I think it is impossible to field a team and meet the salary cap minimum without overpaying players. If you're not going to overpay your superstars, you're going to be overpaying your JAGs. You can't have a team full of rookie, team friendly, incentive based, vet minimum, and/or one year prove-it deals.
You bring up an interesting point. Overpaying Dak wouldn't be as problematic if they already weren't overpaying for Lawrence and Zeke. You can toss in Jaylon Smith into the equation too and Cooper if they sign him.
The offensive line also has 4 starting player contracts in the top to top 3 range already.
Lawrence and Zeke as the highest paid at their positions.
I liked the suggestion of a Suh and Earl Thomas with the understanding that Thomas's deal would be an upper tier one but not so much Suh.
I thought GB did a good job with the 2 Smith signings to their d-line. Examples of good contract to production output.
These are the type signings you are referring to I think.
Cobb, Quinn and Bennett were excellent based on a pay for production level and their short term contracts, while somewhat costly, were not cost prohibitive based on what the player performed at.
The Kerry Hyders and Covingtons of the world can simply be ruled out. They are throw always not worth the time based on their lack of even part time starter skill level or impact.
Signing every single "we like our guys" to a top end deal is totally uneasonable nor make business sense.
22 starters
53 on active roster
Actual GMs, not board enthusiasts as ourselves, know what FAs are a somewhat reasonable and still effective signing.
I mean, substantiated or not, the rumors are already surfacing of the Rams letting Gurley go.
Remember he was "the starting point"for Zeke negotiations as Stephen put it, and 2 years too early at that.
I thought all this type stuff with these specific examples of knowing which are good and which are over paid contracts are the basis of your 10 or so page discussion with the other guy.
It takes a good GM. It takes a lotta homework and negotiation skills. . But cost effective AND impactful free agents can be had at "decent" prices.
The Cowboys DO NOT hafta overpay just to field a competitive team.
Sigm more Cobb, Quinns and Bennett type deals. Stay away from the DLaws and Zeke type money.