Franchising Hamlin over Flo (and Barber for that matter) came down to the draft.

[AMERICAS_FAN]

Franchising Hamlin over Flo (and Barber for that matter) came down to the draft.

With two Pro-Bowles, Hamlin and Flo, hitting free agency, it was smart for the Dallas Cowboys to franchise one of them so that it had options for signing or replacing the other without worrying about the former. Choosing to franchise Hamlin over Flo was smart because it gives Dallas more options, especially in the upcoming draft (more on Barber later). Here’s how:

Dallas’ backups at both positions (FS and OT) are questionable at best so the potential ability to rely on a backup to fill a starter’s role really was a non-factor in the decision on which player to franchise and keep. Free agency offers very little at both positions also and therefore was a non-factor as well. But at least the draft is quite deep at OT, while it is very shallow at FS, so if Dallas were to franchise Flo and lose Hamlin, they’d be very limited in effectively replacing him via the draft. But by franchising Hamlin they have better options in the draft to address OT versus FS, should they lose Flo to free agency and have to do that.

Also, the fact that franchising Hamlin over Flo costs Dallas half as much against this year’s cap also had a lot to do with who to franchise. By committing less to the cap by franchising Hamlin, Dallas now has more leeway to move up in the draft and select a more talented (i.e. more expensive) player should they decide to or need to go that route. Had they franchised Flo they’d be committing about 9 million to the cap, making moving up in the draft much more cost prohibitive. At least by franchising Hamlin they are not handcuffed in this respect. I only hope they reach a long term deal with him, that is, after a decision on Flo has been made. Thanks to the tag, they don’t need to rush into Hamlin just yet.

Finally, if you’re wondering why I’m not including Barber in this discussion it’s quite simple. Barber is younger, like Hamlin, but the draft is also very deep at RB, giving Dallas options in the draft at RB - like they have at OT. I also think Dallas has already committed to addressing the signing of Barber first, and they can also tag him on a restricted basis - which they can still do even after tagging Hamlin -should they be in danger of losing him. In the end I don’t think it will come to this; Barber, I expect, will be signed to a long-term deal very soon.

**

 

[aikemirv]

I don't think it has do do with this years draft at all. I am sure Jerry is not expecting to secure a starting LT in the draft or rely on a rookie. That was supposed to be taken care of in last years draft. Thats what they said when they took Marten and Free. Mcquistan waiting in the wings also.

It really is just about the money. Hamlin was looking for a deal close to Roy's it seems which would put the cap number close to what franchising him would be - at least within a mill or so.

Franchising Flo would put his cap number much higher than what you could structure a deal for and we could not afford that 9 mill number if a deal could not be worked out.

 

[LarryCanadian]

Great post.

I agree. I have also heard that the draft has little depth and no significant studs at safety, not to mention there aren't many exciting free agents at that position.

It's business and it gives Dallas the right to negotiate a longer term deal, or protect themselves at the position for another season, until next offseason where everything could change.

Flo also would cost 10 million plus with the franchise tag, since he would be paid last years salary plus a percent. So I think Hamlin cost about 6 million less.

In addition Barber is not unrestricted like Flo and Hamlin. With Barber you can tender and get compensation in 1st and 3rd rounder OR match an offer. With Flo and Hamlin, it's franchise or you have no control/backup plan.

I liked the move. I want Flo but at a fair cap hit. 3 or 4 year deal (any team that gives him a 5 year deal, will still effectively guess it's a 3 or 4), with big signing bonus and escalating salaries is likely wherever he goes.

If he truly wants to break the bank, well then it's a tough call. The question becomes how much more is a pro-bowl left tackle worth than an average one? 2 mill a season, 4 million a season. If it starts hitting 5 million a season or more, well, I would change my mind. Flo should want to win a Super Bowl in Dallas, just like Ellis. I find it suspect that guys that are already multi-millionaires would consider going to scrub franchises for a couple million more. At what point does success mean more than money and vice-versa. Some players take a discount to play for a contender. I'd rather have them than those that want to leave to a rebuilding or lost franchise just for extra money (if they are already financially set of course, Big IF I know).

People were surprised by the Hamlin franchise move, but I think it's a smart one. Franchising him doesn't cripple you cap wise, and is only maybe a million at most an overpayment for his season's service, whereas at another position there is far more risk. In addition, our secondary is a major weakness, with few non-draft solutions available, even if they were reasonably priced, which they wouldn't be.

I would still like a vet to challenge Roy at SS though.

LarryCanadian

 

[Big Dakota]

Franchising Hamlin over Flo (and Barber for that matter) came down to the draft.

With two Pro-Bowles, Hamlin and Flo, hitting free agency, it was smart for the Dallas Cowboys to franchise one of them so that it had options for signing or replacing the other without worrying about the former. Choosing to franchise Hamlin over Flo was smart because it gives Dallas more options, especially in the upcoming draft (more on Barber later). Here’s how:

Dallas’ backups at both positions (FS and OT) are questionable at best so the potential ability to rely on a backup to fill a starter’s role really was a non-factor in the decision on which player to franchise and keep. Free agency offers very little at both positions also and therefore was a non-factor as well. But at least the draft is quite deep at OT, while it is very shallow at FS, so if Dallas were to franchise Flo and lose Hamlin, they’d be very limited in effectively replacing him via the draft. But by franchising Hamlin they have better options in the draft to address OT versus FS, should they lose Flo to free agency and have to do that.

Also, the fact that franchising Hamlin over Flo costs Dallas half as much against this year’s cap also had a lot to do with who to franchise. By committing less to the cap by franchising Hamlin, Dallas now has more leeway to move up in the draft and select a more talented (i.e. more expensive) player should they decide to or need to go that route. Had they franchised Flo they’d be committing about 9 million to the cap, making moving up in the draft much more cost prohibitive. At least by franchising Hamlin they are not handcuffed in this respect. I only hope they reach a long term deal with him, that is, after a decision on Flo has been made. Thanks to the tag, they don’t need to rush into Hamlin just yet.

Finally, if you’re wondering why I’m not including Barber in this discussion it’s quite simple. Barber is younger, like Hamlin, but the draft is also very deep at RB, giving Dallas options in the draft at RB - like they have at OT. I also think Dallas has already committed to addressing the signing of Barber first, and they can also tag him on a restricted basis - which they can still do even after tagging Hamlin -should they be in danger of losing him. In the end I don’t think it will come to this; Barber, I expect, will be signed to a long-term deal very soon.

**

How many team franchise RFAs? Just wondering.

 

[NoLuv4Jerry]

it's pretty simple folks....martin, free or mcquistan has to be ready to play...why would dallas re-sign flozell for 3 more years...that would mean we would never find out what we have with those 3 young guys...when we spent 50M on leoard davis last year...it was with the thought that if one of the 3 youngsters is not ready....davis would go out there. let me repeat, the defending super bowl champs went into this year with a rookie LT. Sure they did not WANT to, but they did what they had to do. We have not even won a playoff game in over a decade, that would suggest that whatever we have been doing to this point ain't working well enough to remain status quo...it is time to move on from Flo.

 

[junk]

How many team franchise RFAs? Just wondering.

The Commanders maybe? That would be the only team that might be dumb enough to try something like that.

 

[AMERICAS_FAN]

I don't think it has do do with this years draft at all. I am sure Jerry is not expecting to secure a starting LT in the draft or rely on a rookie. That was supposed to be taken care of in last years draft. Thats what they said when they took Marten and Free. Mcquistan waiting in the wings also.

Marten, Free and McQuistan are still development guys until they can prove otherwise, and they've yet to do that. You don't let a starter go to find out about the backup. If the backup is good enough he works his way up off the bench through procticing well, showing flashes, getting some game reps, and making the most of those opportunities to prove he "belongs".

None of these OLinemen got siginificant game reps last year and surely none proved yet they "belong". So I hardly think they're ready to take over at LT, which is why I disdagree with you; I think the draft IS a good place to look for a starting calliber LT should Flo go elsewhere.

In fact, that position may in fact even be the best-player-available when Dallas picks at #22, and any LT worthy of being drafted that high should already be more talented and have more potential than Marten, Free and McQuistan combined. And in that case, you DO start that rookie over these unproven backups if you draft him to replace Flo.

**

 

[landryscorner]

i like this post makes a lot of sense thanks

 

[Mr Cowboy]

Marten, Free and McQuistan are still development guys until they can prove otherwise, and they've yet to do that. You don't let a starter go to find out about the backup. If the backup is good enough he works his way up off the bench through procticing well, showing flashes, getting some game reps, and making the most of those opportunities to prove he "belongs".

None of these OLinemen got siginificant game reps last year and surely none proved yet they "belong". So I hardly think they're ready to take over at LT, which is why I disdagree with you; I think the draft IS a good place to look for a starting calliber LT should Flo go elsewhere.

In fact, that position may in fact even be the best-player-available when Dallas picks at #22, and any LT worthy of being drafted that high should already be more talented and have more potential than Marten, Free and McQuistan combined. And in that case, you DO start that rookie over these unproven backups if you draft him to replace Flo.

**

So why did we draft these players? Just for the hell of it? This team is in deep trouble if all their draft choices are developmental players. Lately it seems that way, with Carpenter, Spencer, Free, Stanback, McQuistan, Marten, etc. This team can't afford to use the draft to develop players. It must find a way to get players who can play, and play now or in the very near future.

I seriously doubt that we can find a starting caliber LT in our draft slots in the first round, unless we trade to very early in the first round and take Jake Long.

If Adams leaves, one of our youngsters better be ready to go, that's why they were drafted them.

 

[Eddie]

If Adams leaves, one of our youngsters better be ready to go, that's why they were drafted them.

I agree. We can't keep holding on to aging vets. That's what caused Landry and Noll to lose their jobs.

We have to move on. Nothing wrong with letting the young pups fight it out. We can't hold onto Flo forever.

 

[Beast_from_East]

I agree. We can't keep holding on to aging vets. That's what caused Landry and Noll to lose their jobs.

We have to move on. Nothing wrong with letting the young pups fight it out. We can't hold onto Flo forever.

Flo is good, but Flo is not worth $10 mill a yr.

There are maybe 10 guys in the whole league that I would give $10 mill a year too.

 

[MichaelWinicki]

You don't let a starter go to find out about the backup. If the backup is good enough he works his way up off the bench through practicing well, showing flashes, getting some game reps, and making the most of those opportunities to prove he "belongs".

Huh?

Since when?

Usually whoever starts the season in one position, stays there for the entire season unless they are injured.

Transitions from older player to younger player (outside of injuries) are done during the off-season. Most younger players, outside of special team's play, don't get actual game reps. The older player retires, gets cut or leaves via FA, and the young guy is thrust into the spotlight to either sink or swim.

"Seamless" transitions are a nice mythical notion of how a football moves from one player to another but the real life facts are far different given limited roster sizes, the cap and free agency.

 

[speedkilz88]

Using the franchise tag came down to Hamlin's only being 4 1/2 million while Flo's would have been 9 million. If Flo's would have only been 7 million than I think they would have used it on him.