CFZ A bold roster strategy I would support

[Bobhaze]

you don’t do this unless you have a new coach and a high draft pick in the first round so you can take (what you hope is) your new franchise quarterback.

you can’t tell the fans, and the players and the coaches, that there’s nothing to play for this year unless everyone is on the same same page about a total rebuild.

You could get a high draft pick with the roster moves from the OP. Or get some for 2025.

 

[tunahelper]

Let me say right off the bat, what I’m about to suggest will never happen. Why? Because Jerry Jones no longer takes big risks in attempts to build a championship roster. In fact, sadly Jerry and Stephen clearly make sales and marketing the centerpiece of what drives this organization more than sound roster moves that give us better chances of winning playoff games.

Most fans around here probably would not support my roster plan either. And I understand that. But I believe this is the way to make this team better in the long run. So what is the roster building strategy I would support? Here it is:

• Make 2024 an aggressive rebuild. Simply put, if we are being honest, there is no core of this team that has done anything important in the playoffs. Yes, the last 3 years have given us 3 playoff appearances, BUT…that has resulted in 1 wild card win. That’s not worth building around IMO.
• Seek trades for Cedee Lamb, Micah Parsons, Dak, Zack Martin and D-Law. Having all these top paid guys (Lamb and Parsons will be soon) collectively have given us 3 wild card wins - one back when Romo was QB. Here’s my thinking on this:
  • Trade Cedee Lamb- why? Yes Lamb deserves a big payday. But I would not pay him top market dollar because keeping him here at top market value does not make this team better. It keeps it the same. He has disappeared at times in big games and pouts way too easily. I would see if we could get a first round pick for him.
  • Trade Micah Parsons- I would think long and hard about paying this guy top of the defensive market. Not because of talent. He’s the most talented guy on this team. But he’s also the biggest head case on this team. Hate to say it, he disappears in big games, pouts and talks waaaay too much. Trade him while his value is high. He might garner a first and a second round pick.
  • Trade Dak Prescott- I know the Jones boys don’t have the stones to do this but I would be vigorously seeking trade partners right now for Dak. They should have shopped him to Pitts because I think Dak would have agreed to that trade. That “no trade clause” just means they need to find a team he would like. It may be too late now.
  • See what trading Zack Martin, Trevon Diggs and D-Law could garner- doubtful there would be much value for Martin and Law at their age but I would explore it. Diggs maybe.
• Use the haul in draft picks for a rebuild of the core of this team.
  • Draft a QB in the first round for a change.
  • Draft a LT, G/C, WR and edge rusher the next two years that you can build around.

As stated earlier, the current core of this team has not given us much of anything in playoff wins. Isn’t that what we are supposed to be about? Winning playoff games? Like I said at the beginning, this will never happen. The Jones boys are mostly about sales and marketing. This is why they sign their “marquee” players whether or not having them means we have a legit shot at a Lombardi.

IMO it is long past the time to move on from this core of players who have underachieved. A new era of Cowboys football should be in the making. Don‘t hold your breath. There are jerseys and commercials to sell first.

I would cosign this blow up in a NY minute. Only reservations I hold is the Jones will preside over the rebuild.

 

[VaqueroTD]

CeeDee and Micah. Top 3 NFL wideout and Top 3 NFL pass rusher. No way I get rid of those guys.

Everyone else is fair game except young up and comers like Fergy, Tyler, Diggs, Bland.

Those 6 keep.
You can do what you want with the rest.

 

[Coogiguy03]

Think how much money could be made on a deep playoff run!

to them just doing enough has made them successful!

 

[ArtClink]

Let me say right off the bat, what I’m about to suggest will never happen. Why? Because Jerry Jones no longer takes big risks in attempts to build a championship roster. In fact, sadly Jerry and Stephen clearly make sales and marketing the centerpiece of what drives this organization more than sound roster moves that give us better chances of winning playoff games.

Most fans around here probably would not support my roster plan either. And I understand that. But I believe this is the way to make this team better in the long run. So what is the roster building strategy I would support? Here it is:

• Make 2024 an aggressive rebuild. Simply put, if we are being honest, there is no core of this team that has done anything important in the playoffs. Yes, the last 3 years have given us 3 playoff appearances, BUT…that has resulted in 1 wild card win. That’s not worth building around IMO.
• Seek trades for Cedee Lamb, Micah Parsons, Dak, Zack Martin and D-Law. Having all these top paid guys (Lamb and Parsons will be soon) collectively have given us 3 wild card wins - one back when Romo was QB. Here’s my thinking on this:
  • Trade Cedee Lamb- why? Yes Lamb deserves a big payday. But I would not pay him top market dollar because keeping him here at top market value does not make this team better. It keeps it the same. He has disappeared at times in big games and pouts way too easily. I would see if we could get a first round pick for him.
  • Trade Micah Parsons- I would think long and hard about paying this guy top of the defensive market. Not because of talent. He’s the most talented guy on this team. But he’s also the biggest head case on this team. Hate to say it, he disappears in big games, pouts and talks waaaay too much. Trade him while his value is high. He might garner a first and a second round pick.
  • Trade Dak Prescott- I know the Jones boys don’t have the stones to do this but I would be vigorously seeking trade partners right now for Dak. They should have shopped him to Pitts because I think Dak would have agreed to that trade. That “no trade clause” just means they need to find a team he would like. It may be too late now.
  • See what trading Zack Martin, Trevon Diggs and D-Law could garner- doubtful there would be much value for Martin and Law at their age but I would explore it. Diggs maybe.
• Use the haul in draft picks for a rebuild of the core of this team.
  • Draft a QB in the first round for a change.
  • Draft a LT, G/C, WR and edge rusher the next two years that you can build around.

As stated earlier, the current core of this team has not given us much of anything in playoff wins. Isn’t that what we are supposed to be about? Winning playoff games? Like I said at the beginning, this will never happen. The Jones boys are mostly about sales and marketing. This is why they sign their “marquee” players whether or not having them means we have a legit shot at a Lombardi.

IMO it is long past the time to move on from this core of players who have underachieved. A new era of Cowboys football should be in the making. Don‘t hold your breath. There are jerseys and commercials to sell first.

I love this post! This is spot on and sad there is no hope of this happening.

 

[DandyDon52]

I have no problem with an aggressive rebuild if that is the plan. Yes, it would mean trading CeeDee, now. It would also mean trading the other players you mentioned. I do hesitate with Micah though. He is a generational talent. Before I move on from him, I would give him one more year. They can trade him next year just as easily as they can trade him this year.

There is one problem with this plan. Who is rebuilding this team? The same guys who built the team in 2023 and before? You know it is. So my question is, what makes anyone think the next team rebuilt by Jerry and Stephen will be any better than the one that got blown out by the Packers? In fact, I would argue this front office will take years to recover from an aggressive rebuild strategy.

To me the problem is very simple in Dallas. They can get close by drafting good players about as well as anyone. But the problem is, when they get 1 or 2 players away, they will not get over the hump by signing a couple of impact free agents. This is true now, and it will be true with the next rebuilt roster. Every other team will sign free agents who can help the team, except Dallas. That is a major handicap. Any expectation that a rebuild will be any different after 30 years to me is wishful thinking. The only chance we may have had is Jerry gets to old and moves on. Even this is a problem since Stephen appears to be much worse.

They need a new HC , if they got bellichik let him help rebuild it. and preferably get at least 1 pricey FA in a area of need , decided by the new HC!!

 

[America's Cowboy]

Without more success in the playoffs surely we can see how many would be frustrated and not believing in holding this core together .

If you believe in it though you’re going to feel much differently.

During my playing days, we got rid of giving up losers real fast. Same for those hometown fans who so easily gave up. We forced those loser players off the team and plain told those fans to go follow another town's team. It worked. The team and atmosphere among the fans who stuck it out greatly improved.

 

[Chasing6]

They have picks in every round except the 4th. You’re welcome.

I believe he is referring to letting our FA's walk for future 5th round comp picks.

 

[Diehardblues]

During my playing days, we got rid of giving up losers real fast. Same for those hometown fans who so easily gave up. We forced those loser players off the team and plain told those fans to go follow another town's team. It worked. The team and atmosphere among the fans who stuck it out greatly improved.

Sure, but fans not believing aren’t impacting results like players could.

 

[Chuck 54]

I wouldn’t support that. Dallas could have made moves in free agency and gone all in this year with an improved run game and defense vs the run. They didn’t. All those trades would need to happen in the next couple of weeks because next year’s draft is not the one to load up on. I’m glad Landry didn’t blow up his roster during all the disappointing playoff years…..17 straight playoffs and only 2 Lombardies to show for it.

Nope, evaluate and addthe pieces you need to improve your weak areas. The problem is Jerry lets the OL, defense, QB, and receivers go through several weak years at a time before he does anything.

 

[Bobhaze]

You call three-peat 12-5 playoff seasons FAILED METHODS??? Who are you kidding with this nonsense?

AC, those 12 win seasons were good. But I would also call the 1 playoff win in 3 years bad. Worse is having this core of players underperform in the playoffs year after year and somehow expect the next time to be “magic”.

 

[nightrain]

Let me say right off the bat, what I’m about to suggest will never happen. Why? Because Jerry Jones no longer takes big risks in attempts to build a championship roster. In fact, sadly Jerry and Stephen clearly make sales and marketing the centerpiece of what drives this organization more than sound roster moves that give us better chances of winning playoff games.

Most fans around here probably would not support my roster plan either. And I understand that. But I believe this is the way to make this team better in the long run. So what is the roster building strategy I would support? Here it is:

• Make 2024 an aggressive rebuild. Simply put, if we are being honest, there is no core of this team that has done anything important in the playoffs. Yes, the last 3 years have given us 3 playoff appearances, BUT…that has resulted in 1 wild card win. That’s not worth building around IMO.
• Seek trades for Cedee Lamb, Micah Parsons, Dak, Zack Martin and D-Law. Having all these top paid guys (Lamb and Parsons will be soon) collectively have given us 3 wild card wins - one back when Romo was QB. Here’s my thinking on this:
  • Trade Cedee Lamb- why? Yes Lamb deserves a big payday. But I would not pay him top market dollar because keeping him here at top market value does not make this team better. It keeps it the same. He has disappeared at times in big games and pouts way too easily. I would see if we could get a first round pick for him.
  • Trade Micah Parsons- I would think long and hard about paying this guy top of the defensive market. Not because of talent. He’s the most talented guy on this team. But he’s also the biggest head case on this team. Hate to say it, he disappears in big games, pouts and talks waaaay too much. Trade him while his value is high. He might garner a first and a second round pick.
  • Trade Dak Prescott- I know the Jones boys don’t have the stones to do this but I would be vigorously seeking trade partners right now for Dak. They should have shopped him to Pitts because I think Dak would have agreed to that trade. That “no trade clause” just means they need to find a team he would like. It may be too late now.
  • See what trading Zack Martin, Trevon Diggs and D-Law could garner- doubtful there would be much value for Martin and Law at their age but I would explore it. Diggs maybe.
• Use the haul in draft picks for a rebuild of the core of this team.
  • Draft a QB in the first round for a change.
  • Draft a LT, G/C, WR and edge rusher the next two years that you can build around.

As stated earlier, the current core of this team has not given us much of anything in playoff wins. Isn’t that what we are supposed to be about? Winning playoff games? Like I said at the beginning, this will never happen. The Jones boys are mostly about sales and marketing. This is why they sign their “marquee” players whether or not having them means we have a legit shot at a Lombardi.

IMO it is long past the time to move on from this core of players who have underachieved. A new era of Cowboys football should be in the making. Don‘t hold your breath. There are jerseys and commercials to sell first.

This, unfortunately, is probably the best way to start a new window of opportunity with younger players at lower salaries. After what I saw last season vs AZ, SF, Buffalo and GB, it's painfully obvious the current core of players lacks Dawgs and the team has hit its peak. Making it to the wild card round from a weak division is nothing special considering over 40% of the teams make it to the tournament. Even if the Cowboys executed this plan, Jerry and Stephen will screw it up by re-signing guys who are good to contracts deserving of great players.

I'm good with blowing it up.

 

[75boyz]

What are you afraid of losing out on? Those 8-10 years you are afraid of is already what we have endured for nearly 30 years keeping the status quo. Frankly, I'd rather fail trying something new than keep repeating already failed methods.

THIS.
Stickied and should be required reading.

 

[JPostSam]

You could get a high draft pick with the roster moves from the OP. Or get some for 2025.

are you also firing mccarthy?

 

[75boyz]

AC, those 12 win seasons were good. But I would also call the 1 playoff win in 3 years bad. Worse is having this core ofl players underperform in the playoffs year after year and somehow expect the next time to be “magic”.6l

He's not alone. Some just don't get it.
Those fans blinded by regular season success guys who totally expect different results come playoff time.
And then those results never change.

I've come to terms that the few here of the regular season support group have some Jones DNA in them.

Their fear of change and praise of all the regular season banner posts are comical and fun to read.

Kinda keeps them relevant, ya know?
Sound familiar?
Lol

 

[DallasEast]

I've come to terms that the few here of the regular season support group have some Jones DNA in them.

 

[CowboyFanInLexKy]

Let me say right off the bat, what I’m about to suggest will never happen. Why? Because Jerry Jones no longer takes big risks in attempts to build a championship roster. In fact, sadly Jerry and Stephen clearly make sales and marketing the centerpiece of what drives this organization more than sound roster moves that give us better chances of winning playoff games.

Most fans around here probably would not support my roster plan either. And I understand that. But I believe this is the way to make this team better in the long run. So what is the roster building strategy I would support? Here it is:

• Make 2024 an aggressive rebuild. Simply put, if we are being honest, there is no core of this team that has done anything important in the playoffs. Yes, the last 3 years have given us 3 playoff appearances, BUT…that has resulted in 1 wild card win. That’s not worth building around IMO.
• Seek trades for Cedee Lamb, Micah Parsons, Dak, Zack Martin and D-Law. Having all these top paid guys (Lamb and Parsons will be soon) collectively have given us 3 wild card wins - one back when Romo was QB. Here’s my thinking on this:
  • Trade Cedee Lamb- why? Yes Lamb deserves a big payday. But I would not pay him top market dollar because keeping him here at top market value does not make this team better. It keeps it the same. He has disappeared at times in big games and pouts way too easily. I would see if we could get a first round pick for him.
  • Trade Micah Parsons- I would think long and hard about paying this guy top of the defensive market. Not because of talent. He’s the most talented guy on this team. But he’s also the biggest head case on this team. Hate to say it, he disappears in big games, pouts and talks waaaay too much. Trade him while his value is high. He might garner a first and a second round pick.
  • Trade Dak Prescott- I know the Jones boys don’t have the stones to do this but I would be vigorously seeking trade partners right now for Dak. They should have shopped him to Pitts because I think Dak would have agreed to that trade. That “no trade clause” just means they need to find a team he would like. It may be too late now.
  • See what trading Zack Martin, Trevon Diggs and D-Law could garner- doubtful there would be much value for Martin and Law at their age but I would explore it. Diggs maybe.
• Use the haul in draft picks for a rebuild of the core of this team.
  • Draft a QB in the first round for a change.
  • Draft a LT, G/C, WR and edge rusher the next two years that you can build around.

As stated earlier, the current core of this team has not given us much of anything in playoff wins. Isn’t that what we are supposed to be about? Winning playoff games? Like I said at the beginning, this will never happen. The Jones boys are mostly about sales and marketing. This is why they sign their “marquee” players whether or not having them means we have a legit shot at a Lombardi.

IMO it is long past the time to move on from this core of players who have underachieved. A new era of Cowboys football should be in the making. Don‘t hold your breath. There are jerseys and commercials to sell first.

Great write up Bob. And I agree with every single word. But as you said, the Joneses don't have the cojones to do this (though it would help out the team... A lot...

 

[kskboys]

Let me say right off the bat, what I’m about to suggest will never happen. Why? Because Jerry Jones no longer takes big risks in attempts to build a championship roster. In fact, sadly Jerry and Stephen clearly make sales and marketing the centerpiece of what drives this organization more than sound roster moves that give us better chances of winning playoff games.

Most fans around here probably would not support my roster plan either. And I understand that. But I believe this is the way to make this team better in the long run. So what is the roster building strategy I would support? Here it is:

• Make 2024 an aggressive rebuild. Simply put, if we are being honest, there is no core of this team that has done anything important in the playoffs. Yes, the last 3 years have given us 3 playoff appearances, BUT…that has resulted in 1 wild card win. That’s not worth building around IMO.
• Seek trades for Cedee Lamb, Micah Parsons, Dak, Zack Martin and D-Law. Having all these top paid guys (Lamb and Parsons will be soon) collectively have given us 3 wild card wins - one back when Romo was QB. Here’s my thinking on this:
  • Trade Cedee Lamb- why? Yes Lamb deserves a big payday. But I would not pay him top market dollar because keeping him here at top market value does not make this team better. It keeps it the same. He has disappeared at times in big games and pouts way too easily. I would see if we could get a first round pick for him.
  • Trade Micah Parsons- I would think long and hard about paying this guy top of the defensive market. Not because of talent. He’s the most talented guy on this team. But he’s also the biggest head case on this team. Hate to say it, he disappears in big games, pouts and talks waaaay too much. Trade him while his value is high. He might garner a first and a second round pick.
  • Trade Dak Prescott- I know the Jones boys don’t have the stones to do this but I would be vigorously seeking trade partners right now for Dak. They should have shopped him to Pitts because I think Dak would have agreed to that trade. That “no trade clause” just means they need to find a team he would like. It may be too late now.
  • See what trading Zack Martin, Trevon Diggs and D-Law could garner- doubtful there would be much value for Martin and Law at their age but I would explore it. Diggs maybe.
• Use the haul in draft picks for a rebuild of the core of this team.
  • Draft a QB in the first round for a change.
  • Draft a LT, G/C, WR and edge rusher the next two years that you can build around.

As stated earlier, the current core of this team has not given us much of anything in playoff wins. Isn’t that what we are supposed to be about? Winning playoff games? Like I said at the beginning, this will never happen. The Jones boys are mostly about sales and marketing. This is why they sign their “marquee” players whether or not having them means we have a legit shot at a Lombardi.

IMO it is long past the time to move on from this core of players who have underachieved. A new era of Cowboys football should be in the making. Don‘t hold your breath. There are jerseys and commercials to sell first.

Well done, very well done. That's what I would do also.

Coupla adds:

CD: Aside from what you've already said, paying any WR 30 mil/season is foolish and is not the way to a title. Simply get some sharp route runners in here and they will more than replace CD. Of course, this would require better drafting and an emphasis on route running, lateral agility, burst, and balance. Right now we put way too much emphasis on height and speed and college production. Don't get me wrong, those things are all important, but they pale in comparison to the ability to get open, something we seem to just ignore.

I think Zach would bring way more than what you think. Several teams are ready to die for quality OL's. 1st, or two 2nds.

I simply have seen no signs that this roster is playoff capable.

 

[kskboys]

There is nothing to dislike about this plan. Get a ton of picks and new blood. I'd actually be excited if they did this. But couldn't they just have been a little more active in FA to try to improve upon our current team? Of course that would include extending Dak, and that might be a mistake. But they might end up extending him anyway.

All I am saying is, had they wanted to be a true SB contender they could have improved the team. They chose not to. But I kind of like your idea better.

While I don't disagree completely, I think there were way too many holes to fill, and pushing more money to future seasons is not the answer. Dak's salary this year is only 29 mil. The rest of the 59 hit comes from bonuses that have been pushed down the road. 29 mil wouldn't make a dent in what we need to become a super bowl contender.

 

[Cowboys5217]

AC, those 12 win seasons were good. But I would also call the 1 playoff win in 3 years bad. Worse is having this core of players underperform in the playoffs year after year and somehow expect the next time to be “magic”.

It's not just bad it's historic underachievement. No other team has squandered three straight 12 win seasons without making it to a conference title game. Historic underachievement is clearly a failure. The 12 win seasons were empty calories because nothing good came of them. They only add to the Cowboys collection of historic failures no other team can match.