Hypothetical Offseason Scenario

[xwalker]

Hypothetical scenario: You can sign any 2 free agents for the defense or 3 if you cut Ware. You can also use the 1st and 2nd round picks on defensive players.

This is just hypothetical, not a discussion of whether or not the Cowboys can afford the players.

If you choose a player that is likely to be franchised, then explain why you think that player will be available (i.e. DE Greg Hardy is doubtful to be available).

List your starting lineup and estimate how good the defense can be in 2014 with that lineup.

Template:
WDE:
DT3-tech:
DT1-tech:
SDE:

WLB:
MLB:
SLB:

CB1:
CB2:
CB3:

Safety1:
Safety2:

 

[xwalker]

My Plan:
Cut Ware. It would be nice if he takes a pay cut, but I can’t count on that. He is just not worth his 12.25M salary.

Henry Melton, DT3-tech, Age 27. Available because Chicago has 29 free agents. Injury recovery status would need to be verified.

Michael Bennett, DE, Age 28. Available because he will not be a starter in Seattle. Need to verify that mental makeup of MartyB’s brother.

Linval Joseph (or Aurthur Jones), DT1-tech, Age 25 (27 for Jones).

I would like to sign a top Weak-Side DE, but I expect Greg Hardy, Brian Orakpo and Michael Johnson to be franchised or re-signed before free agency. I would also consider signing a Safety like Byrd or T.J.Ward in place of a Dlineman.

Draft: Must get an explosive Weak-Side DE. A DT will also be a priority.

I believe that either of the following options could rank in the top half of the league:

Option 1:
WDE: Draft Pick / Selvie
DT3-tech: Henry Melton
DT1-tech: Linval Joseph
SDE: Michael Bennett

WLB: Carter/Holloman
MLB: Lee
SLB: Wilber/Carter

CB1: Carr
CB2: Scandrick
CB3: Claiborne

Safety1: Church/Matt-Johnson
Safety2: Wilcox/Heath

Option 2:
WDE: Draft Pick / Selvie
DT3-tech: Henry Melton
DT1-tech: Draft Pick
SDE: Michael Bennett

WLB: Carter/Holloman
MLB: Lee
SLB: Wilber/Carter

CB1: Carr
CB2: Scandrick
CB3: Claiborne

Safety1: Church/Wilcox
Safety2: Jairus Byrd

 

[17yearsandcounting]

What is the $$$ difference between cutting Ware and Hamstrings?

 

[xwalker]

What is the $$$ difference between cutting Ware and Hamstrings?

I'm just looking for input on Free Agents, not a discussion of the salary cap.

 

[Common Sense]

Melton is one of those free agent signings that just makes too much sense. Right age, position of need, familiarity with coach and scheme, coming off an injury that should shave a bit off of his contract, etc.

 

[Nation]

FWIW I think Michael Johnson will be available.They locked up Atkins and Dunlap and will have AJ and Dalton eligible for extensions soon so I just can't see them throwing a big 20+ guaranteed deal at another defensive lineman, although I like the player.

 

[xwalker]

FWIW I think Michael Johnson will be available.They locked up Atkins and Dunlap and will have AJ and Dalton eligible for extensions soon so I just can't see them throwing a big 20+ guaranteed deal at another defensive lineman, although I like the player.

This is the type of info I'm trying to get from this thread.

Michael Johnson (6-7, 270) only has 3 sacks this season but 11.5 last season.

 

[JoeyBoy718]

Isn't a 1-tech DT much easier to get? They're usually run-plugging big bodies (correct me if I'm wrong). Hatcher has been an amazing 3-tech this season. If we could extend him for cheap, I'd rather do that than spend big money on a free agent. We'll probably only get one big free agent contract. I think we should go with a free safety or pass rusher. I'm also interested in seeing what Crawford can do when he comes back. I really hope he isn't another early round bust. Too many of them on this team.

 

[neosapien23]

I would cut ware and still only sign 1 free agent. Linval joseph should be targeted and be brought in to play NT. I would have Crawford stay at his current weight of 285 lbs and play strong side DE. Bass and Nevis should compete for the 3 tech spot. I would then draft the best passrushing DT and DE combo available.

 

[Hoofbite]

FWIW I think Michael Johnson will be available.They locked up Atkins and Dunlap and will have AJ and Dalton eligible for extensions soon so I just can't see them throwing a big 20+ guaranteed deal at another defensive lineman, although I like the player.

They have an absurd amount of cap space coming up. They're rolling over like $8M and are current only committed to about $107M in cap charges.

That pretty much gives them $28M in space this offseason alone.

 

[cowboys1981]

Sign These FA's
DT Linval Joseph
S Donte Whitner

Draft

DT Ra'Shede Hageman
DE Kony Ealy
OG Anthony Steen

S LaMarcus Joyner or Dion Bailey


Move Church to WLB.

Defense:

Ware-Joseph-Hageman-Ealy

Church-Lee-Wilber

Carr, OS, Mo

Whitner and Wilcox

With this option we keep Ware and don't splash into FA big; which may be the result.

 

[Vintage]

secondary and linebackers still stuck. DL looks mediocre at best. maybe we finish bottom third defensively instead of last.

 

[Common Sense]

Bass and Nevis should compete for the 3 tech spot.

Not just no, but hell no.

 

[TonyRomo17]

secondary and linebackers still stuck. DL looks mediocre at best. maybe we finish bottom third defensively instead of last.

you dont need an elite secondary in a 4-3 as long as you have a really good d-line, just look at carolina

 

[CaptainMorgan]

you dont need an elite secondary in a 4-3 as long as you have a really good d-line, just look at carolina

I bet after this circus of a defensive showing we go back to the 3-4 next season.

 

[Nation]

They have an absurd amount of cap space coming up. They're rolling over like $8M and are current only committed to about $107M in cap charges.

That pretty much gives them $28M in space this offseason alone.

Oh they have the room. But Mike Brown's are gonna Mike Brown.

 

[Vanilla2]

Melton is one of those free agent signings that just makes too much sense. Right age, position of need, familiarity with coach and scheme, coming off an injury that should shave a bit off of his contract, etc.

I thought we were done signing/drafting injured players

 

[KingintheNorth]

Sign Everson Griffen and Arthur Jones.

Draft Will Sutton and Shilique Calhoun.

 

[AKATheRake]

Option 2 I would go for.

Only problem with Byrd is how he wants to be paid.

Can also substitute Melton for Joseph.

Can draft a stud in the 1st of this years draft at DE and we're good at developing DT's 3rd round down. Marinelli can develop that player. This is one of the better drafts for a DE in years. Marinelli factor in developing that player again.

Still leaves our 2nd rounder open to go get a stud RB or OG which either/or will aid in developing a much needed running game.

 

[AKATheRake]

Ben Bass was looking like a player before getting injured.

Ask our what should be this years all Pro at DT Jason Hatcher about that.