How would you handle the Barber situation?

[TonyS]

So, we've locked him up for 2008 and drafted a guy to complement him (Jones) and another guy who is a lot like him (Choice), at least in terms of heart and determination.

I don't think we need to redo Barber's contract until we see what the rookies can do in TC and early in the season. We may not need to resign him if they both turn out well, or at least we'll have more leverage in our negotiations.

Does anyone see a need to go ahead and try and sign him in the near term or would you wait and see how the 08 season transpires before you worrry about it?

 

[pjt]

I say let him play out this year then cut him loose if choice shows any promise. That will save us a lot of money to resign newman and canty. I just don't think Barber's running style is condusive to 5 more years without breaking down. Play him this year becasue he is cheap then let choice take over his spot.

 

[Eskimo]

I say let him play out this year then cut him loose if choice shows any promise. That will save us a lot of money to resign newman and canty. I just don't think Barber's running style is condusive to 5 more years without breaking down. Play him this year becasue he is cheap then let choice take over his spot.

I really love Barber but longevity is definitely an issue given his running style. Better RBs than him wore down under the load fairly quickly - Earl Campbell, LJohnson, COkoye, etc.

 

[tskyler]

God knows I love Marion but one thing no one talks about is the new Barber rule that makes the stiff arm to the face mask illegal. I really hope it doesnt effect him but it just seems to be so core to his game. I would want to see what happens with that before we resign...

 

[TonyS]

God knows I love Marion but one thing no one talks about is the new Barber rule that makes the stiff arm to the face mask illegal. I really hope it doesnt effect him but it just seems to be so core to his game. I would want to see what happens with that before we resign...

I think that rule is only for grabbing the facemask, not for the head slap. Anyone have the verbiage from the actual rule?

 

[theogt]

I love the guy, but if he wants over $5 million per year, I'd tell him to take a hike.

 

[TheCount]

"Pay that man his money."

He's earned a 30 - 36 mil contract, pay the dude. 40-60 though? No way.

I think that rule is only for grabbing the facemask, not for the head slap. Anyone have the verbiage from the actual rule?

You're right. The rule is against grabbing and hanging on to a players facemask. I think it also says no more blows to the face, so you can stiff arm but you can't punch.

 

[tskyler]

I think that rule is only for grabbing the facemask, not for the head slap. Anyone have the verbiage from the actual rule?

I don't have the verbiage but I think you are right, it's for grabbing.. However, maybe I'm just having flashbacks but it seems to me that 8 times out of ten thats what barber does as he is pushing the defender off of him or pulling the defender with him. Am I insane? I would really like to hear that I am on this point.

 

[utrunner07]

If either of the rookies turn out to be good and the other Ok. Cut him...IMO he is not worth the risk of a long term contract...going to wear out/get hurt sooner rather than later.

 

[TheCount]

Seriously, you guys are crazy.

 

[sago1]

I really like MBIII & want to keep him. We'll see this year if he can handle #1 RB job although I really don't see us using him 25+ times a game. Our offense is based on what 2 different backs bring to the table and the problems for opposing defenses. Unfortunatley JJones didn't keep up his end of the bargain.

Frankly I don't pretend to assume I know what Cowboys should do. Do worry about long-term productivity of MBIII but leave it to Jerry and our coaching staff on what's best. Sounds like I'm chickening out, but the reality is we don't know all the facts. MBIII is young and healthy but can he remain so for the next 5 years -- that's the big question. Jerry has to prioritize these signings to keep all the players we need but fit it under the cap w/o drastic negative ramifications for us.

 

[theebs]

I would work out a deal asap. I would pay him and be happy we have an abundance of young talent at one position.

 

[gbrittain]

It is not always about the measurables. Barber brings something to this team, that is missing and I can only imagine what this team would be like without his attitude.

He is a determined, motor never stops, in your face home grown Pro Bowl player. It is imperative that we keep him at whatever his market value may be.

 

[jobberone]

I think that rule is only for grabbing the facemask, not for the head slap. Anyone have the verbiage from the actual rule?

Not the verbiage. You can never grab a facemask whether offense or defense. The penalty for touching the face mask even got softer. But you could never hit people with your hands to the face. They just let it ride for the RBs. Now you can still stiffarm to the helmet but you cannot punch it. A relative and subjective opinion for our good refs. Anway that's how I understand it. I suspect they will even let a stiffarm that is quick to the facemask go. But not grabbing it. Am I wrong?

I don't have the verbiage but I think you are right, it's for grabbing.. However, maybe I'm just having flashbacks but it seems to me that 8 times out of ten thats what barber does as he is pushing the defender off of him or pulling the defender with him. Am I insane? I would really like to hear that I am on this point.

I think he pushes but he also delivers a pretty good blow to the head which I like. I don't know how the rule will be interpreted subjectively. I just hope it doesn't hurt his performance.

I really like MBIII & want to keep him. We'll see this year if he can handle #1 RB job although I really don't see us using him 25+ times a game. Our offense is based on what 2 different backs bring to the table and the problems for opposing defenses. Unfortunatley JJones didn't keep up his end of the bargain.

Frankly I don't pretend to assume I know what Cowboys should do. Do worry about long-term productivity of MBIII but leave it to Jerry and our coaching staff on what's best. Sounds like I'm chickening out, but the reality is we don't know all the facts. MBIII is young and healthy but can he remain so for the next 5 years -- that's the big question. Jerry has to prioritize these signings to keep all the players we need but fit it under the cap w/o drastic negative ramifications for us.

I think they are trying to get prepared to not be held hostage by Barber. If Jones and Choice can do the same job then they will try to get something for him before he leaves, sign him anyway if they can afford it, or just let him go and save the money. If not for the cap this would be an insane question. But I think it makes sense for teams to value lower paid players over these high contracts. It just depends on a lot including others players demands and needs, too.

 

[MCowboys]

I really love Barber but longevity is definitely an issue given his running style. Better RBs than him wore down under the load fairly quickly - Earl Campbell, LJohnson, COkoye, etc.

I understand the point, but Barber is nothing like those guys in terms of how many carries he gets. He had 138 carries in his rookie year, 135 the next year, and 204 this past year. The most carries he'll probably get next year is like 250. The guys you mentioned were carrying it 350+ times a year, which takes a much larger toll on a back. I see no reason Barber couldn't have a relatively long career as long as he's getting 250 or fewer carries a season.

 

[Ender]

I knew this wold happen, it happens ever year. Around draft time people always want the see is the backups start over the pro bowlers. Naw, we need to lock "Barber up in a long term deal, he is a beast and one of the toughest runners in the game, if not the toughest.

 

[jobberone]

I don't think anyone can doubt his toughnest. But he is a legitimate worry with his longetivity.

 

[cnhnyy]

I don't think anyone can doubt his toughnest. But he is a legitimate worry with his longetivity.

????? He split the load with Maloney at College and split with Jones as a cowboy. He is probably more fresh than most of thirdd-year back.

 

[Ender]

I don't think anyone can doubt his toughnest. But he is a legitimate worry with his longetivity.

I agree, thats why you get a guy like Choice. But he is we should wait half way through the season to resign them because if he dominates next year he would be an unrestricted free agent and im sure some team would give him and offer we couldn't match right now. Thats the danger you have when i guy like that enters a season with out a contract.

 

[Hypnotoad]

Me: "Barber, sign for cheap or you get cut from Americas Team."
Barber: "Ok!"

Handled.