I'm a little curious as to why a couple posters in this thread think the idea is so far fetched our "stupid". Of course I started a similar thread last week, so I have a vested interest in not being "stupid" I suppose.
First off, I think the old premise that "look at the position" and see how much money is spent there already is moot. If you suck at a position and need to "fix" it, what difference does it make if money is already spent there? At some point those contracts are going to run out, so if you sign a stud for 5 years and in 1-2 years Roy and Newman's contracts expire or are no longer a pain to shed, what's the problem?
As far as pretty much everyone in the league and on these boards thinks, the secondary is the biggest weakness of Dallas's defense? So where are we better served spending money? OLB? DE? DT? An upgrade at CB and/or safety via free-agency would help this team more than a back up at other defensive positions no?
What do teams do that sign 1st rounder busts at QB or WR. Oh well, we can't sign another QB, we better deal with this same dud for the next 4 years or so, until this position doesn't cost us so much. OK, QB is different, but if you have a glaring weakness, one that costs you the big games, then you need to try and fix it. If you have cap room and can scrimp a little at another position because you got lucky or were really smart, then spend that dough where you have obvious problems. We lack 3rd CB starter, we lack cover safety, we lack db depth, we are getting older and have shown to be injury prone at both starting CB's.
Drafting a CB doesn't necessarily fix the problem. A proven free agent like Samuel might.
Then we talk about leadership and playoff experience. Well this guy seems to play well in the playoffs, seems to have won some hardware with the Patriots, so he'd be a proven PLAYOFF guy as well. Plus he's young. We whine around here about potentially paying Flo big bucks, while this guy is only 27 this month.
Yes, we have other needs too, but on defense in particular I think a guy like Samuel would make a big impact and help all those around him as well. We could play more appropriate schemes and players to there strengths if not having to cover for the deficiencies of a Reeves or a Roy Williams in coverage.
The fact of the matter is that the majority of free agents cost too much. Rarely do you get a chance to get a quality one, but his deal with the Patriots allow you a shot here. Deion Sanders, and Charles Haley, pushed us over the top in years past, so there is precedent. Not saying Samuel is one of those guys, but I think he can really help. Would the Patriots franchise the guy if they thought he sucked? What did that tag cost the Patriots? He was worth it to a SuperBowl winning team, why not the Cowboys?
I would also look at a Trufant or Springs if available if they are better value, but I certainly don't think it's "stupid" to consider going after a guy like this.
LarryCanadian
:laugh2:
