I am a strong believer there are times when subtracting a player actually makes the team better. Xavier Woods was a great example of that. I think not resigning Kazee this year will have that effect to a lesser degree. But I would not have put Randy Gregory in that category, not La'el Collins. Cooper, definitely. But, not without a replacement. Unless Tolbert shocks the world, I do not think they have a replacement for Cooper's talent on the field.
Randy Gregory was arguably the worst starter on the field in the playoff game. Replacing him is an improvement even if it is Dorance who was simply better last year. Randy rated 104th / 119 ED rush defense according to PFF which we can back up with our eyeballs.
La'el Collins is a very talented OT but he had massively underperformed his contract. Over the last two seasons, Collins had missed 21 of 33 possible games because of injury or suspension. Hard to call it a true step back to have a guy you didn't have anyway.
Cooper is a quality WR. He's just not a top 10 guy. And he is 100% declining. So Dallas does take a small step back here by moving a guy a year too soon as opposed to a year too late.
If Dallas has continued to draft really well they will be more than fine and possibly improved.
If they can't get anything out of this draft class year 1 then yes it is a step back.
I tend to think a 1 game drop off to 11-6 is about right but 10-7 also very possible.
As usual Vegas is pretty much spot on; making this one tough.
