Let's think a bit clearly about FA...

[Kittymama]

..before (some) others panic.

First...this class has routinely been described (on ESPN & elsewhere) as one of the weakest FA classes in years. They were saying that some really mediocre players are going to luck out with the new salary cap.

Second...have you SEEN the money some of these teams are paying?!?! It's insane. The latest is the Vikes for Hutchinson--they're offering him a BONUS of $16 mil (apparently expecting that the Seahawks won't match it). And what's been paid elsewhere?

Third..have you noticed that only a few teams are in the action? The Browns & Cards--ok, they need it. Also, the Vikes & Commanders. None of them are teams who are known for really genius personnel decisions over the past few years. I also see that teams like the Pats & Iggles--who ARE known for making pretty good personnel decisions, haven't done anything yet.

Hmmm...whaddya think? Do we imitate the deadskins & throw around lots of dough for mediocre players, in order to win the March FA Superbowl? Yup, that's really paid off well for them. Or do we imitate the Pats? No fancy signings, just good, not-well-known, inexpensive players.

Maybe it's ok if we don't hyperventilate yet about signings? We'll get some people. There will also be another round of cuts in a few months--& plenty of bargains then too.

 

[Haley94]

i agree, i think we are playing it right. This is unlike two years ago when we had the guys in and tried to low ball them all. We just arn't bringing many in, waiting it out. I don't think bill/jerry are suprised at any of this, with maybe the exception of the kickers dropping off the radar this quickly and the skins overpaying and alocatting all the money to WR postion.

 

[ZRO]

If we sign TO its all fine, but until then I'm worried.

 

[SouthernStar]

If we sign TO its all fine, but until then I'm worried.

We don't need T.O. We need a kicker!

 

[NovaCowboy]

We don't need T.O. We need a kicker!

We dont need a kicker, we need a Head Coach.

 

[Joe a Cowboys fan]

I am a Le Charles Bentley fan and am sorry we missed out on one of the few bright spots during this FA period we could have used a lot. Sometimes the best available is exactly what you need.

The possibility that TO could come here fills me with fear and loathing.

Our draft picks are low enough we will need to get lucky to get a few players. Yes Dallas has gotten lucky before but we also have had years(decades) where the law of averages kicked in and we got some mediocre players. Especially when we do not work the skills positions hard but persist in geting retread QBs and make no investment in quality WRs in the draft. Hey, some one has to catch the ball.

Other than that I don't see more than a few lunch box players like our OL utility man. Give the kid a spot and let him grow into it BTW.

 

[Bizwah]

i agree, i think we are playing it right. This is unlike two years ago when we had the guys in and tried to low ball them all. We just arn't bringing many in, waiting it out. I don't think bill/jerry are suprised at any of this, with maybe the exception of the kickers dropping off the radar this quickly and the skins overpaying and alocatting all the money to WR postion.

I would normally agree with you. That JJ and Co weren't surprised by all this.

But I thought that two years ago. It was clear that we were taken by surprise.

It's not time to panic yet. There are many good players still available. The coming week will be pretty telling.

 

[Joe a Cowboys fan]

It's not time to panic yet. There are many good players still available. The coming week will be pretty telling.

Biz I am not so much panicing as disapointed in losing out on Bentley. Our O has been ignored for the most part the last few years other than geting some old vets that did nothing towards building the Cowboys up for the long term.

I know some people think you cannot build a team long term. But the Pats seem to stay in contention much as we did in the 90s when we drafted pretty well and were selective in FA. I just don't see that now.

It worries me at times.

 

[Bizwah]

Biz I am not so much panicing as disapointed in losing out on Bentley. Our O has been ignored for the most part the last few years other than geting some old vets that did nothing towards building the Cowboys up for the long term.

I know some people think you cannot build a team long term. But the Pats seem to stay in contention much as we did in the 90s when we drafted pretty well and were selective in FA. I just don't see that now.

It worries me at times.

Yeah, I'm a little concerned too.

What irritates me is how we have nearly $25 million under the cap and it appears we're sitting on our hands. It almost seems like JJ's turning into Bill Bidwell.

But the good FAs are still available.

I also think we're banking on TO being available. BIG gamble. I wouldn't be at all surprised to see him being traded before he's cut on Wednsesday.

If we're waiting on him.....we're playing with fire.

 

[kingwhicker]

Third..have you noticed that only a few teams are in the action? The Browns & Cards--ok, they need it. Also, the Vikes & Commanders. None of them are teams who are known for really genius personnel decisions over the past few years.

They're also not known for winning anything either.

 

[Echo9]

We dont need a kicker, we need a Head Coach.

 

[SouthernStar]

We dont need a kicker, we need a Head Coach.

Or a coach with a head.......

 

[EGTuna]

I think Dallas is probably saving a bundle of cap space for two very important reasons:
1. Jason Witten's contract extension, which will almost definitely be done before next season is over.
2. Ditto for Roy Williams.

They have to keep both those players, and if they extend during the season, the $$ will count against the 2006 cap.

 

[jman]

If we sign TO its all fine, but until then I'm worried.

It will be okay when TO signs somewhere else...until them I'm worried.

 

[big dog cowboy]

..before (some) others panic.

First...this class has routinely been described (on ESPN & elsewhere) as one of the weakest FA classes in years. They were saying that some really mediocre players are going to luck out with the new salary cap.

Second...have you SEEN the money some of these teams are paying?!?! It's insane. The latest is the Vikes for Hutchinson--they're offering him a BONUS of $16 mil (apparently expecting that the Seahawks won't match it). And what's been paid elsewhere?

Third..have you noticed that only a few teams are in the action? The Browns & Cards--ok, they need it. Also, the Vikes & Commanders. None of them are teams who are known for really genius personnel decisions over the past few years. I also see that teams like the Pats & Iggles--who ARE known for making pretty good personnel decisions, haven't done anything yet.

Hmmm...whaddya think? Do we imitate the deadskins & throw around lots of dough for mediocre players, in order to win the March FA Superbowl? Yup, that's really paid off well for them. Or do we imitate the Pats? No fancy signings, just good, not-well-known, inexpensive players.

Maybe it's ok if we don't hyperventilate yet about signings? We'll get some people. There will also be another round of cuts in a few months--& plenty of bargains then too.

But, but, but I thought the sky was falling.







Well......it's what THEY told me.

 

[ghst187]

..before (some) others panic.

First...this class has routinely been described (on ESPN & elsewhere) as one of the weakest FA classes in years. They were saying that some really mediocre players are going to luck out with the new salary cap.
QUOTE]

that is VERY true! Horrible FA class and what's worse is supply and demand makes those very average guys get paid like stars. Its sickening to see what we had to pay for a lunchpail guy and what Hutchinson and Bentley got. Wow.


PS, didn't Witten already redo his contract? I remember everyone talking about it during the season. I thought he already redid it and signed.
I thought Roy and TNew were the only big name guys we will need to redo and lock up before the end of next season.

 

[Rockytop6]

..before (some) others panic.

First...this class has routinely been described (on ESPN & elsewhere) as one of the weakest FA classes in years. They were saying that some really mediocre players are going to luck out with the new salary cap.

Second...have you SEEN the money some of these teams are paying?!?! It's insane. The latest is the Vikes for Hutchinson--they're offering him a BONUS of $16 mil (apparently expecting that the Seahawks won't match it). And what's been paid elsewhere?

Third..have you noticed that only a few teams are in the action? The Browns & Cards--ok, they need it. Also, the Vikes & Commanders. None of them are teams who are known for really genius personnel decisions over the past few years. I also see that teams like the Pats & Iggles--who ARE known for making pretty good personnel decisions, haven't done anything yet.

Hmmm...whaddya think? Do we imitate the deadskins & throw around lots of dough for mediocre players, in order to win the March FA Superbowl? Yup, that's really paid off well for them. Or do we imitate the Pats? No fancy signings, just good, not-well-known, inexpensive players.

Maybe it's ok if we don't hyperventilate yet about signings? We'll get some people. There will also be another round of cuts in a few months--& plenty of bargains then too.

Kitty..., your post helped me. I don't have much hair left to pull but I was ready to pull out what I had. I'll wait and see. I still might have to pull on it later.

 

[Dayton Cowboy]

I am a Le Charles Bentley fan and am sorry we missed out on one of the few bright spots during this FA period we could have used a lot. Sometimes the best available is exactly what you need.

The possibility that TO could come here fills me with fear and loathing.

Our draft picks are low enough we will need to get lucky to get a few players. Yes Dallas has gotten lucky before but we also have had years(decades) where the law of averages kicked in and we got some mediocre players. Especially when we do not work the skills positions hard but persist in geting retread QBs and make no investment in quality WRs in the draft. Hey, some one has to catch the ball.

Other than that I don't see more than a few lunch box players like our OL utility man. Give the kid a spot and let him grow into it BTW.

I would have really liked to have seen him wearing the star as well. Here's the thing though, everything I heard from the end of the season indicated that he just wanted to go home. In this case, home was Cleveland. I think it would have taken too much to get him here or anywhere else.

 

[CanadianCowboysFan]

We dont need a kicker, we need a Head Coach.

Who do you suggest, remembering of course that coach must be available to take the job.

 

[Portland Fanatic]

Good post Kitty....and I agree 100%, thus the reason I'm not upset at our lack of signings except Longwell....that hurt! He's the one I wanted more then anyone....

I think Kosier is a decent signing and may prove to be a smart one if we stick him at one position to let him develop there...he seems athletic and smart.

I'm not overly excited about Akin...he seems to be a popular vote getter, but scared we would over pay for an average LB...maybe better then average, but not an ideal OLB iMO...I'd rather keep Fujita and land Wimbley.

I'm concerned about OT...not much to choose from except some solid vet depth in FA...most likely Fabini. I still want to draft a top OT in the second round...one good one will fall in our laps there.

This may not be the year to jump in head first in FA...except to add smart vet depth and draft as best we can...we have a really good young defense that will be getting better if we don't add anyone at all. If we landed a good OLB and FS...we are better then last year already.

Don't be overly excited about this years FA guys...really. The top players are getting ridiculas contracts...we need to steer clear.