My thoughts on FA

[dmq]

This is my opinion. The problem here is that we have some big names coming up on our team that we simply can't afford to lose. Namely Newman and Ware. So, tough choices need to be made. The problem with many of the potential FAs that we have are they aren't superstars, but they probably want superstar money. Guys like Hamlin, Canty and Barber are solid players. Are they Great? No. Do they have an agent saying they are worth elite money? Yes.

So, my decision

Flozell- get rid of him. He has been a very good player for us for many years. One of the ways a team gets into financial trouble is by giving big money to a guy staring at his middle 30s. I love the guy, but I know he is looking for one last big payday. Hometown discount? Not likely. He simply is not a luxury that we can afford to keep.

Canty- I would tender him at the 1st round pick level. Simply stated, he is a good but not great player. If someone wanted to give me a first for him, I would take it.

Barber- Tougher decision, but I would also tender him at the 1st round level and take the 1st round pick if someone wanted him. Look, I love his style of play, but he is not worth the money of a 1st and 3rd tender. Dispute all you want, but I think many peoples vision of him is a little cloudy from the Giants game. That game and his pro-bowl appearance have driven his price up to more than he is worth. I think he is looking for a pretty good contract. One that we will be shaking our head at when he starts breaking down during the season or suddenly doesn't look as good when he is playing against a tired defense.

Hamlin- Again, I would let him go if he wants elite money. I think he benefited a bit from being in the right place at the right time on some of those picks. The pro-bowl was a gift by fans that don't know what they are talking about. He is above average, but he is going to want perennial pro-bowler money. I simply can't see the justification in giving him that.

 

[burmafrd]

Hamlin is the one I disagree on. After 4 years of trying to find Woody's replacement it looks like we have- I do not want to spend 4 more looking for Hamlins replacement. Only if he wants insane money (and I do not think he does) should we let him go.

 

[Woods]

This is my opinion. The problem here is that we have some big names coming up on our team that we simply can't afford to lose. Namely Newman and Ware. So, tough choices need to be made. The problem with many of the potential FAs that we have are they aren't superstars, but they probably want superstar money. Guys like Hamlin, Canty and Barber are solid players. Are they Great? No. Do they have an agent saying they are worth elite money? Yes.

So, my decision

Flozell- get rid of him. He has been a very good player for us for many years. One of the ways a team gets into financial trouble is by giving big money to a guy staring at his middle 30s. I love the guy, but I know he is looking for one last big payday. Hometown discount? Not likely. He simply is not a luxury that we can afford to keep.

Canty- I would tender him at the 1st round pick level. Simply stated, he is a good but not great player. If someone wanted to give me a first for him, I would take it.

Barber- Tougher decision, but I would also tender him at the 1st round level and take the 1st round pick if someone wanted him. Look, I love his style of play, but he is not worth the money of a 1st and 3rd tender. Dispute all you want, but I think many peoples vision of him is a little cloudy from the Giants game. That game and his pro-bowl appearance have driven his price up to more than he is worth. I think he is looking for a pretty good contract. One that we will be shaking our head at when he starts breaking down during the season or suddenly doesn't look as good when he is playing against a tired defense.

Hamlin- Again, I would let him go if he wants elite money. I think he benefited a bit from being in the right place at the right time on some of those picks. The pro-bowl was a gift by fans that don't know what they are talking about. He is above average, but he is going to want perennial pro-bowler money. I simply can't see the justification in giving him that.

Not sure I agree with a lot of this.

First, I think we can re-sign Hamlin, and we have enough problems in the Secondary without having to sort out the FS position yet again.

With respect to Canty and MBIII, if you want to tender them with a 1st rounder, I would give them a 3rd round tender as well (1st and 3rd).

Why?

1. If you value these two players and you MAY have intentions to sign them to longer-term deals later in the year, it only costs a little bit more to ensure that they are on your roster.

There is no rush to re-sign them in the next two weeks. But we may want to extend them later in the year (i.e., during the season).

2. Both Canty and MBIII are young players. They should be able to play for a few years. Both will be hitting their prime in the next year or two. I'd prefer to keep them.

I'm not sure we will be able to "hit" on players as good or better than Canty and MBIII in this year's draft. AND, we've already hit on these two players. And they are young and should be able to contribute for some time. I'd prefer to try and extend them before giving up on them.

 

[Stash]

Hamlin is the one I disagree on. After 4 years of trying to find Woody's replacement it looks like we have- I do not want to spend 4 more looking for Hamlins replacement. Only if he wants insane money (and I do not think he does) should we let him go.

I agree.

And I would also factor in the savings when Roy Williams contract comes off the books in 2009.

Which I feel it will.

I would plan on giving Hamlin the portion of the cap originally ticketed to Roy Williams.

 

[pgreptom]

I would keep Barber, Hamlin, AND Canty.

All three are essential keys. Barber's agent has tossed 5 years, 25 million around - which is not too bad. Hamlin isn't going to get more than 4 / 16 or so.. it's just not happening. Canty isn't going to get huge bucks either.. I'd say 3 / 9-10 or 4 / 12 - 13. I do agree with letting go of Hotel, because at some point - you have to see what you have in your young guys - and you just paid a guy $1 million dollars to work with them.. and he is definitely one of the best. Let's see what they have, and save a little money.

 

[Woods]

I would keep Barber, Hamlin, AND Canty.

All three are essential keys. Barber's agent has tossed 5 years, 25 million around - which is not too bad. Hamlin isn't going to get more than 4 / 16 or so.. it's just not happening. Canty isn't going to get huge bucks either.. I'd say 3 / 9-10 or 4 / 12 - 13. I do agree with letting go of Hotel, because at some point - you have to see what you have in your young guys - and you just paid a guy $1 million dollars to work with them.. and he is definitely one of the best. Let's see what they have, and save a little money.

As for Flo, I first want to see what type of money he's looking for.

If it is outrageous, then let him walk. But let's negotiate first.

 

[Stash]

I would also factor in the team 'saying goodbye' to some current players in the near future.

Glenn will be gone this year or next.

I think Spears will either be traded or finish out his rookie deal and move on.

Carpenter as well.

And I think Anthony Henry is playing his last season in a Cowboys uniform.

Jason Ferguson could possibly be traded this off season as well.

And it's my opinion that 2008 is Roy Williams' last in Dallas.

Given these possible future moves, the Cowboys have more flexibility with the cap than we think.

 

[dmq]

Of course all of this is based upon these guys wanting big money because I think they think they can get it in the open market.

 

[YosemiteSam]

You do understand that you are saying that you would possible let all of our good veteran players go?

Our team would not even be close to the same team if we let Canty, Barber, Adams, and Hamlin walk for (2) first round picks that could easily be very late first rounders.

That is a very bad idea.

Canty, Barber, and Hamlin will get money, but not huge money. Their position doesn't demand it.

 

[Romo2Dez4six]

hamlin leave thats crazy talk i feel ill just thinking about it:ralph:

 

[khiladi]

Hamlin- Again, I would let him go if he wants elite money. I think he benefited a bit from being in the right place at the right time on some of those picks. The pro-bowl was a gift by fans that don't know what they are talking about. He is above average, but he is going to want perennial pro-bowler money. I simply can't see the justification in giving him that.

Wade pretty much said he was the captain of this defense. He took over from the very beginning, was assertive and made sure the team was lined up properly.

They will keep him because of that role.