CFZ Here's Why Those Upset and Anxious of Free Agency are Wrong

plasticman

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I predict the first thing many will do will come in and argue that I love Jerry Jones, or Stephen, or that I'm just too stupid to understand and wouldn't know how to build a team or know anything about football (my favorite). For that reason, I often just keep opinions like this to myself. This board is like an echo chamber, and I'm not concerned with changing that, but I think it's important to point out for those who are open-minded enough to consider.

The worst thing that you can do in free agency is be too anxious to get any player. A team should have several things in place before they are in a legitimate position to win through free agency anyway, and that is obviously best done through the draft. First, you get your quarterback. Check. Then you get your left tackle. Check. Then you solidify your skill positions. Check, check, check.

Then . . . if you want to compete for a championship in this league, you need a formidable EDGE rusher, a talented corner and a dominate linebacker. Question marks, plural, check, check,

The third phase is special teams, so you're looking for guys every year that can fit in those roles. And I'm not going to check or question mark or draw a line through anything just yet, since I cannot project with any certainty about who will play what on STs. It's just too early. But we do have the basic pieces in place to win enough as a team to get us into the regular season. If we're good enough to get into the playoffs, then it would make sense to stack this team with as many free agents and new talent acquisitions as possible.

When looking ahead at our strategy to building a championship team, we need to have a few rules in place. First, we shouldn't overpay for anyone in free agency. Free agent signings can be risky, because we may not know all the reasons a free agent isn't being resigned by their former team, etc. We may think we do, but we often find out later why they were a free agent in the first place. Dallas has overlooked this many times in the past — to their detriment. But I think they have finally learned from it.

Let's be real here for a minute. Do we really think Jerry and Stephen don't wouldn't spend the money assemble the best roster they could if all it took was money? We know they would. We have said in the past that they just don't know how to win, especially after they break the bank to sign a free agent.

Free agent signings have been some of Dallas' worst moves in the past.

Have they finally learned from it?

How does a team not overpay for a player?

They exercise patience.

The more patient we are, the less anxious we appear, the less urgent about it we act, the less likely we are to get into bidding wars with teams and agents over players.

What's the best way to get off on the right foot when you negotiate for players?

Establish a history.

If you have a history of being anxious and overpaying for your players, then that's the reputation you've built for yourself. If you don't overvalue anyone too much, as a team, then that's your reputation.

So it's important to establish a reputation. You do that by writing your own history.

On the other hand, if you can build a winning team that players want to play for, then free agency can become your friend. Did players take less to play for the Patriots for a chance to win the Super Bowl?

They sure did.

Please point out that I'm comparing the Cowboys to the Patriots, because I'm not saying that. I'm using the Patriots as an example. But it's something to strive for.

Lately, finally, Jerry and Stephen are doing the right things.

They're not letting a little success from last year get them too excited to the point they overspend.They're relaxed about signing free agents. And they're cool with laying back and letting the clock tick.

Because as time goes by, the Cowboys put themselves in a more advantageous position to do what they really want to do: fill the holes we have with as much available talent, at the lowest cost.And finally, they're doing it the right way by being patient enough to evaluate their own talent, patient enough waiting for cuts, and patient enough waiting for the market to come down.

And that's exactly what they should be doing in free agency, regardless of what the fans parrot from the talking heads. If getting the best players at the best price is the goal, the only thing for them to do is be patient about it.The trick here is balancing out their patience so that it works best for the team overall, in the end.

Not getting too anxious to overpay for one player, but being patient enough to make several key signings has proven to be the key to success in the NFL.

That, and keeping enough cap space open to sign your current core players in the future.

We've got our core players.

So right now, the name of the game is patience, evaluation, and timing with new signings.

So far, I'd say they're doing a pretty good job. It's just difficult to tell, since free agency is not yet over. And that's the part many bellyaching fans would have you forget.

(Should say About in the title, not of)
I\m sorry you feel you sometimes can't post your opinion due to the personal attacks you can receive. Many of us have experienced the same but if these attacks influence your decision whether or not to post then they have won. My policy is to immediately call them out on it. Typically, when they call your intelligence into question without offering any logical counterpoint to the actual topic, then they are just trying to deflect the fact they they got nothing. They are angry at you because they know you are right.

I agree that the proper way to approach free agency are opportunities for value. When it comes to the salary cap there are only so many pieces of the pie. The larger you make one slice, the smaller slice that is available for the next need.

Speaking of "need", this is training camp and the Cowboys should not identify any needs until they know what they have.

Washington's injury is an example of what can happen when the perception is of a need. That need cannot be filled with a sigle signing because then that need is an injury away of resurfacing.

Noah Brown is a five year NFL veteran who could probably have been a starter on some teams years ago. I'm intruiged by some of the rookie free agents that would have been legitimate 8th round draft picks years ago.

.
 

Sydla

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I get excited about the roster when I start seeing names like Bell, Wright, Vasher, players that didnt cost a lot, and Im not penciling them in as future HOFs, all Im saying is I see
some young comp with upside competing, its actually kind of refreshing.
This list is much longer, but these three are getting some early looks and for good reason.

This happens every camp. Young guys look good in these shell practices and people start projecting how deep we are………
 

Stash

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The Rams went all in to win a SB. I think Jerry's just content to win the weak NFC Least.

The Rams showed that you can make a Super Bowl, come up short, and quickly reload and take another shot. And win it. They were aggressive on top of aggressive and rebuilt much of their team, including at the most important position, quarterback.

This attempt to praise the Cowboys continued mediocrity and “patience” is a fool’s errand.
 

Bobhaze

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We can all agree that the make or break strategy during free agency hasn't served the Cowboys in the past, though, right?

The insanity would be repeating that same thing over and over, which is what they did. for a long time. Finally, they're changing their approach, and everyone is calling them stupid.

If they're stupid, it's only because they didn't learn to practice a little patience sooner than now.

I'll take what I'm getting right now though. Draft picks can really help, if you have the right draft personnel. And we've done good there.

Now, we have to be patient. And trust the guys we have enough to negotiate on our terms. I like how we have weak spots, but no spot too weak we can't roll with our guys rather than overpaying to upgrade it.

That's where they're doing things right, finally. That part, and being patient.

For too long the Cowboys were overly-anxious in free agency. And I'm glad they're finally taking a different approach. Regardless of how the Rams won last year.
Well written OP P2R….It is true this FO has in recent history made some mistakes in free agency. But they’ve also had some minor successes too.

The real issue regarding FA for me is it can’t be either extreme. You can’t fix your team with free agency alone; but conversely, you also cannot be completely dependent on the draft either. And the bottom line here as @Jake said very well earlier- offseasons cannot be judged before a single game is played. They are judged by the results on the field.
 

Pass2Run

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Nevah, in the history of the CZ, has a post been so true.
The analysis of how to get to the big square dance.
The horse sense!
Then you ruin it by writing "We've got our core players."
Who besides Micah, Digs and Martin?
And don't include a sophomore CeeDee "Drops" Lamb or Dak "Run With 14 Seconds Remaining" Prescott.

Well, at least the Cowboys think they have their core players. They have their franchise QB, WR, LT and RB. Similar to the triplet days. Those are who I consider core players on the offense. Many would argue that you could build a team around those players. Then, on defense, we have Parsons, and Diggs. Not certain on our pass rushers.

I get it. We don't have perfect players. But nobody does. Not even here at the Farmer's Branch.

Like every other year, this year is different. To me, something seems different about their approach.

I personally think we may be fine at WR. Even if we are good there with the guys we have, I think we'll likely still add some guys via free agency. Just a matter of the right guys at the right price and time.
 

irishline

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We can all agree that the make or break strategy during free agency hasn't served the Cowboys in the past, though, right?

The insanity would be repeating that same thing over and over, which is what they did. for a long time.

And we have been repeating the same thing in the other direction for a long time (a decade at this point) ever since. We haven't won a darn thing with that strategy either. It hasn't served the Cowboys (using your words). So, is it not insanity to repeat the current thing over and over (since we signed Carr 10 years ago really)?

The truth is there needs to be a balance. Its okay to sign a high level FA every once and while as needed. Pretty much every Superbowl team (sans the Patriots) seem to do so.
 
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Pass2Run

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The Rams went all in to win a SB. I think Jerry's just content to win the weak NFC Least.

I think their goal is to upgrade the team they had last year so that we can get past that first round of the playoffs.

For a successful season, we at least need to win some playoff games, plural. If they don't do that this year, it may not happen for several more years.

The Cowboys, and fans, should know that the clock is ticking. People were talking about a window of opportunity last year being about 2 years.

IMO, the team has the basic players in place to build around for a run. But they need to identify which positions can be significantly upgraded for the right price if our own players can't cut it.

The whole key is player evaluation. And that's a really tough job, tricky even, to build a 53 man roster for a 17-game regular season.
 

Pass2Run

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And we have been repeating the same thing in the other direction for a long time (a decade at this point) ever since. We haven't won a darn thing with that strategy either. It hasn't served the Cowboys (using your words). So, is it not insanity to repeat the current thing over and over (since we signed Carr 10 years ago really)?

The truth is there needs to be a balance. Not the on/off switch that we are using.

You keep saying it's the same thing.

What, specifically, do you think they should do different?

They finally got rid of Garrett, and got a new coach. The difference, if you haven't noticed, is that we have a tremendous amount of cap space to sign free agents with if we happen to think this is our year. And if it's not, we save that money for the future.

They have accumulated the cap space by being more patient with contracts. Essentially, that's what this post is about, how they've been patient and careful with the cap.


I\m sorry you feel you sometimes can't post your opinion due to the personal attacks you can receive. Many of us have experienced the same but if these attacks influence your decision whether or not to post then they have won. My policy is to immediately call them out on it. Typically, when they call your intelligence into question without offering any logical counterpoint to the actual topic, then they are just trying to deflect the fact they they got nothing. They are angry at you because they know you are right.

I agree that the proper way to approach free agency are opportunities for value. When it comes to the salary cap there are only so many pieces of the pie. The larger you make one slice, the smaller slice that is available for the next need.

Speaking of "need", this is training camp and the Cowboys should not identify any needs until they know what they have.

Washington's injury is an example of what can happen when the perception is of a need. That need cannot be filled with a sigle signing because then that need is an injury away of resurfacing.

Noah Brown is a five year NFL veteran who could probably have been a starter on some teams years ago. I'm intruiged by some of the rookie free agents that would have been legitimate 8th round draft picks years ago.

.

Excellent points.

I'm usually not afraid to express my opinion. I'm also pretty open to considering other points of view, as well.

But when it comes to the Joneses, the board seems pretty brutal about giving them any credit, which I understand. They say every year is going to be different, every year. But what do you expect them to say?

Personally, I think Jerry is less and less involved and I think McClay and Jr. have more control over personnel decisions, which could possibly be good thing.

I would likely criticize Jerry more if he was younger. But I've been taught to respect my elders and I see a man on his last leg, desperate to win and enjoy the last parts of his life. So it's hard for me to get too personal about the job he's doing at almost 80-years-old.

I'm not trying to blow smoke. Just expressing that I see some positive things going on with how they're handing the roster, which is only one part of this equation.
 
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Pass2Run

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You said it a lot more eloquently than I did. Thank you

Just read your post.

It looks like we share relatively the same opinion on this matter.

Glad to know I'm not completely off my rocker. As you said, I also think we sign a couple more free agents this year before it's all said and done.

It's really about patience, as much as Cowboy fans are out of it.
 

Blackspider214

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TLDNR The rams proved you and the imbecile jerry wrong.

Yep. I love how we get these posts every single offseason. About how fans are wrong to be upset about how poor the front office does every offseason and never gets anyone proven to help. "We love our own guys". And literally every season this is proven to be wrong as the season unfolds. We never have any depth on this team. We give the wrong guys extensions/big deals. We only pick up scraps in the offseason. They are quantity over quality.

Winning front offices identifies their weaknesses and have a plan to fix it. Rams are a great example. Eagles as well in 2017. Both of these teams did not sit on their hands. Both gambled and it paid off.

Jerry and this front office are so desperate to show everyone how smart they are by wanting to pay and grow their own players. And it never works out.

The front office this offseason ruined this offseason. We got rid of 2 good WRs in Wilson and Cooper and got nothing in return. Browns took us behind the shed and whipped us with what they gave up for Cooper. Every other WR with a pulse demanded much more. We decide to go all in on the gimp Gallup. A guy who really does not make a big difference. James Washington last year would not even have seen the field. And this offseason, he was now our #2 guy. That is 100% the doing of this front office. Also did zero to fix this OL.
 

Robster8989

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Not really... which is why the team didn't get caught up in those sweepstakes. And like I said, I agree with it. There's no way that Wagner is playing well enough 4-5 years from now to be worth that money. I know.

Still I would have thought long and hard about it because he brings so much in character and knowledge. What Parsons would get from him those first couple of years just might make it worth it.

However, when I was saying that I wanted is to sign him, I didn't think he would get that much money. So I didn't blame the team for passing on him.

It still disappointed me though.

No you are right ** about Wagner.
People see 5 years 50, and they think that he will actually make that.
That is just APY, it has nothing to do with what a player costs the tream or the guaranteed money he will see.
This is the NFL, not the NBA.
Wagner will not see 50 mil (unless he is playing well enough to justify it).
Wagner's deal was just 1 mil in signing bonus, and just 10 mil guaranteed.
His cap number this year is just 2.5 mil. Could we have afforded this? Of course.
The Rams can release him next year and save 7.5 mil of his 12 mil salary (and absorb just a 4.5 mil cap hit for him).
If they were to release him next year, he would have cost just 7 mil for his year with them, spread out over 2 years.
Of course if his play justifies it, they can keep him, and could even restructure his deal to reduce his cap hit next year.
I agree he would have been invaluable, as a leader and mentor to Micah, and as a run stuffing MLB we need to address our run defense. We need a run stuffing MLB (maybe Barr can be that now that we signed him).
Wagner was a perfect candidate for us. His play, his leadership and having him would free up Micah to be used as the swiss army knife he is best utilized as, wreaking havok all over the field.
It was a missed opportunity by an ultra conservative front office that doesn't fully understand the cap and how it can be manipulated.
Wagner would have been a great addition.
Last year teams ran on us at will at key monments and we could not stop them. What have we done to address that core weakness?
Same DTs and LBs we had last year. Hope Barr can help but I'm not sold that he has anything left.
 

cowboyec

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first catch jalen tolbert makes...they will tell you how right they were.
and we will have to forget all the doom and gloom they posted about the wr spot.
:thumbup:
 

cowboyec

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personally...i like the way they have set out to build this team.
but its a results business.
:starspin:WIN...NOW:starspin:
 

Sydla

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I know it, those optismists are some real SOBs.

The point being don’t fall victim to thinking all the solutions to our issues are in these young guys.

People have convinced themselves that our WR position is in good shape despite Washington being hurt. Why? Because we have a ton of young bodies at the position.
 

Bobhaze

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This happens every camp. Young guys look good in these shell practices and people start projecting how deep we are………
Every training camp we hear about a list of young players who are “having a great camp”…It’s a training camp tradition like no other.

Remember all these guys who had “great camps”?
  • Beau Morgan- RB- leading rusher in two straight pre-seasons in the early 90s. Never made the 53 man roster.
  • Stepfret Williams- WR in 96-97. “Great camp”.
  • Kavika Pittman- DE 2nd round pick of late 90s. Star of 96-97 training camps but….
  • Jeff Ogden- WR late 90s- TC star in 98. Caught 28 career passes in his brief NFL career.
  • David Arkin- G- 4th round pick in 2011 who “had a great camp” but never started an NFL game.
  • Lance Dunbar- star of several TCs 2012-16. Did play in 41 games for Cowboys in an injury riddled career.
  • Rico Gathers- TE- the biggest star in shorts and t-shirts in Cowboys history. Had several “great camps”.
  • Matt Johnson- S- 4th round pick in 2013 who looked great in mini-camps but never played an NFL game because of injuries.
This is obviously an incomplete list. Point is, having a “great camp” doesn’t always mean much.
 

terra

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Make or break is what Jerry has done in the past with trades for players like Galloway, which is the first that comes to mind. That was a long time ago, but I wouldn't say never.

There have been several other signings since then, like Greg Hardy, who undoubtedly had talent. But the Cowboys would later regret signing him due to his locker room antics.

Jerry has had some successful FA singings if we're talking Deion, during the cap era. Haley was not during the cap era, so people often mistake that as a success for Jerry when in reality the cap wasn't an issue, so it was a no-brainer.

Also, remember Ryan Leaf? Eddie George, Brandon Carr, etc.

I like that they're exercising patience.
no they are sitting on their butts doing virtually nothing and have been that way for many years. Whether you like it or not you are defending the bumblers we are stuck with.
 

Hennessy_King

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Every training camp we hear about a list of young players who are “having a great camp”…It’s a training camp tradition like no other.

Remember all these guys who had “great camps”?
  • Beau Morgan- RB- leading rusher in two straight pre-seasons in the early 90s. Never made the 53 man roster.
  • Stepfret Williams- WR in 96-97. “Great camp”.
  • Kavika Pittman- DE 2nd round pick of late 90s. Star of 96-97 training camps but….
  • Jeff Ogden- WR late 90s- TC star in 98. Caught 28 career passes in his brief NFL career.
  • David Arkin- G- 4th round pick in 2011 who “had a great camp” but never started an NFL game.
  • Lance Dunbar- star of several TCs 2012-16. Did play in 41 games for Cowboys in an injury riddled career.
  • Rico Gathers- TE- the biggest star in shorts and t-shirts in Cowboys history. Had several “great camps”.
  • Matt Johnson- S- 4th round pick in 2013 who looked great in mini-camps but never played an NFL game because of injuries.
This is obviously an incomplete list. Point is, having a “great camp” doesn’t always mean much.
You left out Jemeill Showers lol.
 

terra

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Every training camp we hear about a list of young players who are “having a great camp”…It’s a training camp tradition like no other.

Remember all these guys who had “great camps”?
  • Beau Morgan- RB- leading rusher in two straight pre-seasons in the early 90s. Never made the 53 man roster.
  • Stepfret Williams- WR in 96-97. “Great camp”.
  • Kavika Pittman- DE 2nd round pick of late 90s. Star of 96-97 training camps but….
  • Jeff Ogden- WR late 90s- TC star in 98. Caught 28 career passes in his brief NFL career.
  • David Arkin- G- 4th round pick in 2011 who “had a great camp” but never started an NFL game.
  • Lance Dunbar- star of several TCs 2012-16. Did play in 41 games for Cowboys in an injury riddled career.
  • Rico Gathers- TE- the biggest star in shorts and t-shirts in Cowboys history. Had several “great camps”.
  • Matt Johnson- S- 4th round pick in 2013 who looked great in mini-camps but never played an NFL game because of injuries.
This is obviously an incomplete list. Point is, having a “great camp” doesn’t always mean much.
Its enough to make your point to all but the really stupid. Unfortunately there are several in this thread.
 

Typhus

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The point being don’t fall victim to thinking all the solutions to our issues are in these young guys.

People have convinced themselves that our WR position is in good shape despite Washington being hurt. Why? Because we have a ton of young bodies at the position.
then take a closer look at the talent there, nobody can take that right away from you.
 
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