Future Free Agent Moves??-- Offensive Line

[Portland Fanatic]

I think we are what we are on the Oline at this point and see no other moves.

Johnson/Gurode are set at Center.

Rivera - we put too much money in him to make him a backup - he needs to come back to form this year.

Fabini/Pettiti - I think this is a good rookie /Vet mix and I know that BP likes Pettiti so he stays

Adams/Tucker - this is the only place I could see us making a move for a backup and dumping Tucker.

Koiser/Peterman - Koiser is the starter - he was told that when he was signed I believe that he was signed to be our starting LG - he has to earn it but at this point he is there.

So that is 9 players right there and I think it will be a battle between Columbo and Tucker if we only keep 9.

I just don't think BP is ready to give up on Gurode (obviosly we signed him), Johnson, Peterman or Pettiti so I can't see any more moves at this point.

I agree for the most part...I have no doubt we will draft another top OT byt the second round. We've shown to much interst in a few of the top OT's. Scott, Winston, Justice for starters. We will draft one.

I fully expect to draft and develop one of these guys... my hopes are to draft a true LT and work behind Flo this year, then move Flo to RT next year.

 

[Portland Fanatic]

I understand we only dress 8 at times , but how many on the roster is the question.

I would agree with some draft picks, but that means you have to give up on someone between Tucker,Columbo and Peterman. I would like to see a replacement for Rivera and Flozell drafted but that means Tucker is gone (which is fine by me) and Columbo probably and maybe Peterman.

My preference would be this:

Starter/BU

Flozell/Draft choice
Koiser/Peterman
Johnson/Gurode
Rivera/Draft Choice
Fabini/Pettiti

Thats 10 and a good mix of depth and youth and good riddance to Tucker

Man...you just beat me to my exact same thoughts....AMEN to that lineup!!!

 

[InDakWeTrust]

I agree for the most part...I have no doubt we will draft another top OT byt the second round. We've shown to much interst in a few of the top OT's. Scott, Winston, Justice for starters. We will draft one.

I fully expect to draft and develop one of these guys... my hopes are to draft a true LT and work behind Flo this year, then move Flo to RT next year.

I am really liking Eric WInston from da U, if he passes a physical, and I like Justice too. Beyond the first round there are some solid OG and OT propects. But the sleeper pick I really like in the late rounds is Donovan Raiola a C from Nebraska....

 

[Chief]

Even with the addition of Fabini and Kosier, even with the likelihood of bringing in a high draft pick this year, and even with the probable healthy return of Flozell Adams and Marco Rivera, I'm still uneasy about the line situation... I'd like to see one more top free agent brought in, and I believe the Boys have the cap room to get that done... failing that, I'd like to see a solid backup brought in... to that end, I'll propose a few players who fit both job descriptions...

Stephen Neal, OG, Pats... the best guard left on the board, a former wrestling champion who understands all about leverage... he could plug in to Larry Allen's old slot at LG, leaving Kosier free to back up at every position except center... he's 6-4, 306 pounds, will be 30 when the regular season starts... couldn't find a 40 time for him...

Damion McIntosh, OT, Dolphins... the 2nd best tackle left on the board, behind Jon Runyan, who's just too old for my taste... if the Boys added him, their top 3 tackles would be Flozell Adams, Jason Fabini and McIntosh, with Rob Petitti likely factoring into the equation... that would be a solid and deep group of tackles... McIntosh is 6-4, 325 pounds, will be 29 on opening day, runs the 40 in 5.2 seconds...

Kendyl Jacox, C/OG, Saints... the backup to LeCharles Bentley, he's not too shabby in his own right... he could certainly compete for the starting job at center in Dallas... he's 6-2, 325 pounds, will be 31 years old when the regular season rolls around, and runs the 40 in 5.3 seconds...

The Boys might also look at OT Matt Stinchcomb (Bucs) or OT Rex Tucker (Rams), but I'm not sure either player represents an upgrade...

For potential backups (who should be somewhat cheaper), we have:

Grey Ruegamer, C/OG, Packers... 6-4, 306 pounds... will be 30 at the start of the regular season... has started 16 of 76 games... runs a 5.25 second 40...

Jonathan Goodwin, C/OG, Panthers... 6-3, 316 pounds... will be 27 on opening day... has started 13 of 29 games... 5.1 second 40, which is terrific speed for an interior lineman... the Skins had him in for a visit this past Tuesday, but chose instead to sign Tyson Walter and Mike Pucillo (why, God only knows, though I suspect Goodwin's contract demands took them out of the picture...

At tackle, the Boys might also take a look at Chad Slaughter, who's simply huge (6-8, 340 pounds)... he runs a 5.35 second 40, not bad for a guy that size... has only started one game in his career, so you know he won't be looking for starter's money...

Bottom line, there are still a number of NICE offensive linemen out there, and I think the Boys ought to look at signing one more... they have to cap room to do so... then, they should still draft an offensive lineman on the first day of the draft... it's time, IMO, to radically overhaul the offensive line...

Good post.

I've been saying that Dallas can't afford to rest and think they have the offensive line fixed. It was a disaster last year and I think they still need another guard and a tackle.

Too bad Neal is staying in New England.

 

[Bob Sacamano]

why do people keep saying that Dallas is resting on the Oline? they signed 2 players and re-signed one of their own, and nothing of note is left on the market except for Runyan, but we signed Fabini, so no point in signing Runyan, there's still the draft, Rivera recovering, Flozell back, Pettiti hopefully progressing, AL Johnson too, Gurode, and the old continuity factor, that's alot of activity

 

[Chief]

why do people keep saying that Dallas is resting on the Oline? they signed 2 players and re-signed one of their own, and nothing of note is left on the market except for Runyan, but we signed Fabini, so no point in signing Runyan, there's still the draft, Rivera recovering, Flozell back, Pettiti hopefully progressing, AL Johnson too, Gurode, and the old continuity factor, that's alot of activity

I realize this probably is not feasible and most sane people would say I'm going overboard, but I wanted Dallas to bring in at least five guys to battle for spots on the offensive line. I would have liked two more veterans and a high draft pick.

So that's where I'm coming from. I realize I'm in the minority.

-- I think Flozell is lazy and needs to be pushed.

-- Pettiti isn't close to being ready to play, but was forced into action last year.

-- Al Johnson looked awful to me last year.

-- Rivera was hurt and was a disappointment.

-- Allen hasn't been that great in years.

-- Still have hope for Gurode and glad that he is back to battle for a job.

-- Haven't seen much of Peterman, but he didn't look very athletic.

-- Rogers has been a major disappointment.

 

[silverbear]

I think we are what we are on the Oline at this point and see no other moves.

Johnson/Gurode are set at Center.

Uhhhh, no, they're not... this is a position that could be upgraded, if the Cowboys choose to...

Adams/Tucker - this is the only place I could see us making a move for a backup and dumping Tucker.

Tucker is a RFA, and is shopping himself around the league... do you REALLY see the Cowboys matching any offer sheet he might receive??

If he doesn't receive an offer sheet, that will tell you how the rest of the league sees him-- as an eminently replaceable player...

Koiser/Peterman - Koiser is the starter - he was told that when he was signed I believe that he was signed to be our starting LG - he has to earn it but at this point he is there.

But Peterman had better step up his game, or he's outta there... Parcells says a player has three years to prove himself, Peterman has 2 seasons in, with all of 3 games played, and zero starts...

 

[silverbear]

I understand we only dress 8 at times , but how many on the roster is the question.

I would agree with some draft picks, but that means you have to give up on someone between Tucker,Columbo and Peterman. I would like to see a replacement for Rivera and Flozell drafted but that means Tucker is gone (which is fine by me) and Columbo probably and maybe Peterman.

My preference would be this:

Starter/BU

Flozell/Draft choice
Koiser/Peterman
Johnson/Gurode
Rivera/Draft Choice
Fabini/Pettiti

Thats 10 and a good mix of depth and youth and good riddance to Tucker

And if you either send Peterman packing, or just draft one offensive lineman (early on), then you're at 9 players... do both, and you're at 8... plenty of room for an offensive lineman...

And what happens if one of those offensive linemen gets HURT in the course of preseason??

Nope, I repeat, the Boys have cap room enough to go after another OL, and they are thin enough on the line (when it comes to QUALITY linemen) to make room for one too... even if they do draft an offensive lineman...

It seems that you have a FAR loftier opinion of some of our linemen than I do... I firmly believe that unless the Boys continue to upgrade there, their potential for playoff success will be limited, or eliminated altogether...

 

[silverbear]

Good post.

I've been saying that Dallas can't afford to rest and think they have the offensive line fixed. It was a disaster last year and I think they still need another guard and a tackle.

Too bad Neal is staying in New England.

You, sir, are a very wise Chief...

 

[silverbear]

why do people keep saying that Dallas is resting on the Oline? they signed 2 players and re-signed one of their own, and nothing of note is left on the market except for Runyan, but we signed Fabini, so no point in signing Runyan, there's still the draft, Rivera recovering, Flozell back, Pettiti hopefully progressing, AL Johnson too, Gurode, and the old continuity factor, that's alot of activity

There's still lots of good offensive line talent out there for the picking... refer back to the original post in this thread for a partial list...

 

[InDakWeTrust]

And if you either send Peterman packing, or just draft one offensive lineman (early on), then you're at 9 players... do both, and you're at 8... plenty of room for an offensive lineman...

And what happens if one of those offensive linemen gets HURT in the course of preseason??

Nope, I repeat, the Boys have cap room enough to go after another OL, and they are thin enough on the line (when it comes to QUALITY linemen) to make room for one too... even if they do draft an offensive lineman...

It seems that you have a FAR loftier opinion of some of our linemen than I do... I firmly believe that unless the Boys continue to upgrade there, their potential for playoff success will be limited, or eliminated altogether...

Although Peterman has been hurt/not played for 3 years why hasnt BP cut his arse if he truely is garbage?

BP must feel comfortable with AJ/Gurode at C to not sign Hartwig/Mawae/Bentley and so on.

I still see this line coming together pending the draft. I really do see us drafting a OG early and a midround LT who plays LT. Sure we may have 3 lineman coming off injuries but can we afford to sign proven players to backup every single starter? No, you must build the team through the draft. In having only 2 starters on the Oline drafted by us, do you think we will go after some potential starters come draft day SB?

BTW when is your draft insight articles coming up with everyone who has visited the Cowboys and your mock drafts???

 

[iceberg]

I'm 6' 300lbs. And played OL in high school.

If the Cowboys will give me a lfietime supply of Miller Lite I'll keep my weight up and come play for the minimum. I'm sure Jerry can swing it with the Miller folks.

i'm 6'4" 320 and usually play the OL in corporate flag football. i've also been known to play deep safety and INT a few passes with my ball hawk skills. needless to say when i INT it that's pretty much where we're going to get the ball cause i'm done running.

 

[vicjagger]

FWIW, WIP reporting Runyan has re-signed w/ Philly. 3 years.

 

[silverbear]

Although Peterman has been hurt/not played for 3 years why hasnt BP cut his arse if he truely is garbage?

Where exactly did I say he was garbage?? What I said was that Parcells believes a player has 3 years to prove himself in the league... Peterman is in his 3rd year in the league, has played in exactly three games, started none...

This is a make or break training camp for the lad...

Sure we may have 3 lineman coming off injuries but can we afford to sign proven players to backup every single starter?

Since we're currently sitting on 13 million dollars worth of cap room, that argument makes no sense at all... we can pretty much "afford" to sign anybody we wish at this point...

No, you must build the team through the draft. In having only 2 starters on the Oline drafted by us, do you think we will go after some potential starters come draft day SB?

I surely believe we'll draft an offensive lineman (but ONLY one)...

BTW when is your draft insight articles coming up with everyone who has visited the Cowboys and your mock drafts???

Another week or two, wild man... got my spreadsheet made up, I'm just fine-tuning it right now... thanks for asking...

 

[aikemirv]

And if you either send Peterman packing, or just draft one offensive lineman (early on), then you're at 9 players... do both, and you're at 8... plenty of room for an offensive lineman...

And what happens if one of those offensive linemen gets HURT in the course of preseason??

Nope, I repeat, the Boys have cap room enough to go after another OL, and they are thin enough on the line (when it comes to QUALITY linemen) to make room for one too... even if they do draft an offensive lineman...

It seems that you have a FAR loftier opinion of some of our linemen than I do... I firmly believe that unless the Boys continue to upgrade there, their potential for playoff success will be limited, or eliminated altogether...

So, you just throwing Rivera and his cap hit under the bus.

You throwing away your 3rd rounder in Peterman Already.

Are you ready to throw Gurode under the bus too.

I believe I said we should draft 2 for the Oline.

I also said that Johnson and Gurode are SET at center. I did not say they were great, but I don't believe BP is looking to bring one in, so I said we were set.

You have 4 positions set on the line (at least, from the moves we have made they appear to be) so who is going to sign with us to be a backup.

We did not pay Kosier to be a backup and Rivera is not a backup, if he is cut him now and eat his hit.

I don't see teams jumping on whats left out there, and I don't think any out there are an upgrade to our current starting 5.

 

[silverbear]

So, you just throwing Rivera and his cap hit under the bus.

Where exactly did I say that??

You throwing away your 3rd rounder in Peterman Already.

If he doesn't step up, BIG TIME, in training camp this year, then yeah, he's outta there... don't blame me, that's Parcells' rule (and a good one)...

Are you ready to throw Gurode under the bus too.

Not when the Cowboys just re-signed him... that's a pretty clear indicator that he figures in their plans...

I believe I said we should draft 2 for the Oline.

And I say we ought to draft one, sign one more veteran FA...

I also said that Johnson and Gurode are SET at center. I did not say they were great, but I don't believe BP is looking to bring one in, so I said we were set.

That's your opinion, unless, of course, Parcells makes a habit of sharing his thoughts on such subjects with you... I look at how Johnson badly needs to get stronger, and at how wildly inconsistent Gurode is, and I can't belive that Parcells considers that position "SET"...

And of course, that's just MY opinion...

You have 4 positions set on the line (at least, from the moves we have made they appear to be) so who is going to sign with us to be a backup.

Goodwin, perhaps Jacox...

I don't see teams jumping on whats left out there,

Then you should pay closer attention, hoss-- my "master list" of available free agent offensive linemen has dwindled by more than half in just the last TWO DAYS...

Jon Runyan, gone...

Tom Ashworth, gone...

Steve Neal, gone...

Chad Slaughter, gone...

Seems to me that teams are "jumping on" veteran free agent offensive linemen in force...

and I don't think any out there are an upgrade to our current starting 5.

Well, I think that Jacox could beat out either Gurode or Johnson at center, but for the most part, the players I have targeted would make quality depth...

 

[Dalmations202]

I tend to agree with some of what is written above.
This year Flo, Kosier, AJ/Gurode, Rivera, Fabini are the starters.

IMO, if Winston Justice drops to 18 though, take him, and put him behind Fabini. He is already a RT, so the footwork should not confuse him so much. Fabini is old - and it wouldn't surprise me if Justice were starting by week 12.

Then in the second round, draft the best LT left from McNeill, Eric Winston, or Johnathon Scott. Put him behind the older, overpaid, injury plagued Flozell, and let him learn for a couple of years.

Then put Rob Petitti in behind Rivera - he is better suited to be a RG anyway.
Allow Peterson/Kosier to fight for that LG position.
Center is set with AJ and Gurode, IMO.

Take some Free Agent money and try to lure Arrington to Dallas so that you are certain you have a pass rush, and allow Burnett to have another year to get over his injury. Take a little more and sign Big Sam Adams to a 1-2 year deal to rotate with Ferguson.

Take a 5-6 round pick to take a flyer on the most nasty OL player available - just to push the other players, and to groom for the future.

Use the 3rd and 5-7 on a Free Safety/DB.

 

[InDakWeTrust]

Where exactly did I say he was garbage?? What I said was that Parcells believes a player has 3 years to prove himself in the league... Peterman is in his 3rd year in the league, has played in exactly three games, started none...

This is a make or break training camp for the lad...

I doubt it IMO. He was playing very good back on 2004 competing with Gurode for a OG spot. Peterman has the skills it is just that it seems he is not all there mentally kinda like the problem Gurode has.

Since we're currently sitting on 13 million dollars worth of cap room, that argument makes no sense at all... we can pretty much "afford" to sign anybody we wish at this point...

But at what expense?? All of the young guys we are trying to develop to replace Brokeback:wink2: Rivera, or any one of the other over 30 Olineman.

I surely believe we'll draft an offensive lineman (but ONLY one)...

I dont think so. We have 3 starters who are over 30 and each one has a injury history. A guy like Max Jean Gilles in the second and Daryn Colledge in the 4th would give us lots of youth at two postions with players coming off injuries.

Another week or two, wild man... got my spreadsheet made up, I'm just fine-tuning it right now... thanks for asking...

Cant wait to see it...

 

[aikemirv]

I would have had no problem with Neal , Ashworth or Runyan. Are you going to sign everyone out there?

We picked Koiser and Fabini.

Your original question was were we done, I say it looks like we are based on the sigings of Gurode,Fabini and Kosier.

I would rather have had Neal over Kosier and maybe Ashworth over Fabini, but it looks to me that we picked our vets and we are going with what we have.

I did not say we could not be better and I never said I knew what BP was thinking, I just said it looks that way.

 

[MichaelWinicki]

I think we are what we are on the Oline at this point and see no other moves.

Johnson/Gurode are set at Center.

Rivera - we put too much money in him to make him a backup - he needs to come back to form this year.

Fabini/Pettiti - I think this is a good rookie /Vet mix and I know that BP likes Pettiti so he stays

Adams/Tucker - this is the only place I could see us making a move for a backup and dumping Tucker.

Koiser/Peterman - Koiser is the starter - he was told that when he was signed I believe that he was signed to be our starting LG - he has to earn it but at this point he is there.

So that is 9 players right there and I think it will be a battle between Columbo and Tucker if we only keep 9.

I just don't think BP is ready to give up on Gurode (obviosly we signed him), Johnson, Peterman or Pettiti so I can't see any more moves at this point.

A very, very good post.

Yes as far as free-agency goes we won't be signing anyone else for the o-line.

Why would a FA want to come here and not start? And that's exactly what they are looking at!