Defensive line: Hard decisions to be made

[gimmesix]

I think all would agree that Quinnen Williams is a clear keeper at DT. EZE is another player that you would hope will become a mainstay of a “NEW” defense next year.

But what about Clark and OSA? Clark played pretty well when he was first traded to us but has been pretty quiet as of late. Is he getting worn down without adequate help? Also he comes with a pretty healthy price tag. That has to be stirred in as well.

What about OSA? It looks like we paid him to be great and he’s just average. Clark is probably a starting level player but is he worth his cap charge. OSA may not be a starting caliber level player. Are either one worth what they will be paid as rotational players?

Ideally you would keep both and add a legit DT and DE in the draft, but the defense has many holes and you really want to draft BPA and fill your holes in free agency.

The Cowboys have the ammo to move up inside the top 10 if they chose to do that but we need a large volume of talent incoming on this team and I don’t think moving up is a luxury they can afford to do.

In fact moving down with one of those picks might be the smart thing to do, especially if a team needs a QB and Dallas is on the clock.

The defense needs help at all three levels, but it all starts up front with pressure. And right now we are clearly not getting enough pressure up front.

I don't think Quinnen, Clark or Osa is going anywhere. They are all under contract and cutting any of them would mean that we have another hole to fill when we already have plenty. I think we'll simply turn Clark's roster bonus into a prorated bonus, which could lower his cap hit to around $15 million.

I hope that we'll re-sign Clowney, but he and Houston need to be role players. We need a stud DE to pair with Eze and to take advantage/open things up for the DTs.

Frankly, with the DTs we have now, I'd consider switching to more of a Wade Phillips-style 3-4, where the DTs attack instead of just absorb blockers. I'd look for a defensive coordinator who can implement that.

 

[Rayman70]

Clowney signed a 2 year deal. So he's here next year. I like him.

 

[xwalker]

I think all would agree that Quinnen Williams is a clear keeper at DT. EZE is another player that you would hope will become a mainstay of a “NEW” defense next year.

But what about Clark and OSA? Clark played pretty well when he was first traded to us but has been pretty quiet as of late. Is he getting worn down without adequate help? Also he comes with a pretty healthy price tag. That has to be stirred in as well.

What about OSA? It looks like we paid him to be great and he’s just average. Clark is probably a starting level player but is he worth his cap charge. OSA may not be a starting caliber level player. Are either one worth what they will be paid as rotational players?

Ideally you would keep both and add a legit DT and DE in the draft, but the defense has many holes and you really want to draft BPA and fill your holes in free agency.

The Cowboys have the ammo to move up inside the top 10 if they chose to do that but we need a large volume of talent incoming on this team and I don’t think moving up is a luxury they can afford to do.

In fact moving down with one of those picks might be the smart thing to do, especially if a team needs a QB and Dallas is on the clock.

The defense needs help at all three levels, but it all starts up front with pressure. And right now we are clearly not getting enough pressure up front.

They will keep all 3 for 2026.

 

[gimmesix]

If that Green Bay draft pick ends up being a Playoffs pick, I would seriously knock on the Raiders door and see about Maxx Crosby. We're not going to draft anyone better than that. Maybe we could get him for a second rounder now? Raiders have no choice but to rebuild.

I'd be all for that, but the Raiders have him under contract through 2029, so there is little motivation for them to trade him. He can be a cornerstone in their rebuild for the next five years.

 

[boysfanindc]

Clowney signed a 2 year deal. So he's here next year. I like him.

He signed a 1 year deal.

 

[Rockport]

I think all would agree that Quinnen Williams is a clear keeper at DT. EZE is another player that you would hope will become a mainstay of a “NEW” defense next year.

But what about Clark and OSA? Clark played pretty well when he was first traded to us but has been pretty quiet as of late. Is he getting worn down without adequate help? Also he comes with a pretty healthy price tag. That has to be stirred in as well.

What about OSA? It looks like we paid him to be great and he’s just average. Clark is probably a starting level player but is he worth his cap charge. OSA may not be a starting caliber level player. Are either one worth what they will be paid as rotational players?

Ideally you would keep both and add a legit DT and DE in the draft, but the defense has many holes and you really want to draft BPA and fill your holes in free agency.

The Cowboys have the ammo to move up inside the top 10 if they chose to do that but we need a large volume of talent incoming on this team and I don’t think moving up is a luxury they can afford to do.

In fact moving down with one of those picks might be the smart thing to do, especially if a team needs a QB and Dallas is on the clock.

The defense needs help at all three levels, but it all starts up front with pressure. And right now we are clearly not getting enough pressure up front.

All those guys you mentioned are must keeps. They form the best interior(I know EZE’s a DE) but the rest form the best interior line the Cowboys have had since the glory days. They need 2 more better than average pass rushing DE’s, at least 2 better than average LB’s, all new safeties, another CB and a DC that knows how to coach.

 

[75boyz]

While I want to respect the OP and add that I want BOTH the best possible edge and best LB(s) draft picks available, I also am still having a hard time of accepting the current offensive tackle play and the current personnel options.

I know the defense probably should get the nod in priority here but Guyton, Steele and Thomas are sooo not real starters imo.

So, I'm practically at a toss up stage in prioritizing both a high pick and free agency acquisition of Edge and LB vs OT.

We ultimately need 2 new starting caliber linebackers to go with Overshown, an edge, and 2 OTs imo.

However draft picks and free agent contracts are combined together for these acquisitions is fine by me.

P.S. Offer Clowney a reasonable 2 year extension and coach up/cross your fingers on EZE.
Q and Osa are the DTs.
Need another vet DT acquision as Clark's cap probably not feasible.

jmo

 

[charron]

I'm probably keeping Clark for next year unless I needed to make room for a big signing. They have got to find a couple LB's to go with Overshown and Logan.

 

[Rayman70]

He signed a 1 year deal.

My bad. Well damn . I'd like him back

 

[GMO415]

I hope we can draft defense with the two 1st rounders but looks like one is going OL.

 

[Vintage]

I think QW, Clark, and Osa are keepers at DT. EZE, Clowney, Fowler Jr, and Williams all stay, BUT...

We need another game-changer at EDGE.

We need to clean house at LB and build around Overshown.

We need to rebuild the secondary, period.

Eberflus needs to go coach high school. I think we need a hard-nosed Defensive Coordinator like Flores, Fangio, Saleh that schemes around the strengths of the players. |

We'll have to be relatively active in free agency in order to be able to fill all those defensive holes.

Build around Overshown? Why? He can’t stay healthy and he’s been part of the problem since he came back. I’m fine bringing him back again, but I’m sure as hell not counting on him health wise or building around him.

 

[Rayman70]

We might not win 8 games. How hard can these decisions be?

 

[Chuck 54]

They will keep all 3 DTs, along with Winfrey and JT, possibly 1 more. It makes no sense to get rid of any of those 3 starters. You need a rotation inside, not just 2 players. Unless you want to step backwards.

The LBing corps needs rebuilding. Keep Overshown, find a MLB and 1 other at least. Maybe you keep James and Liafau for special teams. I had hope for Logan Wilson, but if he can’t remove Murray, he’s washed. He didn’t even make the stat sheet yesterday. Add at least 1 starting S and a CB or 2. It will take that many additions just to be competitive.

Find a RT and maybe an additional RB. Resign Pickens or bring in another WR who can start on the outside, maybe a guy with speed and/or suddenness.

 

[BoysWin]

I think all would agree that Quinnen Williams is a clear keeper at DT. EZE is another player that you would hope will become a mainstay of a “NEW” defense next year.

But what about Clark and OSA? Clark played pretty well when he was first traded to us but has been pretty quiet as of late. Is he getting worn down without adequate help? Also he comes with a pretty healthy price tag. That has to be stirred in as well.

What about OSA? It looks like we paid him to be great and he’s just average. Clark is probably a starting level player but is he worth his cap charge. OSA may not be a starting caliber level player. Are either one worth what they will be paid as rotational players?

Ideally you would keep both and add a legit DT and DE in the draft, but the defense has many holes and you really want to draft BPA and fill your holes in free agency.

The Cowboys have the ammo to move up inside the top 10 if they chose to do that but we need a large volume of talent incoming on this team and I don’t think moving up is a luxury they can afford to do.

In fact moving down with one of those picks might be the smart thing to do, especially if a team needs a QB and Dallas is on the clock.

The defense needs help at all three levels, but it all starts up front with pressure. And right now we are clearly not getting enough pressure up front.

Fire Eberfailure

 

[Verdict]

While I want to respect the OP and add that I want BOTH the best possible edge and best LB(s) draft picks available, I also am still having a hard time of accepting the current offensive tackle play and the current personnel options.

I know the defense probably should get the nod in priority here but Guyton, Steele and Thomas are sooo not real starters imo.

So, I'm practically at a toss up stage in prioritizing both a high pick and free agency acquisition of Edge and LB vs OT.

We ultimately need 2 new starting caliber linebackers to go with Overshown, an edge, and 2 OTs imo.

However draft picks and free agent contracts are combined together for these acquisitions is fine by me.

P.S. Offer Clowney a reasonable 2 year extension and coach up/cross your fingers on EZE.
Q and Osa are the DTs.
Need another vet DT acquision as Clark's cap probably not feasible.

jmo

I agree that we should not force picks in defense. If Tyron Smith or Tristen Hill is sitting there at our pick you select Tyron Smith every day all day. Moreover good OTs usually don’t get away in free agency. So you either find one in the draft or you do without one.

OSA’s contract probably keeps him around but based on a small sample size, Clark may be better than OSA. Clark’s contract is a bit high relative to his production.

I don’t see the Cowboys filling all the holes on this team in the draft. Free agents will be needed.

I would ruthlessly trim the fat on this team. Diggs would go. So would Steel. Schoonmaker would be gone.

I would also tag and trade Pickens. He’s a malcontent and a sulker. Move on from him too.

Use the cap space to sign legit players that fit the direction the Cowboys want to go in feee agency and go BPA in the draft.

Then fill the remaining holes as best you can in the second wave of free agency or trade late round picks to fill holes in the season.

 

[75boyz]

I agree that we should not force picks in defense. If Tyron Smith or Tristen Hill is sitting there at our pick you select Tyron Smith every day all day. Moreover good OTs usually don’t get away in free agency. So you either find one in the draft or you do without one.

OSA’s contract probably keeps him around but based on a small sample size, Clark may be better than OSA. Clark’s contract is a bit high relative to his production.

I don’t see the Cowboys filling all the holes on this team in the draft. Free agents will be needed.

I would ruthlessly trim the fat on this team. Diggs would go. So would Steel. Schoonmaker would be gone.

I would also tag and trade Pickens. He’s a malcontent and a sulker. Move on from him too.

Use the cap space to sign legit players that fit the direction the Cowboys want to go in feee agency and go BPA in the draft.

Then fill the remaining holes as best you can in the second wave of free agency or trade late round picks to fill holes in the season.

Nice plan and excellent use of Tyron Smith as an example.

I'm also totally with you on all your cuts/releases/salary cap savings moves as well.
I'd probably be okay with a bridge OT of 2 years but finding just the right better than avg./to good vet LT with juice remaining and not costing a fortune seems like a pipe dream. Edoga was pathetic imo but Jason Peters was "okay" even though his body wore down fast while with us as well. I don't have any more time for Guyton or Thomas to develop into their roles. Unfortunately I think we're stuck with at least one as a starter. If both start, it will be a very bad ending.
Pickens showing what Pittsburgh warned us of so I'm with you there too.

I know you used the word direction perfectly in your plan but my confidence level in our main roster builders having an ironclad direction is not high.

Excellent post again and sorry I kinda changed the topic somewhat on ya from the specific d line opinions your OP called for.

 

[JBS]

Yall really don’t know Jerry if you him Clark won’t be back.

 

[Verdict]

Nice plan and excellent use of Tyron Smith as an example.

I'm also totally with you on all your cuts/releases/salary cap savings moves as well.
I'd probably be okay with a bridge OT of 2 years but finding just the right better than avg./to good vet LT with juice remaining and not costing a fortune seems like a pipe dream. Edoga was pathetic imo but Jason Peters was "okay" even though his body wore down fast while with us as well. I don't have any more time for Guyton or Thomas to develop into their roles. Unfortunately I think we're stuck with at least one as a starter. If both start, it will be a very bad ending.
Pickens showing what Pittsburgh warned us of so I'm with you there too.

I know you used the word direction perfectly in your plan but my confidence level in our main roster builders having an ironclad direction is not high.

Excellent post again and sorry I kinda changed the topic somewhat on ya from the specific d line opinions your OP called for.

It’s all good, bro.

 

[chuck520]

I think all would agree that Quinnen Williams is a clear keeper at DT. EZE is another player that you would hope will become a mainstay of a “NEW” defense next year.

But what about Clark and OSA? Clark played pretty well when he was first traded to us but has been pretty quiet as of late. Is he getting worn down without adequate help? Also he comes with a pretty healthy price tag. That has to be stirred in as well.

What about OSA? It looks like we paid him to be great and he’s just average. Clark is probably a starting level player but is he worth his cap charge. OSA may not be a starting caliber level player. Are either one worth what they will be paid as rotational players?

Ideally you would keep both and add a legit DT and DE in the draft, but the defense has many holes and you really want to draft BPA and fill your holes in free agency.

The Cowboys have the ammo to move up inside the top 10 if they chose to do that but we need a large volume of talent incoming on this team and I don’t think moving up is a luxury they can afford to do.

In fact moving down with one of those picks might be the smart thing to do, especially if a team needs a QB and Dallas is on the clock.

The defense needs help at all three levels, but it all starts up front with pressure. And right now we are clearly not getting enough pressure up front.

Move OSA to DE so he can get outside pressure, he's average inside

 

[chuck520]

Yall really don’t know Jerry if you him Clark won’t be back.

Clark is back because you traded for him, you have to bring him back