Free agency and cap space

[gocowboysx5]

Confession: I'm not so great with salary cap math. I see the posts breaking down how much we can spend, but I'm not sure what that translates to in terms of practical, achievable steps in free agency. So let me ask this:

How many impact players - pricey ones - can the Cowboys sign via free agency this offseason? I'm not talking about a guy like Fiametta, who is important but probably not expensive. I'm talking about Carl Nicks, Laurent Robinson, etc.

To give a specific example, would we have the space to re-sign Robinson, sign Nicks, and obtain one more high-impact player, e.g. a CB like Grimes or a DE (and OLB convert) like Robert Mathis? If that is feasible, can we do more with impact guys or is that pushing the limit?

 

[Cowboys&LakersFan]

Cowboys currently have 17 million in cap space. We were able to get under the cap because Tony reconstructered his contract. Hopefully Miles does the same so we can have even more cap space.

 

[speedkilz88]

Nobody can give you any kind of numbers like that because it all matters how the contracts are structured. But the Cowboys can sign anyone they want and multiple guys if they want.

 

[SaltwaterServr]

Nobody can give you any kind of numbers like that because it all matters how the contracts are structured. But the Cowboys can sign anyone they want and multiple guys if they want.

Quoted for truth.

 

[dez_for_prez]

I wouldn't mind trying to get Osi to a 3-4 year contract. This is after we sign Nicks and Robinson tho.

 

[DBOY3141]

If you are expecting a big splash in FA, I think you will be disappointed.

 

[SkinsandTerps]

Robinson had a good year, but do the majority think he is a high dollar WR ?

Ehhh...I just don't see it.

Build the lines. Build the secondary.

 

[HoosierCowboy]

I like Robinson but would not give my #3 WR big bucks--we can sign another FA veteran WR for much less--if he gets for millions somewhere else I'll be happy for him

everyone in the organization must see the need to shore up the defense and OL with a few FAs

I would like to see us sign a veteran OL and also draft one in the first round (but i hope we go with the best OL or DL or DB available)
--I think there are enough defensive FAs for us to choose from

 

[Bowdown27]

I wouldn't mind trying to get Osi to a 3-4 year contract. This is after we sign Nicks and Robinson tho.

And fiametta. Then our draft would give us alot more of room to work with. Can draft a corner if there. Can draft an olb like upshaw. Or really solidify the line with decastro. Many options at that point

 

[DCBoysfan]

Not sure how much in $$$$ we will have but we should have enough money to make much needed improvements to this team. I too dont think we are going to make alot of big FA signings, I do hope we can get Nicks tho.

 

[Cowboys&LakersFan]

Robinson had a good year, but do the majority think he is a high dollar WR ?

Ehhh...I just don't see it.

Build the lines. Build the secondary.

I don't think so. He's a solid #3 wideout, but he's not a #1 therefore I don't see him getting paid like a #1.

 

[Bluefin]

And fiametta.

Tony Fiammetta is a restricted free agent.

All Dallas has to do is offer Fi an original entry tender (4th rd) and they get another year to evaluate him on the cheap.

 

[Picksix]

Cowboys currently have 17 million in cap space. We were able to get under the cap because Tony reconstructered his contract. Hopefully Miles does the same so we can have even more cap space.

I thought Miles already had restructured his contract, along with Romo. The one big contract left was Ware's, and they could restructure that, along with Scandrick's to create a lot more room.

 

[The30YardSlant]

I don't think so. He's a solid #3 wideout, but he's not a #1 therefore I don't see him getting paid like a #1.

Agreed, nobody is going to pay him top dollar for playing well over a 12 games tretch after doing nothing in the NFL for three years. We'll get him cheaper than most think.

 

[SkinsandTerps]

So it seems like most don't think he (Robinson) should be overpaid.

So where do you place him ?
I would say 5 years, 20M-30M. 7M guaranteed to make him feel better.
Or 3 years, 15M, with 5M guaranteed.

Something like that.

 

[Nova]

I wouldn't mind trying to get Osi to a 3-4 year contract. This is after we sign Nicks and Robinson tho.

He'd be an awful 3-4 DE. Average to below average at stopping the run, injury prone and high dollar. And I don't think he'd transition to a 3-4 OLB well either. Not to mention, he turns 31 in November.

Fun fact: Since 2008, He and Tuck have less Sacks than one, DeMarcus Ware.

I'd rather draft Upshaw for OLB, a NT in the 4th or earlier and move Ratliff to DE. A cheaper, probably more effective way to strengthen our pass rush that would set us up for years to come.

 

[Eskimo]

So it seems like most don't think he (Robinson) should be overpaid.

So where do you place him ?
I would say 5 years, 20M-30M. 7M guaranteed to make him feel better.
Or 3 years, 15M, with 5M guaranteed.

Something like that.

Given his inconsistent track record I'd give him 3 years, $9M plus some incentives, $3M guaranteed.

I can easily see him being a 1-year wonder.