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

[Bagman]

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.

I personally think if a top 5 pick is used for a QB it might "encourage" Dak to release his NTC. He may feel unwanted and ask for a trade. Win/win.

 

[MoistMayonnaise]

I have ZERO confidence that the FO will be able to make the changes necessary to bring the team around soon. Jerry is gonna do it his way until the end, whatever that is.

 

[CCBoy]

• Draft with a philosophy in mind. Like Jimmy or Parcells used to do. Don’t just do a fantasy football draft like Jerry does.

Jerry would often deny cap to safeties as well as draft position taken.

There was a long draught for linebackers on paying over a $1 M. He felt that it was too easy to draft one. He has a poor respect for team cohesion.

He would first try for a 'star' and sell attraction instead of true love of living the respect for the fight and winning.

 

[CCBoy]

I personally think if a top 5 pick is used for a QB it might "encourage" Dak to release his NTC. He may feel unwanted and ask for a trade. Win/win.

Or scramble his jackass references to overcome some personality bad habits. He is committed to high pay and just being a 'heroe' not winner.

 

[OGSixshooter]

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.

Jerry does legit doodle. Is that his scribble?

 

[OGSixshooter]

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.

Add the Philly/KC philosophy...basically all the teams wiping us down now. And look at the Dan Campbell did with Goff...instead of the erratic, hyperactive coach McVey...he gets a true alpha dog.

If we like a guy, we should 100% go get that person. The Texans are good...Washington is good. Why? QB.

 

[deerhunter11]

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.

Sounds like a solid plan for sure, well done.

 

[Bobhaze]

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.

I didn’t forget. The title says it won’t happen and he’s why

 

[fivetwos]

If they are going to insist on going on vacation in March and laughing at other teams for overpaying for free agents, they need to find a way to acquire more draft picks to open another window of opportunity.

They need to get a top pick this year, and trade back several times, acquiring future premium picks. Then need to get lucky and have a team whose first we are holding have a bad year, turn things into more picks, and eventually make those picks when the timing is right.

It’ll never happen because Jerry won’t be able to pass on adding a star and won’t deal down several times, and would get taken to the cleaners by other GMs anyway. Would also require a real plan and patience. Don’t think he is capable of either.

 

[McKDaddy]

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.

Yeah, I have no idea why several have listed him as someone who needs to go. We need to revamp the group but he could definitely be a part of it.

 

[Verdict]

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.

A top 5 QB could sit out but isn’t required to. Dak has a no trade clause but he will not want to sit on the bench. The problem for Daknis that he has no say in that.

Make it an open QB competition from DAY 1. Let Dak know that’s it’s an open competition. If it’s close go with the ROOKIE. Dak can sit on the bench or open up to the possibility of a trade.

Just because the team has to PAY Dak doesn’t mean that it has to play Dak.

 

[Verdict]

Yeah, I have no idea why several have listed him as someone who needs to go. We need to revamp the group but he could definitely be a part of it.

Dowdle shouldn’t be anything other than a minimum pay backup.

 

[OGSixshooter]

If they are going to insist on going on vacation in March and laughing at other teams for overpaying for free agents, they need to find a way to acquire more draft picks to open another window of opportunity.

They need to get a top pick this year, and trade back several times, acquiring future premium picks. Then need to get lucky and have a team whose first we are holding have a bad year, turn things into more picks, and eventually make those picks when the timing is right.

It’ll never happen because Jerry won’t be able to pass on adding a star and won’t deal down several times, and would get taken to the cleaners by other GMs anyway. Would also require a real plan and patience. Don’t think he is capable of either.

my dream strategy. But that would take a coherent strategy with a dedicated GM.

 

[baltcowboy]

It’s funny how some of you want to resign a JAG like Ferguson and let go of Diggs. The quarterback is something that know one wants to have a real conversation about. If Sanders is there at our pick Jerry will have to consider it. You rarely get a chance at a top 5 pick let alone the best quarterback in the draft so you need to take the shot if it is there. Good plan but Jerry and crew would undermine everything you said about coaching. Front office and coaching is where it starts unfortunately. You could also make the case that giving Dak a 3rd contract after not leading us anywhere was big mistake. Dak, Tank, and Zach might have been the smell that is underneath the stadium at this point.

 

[Roadtrip635]

Jerry does legit doodle. Is that his scribble?

Yes. it's from an interview during an NFL Owner's Meeting.

 

[McKDaddy]

Dowdle shouldn’t be anything other than a minimum pay backup.

I think of it as low pay but significant part of the rotation. He's paid his dues, hopefully he has a nice career. I'm just saying he isn't a member of this team that needs to be purged.

 

[fivetwos]

my dream strategy. But that would take a coherent strategy with a dedicated GM.

Exactly, which is why I have no hope for the next regime. They need to screw that up first, Jerry to throw on a few more years, maybe finally get himself in some trouble with his mouth, a few five-win seasons….then maybe there’s a small shot at getting someone to run football ops that is capable of doing the wheeling and dealing that other successful clubs do….ya know like, beyond a mind blowingly dumb trade for a WR…which he can’t seem to stop doing and about all he is capable of.

 

[ArtClink]

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.

Great post! While it does feel like 1989 or 2002, this feels much worse because of the near three decades of lost seasons leading up to the latest crisis and the lack of hope that either of the Jones boys will have a football epiphany when all they are ever focused on is the financial side of ownership.

It'll be business as usual when Jerry hires [insert new chump hc here] and keeps all the control. It's Groundhog Day over and over every season with the same slipshod approach.

As you indicated, Jerry has no clue on what kind of team to build nor does he know stuff from Shinola when it comes to what it takes to building a winner (not a wild card winner but a real playoff run that gets us to the conf championship game).

Your past analogy about simply reshuffling the deck chairs on the Titanic is spot on. Jerry is lucky he wasn't an owner in the 70s & early 80s when the NFL and its owners actually took pride in ensuring the on-the-field product was second to none. But the NFL stopped caring about the quality of the product once Goodell's reign of terror began and to my eyes, the quality has continued to decline with each passing year. And Dallas is not the only really bad team this season. Just look at the number of bad teams and the weekly matchups of bad teams.

After 29 seasons of playoff irrelevancy under Jerry's iron fist, reaching the NFC Championship game is clearly a bridge too far and it will remain fool's gold for any Cowboy fan naive enough to think that a leopard can change its spots.

 

[fivetwos]

Great post! While it does feel like 1989 or 2002, this feels much worse because of the near three decades of lost seasons leading up to the latest crisis and the lack of hope that either of the Jones boys will have a football epiphany when all they are ever focused on is the financial side of ownership.

It'll be business as usual when Jerry hires [insert new chump hc here] and keeps all the control. It's Groundhog Day over and over every season with the same slipshod approach.

As you indicated, Jerry has no clue on what kind of team to build nor does he know stuff from Shinola when it comes to what it takes to building a winner (not a wild card winner but a real playoff run that gets us to the conf championship game).

Your past analogy about simply reshuffling the deck chairs on the Titanic is spot on. Jerry is lucky he wasn't an owner in the 70s & early 80s when the NFL and its owners actually took pride in ensuring the on-the-field product was second to none. But the NFL stopped caring about the quality of the product once Goodell's reign of terror began and to my eyes, the quality continues to decline with each passing year. And Dallas is not the only really bad team this season. Just look at the number of bad teams and the weekly matchups of bad teams.

After 29 seasons of playoff irrelevancy under Jerry's iron fist, reaching the NFC Championship game is clearly a bridge too far and it will remain fool's gold for any Cowboy fan naive enough to think that a leopard can change its spots.

Spot on with the quality of the NFL product these days.

The good news is that as a result, my Cowboys being turned into a circus act only about 90% breaks my heart instead of the full 100.

 

[FanofJerry]

Sanders seems to have something...doesnt turn the ball over much.

But I would not trust him in a locker room that isnt strong. And...would be really worried about him on the Cowboys with all the cameras and media.

Just like Jerry seems to have main character syndrome and cant control himself from intervening in things, I think the Sanders Family doesnt take criticism too well, as in...they seem like the 'gotta have last word' type.

Shaduer(sp) already couldnt keep quiet when an ex-player criticized what was going down in Boulder with Deion and the Buffalos. Shadeur has thrown his o-line under the bus in the media. Deion has already said his son isnt being drafted by a team that would put his son in a bad situation. So...the Sanders family doesnt like criticism...and I dont think they care about being team players if they think they are pulling their weight.

And I like Deion and what he has done with his kids. I just think there is some personality risk there.