GB - Quick Thoughts on Free Agency

[Galian Beast]

You can't begin to discuss our free agency without first discussing that we haven't done anything with Tony Romo. This is disappointing, but assuming we don't release him, at least we will get some value from him at some point. As a chief supporter of Romo, I'd like this chapter to end sooner rather than later. I would also like to reutilize that cap space and get the full benefits of a young QB on his rookie contract as soon as possible.

My primary concerns actually relate to the defensive side of the ball. I'm completely un-upset regarding anyone we lost on the defensive side of the ball. I wanted them all gone in the first place. Getting a strong safety to play next to Byron Jones shouldn't be that difficult. It's a position you should be able to address in the 2nd or 3rd rounds of the draft.

I don't want to put a lot of resources towards corners right now. I think you can keep spending as much as you want on corners without improving your pass defense if you don't have a pass rush.

Moore is fine for depth, but clearly, should not be starting. You need some serious help on the defensive line and it still isn't there and it doesn't look like we'll get it in the draft.

It's unfortunate with the guaranteed money we gave Crawford, that we're on the hook with him for another two years...

They might think they can get over on this with internal development of Collins and Irving, with Mayowa coming on strong towards then, but I think a lot more is needed here.

From the empty spaces in the secondary, it seems like this draft may end up secondary heavy. So I'm guessing rebuilding the defense is a two-year project for them. Maybe even three. Which is absolutely stunning...

On offense, I wasn't super pleased that we kept Williams, but for that price, I'm sure it's fine. The primary concern now is probably right tackle. Chaz Green is fine, but only when healthy. We now need to address this spot to keep that offensive engine running. The last thing you want is a weak spot on what is supposed to be the best unit on your team.

My Priorities: DE, RT, DT, CB, S.

 

[gmoney112]

You can't begin to discuss our free agency without first discussing that we haven't done anything with Tony Romo. This is disappointing, but assuming we don't release him, at least we will get some value from him at some point. As a chief supporter of Romo, I'd like this chapter to end sooner rather than later. I would also like to reutilize that cap space and get the full benefits of a young QB on his rookie contract as soon as possible.

My primary concerns actually relate to the defensive side of the ball. I'm completely un-upset regarding anyone we lost on the defensive side of the ball. I wanted them all gone in the first place. Getting a strong safety to play next to Byron Jones shouldn't be that difficult. It's a position you should be able to address in the 2nd or 3rd rounds of the draft.

I don't want to put a lot of resources towards corners right now. I think you can keep spending as much as you want on corners without improving your pass defense if you don't have a pass rush.

Moore is fine for depth, but clearly, should not be starting. You need some serious help on the defensive line and it still isn't there and it doesn't look like we'll get it in the draft.

It's unfortunate with the guaranteed money we gave Crawford, that we're on the hook with him for another two years...

They might think they can get over on this with internal development of Collins and Irving, with Mayowa coming on strong towards then, but I think a lot more is needed here.

From the empty spaces in the secondary, it seems like this draft may end up secondary heavy. So I'm guessing rebuilding the defense is a two-year project for them. Maybe even three. Which is absolutely stunning...

On offense, I wasn't super pleased that we kept Williams, but for that price, I'm sure it's fine. The primary concern now is probably right tackle. Chaz Green is fine, but only when healthy. We now need to address this spot to keep that offensive engine running. The last thing you want is a weak spot on what is supposed to be the best unit on your team.

My Priorities: DE, RT, DT, CB, S.

I'm relieved we've shed the dead weight. The only player I want back is Carr, because he's ironman and that sets a good example.

I also predict at least 50 passive-aggressive posts/threads this offseason by posters who are laughably wrong the majority of the time.

I'd put TE on the list too.

 

[StarHead69]

I'll take the over on passive-aggressive threads alone sir.

Some posters were seemingly expecting a show like the giants put on last year in FA. They will be peeved the entire off-season, and they will be more than willing to share their disappointment with the rest of us.

Go Cowboys!

 

[MichaelWinicki]

I still do not see the big need at DT... CB & S are ahead of DT IMO... Maybe even TE.

 

[visionary]

Good post OP

Priorities are a lot more

DE
Safety
DT
RT
Back up QB
CB
TE

Bad decisions by the FO have landed us here
Last season was saved by a great pick st RB and a complete fluke pick at QB otherwise we end up at 6-10 of were lucky (without Romo)

This better not be a 2-3 year project because we will need to pay the OL and the QB in 2-3 years

Our window is NOW
Unfortunately I think this FO and coaching staff will be content to be "competitive" and mediocre

I put the homer and excuse-making threads defending the poor decisions of this FO and coaching staff this season at 50+

 

[waldoputty]

You can't begin to discuss our free agency without first discussing that we haven't done anything with Tony Romo. This is disappointing, but assuming we don't release him, at least we will get some value from him at some point. As a chief supporter of Romo, I'd like this chapter to end sooner rather than later. I would also like to reutilize that cap space and get the full benefits of a young QB on his rookie contract as soon as possible.

My primary concerns actually relate to the defensive side of the ball. I'm completely un-upset regarding anyone we lost on the defensive side of the ball. I wanted them all gone in the first place. Getting a strong safety to play next to Byron Jones shouldn't be that difficult. It's a position you should be able to address in the 2nd or 3rd rounds of the draft.

I don't want to put a lot of resources towards corners right now. I think you can keep spending as much as you want on corners without improving your pass defense if you don't have a pass rush.

Moore is fine for depth, but clearly, should not be starting. You need some serious help on the defensive line and it still isn't there and it doesn't look like we'll get it in the draft.

It's unfortunate with the guaranteed money we gave Crawford, that we're on the hook with him for another two years...

They might think they can get over on this with internal development of Collins and Irving, with Mayowa coming on strong towards then, but I think a lot more is needed here.

From the empty spaces in the secondary, it seems like this draft may end up secondary heavy. So I'm guessing rebuilding the defense is a two-year project for them. Maybe even three. Which is absolutely stunning...

On offense, I wasn't super pleased that we kept Williams, but for that price, I'm sure it's fine. The primary concern now is probably right tackle. Chaz Green is fine, but only when healthy. We now need to address this spot to keep that offensive engine running. The last thing you want is a weak spot on what is supposed to be the best unit on your team.

My Priorities: DE, RT, DT, CB, S.

Nice OP.
Agreed DL comes way before CB.
I think they are banking on Jaylon and the rotation DL pieces they found.
This feels a lot like after 2014.
Our OL is so good that anyone could gain 1000 yards behind it.
True, but they weakened the strength of the team that was the engine behind the team.
The 2016 draft historic.
Now it appears they think they can repeat it because they think they are that much smarter than everyone else in the NFL.
The RT thing is truly amazing.
They knowingly allow the better RT FAs to sign knowing that they are putting Dak at more risk.
If they get their young franchise QB hurt, there goes the 15 year plan.

 

[gmoney112]

Good post OP

Priorities are a lot more

DE
Safety
DT
RT
Back up QB
CB
TE

Bad decisions by the FO have landed us here
Last season was saved by a great pick st RB and a complete fluke pick at QB otherwise we end up at 6-10 of were lucky (without Romo)

This better not be a 2-3 year project because we will need to pay the OL and the QB in 2-3 years

Our window is NOW
Unfortunately I think this FO and coaching staff will be content to be "competitive" and mediocre

I put the homer and excuse-making threads defending the poor decisions of this FO and coaching staff this season at 50+

Pay the OL in 2-3 years? We've already paid two. Martin will get his deal this year at some point, I imagine, to avoid rising costs. and to maximize the cap we have in 2018.

Collins, if he shows potential will be re-signed too.

We don't pay Dak for 3 more years.

There is no window.

 

[dragon_mikal]

You can't begin to discuss our free agency without first discussing that we haven't done anything with Tony Romo. This is disappointing, but assuming we don't release him, at least we will get some value from him at some point. As a chief supporter of Romo, I'd like this chapter to end sooner rather than later. I would also like to reutilize that cap space and get the full benefits of a young QB on his rookie contract as soon as possible.

My primary concerns actually relate to the defensive side of the ball. I'm completely un-upset regarding anyone we lost on the defensive side of the ball. I wanted them all gone in the first place. Getting a strong safety to play next to Byron Jones shouldn't be that difficult. It's a position you should be able to address in the 2nd or 3rd rounds of the draft.

I don't want to put a lot of resources towards corners right now. I think you can keep spending as much as you want on corners without improving your pass defense if you don't have a pass rush.

Moore is fine for depth, but clearly, should not be starting. You need some serious help on the defensive line and it still isn't there and it doesn't look like we'll get it in the draft.

It's unfortunate with the guaranteed money we gave Crawford, that we're on the hook with him for another two years...

They might think they can get over on this with internal development of Collins and Irving, with Mayowa coming on strong towards then, but I think a lot more is needed here.

From the empty spaces in the secondary, it seems like this draft may end up secondary heavy. So I'm guessing rebuilding the defense is a two-year project for them. Maybe even three. Which is absolutely stunning...

On offense, I wasn't super pleased that we kept Williams, but for that price, I'm sure it's fine. The primary concern now is probably right tackle. Chaz Green is fine, but only when healthy. We now need to address this spot to keep that offensive engine running. The last thing you want is a weak spot on what is supposed to be the best unit on your team.

My Priorities: DE, RT, DT, CB, S.

Who expected the team to go out and spend like the Giants last off-season?

Anyone thinking that would've been living under a rock because the team can't spend like that because they've been forced into a corner by Jerry and company.

Some on here think the Cowboys have some new philosophy and are building through the draft because they want to but I think it's because they have no choice. They've hemmed themselves in and can't even keep their own much less upgrade the roster unless they hit a homerun come draft day or someone else's trash turns into a diamond.

Now instead of focusing on actually getting better they're forced to fill holes left by all of these so called bums that were so terrible they've already found employment elsewhere.

Lots of off-season left but let's be honest here...the team has regressed so far.

 

[Vintage]

Nice OP.
Agreed DL comes way before CB.
I think they are banking on Jaylon and the rotation DL pieces they found.
This feels a lot like after 2014.
Our OL is so good that anyone could gain 1000 yards behind it.
True, but they weakened the strength of the team that was the engine behind the team.
The 2016 draft historic.
Now it appears they think they can repeat it because they think they are that much smarter than everyone else in the NFL.
The RT thing is truly amazing.
They knowingly allow the better RT FAs to sign knowing that they are putting Dak at more risk.
If they get their young franchise QB hurt, there goes the 15 year plan.

They've got a ton of resources invested in the OL. 3 1st rounders in Smith, Martin, and Frederick. A 4 starter would have been a 4th 1st round pick, if not for bizarre circumstances. That's 4 1st round talents.

2 have been given massive extensions. Martin will get one too.

You can't just keep allocating resources there. You need to address other areas of the team, like defense.

You have to trust your scouting and player personnel people to find replacements that don't require a high draft pick or massive free agent money.

Lions might be the only other team with 3 1at rounders they spent starting. We are hardly ignoring it or putting our QB in jeopardy.

 

[waldoputty]

Who expected the team to go out and spend like the Giants last off-season?

Anyone thinking that would've been living under a rock because the team can't spend like that because they've been forced into a corner by Jerry and company.

Some on here think the Cowboys have some new philosophy and are building through the draft because they want to but I think it's because they have no choice. They've hemmed themselves in and can't even keep their own much less upgrade the roster unless they hit a homerun come draft day or someone else's trash turns into a diamond.

Now instead of focusing on actually getting better they're forced to fill holes left by all of these so called bums that were so terrible they've already found employment elsewhere.

Lots of off-season left but let's be honest here...the team has regressed so far.

the team had the flexibility to spend like the giants.
nobody expected it, but they could have.

agree with the rest.

 

[big dog cowboy]

My primary concerns actually relate to the defensive side of the ball. I'm completely un-upset regarding anyone we lost on the defensive side of the ball. I wanted them all gone in the first place.

 

[DandyDon52]

Some on here think the Cowboys have some new philosophy and are building through the draft because they want to but I think it's because they have no choice. They've hemmed themselves in and can't even keep their own much less upgrade the roster unless they hit a homerun come draft day or someone else's trash turns into a diamond.

Now instead of focusing on actually getting better they're forced to fill holes left by all of these so called bums that were so terrible they've already found employment elsewhere.

Lots of off-season left but let's be honest here...the team has regressed so far.

Your right at this point the team is a weaker team.
Leary was good, lael is a maybe.
Free is gone too so our OL which was the strength is now weaker. or it would seem so.

The defense,many players to replace , so no telling what our defense looks like game 1.
I cant see them starting a bunch of rookies, but they may have to if they dont fill thru FA.
guys like heath will be starting I guess.

 

[waldoputty]

They've got a ton of resources invested in the OL. 3 1st rounders in Smith, Martin, and Frederick. A 4 starter would have been a 4th 1st round pick, if not for bizarre circumstances. That's 4 1st round talents.

2 have been given massive extensions. Martin will get one too.

You can't just keep allocating resources there. You need to address other areas of the team, like defense.

You have to trust your scouting and player personnel people to find replacements that don't require a high draft pick or massive free agent money.

Lions might be the only other team with 3 1at rounders they spent starting. We are hardly ignoring it or putting our QB in jeopardy.

i believe the Titans also have 3 OL 1st rounders or used to.
$5-6M AAV is not massive free agent money.
for example Remmers signed for 6M AAV and his first year cap impact was likely less than Free's base salary.
And we obviously had the money since Free retired.
Who counts on draft picks working out in the 1st year to cover needs.
We had a historic draft and we are expecting our drafts to be historic every year?
We can count on the 1st round pick contributing year 1 and that is about it.

Look at the 2014 - we hit on one player - Zack. DLaw is always injured and unreliable.
(1) 16 T Zack Martin Notre Dame
(2) 34 DE Demarcus Lawrence Boise State
(4) 119 OLB Anthony Hitchens Iowa
(5) 146 WR Devin Street Pittsburgh
(7) 231 DE Ben Gardner Stanford
(7) 238 OLB Will Smith Texas Tech
(7) 248 S Ahmad Dixon Baylor
(7) 251 DT Ken Bishop Northern Illinois
(7) 254 DB Terrance Mitchell Oregon

Look at the 2015 draft - Jones is pretty good, but Wilson only became a starter late in his second year. We got lucky with Collins who was not drafted. Chaz is a bust. Gregory gamble did not pan out. Swaim is decent but certainly not a starter.

• Byron Jones. Position: CB. Height: 6-1. ...
• Randy Gregory. Position: DE. ...
• Chaz Green. Position: OT. ...
• Damien Wilson. Position: LB. ...
• Ryan Russell. Position: DE. ...
• Mark Nzeocha. Position: LB. ...
• Laurence Gibson. Position: OT. ...
• Geoff Swaim. Position: TE.

 

[waldoputty]

Pay the OL in 2-3 years? We've already paid two. Martin will get his deal this year at some point, I imagine, to avoid rising costs. and to maximize the cap we have in 2018.

Collins, if he shows potential will be re-signed too.

We don't pay Dak for 3 more years.

There is no window.

i cannot see us using up the 2018 cap.
if you want, i would be happy to take out my spreadsheet.

 

[visionary]

Pay the OL in 2-3 years? We've already paid two. Martin will get his deal this year at some point, I imagine, to avoid rising costs. and to maximize the cap we have in 2018.

Collins, if he shows potential will be re-signed too.

We don't pay Dak for 3 more years.

There is no window.

The window is the next 2-3 years while we don't have to pay Dak 20+ million/yr
We're going to be in the hook for increasing OL money over the next several years as we now start to pay Martin along with Fred and Smith

Both of these will limit our flexibility
Seattle had their SB success while they had the QB on a rookie contract

If we "build" this defense in 3 years were in trouble

Our FO had already created cap problems with little flexibility to do anything without anything to show for it meanwhile teams like NE had had sustained success while being way under the cap

 

[DandyDon52]

i believe the Titans also have 3 OL 1st rounders or used to.
$5-6M AAV is not massive free agent money.
for example Remmers signed for 6M AAV and his first year cap impact was likely less than Free's base salary.
And we obviously had the money since Free retired.
Who counts on draft picks working out in the 1st year to cover needs.
We had a historic draft and we are expecting our drafts to be historic every year?
We can count on the 1st round pick contributing year 1 and that is about it.

Look at the 2014 - we hit on one player - Zack. DLaw is always injured and unreliable.
(1) 16 T Zack Martin Notre Dame
(2) 34 DE Demarcus Lawrence Boise State
(4) 119 OLB Anthony Hitchens Iowa
(5) 146 WR Devin Street Pittsburgh
(7) 231 DE Ben Gardner Stanford
(7) 238 OLB Will Smith Texas Tech
(7) 248 S Ahmad Dixon Baylor
(7) 251 DT Ken Bishop Northern Illinois
(7) 254 DB Terrance Mitchell Oregon

Look at the 2015 draft - Jones is pretty good, but Wilson only became a starter late in his second year. We got lucky with Collins who was not drafted. Chaz is a bust. Gregory gamble did not pan out. Swaim is decent but certainly not a starter.

• Byron Jones. Position: CB. Height: 6-1. ...
• Randy Gregory. Position: DE. ...
• Chaz Green. Position: OT. ...
• Damien Wilson. Position: LB. ...
• Ryan Russell. Position: DE. ...
• Mark Nzeocha. Position: LB. ...
• Laurence Gibson. Position: OT. ...
• Geoff Swaim. Position: TE.

yeah I would add hitchens, he contributed alot early on.
I think dallas is getting carried away with the whole build thru the draft thing.
FA is there to be used, just be smart about it.
Then they go for josh mckown ???????
but not a RT lol

 

[waldoputty]

The window is the next 2-3 years while we don't have to pay Dak 20+ million/yr
We're going to be in the hook for increasing OL money over the next several years as we now start to pay Martin along with Fred and Smith

Both of these will limit our flexibility
Seattle had their SB success while they had the QB on a rookie contract

If we "build" this defense in 3 years were in trouble

Our FO had already created cap problems with little flexibility to do anything without anything to show for it meanwhile teams like NE had had sustained success while being way under the cap

Martin/Collins bigger cap impact does not really show up until year 3 of their contract.
You can say the same for Dak's contract/
Assuming he gets in after 2019, it will not really have a serious effect until 2022 season.

That defines a 5 year window.
Even then, having a top franchise qb nailed down changes a lot of things, particularly reducing draft picks needed for the position.

Dez's prime dictates a shorter window - 2-3 years.
Zeke probably at least has 4 prime years ahead of him.

 

[Risen Star]

I still do not see the big need at DT... CB & S are ahead of DT IMO... Maybe even TE.

Cornerback lobbyist. #DrainTheSwamp

 

[waldoputty]

yeah I would add hitchens, he contributed alot early on.
I think dallas is getting carried away with the whole build thru the draft thing.
FA is there to be used, just be smart about it.
Then they go for josh mckown ???????
but not a RT lol

yup, fo seems to drink its own coolaid too much after 2014 and 2016.

we signed mckown???
please tell me no.

hitchens contributed early but not in 2016.
but was that a case having starting someone because we had no choice?

 

[MichaelWinicki]

i believe the Titans also have 3 OL 1st rounders or used to.
$5-6M AAV is not massive free agent money.
for example Remmers signed for 6M AAV and his first year cap impact was likely less than Free's base salary.
And we obviously had the money since Free retired.
Who counts on draft picks working out in the 1st year to cover needs.
We had a historic draft and we are expecting our drafts to be historic every year?
We can count on the 1st round pick contributing year 1 and that is about it.

Look at the 2014 - we hit on one player - Zack. DLaw is always injured and unreliable.
(1) 16 T Zack Martin Notre Dame
(2) 34 DE Demarcus Lawrence Boise State
(4) 119 OLB Anthony Hitchens Iowa
(5) 146 WR Devin Street Pittsburgh
(7) 231 DE Ben Gardner Stanford
(7) 238 OLB Will Smith Texas Tech
(7) 248 S Ahmad Dixon Baylor
(7) 251 DT Ken Bishop Northern Illinois
(7) 254 DB Terrance Mitchell Oregon

Look at the 2015 draft - Jones is pretty good, but Wilson only became a starter late in his second year. We got lucky with Collins who was not drafted. Chaz is a bust. Gregory gamble did not pan out. Swaim is decent but certainly not a starter.

• Byron Jones. Position: CB. Height: 6-1. ...
• Randy Gregory. Position: DE. ...
• Chaz Green. Position: OT. ...
• Damien Wilson. Position: LB. ...
• Ryan Russell. Position: DE. ...
• Mark Nzeocha. Position: LB. ...
• Laurence Gibson. Position: OT. ...
• Geoff Swaim. Position: TE.

A year to soon labeling Green a bust.