My offseason gameplan

[QuincyCarterEra]

Cowboys are finally in a friendly cap position now with Dez and Romo's contracts off the books.
I will use the Cowboys ideaolgy of targeting positions of need and then filling them with at least two players whether it be through draft and/or FA.

I'll start with in house moves:
Cut Hurns and Twill
Cooper has a $14M cap hit next year, resign the 24 year old to a long term contract lowering his cap hit.
Resign LP to his usual $1.1M
Resign Lawrence to his $19M AAV
Resign Tavon for less than $2.5M as our speed WR and return compeition

Luckily a lot of our holes line up well with strengths of FA and draft. Also there are certain positions that are devalued in free agency.

Strengths of draft: DT, TE, T, and size/speed WRs
Strength of free agency: edge rusher
Position devalued in FA: RB, safety, run stopping DT

Positions of need for the team:
Complement back to Zeke with receiving chops
Complete TE1
Both starting DT positions
Starting quality edge rusher
Developmental swing tackle
Big body slot WR
Beasley replacement
Starting Box safety and backup FS
CB5

FA signings:
Danny Shelton will not be returning to the Pat's and given how little the Pat's had to give in order to acquire Shelton I don't think there will be a huge market. The Browns run defense ranked this year after Shelton was dealt. Give him some Rod magic and we'll be cooking. Still young.

For edge rusher I'd target the high profile that shows the weakest market in free agency. There are so many that intrigue me:
Graham, Barrett, Irvin, Fowler, Ford, Ansah, Morgan, Clark, Preston Smith, Clowney, Ray, and Flowers.
Of these some are highly unlikely.
Most two favorites that are actually feasible are Ansah and Preston Smith. I'll assume Ansah still is able to get a big deal with a desperate team and I'll take Smith.

Ahhhh the safety position
Morgan Burnett has asked for his release from the Steelers as he's been miscast as a dime LB when he's quite obviously a box safety. I like Adrian Amos more than Earl and Landon Collins. If he can be had for the $3Mish less than the other two guys mentioned I'd jump all over it. Finding starters at a somewhat important position for less than $4M is incredible and it happened over and over again last offseason at the safety position.


For the draft I just have some favorites I want that I'm not sure where they will go as of right now:

Size and speed big body slot I'm going 6'5 Antione Wesley out of Texas Tech.

For TE1 I'm going Jace Sternberger out of A&M of which many people are familiar. TE is a position that takes the longest to transition to the NFL. I might splurge on Demetrius Harris too in free agency to really make TE a strength of this team.

Complementary RB- Devine Ozigbo out of Nebraska could take some of the load and wouldn't lead the defense to know if we are running or passing.

I will look further into draft prospects, but in a perfect world I would spend another pick on TE, another WR, two DTs and a swing tackle.

 

[Bobhaze]

Cowboys are finally in a friendly cap position now with Dez and Romo's contracts off the books.
I will use the Cowboys ideaolgy of targeting positions of need and then filling them with at least two players whether it be through draft and/or FA.

I'll start with in house moves:
Cut Hurns and Twill
Cooper has a $14M cap hit next year, resign the 24 year old to a long term contract lowering his cap hit.
Resign LP to his usual $1.1M
Resign Lawrence to his $19M AAV
Resign Tavon for less than $2.5M as our speed WR and return compeition

Luckily a lot of our holes line up well with strengths of FA and draft. Also there are certain positions that are devalued in free agency.

Strengths of draft: DT, TE, T, and size/speed WRs
Strength of free agency: edge rusher
Position devalued in FA: RB, safety, run stopping DT

Positions of need for the team:
Complement back to Zeke with receiving chops
Complete TE1
Both starting DT positions
Starting quality edge rusher
Developmental swing tackle
Big body slot WR
Beasley replacement
Starting Box safety and backup FS
CB5

FA signings:
Danny Shelton will not be returning to the Pat's and given how little the Pat's had to give in order to acquire Shelton I don't think there will be a huge market. The Browns run defense ranked this year after Shelton was dealt. Give him some Rod magic and we'll be cooking. Still young.

For edge rusher I'd target the high profile that shows the weakest market in free agency. There are so many that intrigue me:
Graham, Barrett, Irvin, Fowler, Ford, Ansah, Morgan, Clark, Preston Smith, Clowney, Ray, and Flowers.
Of these some are highly unlikely.
Most two favorites that are actually feasible are Ansah and Preston Smith. I'll assume Ansah still is able to get a big deal with a desperate team and I'll take Smith.

Ahhhh the safety position
Morgan Burnett has asked for his release from the Steelers as he's been miscast as a dime LB when he's quite obviously a box safety. I like Adrian Amos more than Earl and Landon Collins. If he can be had for the $3Mish less than the other two guys mentioned I'd jump all over it. Finding starters at a somewhat important position for less than $4M is incredible and it happened over and over again last offseason at the safety position.


For the draft I just have some favorites I want that I'm not sure where they will go as of right now:

Size and speed big body slot I'm going 6'5 Antione Wesley out of Texas Tech.

For TE1 I'm going Jace Sternberger out of A&M of which many people are familiar. TE is a position that takes the longest to transition to the NFL. I might splurge on Demetrius Harris too in free agency to really make TE a strength of this team.

Complementary RB- Devine Ozigbo out of Nebraska could take some of the load and wouldn't lead the defense to know if we are running or passing.

I will look further into draft prospects, but in a perfect world I would spend another pick on TE, another WR, two DTs and a swing tackle.

Not a bad assessment. The only areas I have disagreement is
1. Signing Tavon again. He’s missed 19 games over six seasons and although I like his speed, durability diminishes his value. Plus I don’t think he resigns here for the amount you propose. There are better slots available in draft and FA.

2. We absolutely need to sign DLaw and I think the market will dictate a bigger payday than we think. The Cowboys need to lock him up. He’s proven his value and he can be the player the team points to and says, “If you work hard and show leadership for this team, we pay you.”

 

[charron]

We have already used draft capital on a TE last year and I would rather not use one of only a few picks we have on another this year. We could simply re-sign Swaim for depth, it's not like he's exp and were out of cap money. Could also look at other free agent options and who knows maybe under Garrett Rico gets a better shot.

Dlaw on a long term contract is a must. As far as Twill and Hurns i'd let them battle it out in camp then cut them if i don't their chemistry with Dak of if we obtain better by FA/ draft. Let it be a true competition no holds bar WR cage match.

 

[Sandyf]

Good take by QuincyCarterEra. Like any fan, I have things I like and things I would change.

On house moves,
1. Resign Lawrence to a 5 year deal that most likely will be in the 21 million range. Remember that is the average per year not actual cap number especially for 1st couple of years.
2. There is a rumor out there that Elliott, Prescott and Cooper are working together to present a united front on extensions that would be a benefit to the team. If so, it would be really the first time. They have said they want to stay together as long as possible to win championships together. Nice thought, hope it works. The Cowboys sure could do this year with the cap just depends on how it is all structured.
3. I would sign Ladouceur, Olawale, and Fleming at team friendly deals or find someone else. There are others like Ross and Reid that will sign contracts but easily cut if a better option is found in draft or training camp.
4. I let Austin and Beasley test the market, if they get more than we want to pay, just say goodbye.
5. Cutting TWill is almost a done deal. Not sure I would cut Hurns until training camp then you gain an extra $5 million to the cap. Believe we see Lee back at a greatly reduced salary so another cap saving. There will be other cap savings although just how much we don't know as of yet.
6. We could extend Bryon Jones also except I would only do it at a team friendly deal and only a 3,4, or 5 year deal.
**Remember the NFL has a deal cooking with Caesars Casinos that will eventually when betting goes in by worth roughly $100 million per year per team if sources are correct.

In free agency, I do not hold out much hope that Dallas will be a player. If we do anything of interest, it very well could be Earl Thomas FS or a box safety such as Landon Collins, just don't bet the house on either. A big DT would be nice although just don't see us doing anything worthwhile in free agency other than our own.

Perceived team needs. I say perceived because that is how we fans look at it. I tend to look at it as what positions should be addresses that will improve on last years team. Now we all like certain guys but have to realize McClay will have us taking the BPA in the 2nd round unless there is a move up because a guy they really want has fallen out of the 1st round.
1. DT after the Ram game showed the need of a true run stuffer and a more consistent 3 tech. Now from a "probably never happen", would love to see Quinnen Williams or Dexter Lawrence but both probably go in the first round. My hope is that an Isaiah Buggs or Renell Wren or Jerry Tilley are there in the 2nd or 3rd rounds and are at the top of the Cowboys board.
2. Safety has to be addressed although if Dallas goes away from the norm and signs an Earl Thomas then most likely safety will be a late in the draft situation if not then guys like Taylor Rapp or Jaquan Johnson or Mike Bell or C Gardner-Johnson should be available in rounds 2 through 4.
3. We probably need to find a slot guy unless Beasley or Austin come back with great friendly deals. Guys like Andy Isbella or Hunter Renfrow or Marquise Brown or Antoine Wesley should be in the 2nd or 3rd round area. Parris Campbell is another name to remember who has great speed, good hands and really up in the air to where he will be ranked. Having a guy like Campbell would let Cooper and/or Gallup work out of the slot, imagine either of those guys matched up only with a LB or S.
4. Running back that can catch out of the backfield, has good speed and come in for positive yards would be just what the offense needs. There are a number of guys that could be the guy but a guy you probably get in the 5th or 6th round that should be in late 1st or 2nd will be Bryce Love who is recovering from an ACL. Say what you want but he is destined to be a Cowboy, just hope we don't take him in the 2nd round like we do most injured guys.
5. TE is a subject that we either do or do not need. I will say this, if Irv Smith, Jr. is available when we pick in the 2nd round, don't go into shock when Dallas picks him. Read his story, his work ethic, his talent and his commitment to team and you see a young Witten. Dallas is going to carry 4 TE, so not a stretch we take one in the draft.
6. OT is a position we will take especially if it is a guy we look to see he has the development talent to be a LT or RT. We most likely resign Fleming so unless a guy they really like falls out of the first then don't expect a guy early.
** I really believe Dallas will be active trade wise in this draft and possibly before hand. Who, what, when are all good questions.

I guess if all was right in the world and had no trade partners then my mock would look like this.
2. Irv Smith, Jr. TE Alabama
3. Taylor Rapp S Washington
3. Comp Isaiah Buggs DT Alabama
4. Parris Campbell WR Ohio St.
5. Bryce Love RB Stanford
7. Renell Wren DT Arizona St.

 

[kwcool619]

How about obtaining a dynamic kick/punt returner?

 

[Leedscowboy]

can I add, that we invest heavily in ST this off season, this is the one area of the team that needs the most upgrade, a new Coordinator is due in but as noted a returner is needed, plus an overall upgrade on all positions, use picks 5-7, plus that 4th comp pick and few UDFA to draft speedy guys that can not only hit but tackle.

 

[kwcool619]

can I add, that we invest heavily in ST this off season, this is the one area of the team that needs the most upgrade, a new Coordinator is due in but as noted a returner is needed, plus an overall upgrade on all positions, use picks 5-7, plus that 4th comp pick and few UDFA to draft speedy guys that can not only hit but tackle.

Agree.

 

[bodi]

How about obtaining a kick/punt returner?

how about picking up a dynamic kicker

I am looking to draft one

 

[dallas72]

Johnathan Hankins -DT ..is better than Shelton & has stated hes a Lifetime Cowboys fan...only made 1.53 mil this year

 

[dallas72]

Good take by QuincyCarterEra. Like any fan, I have things I like and things I would change.

On house moves,
1. Resign Lawrence to a 5 year deal that most likely will be in the 21 million range. Remember that is the average per year not actual cap number especially for 1st couple of years.
2. There is a rumor out there that Elliott, Prescott and Cooper are working together to present a united front on extensions that would be a benefit to the team. If so, it would be really the first time. They have said they want to stay together as long as possible to win championships together. Nice thought, hope it works. The Cowboys sure could do this year with the cap just depends on how it is all structured.
3. I would sign Ladouceur, Olawale, and Fleming at team friendly deals or find someone else. There are others like Ross and Reid that will sign contracts but easily cut if a better option is found in draft or training camp.
4. I let Austin and Beasley test the market, if they get more than we want to pay, just say goodbye.
5. Cutting TWill is almost a done deal. Not sure I would cut Hurns until training camp then you gain an extra $5 million to the cap. Believe we see Lee back at a greatly reduced salary so another cap saving. There will be other cap savings although just how much we don't know as of yet.
6. We could extend Bryon Jones also except I would only do it at a team friendly deal and only a 3,4, or 5 year deal.
**Remember the NFL has a deal cooking with Caesars Casinos that will eventually when betting goes in by worth roughly $100 million per year per team if sources are correct.

In free agency, I do not hold out much hope that Dallas will be a player. If we do anything of interest, it very well could be Earl Thomas FS or a box safety such as Landon Collins, just don't bet the house on either. A big DT would be nice although just don't see us doing anything worthwhile in free agency other than our own.

Perceived team needs. I say perceived because that is how we fans look at it. I tend to look at it as what positions should be addresses that will improve on last years team. Now we all like certain guys but have to realize McClay will have us taking the BPA in the 2nd round unless there is a move up because a guy they really want has fallen out of the 1st round.
1. DT after the Ram game showed the need of a true run stuffer and a more consistent 3 tech. Now from a "probably never happen", would love to see Quinnen Williams or Dexter Lawrence but both probably go in the first round. My hope is that an Isaiah Buggs or Renell Wren or Jerry Tilley are there in the 2nd or 3rd rounds and are at the top of the Cowboys board.
2. Safety has to be addressed although if Dallas goes away from the norm and signs an Earl Thomas then most likely safety will be a late in the draft situation if not then guys like Taylor Rapp or Jaquan Johnson or Mike Bell or C Gardner-Johnson should be available in rounds 2 through 4.
3. We probably need to find a slot guy unless Beasley or Austin come back with great friendly deals. Guys like Andy Isbella or Hunter Renfrow or Marquise Brown or Antoine Wesley should be in the 2nd or 3rd round area. Parris Campbell is another name to remember who has great speed, good hands and really up in the air to where he will be ranked. Having a guy like Campbell would let Cooper and/or Gallup work out of the slot, imagine either of those guys matched up only with a LB or S.
4. Running back that can catch out of the backfield, has good speed and come in for positive yards would be just what the offense needs. There are a number of guys that could be the guy but a guy you probably get in the 5th or 6th round that should be in late 1st or 2nd will be Bryce Love who is recovering from an ACL. Say what you want but he is destined to be a Cowboy, just hope we don't take him in the 2nd round like we do most injured guys.
5. TE is a subject that we either do or do not need. I will say this, if Irv Smith, Jr. is available when we pick in the 2nd round, don't go into shock when Dallas picks him. Read his story, his work ethic, his talent and his commitment to team and you see a young Witten. Dallas is going to carry 4 TE, so not a stretch we take one in the draft.
6. OT is a position we will take especially if it is a guy we look to see he has the development talent to be a LT or RT. We most likely resign Fleming so unless a guy they really like falls out of the first then don't expect a guy early.
** I really believe Dallas will be active trade wise in this draft and possibly before hand. Who, what, when are all good questions.

I guess if all was right in the world and had no trade partners then my mock would look like this.
2. Irv Smith, Jr. TE Alabama
3. Taylor Rapp S Washington
3. Comp Isaiah Buggs DT Alabama
4. Parris Campbell WR Ohio St.
5. Bryce Love RB Stanford
7. Renell Wren DT Arizona St.

Move Woods to SS ..sign Earl...

 

[dallas72]

I'd go after
TJ Yeldon ..only 24 backup RB
Nick Mullens. 24 backup QB
Adam Humphries- slot WR replace Beasley
J James. TE poss if cheap ..draft has some talent BUT we draft so late
DT- Hankins or Shelton or Malcolm Brown
S-Earl

 

[cowboy_ron]

I don't really look for much activity this off season, I think most are just waiting and expecting for Garrett to kill another season.

 

[1LoyalCowboyFan]

Good take by QuincyCarterEra. Like any fan, I have things I like and things I would change.

On house moves,
1. Resign Lawrence to a 5 year deal that most likely will be in the 21 million range. Remember that is the average per year not actual cap number especially for 1st couple of years.
2. There is a rumor out there that Elliott, Prescott and Cooper are working together to present a united front on extensions that would be a benefit to the team. If so, it would be really the first time. They have said they want to stay together as long as possible to win championships together. Nice thought, hope it works. The Cowboys sure could do this year with the cap just depends on how it is all structured.
3. I would sign Ladouceur, Olawale, and Fleming at team friendly deals or find someone else. There are others like Ross and Reid that will sign contracts but easily cut if a better option is found in draft or training camp.
4. I let Austin and Beasley test the market, if they get more than we want to pay, just say goodbye.
5. Cutting TWill is almost a done deal. Not sure I would cut Hurns until training camp then you gain an extra $5 million to the cap. Believe we see Lee back at a greatly reduced salary so another cap saving. There will be other cap savings although just how much we don't know as of yet.
6. We could extend Bryon Jones also except I would only do it at a team friendly deal and only a 3,4, or 5 year deal.
**Remember the NFL has a deal cooking with Caesars Casinos that will eventually when betting goes in by worth roughly $100 million per year per team if sources are correct.

In free agency, I do not hold out much hope that Dallas will be a player. If we do anything of interest, it very well could be Earl Thomas FS or a box safety such as Landon Collins, just don't bet the house on either. A big DT would be nice although just don't see us doing anything worthwhile in free agency other than our own.

Perceived team needs. I say perceived because that is how we fans look at it. I tend to look at it as what positions should be addresses that will improve on last years team. Now we all like certain guys but have to realize McClay will have us taking the BPA in the 2nd round unless there is a move up because a guy they really want has fallen out of the 1st round.
1. DT after the Ram game showed the need of a true run stuffer and a more consistent 3 tech. Now from a "probably never happen", would love to see Quinnen Williams or Dexter Lawrence but both probably go in the first round. My hope is that an Isaiah Buggs or Renell Wren or Jerry Tilley are there in the 2nd or 3rd rounds and are at the top of the Cowboys board.
2. Safety has to be addressed although if Dallas goes away from the norm and signs an Earl Thomas then most likely safety will be a late in the draft situation if not then guys like Taylor Rapp or Jaquan Johnson or Mike Bell or C Gardner-Johnson should be available in rounds 2 through 4.
3. We probably need to find a slot guy unless Beasley or Austin come back with great friendly deals. Guys like Andy Isbella or Hunter Renfrow or Marquise Brown or Antoine Wesley should be in the 2nd or 3rd round area. Parris Campbell is another name to remember who has great speed, good hands and really up in the air to where he will be ranked. Having a guy like Campbell would let Cooper and/or Gallup work out of the slot, imagine either of those guys matched up only with a LB or S.
4. Running back that can catch out of the backfield, has good speed and come in for positive yards would be just what the offense needs. There are a number of guys that could be the guy but a guy you probably get in the 5th or 6th round that should be in late 1st or 2nd will be Bryce Love who is recovering from an ACL. Say what you want but he is destined to be a Cowboy, just hope we don't take him in the 2nd round like we do most injured guys.
5. TE is a subject that we either do or do not need. I will say this, if Irv Smith, Jr. is available when we pick in the 2nd round, don't go into shock when Dallas picks him. Read his story, his work ethic, his talent and his commitment to team and you see a young Witten. Dallas is going to carry 4 TE, so not a stretch we take one in the draft.
6. OT is a position we will take especially if it is a guy we look to see he has the development talent to be a LT or RT. We most likely resign Fleming so unless a guy they really like falls out of the first then don't expect a guy early.
** I really believe Dallas will be active trade wise in this draft and possibly before hand. Who, what, when are all good questions.

I guess if all was right in the world and had no trade partners then my mock would look like this.
2. Irv Smith, Jr. TE Alabama
3. Taylor Rapp S Washington
3. Comp Isaiah Buggs DT Alabama
4. Parris Campbell WR Ohio St.
5. Bryce Love RB Stanford
7. Renell Wren DT Arizona St.

Great work. Really well thought out.

I doubt they trade up or down in the 2nd or 3rd. I can see them grabbing an OT in th 2nd and DT in the 3rd. I am really digging the talent for where players are projected and our needs. Plenty of WR and RB for round 4 and 5.

I can see Cowboys drafting
OT, DT, WR, RB, LB,

But most likely not TE and S to much of the fans dismay. Keep an eye on those Sparq scores. Kittle ranked off the charts and was a fifth rounder at pick 146.

 

[frickster]

I'd go after
TJ Yeldon ..only 24 backup RB
Nick Mullens. 24 backup QB
Adam Humphries- slot WR replace Beasley
J James. TE poss if cheap ..draft has some talent BUT we draft so late
DT- Hankins or Shelton or Malcolm Brown
S-Earl

Is Mullens a RFA?

 

[JIMMYBUFFETT]

Preston Smith would be a huge get.