Could Jasper Brinkley be a surprise cut by Cowboys?

[RS12]

1. Kyle Wilber started at middle linebacker Sunday against the 49ers. When the Cowboys drafted him in 2012 he was a defensive end transitioning to outside linebacker. In 2013, he played defensive end before switching to outside linebacker. He played both spots last season and has added middle linebacker to his duties now. What's the fallout of such a move? I wonder if Jasper Brinkley is on the roster bubble. The Cowboys guaranteed him $2 million on a two-year deal he signed in the offseason. He received a $1.25 million bonus and $750,000 of his $1 million base salary is guaranteed. If the Cowboys cut Brinkley, he would cost them $375,000 in cap space this year and $625,000 in cap space next year. In the grand scheme of things, that's not a ton of room but if he doesn't make it they would be swallowing a free-agent mistake.

2. The Cowboys' search for their third tackle continues, and I wonder if it will continue outside the building as well as inside the building. Darrion Weems has been spotty. If he makes it, the Cowboys will have to hold their breath if he is pressed into a role. They held their breath with Jermey Parnell for a few years as well when they took a chance on him as their swing tackle. But I wonder if the Cowboys give a look to La'el Collins and Zack Martin as possible options. I don't want to move Martin but they might not have a choice. The Cowboys did it with Larry Allen back in the day and he excelled even if he was a Hall of Fame guard. Martin is smart enough to know how to keep himself out of trouble if he needs to work in space. Collins was a tackle at LSU but the Cowboys have settled him in at guard. Can he be the emergency tackle? If they want to go that route, they need to start the process right about now.


http://espn.go.com/blog/dallas/cowboys/post/_/id/4744525/could-jasper-brinkley-be-a-surprise-cut

 

[RS12]

Not really sure who would be surprised if Brinkley was cut. Saw him in mop up duty fourth quarter Sunday night.

 

[jazzcat22]

With McClain out for the 1st 4 games, I don't see him being cut. I think they keep 7 LB's, and Wilber, K. Smith, but possibly Brinkley going once McClain returns.

 

[JohnsKey19]

With McClain out for the 1st 4 games, I don't see him being cut. I think they keep 7 LB's, and Wilber, K. Smith, but possibly Brinkley going once McClain returns.

yeah they would at least wait until McClain returns to the field. But even that would be risky given McClain's struggle to stay on the field

 

[Aven8]

I think so, he looks awful. More suited for the 3-4 IMO. Slow.....

 

[tayloner]

I could see him being cut when McClain returns. I think they'll take 6 and possibly 7 at initial roster cuts, not including McClain, because Keith Smith has stood our this preseason. Don't imagine they'll keep 8 when Rolando returns though.

 

[Bullflop]

I'm not too sure the FO will want to admit to overestimating him or not but Jasper hasn't lived up to his billing.

 

[Zimmy Lives]

He could get cut. He does not look comfortable in the middle and there are already two guys (Gach and Hitch) that can hold down the fort until McClain is eligible.

 

[TwoCentPlain]

Well, three things are in Brinkley's favor saving him from getting cut:
1) His guaranteed money.
2) Wilber not looking too good at MLB.
3) Hitchens still out with an injury.

So, I don't see him getting cut unless he puts up a real stinker the next two preseason games.

 

[ABQcowboyJR]

I'm not sure we can afford to cut him. Who can be a stout run defending LBer to man the middle while RoClain is out? I can see us bringing in someone else and cutting him. But as it stands right now, with the players currently on the roster, 10% chance.....

 

[StarBoyz83]

Hasn't looked good. But they would need to replace him and get another mlb also. I wouldn't count on mcclain playing this year.

 

[FuzzyLumpkins]

With McClain out for the 1st 4 games, I don't see him being cut. I think they keep 7 LB's, and Wilber, K. Smith, but possibly Brinkley going once McClain returns.

I'm just about done with Wilber. He played 3 quarters and had 1 tackle last night playing MIKE.

 

[dwreck27]

Surprise? No.

He hasnt done anything to justify not keeping someone younger and cheaper..

 

[FuzzyLumpkins]

I'm not sure we can afford to cut him. Who can be a stout run defending LBer to man the middle while RoClain is out? I can see us bringing in someone else and cutting him. But as it stands right now, with the players currently on the roster, 10% chance.....

Hitchens is my favorite then Gachkar. After those two tho the pickings are slim. You are right that he might make it by default but I have to think they might churn his spot if Smith beats him out.

 

[ABQcowboyJR]

Hitchens is my favorite then Gachkar. After those two tho the pickings are slim. You are right that he might make it by default but I have to think they might churn his spot if Smith beats him out.

Hitchens is my favorite LBer on the team right now. I think he plays his best football when he is at the Mike, but I am really worried about him playing there with what I've seen from the run D so far. He is a guy that we would need to keep lineman off of him and let him flow to the ball. Its early and maybe things will get better with more starters, but right now we need a thumper who can take on blocks and work through them. Really need RoClain....

 

[FuzzyLumpkins]

Hitchens is my favorite LBer on the team right now. I think he plays his best football when he is at the Mike, but I am really worried about him playing there with what I've seen from the run D so far. He is a guy that we would need to keep lineman off of him and let him flow to the ball. Its early and maybe things will get better with more starters, but right now we need a thumper who can take on blocks and work through them. Really need RoClain....

I think Hitchens not being in there vs SF was a part of the problem. Wilber was awful. If they are going to start Hayden by default they really need McClain.

 

[speedkilz88]

That must not be including what he's already counting against the cap. Missing a million.

He received a $1.25 million bonus and $750,000 of his $1 million base salary is guaranteed. If the Cowboys cut Brinkley, he would cost them $375,000 in cap space this year and $625,000 in cap space next year.

 

[Nightman]

That must not be including what he's already counting against the cap. Missing a million.

Brinkley isn't going anywhere.

Hitchens is hurt and McClain can't be relied on.

 

[unionjack8]

worst off season signing, we panicked, simples

 

[jazzcat22]

I'm just about done with Wilber. He played 3 quarters and had 1 tackle last night playing MIKE.

Yes, me too. When they signed Gachkar, Brinkley, Rivers. I thought for sure we seen the last of Wilber. But now with Rivers retirement and McClains suspension, he looks to make it by default.

Was ready to move on from him and Cam Lawrence. We are half way there....lol....