Step 1 was cutting DeMarcus Ware
Step 2 was not resigning Hatcher or Spencer
Step 3 would be signing Melton (which is the cornerstone of my plan). I have to admit, I'm a bit worried that we haven't signed him yet. I was hoping we could get a deal because of his knee. But I'm sure if he is giving any deals for his knee he still wants more guaranteed money for the second year, and higher future base pays.
You sign Melton and you're already 25% towards having a new starting defensive line.
If you slot in Selvie as your starter for just this year, you're 50% towards your line for the year.
You draft at least two rookies in the draft within the first three or four rounds and you come out with at least one starter, now you're 75% of the way there. Should be very exciting to get rookie rushmen here. We've rebuilt this offensive line mostly through the draft (I don't think we're done yet), and we'll mostly try to create this defensive line through the draft.
If you don't think we can find a veteran post June who can fit either the end or the tackle positions, you're kidding yourself. There are players every year like this. Who are considerably cheaper, than overpaying for a tier 2 player like we did with Carr and giving them tier 1 money. So look for a signing similar to the Waters signing.
Then you have guys like Crawford and Ben Bass, especially Bass who they are high on. Hatcher said last year that Bass was going to replace him.
I think we'll have a better defensive line next year, and a much better defensive line in 2015, but getting away from these overpriced, overaged, underperforming veterans was necessary. But this is why you don't go after guys like Jared Allen or Julius Peppers either. That would defeat the purpose.
If you look at our 2016 salary cap you begin to understand this strategy. Outside of signing Carr the Cowboys have been doing a great job of not pushing more money towards the future than necessary.
There is a caveat to this. I think the Cowboys might sign Spencer near the vet minimum if he is healthy enough. 1 year type deal, maybe with a 2nd year loaded in if they decide to keep him.
