Duke Johnson Requests Trade

[The Dark Bishop]

I agree with most here in that we would not use him enough for his salary. Not less the loss of a draft pick. What I do like about him thoug,h is having both Zeke and Duke on the field at the same time. If we did not get Cobb as a slot receiver I would have looked at Duke as both a backup to Zeke while playing the slot mostly. It sets up some interesting sweeps as well as reverses, and lord knows his hands are good to be a receiver in the first place. The options would be limitless. Regardless we have our slot receivers in both Cobb and Austin along with the wrinkles they can create. Not seeing the upside of having our weapons plus Duke.....

Only upside to having Duke with our weapons is if we may move on from Zeke and his extension next year.....

 

[Stash]

I agree with most here in that we would not use him enough for his salary. Not less the loss of a draft pick. What I do like about him thoug,h is having both Zeke and Duke on the field at the same time. If we did not get Cobb as a slot receiver I would have looked at Duke as both a backup to Zeke while playing the slot mostly. It sets up some interesting sweeps as well as reverses, and lord knows his hands are good to be a receiver in the first place. The options would be limitless. Regardless we have our slot receivers in both Cobb and Austin along with the wrinkles they can create. Not seeing the upside of having our weapons plus Duke.....

Only upside to having Duke with our weapons is if we may move on from Zeke and his extension next year.....

A quick number crunch shows me a three year contract that averages about $3.85 million per year.

Would that be a 'deal breaker' for anyone? I can't think so.

And while we would seem to have better slot receiver options, is there ever the risk of having 'too many'? I can't think so, especially when all of the current slit receivers are signed for just this year. Cobb, Austin, and Hurns are all out of contract in 2020.

To say nothing of the fact that those guys won't help you in the screen game like Johnson can.

And again, the team would have a capable backup to give Elliott the rest he needs, something they clearly lack right now. At the rate he's going, this team is going to burn Elliott up quickly. And that means I'd want no part of signing him to a huge money extension.

As for the draft pick compensation? There would have to be a cap on what I'd be willing to give up, and I'd put that at the fourth round. I'd give up one of those fourth rounders, preferably the comp pick.

But no rookie will give you what Johnson can in 2019. Certainly not one drafted in the fourth around or later as I mentioned using for Duke. Leading the league in yards per touch for the first three years of his career is a big deal, and something people seem to want to overlook.

For the money and draft pick compensation, I'd make that deal in a heartbeat, and steal this player.

 

[Montanalo]

A quick number crunch shows me a three year contract that averages about $3.85 million per year.

Would that be a 'deal breaker' for anyone? I can't think so.

And while we would seem to have better slot receiver options, is there ever the risk of having 'too many'? I can't think so, especially when all of the current slit receivers are signed for just this year. Cobb, Austin, and Hurns are all out of contract in 2020.

To say nothing of the fact that those guys won't help you in the screen game like Johnson can.

And again, the team would have a capable backup to give Elliott the rest he needs, something they clearly lack right now. At the rate he's going, this team is going to burn Elliott up quickly. And that means I'd want no part of signing him to a huge money extension.

As for the draft pick compensation? There would have to be a cap on what I'd be willing to give up, and I'd put that at the fourth round. I'd give up one of those fourth rounders, preferably the comp pick.

But no rookie will give you what Johnson can in 2019. Certainly not one drafted in the fourth around or later as I mentioned using for Duke. Leading the league in yards per touch for the first three years of his career is a big deal, and something people seem to want to overlook.

For the money and draft pick compensation, I'd make that deal in a heartbeat, and steal this player.

I am with you on picking up Johnson. Prior conventional wisdom was backs were a dime a dozen and could easily be found in the late rounds of the draft.

While that reasoning isn't completely false, the recent focus on round 1 RB have reaffirmed the value of a superior back to the offense.

Same goes for the back-up RB position. If a back of Johnson's obvious proven talent can be had for a reasonable contract, why not go after him.

To me, it just seems like such a no brainer.

 

[Stash]

I am with you on picking up Johnson. Prior conventional wisdom was backs were a dime a dozen and could easily be found in the late rounds of the draft.

While that reasoning isn't completely false, the recent focus on round 1 RB have reaffirmed the value of a superior back to the offense.

Same goes for the back-up RB position. If a back of Johnson's obvious proven talent can be had for a reasonable contract, why not go after him.

To me, it just seems like such a no brainer.

I think so as well. I'm not really sure what those denouncing the possibility are looking at?

I see no 'deal breaker' that should rule out such a move. A yearly salary of less than $4 million a year certainly isn't it, especially with no guaranteed money. Not when you can pay Crawford $9 million plus to not have a true starting role, or Sean Lee's $3.5 to be a backup. Or worst of all, $6.5 million for Hurns to be your #4 receiver!

The only potential deal breaker could be the compensation the Browns might demand. Or the possibility that they're no longer actually interested in trading him.

But if you can get a player of this caliber for a fourth rounder or less? That's a bargain.

 

[OmerV]

I think so as well. I'm not really sure what those denouncing the possibility are looking at?

I see no 'deal breaker' that should rule out such a move. A yearly salary of less than $4 million a year certainly isn't it, especially with no guaranteed money. Not when you can pay Crawford $9 million plus to not have a true starting role, or Sean Lee's $3.5 to be a backup. Or worst of all, $6.5 million for Hurns to be your #4 receiver!

The only potential deal breaker could be the compensation the Browns might demand. Or the possibility that they're no longer actually interested in trading him.

But if you can get a player of this caliber for a fourth rounder or less? That's a bargain.

I don't know that people are suggesting the pay is unreasonable, or that some level of draft pick would be unreasonable to give up in a trade. I think it's more that there is a limit to how many salaries a team can take on and still have space to pay the top tier talent, and also on how many draft picks a team can give up and still maintain a good infusion of college talent coming in. Maybe that line shouldn't be drawn with Duke, but my personal belief is the Cowboys wouldn't do that deal.

 

[Stash]

I don't know that people are suggesting the pay is unreasonable, or that some level of draft pick would be unreasonable to give up in a trade. I think it's more that there is a limit to how many salaries a team can take on and still have space to pay the top tier talent, and also on how many draft picks a team can give up and still maintain a good infusion of college talent coming in. Maybe that line shouldn't be drawn with Duke, but my personal belief is the Cowboys wouldn't do that deal.

So do you feel that $3.85 million is too much to pay?

 

[CowboysFaninHouston]

A quick number crunch shows me a three year contract that averages about $3.85 million per year.

Would that be a 'deal breaker' for anyone? I can't think so.

And while we would seem to have better slot receiver options, is there ever the risk of having 'too many'? I can't think so, especially when all of the current slit receivers are signed for just this year. Cobb, Austin, and Hurns are all out of contract in 2020.

To say nothing of the fact that those guys won't help you in the screen game like Johnson can.

And again, the team would have a capable backup to give Elliott the rest he needs, something they clearly lack right now. At the rate he's going, this team is going to burn Elliott up quickly. And that means I'd want no part of signing him to a huge money extension.

As for the draft pick compensation? There would have to be a cap on what I'd be willing to give up, and I'd put that at the fourth round. I'd give up one of those fourth rounders, preferably the comp pick.

But no rookie will give you what Johnson can in 2019. Certainly not one drafted in the fourth around or later as I mentioned using for Duke. Leading the league in yards per touch for the first three years of his career is a big deal, and something people seem to want to overlook.

For the money and draft pick compensation, I'd make that deal in a heartbeat, and steal this player.

ok, lets pend 4 mill on back up RB and back up slot WR.... who do you not want to sign? Jones? Dak? Zeke? Smith? these contracts all loom in the background. no one denies the talent and that he could help us, but it comes at a cost...twice....one in draft and second in salary...

 

[Stash]

ok, lets pend 4 mill on back up RB and back up slot WR.... who do you not want to sign? Jones? Dak? Zeke? Smith? these contracts all loom in the background. no one denies the talent and that he could help us, but it comes at a cost...twice....one in draft and second in salary...

That's fine, if we're worried about it or need to find a few bucks to cover the costs, cut Crawford's salary, or cut him outright. Or approach Hurns about a paycut. He's grossly overpaid as a #4 receiver who will rarely even see the field.

The point is that money can be found and utilized more wisely regarding current salaries and not have to affect those long term deals.

As for the names you mentioned, yes, at present I would NOT pay Jones, but look to draft his replacement this year.

 

[OmerV]

So do you feel that $3.85 million is too much to pay?

I think my post answered that. I don't think it's unreasonable at all for Duke Johnson to make $3.85 million. I'm just saying that even reasonable contracts add up, and you can't add every player you would like because the contract terms are reasonable. And, you can't refer to it only in terms of salary. Something of value would also have to be given up in a trade.

And, again, I'm not saying that line has to be drawn at Duke Johnson. I'm just saying I don't think the team would do it. They are very concerned about the top players that they will need money to extand, and they also are heavily focused on building through the draft and will be hesitant to give up another draft pick. I think they will look at handling the back up RB situation through either free agency or the draft, or maybe a little of both.

 

[Stash]

I think my post answered that. I don't think it's unreasonable at all for Duke Johnson to make $3.85 million. I'm just saying that even reasonable contracts add up, and you can't add every player you would like because the contract terms are reasonable. And, you can't refer to it only in terms of salary. Something of value would also have to be given up in a trade.

And, again, I'm not saying that line has to be drawn at Duke Johnson. I'm just saying I don't think the team would do it. They are very concerned about the top players that they will need money to extand, and they also are heavily focused on building through the draft and will be hesitant to give up another draft pick. I think they will look at handling the back up RB situation through either free agency or the draft, or maybe a little of both.

Don't confuse preference with prediction. I'm not saying this is what the Cowboys will do, this is what I feel they should do. Just one guy's opinion and what I would choose if it were up to me.

I think they can find a decent option in free agency for much cheaper, but you get what you pay for. Two guys out there that I like are TJ Yeldon and Ty Montgomery, but I don't think either brings what Johnson does.

Here's a comparison:

https://www.pro-football-reference....toyear_3=2018&player_id3=JohnDu00&idx=players

 

[OmerV]

Don't confuse preference with prediction. I'm not saying this is what the Cowboys will do, this is what I feel they should do. Just one guy's opinion and what I would choose if it were up to me.

I think they can find a decent option in free agency for much cheaper, but you get what you pay for. Two guys out there that I like are TJ Yeldon and Ty Montgomery, but I don't think either brings what Johnson does.

Here's a comparison:

https://www.pro-football-reference....toyear_3=2018&player_id3=JohnDu00&idx=players

I understood that. And I don't disagree that Johnson would be a better player for the team than Yeldon or Montgomery (although Yeldon wouldn't be a bad choice). I just think they would prefer to just pay a free agent or use a draft pick than give up a draft pick.

 

[Stash]

I understood that. And I don't disagree that Johnson would be a better player for the team than Yeldon or Montgomery (although Yeldon wouldn't be a bad choice). I just think they would prefer to just pay a free agent or use a draft pick than give up a draft pick.

I can't say I disagree with you. I'm hopeful they take a look at Yeldon. I'm surprised that player hasn't gotten more interest.

 

[OmerV]

I can't say I disagree with you. I'm hopeful they take a look at Yeldon. I'm surprised that player hasn't gotten more interest.

I wish they would look hard at Yeldon, but I have to wonder if the fact they haven't so far (at least as far as we know) means they aren't going to. I would like Yeldon on a short contract (1-2 years), and draft a RB 4-5 round.

 

[Stash]

I wish they would look hard at Yeldon, but I have to wonder if the fact they haven't so far (at least as far as we know) means they aren't going to. I would like Yeldon on a short contract (1-2 years), and draft a RB 4-5 round.

I've heard Jerry Jones mention in interviews that backup running back would be an area they continued to look at, but no tangible evidence of that being done so far.

 

[OmerV]

I've heard Jerry Jones mention in interviews that backup running back would be an area they continued to look at, but no tangible evidence of that being done so far.

Maybe that means they are planning to deal with it in the draft, or maybe see what other cuts are made.

 

[Stash]

Maybe that means they are planning to deal with it in the draft, or maybe see what other cuts are made.

Or maybe they're not making it the priority I think they should.

 

[Whirlwin]

And you think that guy in the draft would come later than the pick required to get Johnson?

I would love to see free agency come after the draft. Wouldn't that turn the league upside down

 

[OmerV]

Or maybe they're not making it the priority I think they should.

I agree. Obviously they will have to address it in some way, but I'm worried about to what degree. They not only need a RB who can step in if Zeke got injured, but one who can at least take a little of the load and give Zeke an occasional breather.

 

[Stash]

I would love to see free agency come after the draft. Wouldn't that turn the league upside down

It would, but I think vet players whould never go for that. It gives a young guy the chance to kick them out of the league before they can ever sign a new contract.

 

[Stash]

I agree. Obviously they will have to address it in some way, but I'm worried about to what degree. They not only need a RB who can step in if Zeke got injured, but one who can at least take a little of the load and give Zeke an occasional breather.

Exactly right, and something they clearly don't have. Right now, it's Zeke or Bust.