CFZ A rebuild plan that should happen - but won't

[Bobhaze]

Anyone watching the Dallas Cowboys since last year has known - this team needs a complete overhaul. And for everyone who says, “We won 12 games last year” didn’t notice that while this team dominated bad teams, the better teams at times bullied the Cowboys. The packers delivered the final message in the most humiliating playoff loss in this team’s once great history.

So even though I know this owner has proven he cares more about himself than winning, if he somehow did the impossible and admitted he needs to change, we could do a rebuild that could turn thing around. Jerry won’t ever come to his senses and admit he’s done, so this thread is simply what I believe should happen, but won’t.

With that in mind, here is the outline of the rebuild:
NEEDS AND ASSUMPTIONS

• This team will need a new head coach and entire staff. The new HC needs to be younger with a combo of discipline, innovation on both sides of the ball and inspiration. Someone like Dan Campbell or DeMeco Ryan. (I know they are not available but that’s the prototype) He needs full control of the locker room and hiring of his staff. In short, we need young and innovative, not a washed up “name”.
• We need new coordinators that have a more modern schemes on both sides of the ball.
• This team needs a talent infusion at multiple positions, but we need to decide first what kind of team are we trying to be.
• This team needs an entire “culture” overhaul.
• We are stuck with Dak Prescott for maybe 2-3 years, but not 4, because of a possible out in his contract.
• Key pre-draft idea: DRAFT A QB IN ROUND ONE IF WE HAVE TOP 5 POSITION. He could be developed not rushed.
• We will have much more cap space than most realize in 2025.
• We need to part with lots of veterans who have been here a long time.

BEFORE FREE AGENCY AND THE DRAFT

• There are a several veteran players with fairly large contracts that expire after this year, and many will walk, some may retire. How well they use that cap space is the question.
• I would let these vets walk because their contracts have expired: DeMarcus Lawrence, Zack Martin (probably retires), Trey Lance, Brandin Cooks, Cooper Rush, Jourdan Lewis, Eric Kendricks, Chauncey Goldston, Rico Dowdle, Linval Joseph, CJ Goodwin, and maybe some I’m unaware whose contracts are up.
• June 1 cuts: Donovan Wilson (his contract has an “out” after this year with only a $3 mil cap hit), Mazi Smith, Deuce Vaughn, maybe Luke Schoonmaker. Perhaps others.
• Possible trades: Trevon Diggs (If you can get something like a 3rd or 4th rounder), Terance Steele (if you can get a 5th-7th rounder)
• IMPORTANT: Sign the guys you want to build around early! See below
• Sign Parsons, Tyler Smith (early), Jake Ferguson (early) and Brandon Aubrey (early). The earlier the better. None of those guys will get cheaper. No waiting for some stupid publicity stunt.

FREE AGENCY/TRADES

• Use some of the cap space saved for some mid-level FAs - not necessarily the most expensive but NOT dumpster dive minimum like we’re used to.
• Focus on DL, OL, RB, LB. Especially focus on the trenches.
• Be wide open for trades for anyone.

DRAFT

• As crazy as it may seem to some, consider drafting a QB early….IF we have a top 5 pick, draft a QB. If not, maybe not. Use the model Atlanta is using. They have Cousins for a couple of years and they drafted Michael Pennix to be developed. We could do something similar. (There is a possible out in 2026 or 27 with Dak. It would eat some cap but it would speed up the rebuild)
• Draft help at DL, RB, OL…honestly we need help everywhere.
• Draft with a philosophy in mind. Like Jimmy or Parcells used to do. Don’t just do a fantasy football draft like Jerry does.

The Jones boys somehow think all they need are a few stars they will pay, and those guys should carry everyone else. Good GMs know all 53 roster spots are just as critical as the “stars” you pay. I have felt for years all JJ pays attention to is who he’s paying. Not what additional talent he needs.

As I said at the beginning, I know most or none of this will ever happen, but I’m hoping at this point for an unexpected miracle. This feels like1989 or 2002 all over again.

 

[Doomsday77]

I'm not sure this organization has the patience to follow this plan. As for the "needs and assumptions" , the HC hiring has to be first IMO. Then he can have some input on the next QB, coaching staff and would be instrumental in the "shaping" of the rebuild.
Well though out post Bob. Thanks!

 

[Hawkeye0202]

• We are stuck with Dak Prescott for maybe 2-3 years, but not 4, because of a possible out in his contract.
• Key pre-draft idea: DRAFT A QB IN ROUND ONE IF WE HAVE TOP 5 POSITION. He could be developed not rushed

so use a top 5 to draft a QB and let him carry the clipboard 2-3 years, which would give us 2 years of play before a new contract.

But to be honest, Jerry had a very similar situation 2016 before he drafted Zeke. If you recall, we had coached Wentz at the Senior Bowl and coaches were very high on him. If I remember correctly, we met with Wentz and Goff but decided against drafting e either one coz of Romo. Their presence on the team would not sit well with Romo who still had 3 years left on his contract.

 

[DeaconMoss]

• Dak Prescott, Trey Lance, Cooper Rush-cut em all
• DeMarcus Lawrence,Linval Joseph,Mazi Smith,Chauncey Golston and anybody else with a DL/DT letter as their position can all kick rocks
• Zack Martin, Brandin Cooks, Jourdan Lewis, Rico Dowdle, CJ Goodwin, Donovan Wilson, Deuce Vaughn, Zeke, Luke Schoonmaker, Steele, Brooks, Cropper, Clark, Hooker can all look elsewhere also

My count is half the roster. Looks good to me. They all need to go.

 

[Roadtrip635]

Anyone watching the Dallas Cowboys since last year has known - this team needs a complete overhaul. And for everyone who says, “We won 12 games last year” didn’t notice that while this team dominated bad teams, the better teams at times bullied the Cowboys. The packers delivered the final message in the most humiliating playoff loss in this team’s once great history.

So even though I know this owner has proven he cares more about himself than winning, if he somehow did the impossible and admitted he needs to change, we could do a rebuild that could turn thing around. Jerry won’t ever come to his senses and admit he’s done, so this thread is simply what I believe should happen, but won’t.

With that in mind, here is the outline of the rebuild:
NEEDS AND ASSUMPTIONS

• This team will need a new head coach and entire staff. The new HC needs to be younger with a combo of discipline, innovation on both sides of the ball and inspiration. Someone like Dan Campbell or DeMeco Ryan. (I know they are not available but that’s the prototype) He needs full control of the locker room and hiring of his staff. In short, we need young and innovative, not a washed up “name”.
• We need new coordinators that have a more modern schemes on both sides of the ball.
• This team needs a talent infusion at multiple positions, but we need to decide first what kind of team are we trying to be.
• This team needs an entire “culture” overhaul.
• We are stuck with Dak Prescott for maybe 2-3 years, but not 4, because of a possible out in his contract.
• Key pre-draft idea: DRAFT A QB IN ROUND ONE IF WE HAVE TOP 5 POSITION. He could be developed not rushed.
• We will have much more cap space than most realize in 2025.
• We need to part with lots of veterans who have been here a long time.

BEFORE FREE AGENCY AND THE DRAFT

• There are a several veteran players with fairly large contracts that expire after this year, and many will walk, some may retire. How well they use that cap space is the question.
• I would let these vets walk because their contracts have expired: DeMarcus Lawrence, Zack Martin (probably retires), Trey Lance, Brandin Cooks, Cooper Rush, Jourdan Lewis, Eric Kendricks, Chauncey Goldston, Rico Dowdle, Linval Joseph, CJ Goodwin, and maybe some I’m unaware whose contracts are up.
• June 1 cuts: Donovan Wilson (his contract has an “out” after this year with only a $3 mil cap hit), Mazi Smith, Deuce Vaughn, maybe Luke Schoonmaker. Perhaps others.
• Possible trades: Trevon Diggs (If you can get something like a 3rd or 4th rounder), Terance Steele (if you can get a 5th-7th rounder)
• IMPORTANT: Sign the guys you want to build around early! See below
• Sign Parsons, Tyler Smith (early), Jake Ferguson (early) and Brandon Aubrey (early). The earlier the better. None of those guys will get cheaper. No waiting for some stupid publicity stunt.

FREE AGENCY/TRADES

• Use some of the cap space saved for some mid-level FAs - not necessarily the most expensive but NOT dumpster dive minimum like we’re used to.
• Focus on DL, OL, RB, LB. Especially focus on the trenches.
• Be wide open for trades for anyone.

DRAFT

• As crazy as it may seem to some, consider drafting a QB early….IF we have a top 5 pick, draft a QB. If not, maybe not. Use the model Atlanta is using. They have Cousins for a couple of years and they drafted Michael Pennix to be developed. We could do something similar. (There is a possible out in 2026 or 27 with Dak. It would eat some cap but it would speed up the rebuild)
• Draft help at DL, RB, OL…honestly we need help everywhere.
• Draft with a philosophy in mind. Like Jimmy or Parcells used to do. Don’t just do a fantasy football draft like Jerry does.

The Jones boys somehow think all they need are a few stars they will pay, and those guys should carry everyone else. Good GMs know all 53 roster spots are just as critical as the “stars” you pay. I have felt for years all JJ pays attention to is who he’s paying. Not what additional talent he needs.

As I said at the beginning, I know most or none of this will ever happen, but I’m hoping at this point for an unexpected miracle. This feels like1989 or 2002 all over again.

There was obviously a lot of thought and effort put into this post and outline of possible team building strategies, but unfortunately you seem to forget who's in charge of this team and how he prepares and plans the team's strategies.

 

[jazzcat22]

Great plan, in theory. However, there is 1 factor ..... JERRY .... and they will still be saddled with a QB's big contract, who obviously has declined with what average skills he had.

So yes draft a QB even if you need to trade up to do it. Then it will take several more years to build upon that. By that time our QB's contract can be dumped.
And the team could be ready to win again. If they did draft a QB, they best plan to start him in his 2nd year on his rookie season.

I have no confidence this team will win over the next 2 to 3 seasons. Unless some drastic changes are made.

 

[Coogiguy03]

All of this is well thought out as well, but when have we known Jerry to do anything well especially of this nature, we shall see how bad they actually want to win

 

[12+88=7]

I would resign Lewis.

I would not draft a QB early. I would build the trenches first and build out.

I would only go after one free agent, Tee Higgins. That gives you a solid number two.

After yesterday's comments I have become more inclined to trading Parsons and acquiring more draft capital for the rebuild.

I heard the name of Dieon yesterday as next coach, please NO. I would take Jason Witten first and he coaches HS.

I would go after Johnson in Detroit as next HC because of his offensive scheme.

Lastly Dallas doesn't draft for fantasy. If they did Dallas would have draft a WR in the 1st and a RB in the 2nd in the last draft.

 

[eromeopolk]

Anyone watching the Dallas Cowboys since last year has known - this team needs a complete overhaul. And for everyone who says, “We won 12 games last year” didn’t notice that while this team dominated bad teams, the better teams at times bullied the Cowboys. The packers delivered the final message in the most humiliating playoff loss in this team’s once great history.

So even though I know this owner has proven he cares more about himself than winning, if he somehow did the impossible and admitted he needs to change, we could do a rebuild that could turn thing around. Jerry won’t ever come to his senses and admit he’s done, so this thread is simply what I believe should happen, but won’t.

With that in mind, here is the outline of the rebuild:
NEEDS AND ASSUMPTIONS

• This team will need a new head coach and entire staff. The new HC needs to be younger with a combo of discipline, innovation on both sides of the ball and inspiration. Someone like Dan Campbell or DeMeco Ryan. (I know they are not available but that’s the prototype) He needs full control of the locker room and hiring of his staff. In short, we need young and innovative, not a washed up “name”.
• We need new coordinators that have a more modern schemes on both sides of the ball.
• This team needs a talent infusion at multiple positions, but we need to decide first what kind of team are we trying to be.
• This team needs an entire “culture” overhaul.
• We are stuck with Dak Prescott for maybe 2-3 years, but not 4, because of a possible out in his contract.
• Key pre-draft idea: DRAFT A QB IN ROUND ONE IF WE HAVE TOP 5 POSITION. He could be developed not rushed.
• We will have much more cap space than most realize in 2025.
• We need to part with lots of veterans who have been here a long time.

BEFORE FREE AGENCY AND THE DRAFT

• There are a several veteran players with fairly large contracts that expire after this year, and many will walk, some may retire. How well they use that cap space is the question.
• I would let these vets walk because their contracts have expired: DeMarcus Lawrence, Zack Martin (probably retires), Trey Lance, Brandin Cooks, Cooper Rush, Jourdan Lewis, Eric Kendricks, Chauncey Goldston, Rico Dowdle, Linval Joseph, CJ Goodwin, and maybe some I’m unaware whose contracts are up.
• June 1 cuts: Donovan Wilson (his contract has an “out” after this year with only a $3 mil cap hit), Mazi Smith, Deuce Vaughn, maybe Luke Schoonmaker. Perhaps others.
• Possible trades: Trevon Diggs (If you can get something like a 3rd or 4th rounder), Terance Steele (if you can get a 5th-7th rounder)
• IMPORTANT: Sign the guys you want to build around early! See below
• Sign Parsons, Tyler Smith (early), Jake Ferguson (early) and Brandon Aubrey (early). The earlier the better. None of those guys will get cheaper. No waiting for some stupid publicity stunt.

FREE AGENCY/TRADES

• Use some of the cap space saved for some mid-level FAs - not necessarily the most expensive but NOT dumpster dive minimum like we’re used to.
• Focus on DL, OL, RB, LB. Especially focus on the trenches.
• Be wide open for trades for anyone.

DRAFT

• As crazy as it may seem to some, consider drafting a QB early….IF we have a top 5 pick, draft a QB. If not, maybe not. Use the model Atlanta is using. They have Cousins for a couple of years and they drafted Michael Pennix to be developed. We could do something similar. (There is a possible out in 2026 or 27 with Dak. It would eat some cap but it would speed up the rebuild)
• Draft help at DL, RB, OL…honestly we need help everywhere.
• Draft with a philosophy in mind. Like Jimmy or Parcells used to do. Don’t just do a fantasy football draft like Jerry does.

The Jones boys somehow think all they need are a few stars they will pay, and those guys should carry everyone else. Good GMs know all 53 roster spots are just as critical as the “stars” you pay. I have felt for years all JJ pays attention to is who he’s paying. Not what additional talent he needs.

As I said at the beginning, I know most or none of this will ever happen, but I’m hoping at this point for an unexpected miracle. This feels like1989 or 2002 all over again.

You need Jerry Dumbo GM Jones and Stephen Die Wrecker of Personnel Jones gone by hook, crook, or took.

 

[Blackspider214]

The bad thing is, to do a complete overhaul, it starts with the QB position as you aren't winning in today's game without one. We are going to owe ours $60mill along with Ceedee's extension. And Dak now has another injury to add.

 

[CanadianCowboysFan]

I agree with most except trading Diggs.

Query, if we let Dowdle go, will we even have an RB on the roster?

 

[ak47kaehu]

Everything you said is spot on except where you said

"He needs full control of the locker room and hiring of his staff".

There is one thing that will always hinder this team. Jerry.............He will always have his hands in the everything the team does. The whole zeke drama reeks of Jerry's interference.

You can already see the frustration in the coaches faces and with their subtle shots at the FO/ players in their interviews. Next season Mike McCarthy and Mike Zimmer will go somewhere else and lead successful campaigns just like Dan Quinn did, while the Cowboys find the next new shiny toys "coaches" that look promising but ends up being ultimately undermined by the Jonses......it'll always be this way with the Cowboys, its a never ending cycle!

 

[Creeper]

Dak, Lamb and Parsons will account for 50% of the CAP next year. They will probably extend Micah and convert his salary to bonus to eliminate some of the CAP burden, maybe CeeDee too. But Dak's CAP number is just under $90MM next year. $47MM of that is salary which can also be restructured. Not a fan of that. I agree taking a QB in the first round in 2025 would be smart IF there is a good one with high potential available. But the plan has to be for the new QB to play in 2026 and Dak to be gone. Ideally we want Dak entirely off the books in 2027.

I expect Lawrence and Martin to be gone next year but they have over $30MM in prorated bonus sitting in voided years which would all come due in 2025. There is not as much CAP space as you might expect.

The rebuild of the Cowboys will be a 3 year project. Jerry is not going to pay any free agents. His cutoff seems to be $6MM per year so whoever he signs will be fairly average. It will take 3 good drafts.

Just a thought on drafting a QB. I don't want them drafting anyone with limited college experience, or anyone who is short on football intelligence. I want a strong arm, accuracy, football intelligence, as well as running ability. This is a lot to ask for, I know, but drafting in the top 5 that is what we should be looking for. I there is no one with those skills, don' waste the draft pick just to take a QB. This team has plenty of needs.

 

[FanofJerry]

The Cowboys have left the interior d-line in unsatisfactory shape for a while now...there have been years where the WR core was cheeks...we currently dont have a running game or running back...I think we need to draft a stud safety to roam the field...and all that falls on the GM.

But I think Cowboys have put some talent on the field...

I think Coaching stands out on offense. Many many posters here didnt like Kellen Moore...I suppose those same posters would hate Ben Johnson too, or use an excuse of Dak cant mentally run a Ben Johnson offense. But, our offensive scheming seems to be lacking compared to other teams.

If the rumors of Jerry and Co. meddling, to the point that good young coaches wont come here...that is a big problem, imo. Im sure money talks and Jerry could sign anyone he wanted to get if he wanted them bad enough....but coaching seems to be a big issue around here, imo.

I guess what I am trying to say is...i dont think the talent is so much an issue as coaching. I get windows close and sometimes you have to reset and let guys go and clean the books....I just think coaching is a big factor in all of this. Bigger than player cap hits hamstringing the Organization.

 

[atlantacowboy]

Dowdle is growing on me. He hits the holes hard and can probably be signed for cheap. We need to rebuild the OL and front 7 with the draft picks.

 

[stiletto]

Anyone watching the Dallas Cowboys since last year has known - this team needs a complete overhaul. And for everyone who says, “We won 12 games last year” didn’t notice that while this team dominated bad teams, the better teams at times bullied the Cowboys. The packers delivered the final message in the most humiliating playoff loss in this team’s once great history.

So even though I know this owner has proven he cares more about himself than winning, if he somehow did the impossible and admitted he needs to change, we could do a rebuild that could turn thing around. Jerry won’t ever come to his senses and admit he’s done, so this thread is simply what I believe should happen, but won’t.

With that in mind, here is the outline of the rebuild:
NEEDS AND ASSUMPTIONS

• This team will need a new head coach and entire staff. The new HC needs to be younger with a combo of discipline, innovation on both sides of the ball and inspiration. Someone like Dan Campbell or DeMeco Ryan. (I know they are not available but that’s the prototype) He needs full control of the locker room and hiring of his staff. In short, we need young and innovative, not a washed up “name”.
• We need new coordinators that have a more modern schemes on both sides of the ball.
• This team needs a talent infusion at multiple positions, but we need to decide first what kind of team are we trying to be.
• This team needs an entire “culture” overhaul.
• We are stuck with Dak Prescott for maybe 2-3 years, but not 4, because of a possible out in his contract.
• Key pre-draft idea: DRAFT A QB IN ROUND ONE IF WE HAVE TOP 5 POSITION. He could be developed not rushed.
• We will have much more cap space than most realize in 2025.
• We need to part with lots of veterans who have been here a long time.

BEFORE FREE AGENCY AND THE DRAFT

• There are a several veteran players with fairly large contracts that expire after this year, and many will walk, some may retire. How well they use that cap space is the question.
• I would let these vets walk because their contracts have expired: DeMarcus Lawrence, Zack Martin (probably retires), Trey Lance, Brandin Cooks, Cooper Rush, Jourdan Lewis, Eric Kendricks, Chauncey Goldston, Rico Dowdle, Linval Joseph, CJ Goodwin, and maybe some I’m unaware whose contracts are up.
• June 1 cuts: Donovan Wilson (his contract has an “out” after this year with only a $3 mil cap hit), Mazi Smith, Deuce Vaughn, maybe Luke Schoonmaker. Perhaps others.
• Possible trades: Trevon Diggs (If you can get something like a 3rd or 4th rounder), Terance Steele (if you can get a 5th-7th rounder)
• IMPORTANT: Sign the guys you want to build around early! See below
• Sign Parsons, Tyler Smith (early), Jake Ferguson (early) and Brandon Aubrey (early). The earlier the better. None of those guys will get cheaper. No waiting for some stupid publicity stunt.

FREE AGENCY/TRADES

• Use some of the cap space saved for some mid-level FAs - not necessarily the most expensive but NOT dumpster dive minimum like we’re used to.
• Focus on DL, OL, RB, LB. Especially focus on the trenches.
• Be wide open for trades for anyone.

DRAFT

• As crazy as it may seem to some, consider drafting a QB early….IF we have a top 5 pick, draft a QB. If not, maybe not. Use the model Atlanta is using. They have Cousins for a couple of years and they drafted Michael Pennix to be developed. We could do something similar. (There is a possible out in 2026 or 27 with Dak. It would eat some cap but it would speed up the rebuild)
• Draft help at DL, RB, OL…honestly we need help everywhere.
• Draft with a philosophy in mind. Like Jimmy or Parcells used to do. Don’t just do a fantasy football draft like Jerry does.

The Jones boys somehow think all they need are a few stars they will pay, and those guys should carry everyone else. Good GMs know all 53 roster spots are just as critical as the “stars” you pay. I have felt for years all JJ pays attention to is who he’s paying. Not what additional talent he needs.

As I said at the beginning, I know most or none of this will ever happen, but I’m hoping at this point for an unexpected miracle. This feels like1989 or 2002 all over again.

I don't think it is crazy to go with the Atlanta/GB philosophy. If you have that premium pick (top 5), and there is a QB there you could never usually get, absolutely take him. Who cares if gimpy Dak's feelings are hurt. Maybe it will have the bonus of him asking for a trade. Dak is clearly on his way out and who knows how well he will come back from this injury. If the new QB has to sit a couple years, even better. Jordan Love him.

 

[Big_D]

You're hired!!

 

[rambo2]

Anyone watching the Dallas Cowboys since last year has known - this team needs a complete overhaul. And for everyone who says, “We won 12 games last year” didn’t notice that while this team dominated bad teams, the better teams at times bullied the Cowboys. The packers delivered the final message in the most humiliating playoff loss in this team’s once great history.

So even though I know this owner has proven he cares more about himself than winning, if he somehow did the impossible and admitted he needs to change, we could do a rebuild that could turn thing around. Jerry won’t ever come to his senses and admit he’s done, so this thread is simply what I believe should happen, but won’t.

With that in mind, here is the outline of the rebuild:
NEEDS AND ASSUMPTIONS

• This team will need a new head coach and entire staff. The new HC needs to be younger with a combo of discipline, innovation on both sides of the ball and inspiration. Someone like Dan Campbell or DeMeco Ryan. (I know they are not available but that’s the prototype) He needs full control of the locker room and hiring of his staff. In short, we need young and innovative, not a washed up “name”.
• We need new coordinators that have a more modern schemes on both sides of the ball.
• This team needs a talent infusion at multiple positions, but we need to decide first what kind of team are we trying to be.
• This team needs an entire “culture” overhaul.
• We are stuck with Dak Prescott for maybe 2-3 years, but not 4, because of a possible out in his contract.
• Key pre-draft idea: DRAFT A QB IN ROUND ONE IF WE HAVE TOP 5 POSITION. He could be developed not rushed.
• We will have much more cap space than most realize in 2025.
• We need to part with lots of veterans who have been here a long time.

BEFORE FREE AGENCY AND THE DRAFT

• There are a several veteran players with fairly large contracts that expire after this year, and many will walk, some may retire. How well they use that cap space is the question.
• I would let these vets walk because their contracts have expired: DeMarcus Lawrence, Zack Martin (probably retires), Trey Lance, Brandin Cooks, Cooper Rush, Jourdan Lewis, Eric Kendricks, Chauncey Goldston, Rico Dowdle, Linval Joseph, CJ Goodwin, and maybe some I’m unaware whose contracts are up.
• June 1 cuts: Donovan Wilson (his contract has an “out” after this year with only a $3 mil cap hit), Mazi Smith, Deuce Vaughn, maybe Luke Schoonmaker. Perhaps others.
• Possible trades: Trevon Diggs (If you can get something like a 3rd or 4th rounder), Terance Steele (if you can get a 5th-7th rounder)
• IMPORTANT: Sign the guys you want to build around early! See below
• Sign Parsons, Tyler Smith (early), Jake Ferguson (early) and Brandon Aubrey (early). The earlier the better. None of those guys will get cheaper. No waiting for some stupid publicity stunt.

FREE AGENCY/TRADES

• Use some of the cap space saved for some mid-level FAs - not necessarily the most expensive but NOT dumpster dive minimum like we’re used to.
• Focus on DL, OL, RB, LB. Especially focus on the trenches.
• Be wide open for trades for anyone.

DRAFT

• As crazy as it may seem to some, consider drafting a QB early….IF we have a top 5 pick, draft a QB. If not, maybe not. Use the model Atlanta is using. They have Cousins for a couple of years and they drafted Michael Pennix to be developed. We could do something similar. (There is a possible out in 2026 or 27 with Dak. It would eat some cap but it would speed up the rebuild)
• Draft help at DL, RB, OL…honestly we need help everywhere.
• Draft with a philosophy in mind. Like Jimmy or Parcells used to do. Don’t just do a fantasy football draft like Jerry does.

The Jones boys somehow think all they need are a few stars they will pay, and those guys should carry everyone else. Good GMs know all 53 roster spots are just as critical as the “stars” you pay. I have felt for years all JJ pays attention to is who he’s paying. Not what additional talent he needs.

As I said at the beginning, I know most or none of this will ever happen, but I’m hoping at this point for an unexpected miracle. This feels like1989 or 2002 all over again.

Hard to say what will happen. We do know we will be somewhere at the top of the draft. If we are lucky we will draft higher than we have in decades. Washington drafted 2nd last year. Look at what that did for them. The year before Houston was up there.

The bad thing is that Jerry is still in charge. They really need to take the keys away from grandpa.

I suspect as soon as Jerry is out of the picture. They will use the curtains that they do have and players will be able to see.

 

[nhcowboyfan]

Anyone watching the Dallas Cowboys since last year has known - this team needs a complete overhaul. And for everyone who says, “We won 12 games last year” didn’t notice that while this team dominated bad teams, the better teams at times bullied the Cowboys. The packers delivered the final message in the most humiliating playoff loss in this team’s once great history.

So even though I know this owner has proven he cares more about himself than winning, if he somehow did the impossible and admitted he needs to change, we could do a rebuild that could turn thing around. Jerry won’t ever come to his senses and admit he’s done, so this thread is simply what I believe should happen, but won’t.

With that in mind, here is the outline of the rebuild:
NEEDS AND ASSUMPTIONS

• This team will need a new head coach and entire staff. The new HC needs to be younger with a combo of discipline, innovation on both sides of the ball and inspiration. Someone like Dan Campbell or DeMeco Ryan. (I know they are not available but that’s the prototype) He needs full control of the locker room and hiring of his staff. In short, we need young and innovative, not a washed up “name”.
• We need new coordinators that have a more modern schemes on both sides of the ball.
• This team needs a talent infusion at multiple positions, but we need to decide first what kind of team are we trying to be.
• This team needs an entire “culture” overhaul.
• We are stuck with Dak Prescott for maybe 2-3 years, but not 4, because of a possible out in his contract.
• Key pre-draft idea: DRAFT A QB IN ROUND ONE IF WE HAVE TOP 5 POSITION. He could be developed not rushed.
• We will have much more cap space than most realize in 2025.
• We need to part with lots of veterans who have been here a long time.

BEFORE FREE AGENCY AND THE DRAFT

• There are a several veteran players with fairly large contracts that expire after this year, and many will walk, some may retire. How well they use that cap space is the question.
• I would let these vets walk because their contracts have expired: DeMarcus Lawrence, Zack Martin (probably retires), Trey Lance, Brandin Cooks, Cooper Rush, Jourdan Lewis, Eric Kendricks, Chauncey Goldston, Rico Dowdle, Linval Joseph, CJ Goodwin, and maybe some I’m unaware whose contracts are up.
• June 1 cuts: Donovan Wilson (his contract has an “out” after this year with only a $3 mil cap hit), Mazi Smith, Deuce Vaughn, maybe Luke Schoonmaker. Perhaps others.
• Possible trades: Trevon Diggs (If you can get something like a 3rd or 4th rounder), Terance Steele (if you can get a 5th-7th rounder)
• IMPORTANT: Sign the guys you want to build around early! See below
• Sign Parsons, Tyler Smith (early), Jake Ferguson (early) and Brandon Aubrey (early). The earlier the better. None of those guys will get cheaper. No waiting for some stupid publicity stunt.

FREE AGENCY/TRADES

• Use some of the cap space saved for some mid-level FAs - not necessarily the most expensive but NOT dumpster dive minimum like we’re used to.
• Focus on DL, OL, RB, LB. Especially focus on the trenches.
• Be wide open for trades for anyone.

DRAFT

• As crazy as it may seem to some, consider drafting a QB early….IF we have a top 5 pick, draft a QB. If not, maybe not. Use the model Atlanta is using. They have Cousins for a couple of years and they drafted Michael Pennix to be developed. We could do something similar. (There is a possible out in 2026 or 27 with Dak. It would eat some cap but it would speed up the rebuild)
• Draft help at DL, RB, OL…honestly we need help everywhere.
• Draft with a philosophy in mind. Like Jimmy or Parcells used to do. Don’t just do a fantasy football draft like Jerry does.

The Jones boys somehow think all they need are a few stars they will pay, and those guys should carry everyone else. Good GMs know all 53 roster spots are just as critical as the “stars” you pay. I have felt for years all JJ pays attention to is who he’s paying. Not what additional talent he needs.

As I said at the beginning, I know most or none of this will ever happen, but I’m hoping at this point for an unexpected miracle. This feels like1989 or 2002 all over again.

I too share your point Bob on how the Jones boys treats this team - not as a collective group - but as a handful of individual stars that sell t-shirts. Until they realize that the bottom third of the roster is an integral part of team success, we'll continue to get more of the same - mediocrity.

 

[BotchedLobotomy]

There is little to no chance that our part time GM would be willing to put the work in to rebuild a team.