BTB: Four Internal Free Agents The Dallas Cowboys Should Re-Sign

[Don Corleone]

I wouldn't waste a dime signing any of our defensive players. The defense needs to be blown up and rebuilt. Something stinks on that side of this team.

 

[Sydla]

I think I'd rather take a flier on someone like Patterson or even Boldin as the #2 WR than Williams.

I mean if he's cheap, sure, but I am curious to see what kind of value the league has on TWill.

 

[Don Corleone]

I would let the DBs walk and make a run for the Texans DB AJ Bouye.

 

[Sydla]

I would let the DBs walk and make a run for the Texans DB AJ Bouye.

Based on Spotrac's estimates, he's going to get a HUGE pay increase.

I am not sure I want to go down that rabbit hole again like we did with Carr.

 

[Don Corleone]

Based on Spotrac's estimates, he's going to get a HUGE pay increase.

I am not sure I want to go down that rabbit hole again like we did with Carr.

Understood. I just like the way he plays. He would be the ballhawk that we need. I'm just sick of settling for retreads. This defense needs playmakers and we simply don't have that many.

 

[The Quest for Six]

Dallas is NOT resigning Leary, can't afford too and Collins is cheaper and had already taken that job over but for his injury at guard....Martin is due a huge contract and you just can't pay everyone on the offense line(Smith, Fredrick and Martin will be MAXED), Free is the weakest link no doubt on the offensive line but hopefully Chaz Green can stay healthy and I wouldn't mind Dallas selecting a right tackle in the second or third round in the draft.....Dallas has to start investing heavily into the defense in this draft(DT, DE,2Cb,S)....Defense wins championships, proven once again last week..Dallas has too many problems on defense to ignore any longer

 

[Rogerthat12]

His kickslide looks fine to me particularly from a range standpoint. Would like to see more hustle on some snaps but he covers ground just fine.

College level we are talking about best fit on the NFL level, perhaps that is why he is currently playing G in the NFL.

Dane Brugler on Collins:

WEAKNESSES: Constantly lunges and leans with his upper half and falls off blocks, struggling to maintain his technique through contact…ends up on the ground too much with chaotic mechanics, starting with his base…average-at-best snap quickness and doesn’t consistently explode out of his stance to cut off speed on the edges – too often the last lineman to move off the ball…tends to labor in his kickslide with shuffle footwork that is more choppy than fluid…inconsistent footwork once engaged and relies on his upper body to get the job done…will struggle at times to decipher blitzes and tends to get mixed up with multiple rushers – needs to improve his focus and awareness…too grabby and lack of elite length shows at times as long-armed rushers get into his frame and knock him off-balance…allows his pads to rise and doesn’t rely on leverage…needs to improve his angles in the run game to better wall off lanes. He needs to show better bend and consistency in pass protection, too often falling off balance with limited range in his kickslide.

Sorry but Collins is suited perfectly where the Cowboys have him playing on the NFL level at G.

 

[Rogerthat12]

I don't agree with this at all particularly at RT.

Then I disagree with your evaluation, Brugler and others do also.

They thought initially he could be the swing tackle in a pinch but after looking at his feet up close he is playing G which is the ideally suited position for him on this level.

Broaddus was saying in camp how Collins struggled with his feet when they initially experimented with him on the right side at tackle, he was better on the left where he played in college, he was better inside.

 

[jobberone]

His kickslide looks fine to me particularly from a range standpoint. Would like to see more hustle on some snaps but he covers ground just fine.

Agreed but he needs work. And hand technique. He's much better suited to play G where his size and strength are a bigger plus and the learning curve is less steep and burdensome. Still I think he has a chance to be coached up. We need to find a niche for him to get snaps. He's too valuable to leave on the bench.

 

[FuzzyLumpkins]

Then I disagree with your evaluation, Brugler and others do also.

Speak for yourself. You don't get to speak for Brugler or anyone else.

I think you should read what Brugler wrote and try again. He spoke more about technique and hustle. He said he was inconsistent out of his stance and gave specific reason in technique and hustle. He doesn't say that he was physically limited in lateral movement which is what you implied.

Given how Collins is high cut, he can have issues with leverage against DT. His length is more suited to outside. He certainly needs to work on his technique to accomplish that. He can definitely play RT with his physical tools.

 

[Rogerthat12]

Speak for yourself. You don't get to speak for Brugler or anyone else.

I think you should read what Brugler wrote and try again. He spoke more about technique and hustle. He said he was inconsistent out of his stance and gave specific reason in technique and hustle. He doesn't say that he was physically limited in lateral movement which is what you implied.

Given how Collins is high cut, he can have issues with leverage against DT. His length is more suited to outside. He certainly needs to work on his technique to accomplish that. He can definitely play RT with his physical tools.

I not only read what Brugler said, I also posted it accordingly above so there is no equivocation.

Dane Brugler on Collins:

WEAKNESSES: Constantly lunges and leans with his upper half and falls off blocks, struggling to maintain his technique through contact…ends up on the ground too much with chaotic mechanics, starting with his base…average-at-best snap quickness and doesn’t consistently explode out of his stance to cut off speed on the edges – too often the last lineman to move off the ball…tends to labor in his kickslide with shuffle footwork that is more choppy than fluid…inconsistent footwork once engaged and relies on his upper body to get the job done…will struggle at times to decipher blitzes and tends to get mixed up with multiple rushers – needs to improve his focus and awareness…too grabby and lack of elite length shows at times as long-armed rushers get into his frame and knock him off-balance…allows his pads to rise and doesn’t rely on leverage…needs to improve his angles in the run game to better wall off lanes. He needs to show better bend and consistency in pass protection, too often falling off balance with limited range in his kickslide.


I remember now that you deny what is said in video and in print by the actual person who said or has written a analysis when it contradicts your opinion, Brugler on Spence comes to mind.

He spoke about limited kickslide range and struggling on the edge due to lack of arm length and with pass protection which was seen early in Cowboys camp when he played some RT and is precisely why he is exclusively playing G now for the Cowboys because he struggled with his foot work on the right side at tackle.

You need to reread the direct analysis above more carefully, these were his words not mine and they are specific.

Further, the Cowboys quickly figured out that Collins is ideally suited for G in the NFL and the fact is he is playing G for Dallas, not RT even with Free being inconsistent.

Collins can play tackle in a pinch but it is not his best fit in the NFL, it is not what he does best, that is why they kicked him inside exclusively.

We will simply have to disagree, no need to argue about what Brugler clearly stated above and what the team has found out about the player in concrete reality and what position he has been allocated to by the team itself!

 

[FuzzyLumpkins]

I not only read what Brugler said, I also posted it accordingly above so there is no equivocation.

Dane Brugler on Collins:

WEAKNESSES: Constantly lunges and leans with his upper half and falls off blocks, struggling to maintain his technique through contact…ends up on the ground too much with chaotic mechanics, starting with his base…average-at-best snap quickness and doesn’t consistently explode out of his stance to cut off speed on the edges – too often the last lineman to move off the ball…tends to labor in his kickslide with shuffle footwork that is more choppy than fluid…inconsistent footwork once engaged and relies on his upper body to get the job done…will struggle at times to decipher blitzes and tends to get mixed up with multiple rushers – needs to improve his focus and awareness…too grabby and lack of elite length shows at times as long-armed rushers get into his frame and knock him off-balance…allows his pads to rise and doesn’t rely on leverage…needs to improve his angles in the run game to better wall off lanes. He needs to show better bend and consistency in pass protection, too often falling off balance with limited range in his kickslide.


I remember now that you deny what is said in video and in print by the actual person who said or has written a analysis when it contradicts your opinion, Brugler on Spence comes to mind.

He spoke about limited kickslide range and struggling on the edge due to lack of arm length and with pass protection which was seen early in Cowboys camp when he played some RT and is precisely why he is exclusively playing G now for the Cowboys because he struggled with his foot work on the right side at tackle.

You need to reread the direct analysis above more carefully, these were his words not mine and they are specific.

Further, the Cowboys quickly figured out that Collins is ideally suited for G in the NFL and the fact is he is playing G for Dallas, not RT even with Free being inconsistent.

Collins can play tackle in a pinch but it is not his best fit in the NFL, it is not what he does best, that is why they kicked him inside exclusively.

We will simply have to disagree, no need to argue about what Brugler clearly stated above and what the team has found out about the player in concrete reality and what position he has been allocated to by the team itself!

What about Spence? I thought he wouldn't stand up well to the run and was an inferior prospect to Bosa. What I remember is you being wrong as hell about Bosa. You don't even want to talk about the game with Collins at tackle that I posted.

What I see here is a decided inability to think for yourself, poor critical thinking, and sophistry.

First of all Brugler specifically states from your link:

Can center pass rushers and end their attempt in pass pro. Utilizes length in pass protection and is acclimated to a pro-style offense. Able to run-block and pass-set laterally. Well-schooled and technically proficient. If he gets beat on a play, he comes back even harder on the next snap. Finisher. Can come in and play guard or tackle.

Convenient how you just choose to post the part you think agrees with you and leave out the rest. That is sophistry, your goal is to win the argument and not discover the truth.

I don't even think you know what equivocate means. He clearly says he has lateral ability and can play tackle. He also gives reason for his inconsistent range from hustle and poor footwork. Equivocate that.

 

[Rogerthat12]

What about Spence? I thought he wouldn't stand up well to the run and was an inferior prospect to Bosa. What I remember is you being wrong as hell about Bosa. You don't even want to talk about the game with Collins at tackle that I posted.

What I see here is a decided inability to think for yourself, poor critical thinking, and sophistry.

First of all Brugler specifically states from your link:



Convenient how you just choose to post the part you think agrees with you and leave out the rest. That is sophistry, your goal is to win the argument and not discover the truth.

I don't even think you know what equivocate means. He clearly says he has lateral ability and can play tackle. He also gives reason for his inconsistent range from hustle and poor footwork. Equivocate that.

Your personal attacks are rejected, logical fallacy of attacking the man.

You were saying Brugler did not say Spence was a better speed edge rusher than Bosa and he did on video and on print, you denied he said so even with the clips of him saying so on the matter.

I was never wrong about Bosa, I said he was a better player than Spence but he was not as good of a pure speed rusher off the edge, so you are wrong again, you were denying Brugler said as much which he did on numerous occasions.

Further, he said Collins could play swing tackle but is more ideally suited to play G in the NFL.

Brugler states clearly in his analysis what Collins weaknesses are and being in denial about them and name calling is poor logic which you consistently revert to when someone challenges your opinion.

One college tape of Collins playing LT, not RT tackle, you ignore the full body of work and which has no bearing on his play at RT in the NFL which Collins himself said in camp he struggled with on the right side.

In addition, context clues, Dallas tried Collins at right tackle early in camp and he struggled with his foot work and was moved inside.

Collins plays G for Dallas and has never started at RT for Dallas, obviously the coaches disagree with your assessment.

Brugler's evaluation was before he was playing for an NFL team in actuality but now we know they see him as a G in the NFL, nothing to argue on this matter, he plays G not RT, it is his best fit.

 

[Idgit]

Swap Leary with Williams, and throw in Cooper, and this is my list.

 

[Stash]

Agreed but he needs work. And hand technique. He's much better suited to play G where his size and strength are a bigger plus and the learning curve is less steep and burdensome. Still I think he has a chance to be coached up. We need to find a niche for him to get snaps. He's too valuable to leave on the bench.

My own assumption in the matter is that Collins struggled badly with the complete change in technique and footwork required of 'flipping sides'. When a tackle does that, everything is 'backwards'. Some players handle it well and adapt quickly while others don't.

I'm of the belief that Collins struggled badly initially and the team quickly pulled the plug. Now I just have to wonder if they'll give it (and him) another chance? It's obvious that something has to be done at RT.

 

[Rogerthat12]

My own assumption in the matter is that Collins struggled badly with the complete change in technique and footwork required of 'flipping sides'. When a tackle does that, everything is 'backwards'. Some players handle it well and adapt quickly while others don't.

I'm of the belief that Collins struggled badly initially and the team quickly pulled the plug. Now I just have to wonder if they'll give it (and him) another chance? It's obvious that something has to be done at RT.

Your analysis above is correct and the Cowboys have concluded Collins is better suited at G hence why they moved him inside.

They will probably add via free agency or the draft a prospect that is an actual RT prospect, that has the proper skills and footwork required for the position.

Free is near the end in my view as well.

 

[Stash]

Your analysis above is correct and the Cowboys have concluded Collins is better suited at G hence why they moved him inside.

I personally wonder if that door has been entirely slammed shut? I believe he struggled there badly as a rookie, but I think it was a technique issue, not an anthletic talent one. And I feel that for a rookie who had played on the left side, that was understandable.

But, given the situation at RT, with Free's declining play and Chaz Green's health questions, I have to wonder if the team wouldn't give Collins another real shot at right tackle? Purely speculating, and you may be right and the door may be closed and boarded shut. But it's something to think about.

If they do re-sign Cooper and give him the opportunity to play left guard, they could use Collins at right tackle and field an entire line of first round 'talent'. With Cooper the 'oldest' having just turned 27 on Thursday.

They will probably add via free agency or the draft a prospect that is an actual RT, that has the proper skills and footwork required for the position.

The draft I can see. Free agency, not so much. Did you have an option in mind?

Free is near the end in my view as well.

No doubt, and that contract forces a move.

 

[Rogerthat12]

I personally wonder if that door has been entirely slammed shut? I believe he struggled there badly as a rookie, but I think it was a technique issue, not an anthletic talent one. And I feel that for a rookie who had played on the left side, that was understandable.

But, given the situation at RT, with Free's declining play and Chaz Green's health questions, I have to wonder if the team wouldn't give Collins another real shot at right tackle? Purely speculating, and you may be right and the door may be closed and boarded shut. But it's something to think about.

If they do re-sign Cooper and give him the opportunity to play left guard, they could use Collins at right tackle and field an entire line of first round 'talent'. With Cooper the 'oldest' having just turned 27 on Thursday.



The draft I can see. Free agency, not so much. Did you have an option in mind?


No doubt, and that contract forces a move.

All we can go off of is what we know and we know Collins struggled at RT in camp and was moved inside to G exclusively.

It is no big surprise he struggled on the right side in camp considering he played some G/LT in college, not right tackle.

It is no shocker that they moved him inside, many college tackles are better suited inside in the NFL, a lack of arm length and limited kickslide range are definitely legitimate reasons why he struggled along with the fact he never played the right side, it is certainly more than a technique issue though that is present also, Brugler notes both above.

I have no idea if they have closed the door forever on him being the flex swing, it looks like it after two years at the G position exclusively but time will tell this tale.

Everything else is conjecture, what we know is that they have him exclusively at the G position because he fits best at the position at this time.

I have not looked at the free agent tackle market but you know how Will M. and the pro scouts look for free agents, usually not the usual prospects, obviously the draft may bring a prospect or they may give Chaz a go.

I think they will address the matter regardless but I doubt it will be with Collins especially if Leary leaves and Cooper if resigned, may only be considered depth at this point.

This was an article early when he was at camp:

With Doug Free recovering from offseason foot surgery, Cowboys rookie offensive lineman La’el Collins spent the first week of OTAs at right tackle. This week, he moved to left guard, which seems more likely to be his position when the season begins.

For Collins, who made no secret of the fact that his move to the right side took some adjusting, left guard brings a certain comfortability.

“You’re right there with down linemen, so everything is a lot quicker, which is good for me,” Collins said, per the Dallas Morning News. “I feel like that is part of one of my strengths, being able to get on guys quick is an advantage.”


Source: La'el Collins Moves to Left Guard | NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth http://www.nbcdfw.com/blogs/blue-star/Lael-Collins-Moves-to-Left-Guard-306271421.html#ixzz4WNLKZS8s
Follow us: @nbcdfw on Twitter | NBCDFW on Facebook

 

[jobberone]

My own assumption in the matter is that Collins struggled badly with the complete change in technique and footwork required of 'flipping sides'. When a tackle does that, everything is 'backwards'. Some players handle it well and adapt quickly while others don't.

I'm of the belief that Collins struggled badly initially and the team quickly pulled the plug. Now I just have to wonder if they'll give it (and him) another chance? It's obvious that something has to be done at RT.

We'll see if Leary is aboard. If not then they may still try to move him out there. A lot depends on Chaz Green and any other tackle prospects they have. Won't be popular but Free is still in the conversaton until they unload him by whatever means. His play fell off this year. For ANY player I always wonder if that is due to injury. He's not old enough to suddenly drop off due to just age but his ankle problems may be in play. Can't play tackle without good wheels.

 

[Stash]

We'll see if Leary is aboard. If not then they may still try to move him out there. A lot depends on Chaz Green and any other tackle prospects they have. Won't be popular but Free is still in the conversaton until they unload him by whatever means. His play fell off this year. For ANY player I always wonder if that is due to injury. He's not old enough to suddenly drop off due to just age but his ankle problems may be in play. Can't play tackle without good wheels.

And those "wheels" are what has kept Free in the game as long as he has. He's never been a guy who had power to rely one, it was always technique and agility. And for a guy like him, when that goes, he's done - and fast.

I'm not saying he can't or won't be brought back, but not at his scheduled salary to be sure. And I for sure don't want to have to rely on him to 'get by' again in 2017. I'll even put Emmett Cleary intent the conversation at right tackle. I don't think he embarrassed himself on the left side when he played and I'd at least give him a shot at winning the job.

PFW (remember them?) had Cleary listed as their 3rd best RT in the 2013 draft.