with him and then truly decide if he is worth the huge investment. Having said that, I fully expect the team to give him a long term deal instead. $35 million annually.
2. Give Amari Cooper the big money contract. He's a proven commodity on the field and a safe bet off the field. It will certainly be overpaying, but you signed on for that when you traded for him. $18-$20 million annually.
3. Pay Robert Quinn. No Cowboys defender was more disruptive and more productive than he was. If anyone deserves to get paid around here, it's him. Don;t let good pass rushers get away. $10 million annually.
4. Let Byron Jones walk. Good player, great teammate, team guy. Allergic to the football and will likely cost $14-$15 million a year. Just not a playmaker and this defense needs them.
5. Cut Tyrone Crawford. A no-brainer. Saves you $8 million in cap room that can be used for an actual starter.
6. Sign DT Jordan Phillips. A huge, mountain of a man at 6'6" and 340 lbs to solidify the middle of your defense. A young player that came into his own in 2019 with 9.5 sacks. Pay Phillips the money you saved by releasing Crawford. $6 - $8 million annually.
7. Sign Ha-Ha Clinton-Dix to help to solidify one of your safety spots. Bye bye Jeff Heath, thanks for everything. $5 - $6 million annually.
8. Sign TE Eric Ebron. A former 1st round pick and a high end athlete at the position, much needed in McCarthy's offense. 13 touchdowns in 2018 is no joke. $7 million annually.
9. Re-sign Randall Cobb. He was worth the money last year and will likely want to stick around.
10. Re-sign Tavon Austin for the same modest salary as in 2019. I think the new staff and special teams coach will better utilize him.
11. Bring back Sean Lee in whatever capacity he chooses. If he wants to play another year? Let him play. If he wants to get into coaching? Make him a defensive assistant. The point is that you don't let a football guy and mind like that leave the building.
12. Dedicate your draft capital to fixing your defense. The offensive side has enough talent and investments and the defense doesn't. While the offensive picks have hit, the defensive ones have missed, so it's back to the drawing board and the draft.

That's my early plan, what do you folks think we should do?

Very logical plan. Wouldn't change too much, but I would pass on Ebron for 7 million a year. Ha ha makes a lot of sense as a former McCarthy guy, he's not the most dynamic talent, but durable guy that upgrades the secondary a bit. Wouldn't change my draft plans though to further address the secondary.

In regards to Byron Jones, I would try to get a deal done with Dak and Amari before the franchise tag deadline. Yes that means a longer term financial commitment, but if we're only a couple million a part on the deal annually just get it done to free up the franchise tag. I would then use the tag on Byron and see what compensation you could get. Byron is a good coverage guy, but he doesn't generate the turnovers you would expect from a top flight corner. I would still expect the Cowboys to at least get a 1st round pick for Byron. With two first round picks they could bolster the dline and replace Byron with a potentially equal talent for a fraction of the cost.

The biggest gamble here is Dak, but regardless QBs get paid if they've proven they can start in this league. Dak has certainly done that and at minimum that's 25 million a year alone these days. Dak likely ends up getting 32 to 34 million a year, so if Dak ends up being an average starter we're probably over paying him by 9 million a year. Better than rolling the dice with an unknown rookie, or to sign a declining veteran as a stop gap in my opinion. I guess worst case with Dak, most of his guaranteed money would be paid out in 3 seasons. At any point you could still draft a QB which could still fit under the cap.