Interesting that Doug Free's contract has not been restructured

[xwalker]

If they were definitely going to keep Doug Free, they would restructure his contract.

His 7M base salary would be converted into something like 1M base salary and a 6M restructure bonus. This would reduce the cap hit by 3M because the 6M would be spread out over the final two years of his contract (this year and next).

They have restructured some contracts like Bernadeau that only saved 1M. It seems unlikely that they would just leave 3M of potential cap space hanging there if they were definitely keeping him.

If it does not happen soon, then I believe it indicates that they are planning to make him a June 1st cut.

 

[erod]

I'm hoping somehow, someway they can sign one really good guard or tackle in free agency, then draft o-line in the first round. Then drop free in June.

 

[TheCount]

his 7m base salary is the ONLY reason the contract we gave him wasn't completely idiotic. Well, to be honest, it was our own fault we were in a position where we had to pay him but the ability to cut him right now and save that much is the only saving grace.

 

[JBS]

So why haven't we cut him already?

Can't we cut him now and designate him a June 1st cut?

 

[Cowboys22]

So why haven't we cut him already?

Can't we cut him now and designate him a June 1st cut?

They are probably waiting to see how free agency and the draft goes but it sure does look like they are keeping the option to release him available. If the opportunity to replace him with a better player presents itself, they may cut him and use that cap space for the other player. There's no reason to cut him until you have his replacement lined up.

 

[TheCount]

So why haven't we cut him already?

Can't we cut him now and designate him a June 1st cut?

Insurance.

 

[JBS]

So what's the problem here?

FA starts on Tuesday..we don't even need to sign romo or spencer to extensions..

If there's a FA we want, preferably at RT, we negotiate, come to an agreement, release free and we are fine.

We can probably sign 2 quality players just by releasing free.

 

[Bowdown27]

We'll cut him after the draft. We draft a olinemen early then he's outttaaaaaaa hereeeeee

 

[Woods]

If they were definitely going to keep Doug Free, they would restructure his contract.

His 7M base salary would be converted into something like 1M base salary and a 6M restructure bonus. This would reduce the cap hit by 3M because the 6M would be spread out over the final two years of his contract (this year and next).

They have restructured some contracts like Bernadeau that only saved 1M. It seems unlikely that they would just leave 3M of potential cap space hanging there if they were definitely keeping him.

If it does not happen soon, then I believe it indicates that they are planning to make him a June 1st cut.

That makes sense.

I think he'll end up being released once FA and the Draft conclude. We're probably just making sure we get the replacement in place to compete against Parnell.

 

[unionjack8]

He can take a pay cut or leave. He took the money and quit.

 

[DFWJC]

It's by far in Dallas' interest to hold this card until needed.
See how FA and maybe the draft unfold. No upside doing anything right now.

 

[CoCo]

He can take a pay cut or leave. He took the money and quit.

Pretty sure reports are that Free is a very hard worker. Very diligent. It does not appear that his poor performance is purely lack of effort. That said his performance also reportedly improved once Parnell started taking his playing time.

 

[Hoofbite]

Cut him.

Needs to go. Save a little and move on.

 

[Woods]

Pretty sure reports are that Free is a very hard worker. Very diligent. It does not appear that his poor performance is purely lack of effort. That said his performance also reportedly improved once Parnell started taking his playing time.

The coaching staff said basically the same thing. He didn't quit when he got his money. And he's a hard worker.

Basic problem is that they got it wrong with him and the contract. They mis-evaluated the player.

 

[Fla Cowpoke]

I am pretty sure that if Free is cut now there is almost no effect on this year's cap due to the restructure he did last year. It would get him off the books the next two years though, when he has even bigger cap hits.

If he is designated a June 1st cut I believe we save like 3m this year but have dead space next year. And that money doesn't come off the cap until June so I don't think the fact he hasn't been asked to restructure again has anything to do with him staying or going.

 

[CoCo]

If they were definitely going to keep Doug Free, they would restructure his contract.

His 7M base salary would be converted into something like 1M base salary and a 6M restructure bonus. This would reduce the cap hit by 3M because the 6M would be spread out over the final two years of his contract (this year and next).

They have restructured some contracts like Bernadeau that only saved 1M. It seems unlikely that they would just leave 3M of potential cap space hanging there if they were definitely keeping him.

If it does not happen soon, then I believe it indicates that they are planning to make him a June 1st cut.

I agree that lack of a restructure maintains flexibility with Free.

It makes sense that you make your commitments first to those you're most certain of. Carr, Ware, etc. Postponing decisions on those you are less sure of. I think that is why Free's contract is still intact. He (along with Spencer though for different reasons) is this rosters biggest question marks. Its why Rat has not yet been restructured although reports are that he may be soon.

But I don't think the decision to release Free has been made yet. Like someone else posted I think you can do June 1st cuts NOW even though you don't get the cap relief until June 1. The player is then free now to pursue other opportunities before the free agent market dries up. It makes sense to me that the players union would negotiate something like that. I keep saying "I think" because I haven't researched to confirm it.

I think the FO hasn't decided on Free yet, trying to keep options open. Its one thing to let Parnell start. Its another to have no b/u plan which Free is right now, at minimum.

If we strengthen ourselves at OT & Interior in the draft this whole issue will take on another light.

Lots of fans want to cut players without regard to finding their replacement. "Anyone would be better..." is the cry. Its pretty rare you see an NFL FO operate that way though. They're a bit more practical.

 

[Avery]

I dislike Doug Free as a player.

That is all.

 

[john van brocklin]

If they were definitely going to keep Doug Free, they would restructure his contract.

His 7M base salary would be converted into something like 1M base salary and a 6M restructure bonus. This would reduce the cap hit by 3M because the 6M would be spread out over the final two years of his contract (this year and next).

They have restructured some contracts like Bernadeau that only saved 1M. It seems unlikely that they would just leave 3M of potential cap space hanging there if they were definitely keeping him.

If it does not happen soon, then I believe it indicates that they are planning to make him a June 1st cut.

Your logic makes sense !

 

[john van brocklin]

We'll cut him after the draft. We draft a olinemen early then he's outttaaaaaaa hereeeeee

Waiting until after the draft as others have mentioned.

 

[unionjack8]

Pretty sure reports are that Free is a very hard worker. Very diligent. It does not appear that his poor performance is purely lack of effort. That said his performance also reportedly improved once Parnell started taking his playing time.

the staff can say what they want, imo its way too coincidental that after he got paid(after playing at a very high level) he started to crap the bed.
The fact he got better after Parnell was inserted shows me he got way too complacent and took his place for granted, didnt want to work at his trade and get better but rest on his laurels because he'd "done what he had to - get a 2nd deal"