Your Offseason Plan

[Stash]

The perfect 7-9 8-8 plan.

I'm glad that you don't like it. Shows me that I'm on the right track.

 

[Verdict]

I think Lee is great full time but as a part time player he does not do much. It took him a few weeks to get in the flow once Vander Esch went down. You need a young guy to fill that part time role. Now, if Vander Esch is out indefinitely I would take Lee back in a heartbeat.

Lee should probably move on. He has the head to play the game but he’s a step away from making a play. Pass.

 

[Rockport]

That’s not true. Prescott wanted to prove it to himself. It wasn’t them that Wanted him to prove it

Ok Dak wanted to prove it and Jerry wanted to see proof last year. That happened is my point.

 

[Sandyf]

1. I would sign Prescott to a 5 year to a $175 million contract with $100 million in guarantees. Understand that waiting will drive the price up especially if he puts up similar numbers next year because Mahomes is going to get an extension this year north of $40 million a year.
2. Sign Amari Cooper to a 5 year $100 million contract with $50 million in guarantees. His chemistry with Dak is great and he is a game changer. What he really needs (as well as Gallup and Cobb) is a real speed guy with them on the field and a TE that can stretch the defense.
3. Sign Robert Quinn to say a 2 or 3 year deal, money is a question but he has the speed Nolan admires in getting off the edge. Don't think any of us believe Randy Gregory is coming back or that Chase Young will be available in the draft so Quinn is the guy.
4. I would sign Bryon Jones to saying like a 4 year $50 million deal but I would bet you will have to put the franchise or transition tag on him and if another team ups the ante then take that 1st round pick and walk away.
5. Redo Tyrone Crawford contract. Probably save $6 million this year and see what we get in the draft, when healthy he is disruptive.
6. Sign DT A'Shawn Robinson. Hasn't had a great career in Detroit and seems to be on the outs there but great size and potential and believe he fits the spot Nolan needs.
7. Sign Vonn Bell at Safety and take another safety in the draft. He understands how Nolan like his guys to play. Should be a somewhat reasonable signing.
8. Sign TE Hunter Henry. Okay yes Chargers probably resign or tag him but if not sign him on the first day of free agency. Unbelievable pass catcher in the George Kittle mode and would make the offensive far better than today. Worth the money, every penny.
9. Re-sign Randall Cobb. And they will for McCarthy but would only be a one year deal since think they are going to go younger at WR overall.
10. Have to see if Brown and/or Wilson can play the 4th WR spot, both have the size needed but wouldn't be surprised to see us pick up a guy in FA.
11. See if Gifford is going to be the LB we saw in training camp or see if Lee comes back at the vet minimum.
12. Aw, the draft, tricky place because have no idea who might be there when we draft. As usual where the QBs go and when will determine a lot but a DT or S at 17 wouldn't be bad at all then again if a Ruggs or Judy slip to 17 not go to hate it either. Lots of changes will occur once drafting starts.

Just my 2 cents and if the same question is asked in April betting it changes.

 

[John813]

Few changes I would do:
I would let Quinn walk.
Draft a safety in day 2.
Draft an edge in round 1, if any quality ones are left. If not, draft a corner.
Let Austin walk. Less niche gadget players.

 

[cowboyec]

Jordan Phillips would be an excellent "get".

a veteran to watch might be DT Mike Daniels...he played for McCarthy in green bay...has played recently in detroit.

 

[Sydla]

Few changes I would do:
I would let Quinn walk.
Draft a safety in day 2.
Draft an edge in round 1, if any quality ones are left. If not, draft a corner.
Let Austin walk. Less niche gadget players.

Pretty risky.

If you let Quinn walk and there are no edge players that you like available Day 1 in the draft, then what?

Lawrence and a bunch of retreads and backups isn't gonna cut it.

 

[John813]

Pretty risky.

If you let Quinn walk and there are no edge players that you like available Day 1 in the draft, then what?

Lawrence and a bunch of retreads and backups isn't gonna cut it.

I hear ya. Just think Quinn can get a decent marker and out price himself here.

 

[Sydla]

I hear ya. Just think Quinn can get a decent marker and out price himself here.

Oh there is definitely a limit to what I would pay to bring him back at.

But if he walks, they are going to have to bring in a competent vet or two in FA. If you don't you have Lawrence and then a back up type in Armstrong and that's about it. I mean you might have Gregory but are you willing to bank on that? Likely not. If Quinn walks you may have to think about talking Bennett into playing another year for you.

 

[garyo1954]

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?

Good early season plan! I'd roll with it.

 

[John813]

Oh there is definitely a limit to what I would pay to bring him back at.

But if he walks, they are going to have to bring in a competent vet or two in FA. If you don't you have Lawrence and then a back up type in Armstrong and that's about it. I mean you might have Gregory but are you willing to bank on that? Likely not. If Quinn walks you may have to think about talking Bennett into playing another year for you.

Yea, would like to see another FA if Quinn walks. Just hard to figure out who could hit the market at this time. Always a few surprises right before FA starts.

 

[USArmyVet]

First things first: franchise tag Dak as the "franchise tag, which carries a projected $26.895 million salary for 2020" is a huge salary increase for him and provides Dallas' new coaching staff to see what Dak can do in 2020. You can easily afford that when releasing/trading DT/DE Tyrone Crawford ($8 Million in savings), releasing Punter Chris Jones ($1.4 Million savings), and having the balance of the DAL franchise number ($17.4 Million) go against the cap. If Dak refuses to sign the franchise tag, then work out the best deal possible for him in terms of draft pick compensation (perhaps fleece a 1st from either Miami or Oakland since they both have 3 and 2 respectively) and look for a veteran QB to hold the fort for a year and draft a young future starter.

 

[DasTex]

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. I would quietly (I know this doesn't exist in Dallas however) test the trade waters for Dak - tag and trade. I can't get a 1st - then I'd tag and play out year.
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. Agreed
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. I'd let him walk. Think Armstrong and possibly Gregory can contribute next year once NFL lets up on MJ use.
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. Agreed - just make sure to get comp pick here.
5. Cut Tyrone Crawford. A no-brainer. Saves you $8 million in cap room that can be used for an actual starter. First try for BIG pay cut - can still contribute but either big pay cut or release.
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. YES YES YES YES
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. Use 1st or 2nd on S - good talent in draft this year.
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. Meh - wouldn't hate, but might look draft here as well or tier below Ebron - so we can see finally what we have currently on roster.
9. Re-sign Randall Cobb. He was worth the money last year and will likely want to stick around. Agreed
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. Worth the risk - agreed.
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. All for it - hopefully to play 1 more year. He can still contribute on limited snaps.
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. I think I would draft a QB/TE on offensive side - but that's about it.

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

 

[Montanalo]

I'm glad that you don't like it. Shows me that I'm on the right track.

Perfect response.

As to your original post, the only things i might quibble about is signing Austin and that's only because I would really like to see the team do something with Devon Smith

 

[KingintheNorth]

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.

It's probably what's going to have to happen. I really wish this Front Office could have convinced Dak to take a team-friendlier deal, thinking about the overall team cap and the fact that as the Dallas Cowboys starting QB there are so many more endorsement opportunities. But I get that Dak, his family, and agent want as much money as possible and the book on Jerry is that he will overpay, especially when it's a self-vindication for Jerry.

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.

Something is off with Cooper and maybe it was his relationship with the staff. maybe McCarthy changes that. We are definitely better with a healthy, happy Cooper but again, something seemed off towards the end of 2019.

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.

Depends for me. We need that quick, explosive Edge opposite Tank but Quinn is past the 30-year old threshold. If I can pay similar money to a younger guy (Bud Dupree, Dante Fowler), I'd rather do that. If Quinn's demands are reasonable, absolutely bring him back.

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.

Probably going to have to. Someone is going to pay him.

Cut Tyrone Crawford. A no-brainer. Saves you $8 million in cap room that can be used for an actual starter.

Please yes. Overdue.

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.

Not a bad move.

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.

Want to upgrade from Heath more than anyone on this forum, but HaHa has really slowed down. I think we can do better.

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.

Great (but expensive) call.

Re-sign Randall Cobb. He was worth the money last year and will likely want to stick around.

Agreed.

-sign Tavon Austin for the same modest salary as in 2019. I think the new staff and special teams coach will better utilize him.

Agreed. I think McCarthy can definitely utilize him better than Clappy and Boy Wonder did.

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.

I hope he comes back.

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.

Should be the plan but if defensive players fall off the board and a great WR or TE is sitting there, can't be afraid to swoop on those 2 positions of need.

 

[darthseinfeld]

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?

Bills are likely going to let Phillips walk and go with Oliver. His market seems small relative to his 2019 production. He only has 1 year or big production, which probably explains that. However I think there could be the potential for him to get a 10M AAV deal

I think he is a perfect fit for what we are looking for. Bills SB Nation agrees with you on a 7Mish AAV, for that price I think he could end up here

 

[BatteryPowered]

MY plan? Well, my daughter is getting married so I have some things to do related to that. We have a long weekend and a week long vacation scheduled. I plan on firing up the smoker several times for brisket, pulled pork and ribs. Probably play some golf. Other than that, not much...but there are a few open slots that could be filled.

 

[visionary]

Agree with most of it except

Don’t re sign Cooper

Use that money to sign the absolute best TE in FA. A great TE will radically impact the offense and help Dak

 

[buybuydandavis]

1. Cut Tyrone Crawford. A no-brainer. Saves you $8 million in cap room that can be used for an actual starter.

Reportedly Crawford has already offered to take a pay cut. If so, and if he's fully healthy, I expect him back. We're so hosed at DT.

 

[Irvin88_4life]

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?

Excellent post. This is almost exactly what I would do, not sure about resigning Austin....... although I wouldn't mind it. I think with Smith, Johnson, Wilson and maybe a draft pick we would be good there. Maybe a straight speed guy with great return skills.

I would like to sign and draft a LB. Malcolm Smith would be a decent resigning as I liked his play in the short time he was here.

Only other thing is Ha Ha Clinton Dix I'm not so sure is such an upgrade. A guy like Anthony Harris would be better and/or drafting a guy like Delpit or McKinney.

Great job though, completely agree with resigning Quinn and bringing in Ebron. Doing what you posted would fill all the holes on the team and allow the team to draft best available football players. I would expect 11-13 wins and maybe the conference championship game.