My thoughts on the offseason

[noletime95]

Not having labor peace is never good, but if no agreement is in place before 03/05, Dallas dodges a major bullet with Miles Austin in addition to likely having the DL raided (Spears, Hatcher, Bowen). Since Dallas is not going to have many holes to fill, next years team should be even better, at least on paper. I'd like to see the Cowboys do the following:

1) OL: Draft at least 2 OL in the first 4 rounds to replace Proctor and Holland. Dallas has Free ready to go and Brewster developing already. I don't see a reason to cut a veteran like Flo, Columbo or Kosier. If somone beats them out, great. But depth on the OL is important.

2) Draft a playmaking safety in the first two rounds. Hope he can beat out Hamlin eventually. But FS is Hamliin's gig for next year IMO unless JJ wants to splurge on Sharper. Can't trust a rookie at FS while making a SB run.

3) Sign a proven vet kicker we can count on. Dallas can sign as many FA's it wants for less than $3.7 Mil the first year I believe. No kicker is getting more than that. I know it backfired before, but I just don't see Dallas chancing it with Folk or a rookie. I vote for Janikowski. Not sure what this would mean for Buehler, but I would still keep him myself if he's better at kickoffs than Jano.

4) Cut Barber. This might not be popular and I really like the guy, but Jones and Choice need the carries and after two injury prone seasons I'm afraid we've seen the best of Marion's career. If Dallas keeps him I hope he proves me wrong, but this the perfect opportunity to dispose of a bad contract while getting the ball to players I believe are simply better. Draft a young RB for depth (Cowboys RB's in 4th round have worked out pretty well so far).

5) Keep Roy Williams, but open up the 2nd WR job for competition with Ogletree. I expect Roy to win that battle. I think his production improves (it better) in 2010. If Ogletree wins the battle, then RW has to go (I doubt that happens).

6) I should have put this #1.....sign Austin to a long term deal. Lock up at least one of the 3 RFA DE's (2 if the price is right).

One final note.....I'm not against adding a MLB early in the draft to groom as Brookings replacement, but I'm not sure how the coaches feel about Jason Williams. Obviously, no one wants Dallas to totally lock in on one position and forget about BPA.

 

[rockj7]

Not having labor peace is never good, but if no agreement is in place before 03/05, Dallas dodges a major bullet with Miles Austin in addition to likely having the DL raided (Spears, Hatcher, Bowen). Since Dallas is not going to have many holes to fill, next years team should be even better, at least on paper. I'd like to see the Cowboys do the following:

1) OL: Draft at least 2 OL in the first 4 rounds to replace Proctor and Holland. Dallas has Free ready to go and Brewster developing already. I don't see a reason to cut a veteran like Flo, Columbo or Kosier. If somone beats them out, great. But depth on the OL is important.

2) Draft a playmaking safety in the first two rounds. Hope he can beat out Hamlin eventually. But FS is Hamliin's gig for next year IMO unless JJ wants to splurge on Sharper. Can't trust a rookie at FS while making a SB run.

3) Sign a proven vet kicker we can count on. Dallas can sign as many FA's it wants for less than $3.7 Mil the first year I believe. No kicker is getting more than that. I know it backfired before, but I just don't see Dallas chancing it with Folk or a rookie. I vote for Janikowski. Not sure what this would mean for Buehler, but I would still keep him myself if he's better at kickoffs than Jano.

4) Cut Barber. This might not be popular and I really like the guy, but Jones and Choice need the carries and after two injury prone seasons I'm afraid we've seen the best of Marion's career. If Dallas keeps him I hope he proves me wrong, but this the perfect opportunity to dispose of a bad contract while getting the ball to players I believe are simply better. Draft a young RB for depth (Cowboys RB's in 4th round have worked out pretty well so far).

5) Keep Roy Williams, but open up the 2nd WR job for competition with Ogletree. I expect Roy to win that battle. I think his production improves (it better) in 2010. If Ogletree wins the battle, then RW has to go (I doubt that happens).

6) I should have put this #1.....sign Austin to a long term deal. Lock up at least one of the 3 RFA DE's (2 if the price is right).

One final note.....I'm not against adding a MLB early in the draft to groom as Brookings replacement, but I'm not sure how the coaches feel about Jason Williams. Obviously, no one wants Dallas to totally lock in on one position and forget about BPA.

I thought J Willams was Brookings future replacement

 

[noletime95]

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I thought J Willams was Brookings future replacement

Maybe....worst case is he's Carpenters replacement in 2011.

 

[casmith07]

1. I agre wholeheartedy. I hope they are able to get Iutapi.

2. Disagree. We've got the tools there, Alan Ball just needs to be given the opportunity to play. We didn't see barely any of Michael Hamlin due to injury either.

3. No to Janikowski. Just make it an open tryout. Matt Stover will probably stop by, bring back Nick Folk, and tell Buehler to get his FG skills ready for camp. Option 1 is obviously coaching and working with what's already on the roster in Buehler.

4. I agree.

5. Disagree. Ray Sherman said Ogletree is not ready for the big time, and if Ray Sherman says it then I believe it based on his production with Miles Austin. I do, however, think that it should be open to whomever to claim, and I think that Sam Hurd would make it a tough race.

6. Agree.

Final Note: There are many other needs on this team before MLB. Keith Brooking has been outstanding on the first two downs and if it weren't for his age probably wouldn't even come out on 3rd downs either. Unless Carpenter learns how to hit in the offseason, then we'll need someone else as a nickel linebacker and once again I'd rather work with what's on the roster rather than create a logjam at the position. My gut feeling tells me Carpenter isn't going anywhere this year and might be here longer than we would like based on the uncapped year.

 

[noletime95]

1. I agre wholeheartedy. I hope they are able to get Iutapi.

2. Disagree. We've got the tools there, Alan Ball just needs to be given the opportunity to play. We didn't see barely any of Michael Hamlin due to injury either.

3. No to Janikowski. Just make it an open tryout. Matt Stover will probably stop by, bring back Nick Folk, and tell Buehler to get his FG skills ready for camp. Option 1 is obviously coaching and working with what's already on the roster in Buehler.

4. I agree.

5. Disagree. Ray Sherman said Ogletree is not ready for the big time, and if Ray Sherman says it then I believe it based on his production with Miles Austin. I do, however, think that it should be open to whomever to claim, and I think that Sam Hurd would make it a tough race.

6. Agree.

Final Note: There are many other needs on this team before MLB. Keith Brooking has been outstanding on the first two downs and if it weren't for his age probably wouldn't even come out on 3rd downs either. Unless Carpenter learns how to hit in the offseason, then we'll need someone else as a nickel linebacker and once again I'd rather work with what's on the roster rather than create a logjam at the position. My gut feeling tells me Carpenter isn't going anywhere this year and might be here longer than we would like based on the uncapped year.

Thanks for the response.....I forgot about Hamlin.....I might re-think #2. But the MLB's are old. Gotta be ready to pass the torch. I think Brooking has another year left in him, but that might be it.

Oh yea....why not spend some $$$$ with the SB in Dallas when K is clearly a question mark? Seems like a no brainer gap to fill IMO. Don't take a risk.

 

[Eskimo]

5. Disagree. Ray Sherman said Ogletree is not ready for the big time, and if Ray Sherman says it then I believe it based on his production with Miles Austin. I do, however, think that it should be open to whomever to claim, and I think that Sam Hurd would make it a tough race.

Jones and Romo like him so he is definitely part of our future. I think Sherman's comments were in regards to the 2009 season, not the 2010 season. Let's not make predictions before seeing what growth he may show over the offfseason. Most football players improve most between their rookie and sophomore seasons.

My guess is RW11 starts but doesn't finish the year as the starter.

 

[TellerMorrow34]

Not having labor peace is never good, but if no agreement is in place before 03/05, Dallas dodges a major bullet with Miles Austin in addition to likely having the DL raided (Spears, Hatcher, Bowen). Since Dallas is not going to have many holes to fill, next years team should be even better, at least on paper. I'd like to see the Cowboys do the following:

1) OL: Draft at least 2 OL in the first 4 rounds to replace Proctor and Holland. Dallas has Free ready to go and Brewster developing already. I don't see a reason to cut a veteran like Flo, Columbo or Kosier. If somone beats them out, great. But depth on the OL is important.

2) Draft a playmaking safety in the first two rounds. Hope he can beat out Hamlin eventually. But FS is Hamliin's gig for next year IMO unless JJ wants to splurge on Sharper. Can't trust a rookie at FS while making a SB run.

3) Sign a proven vet kicker we can count on. Dallas can sign as many FA's it wants for less than $3.7 Mil the first year I believe. No kicker is getting more than that. I know it backfired before, but I just don't see Dallas chancing it with Folk or a rookie. I vote for Janikowski. Not sure what this would mean for Buehler, but I would still keep him myself if he's better at kickoffs than Jano.

4) Cut Barber. This might not be popular and I really like the guy, but Jones and Choice need the carries and after two injury prone seasons I'm afraid we've seen the best of Marion's career. If Dallas keeps him I hope he proves me wrong, but this the perfect opportunity to dispose of a bad contract while getting the ball to players I believe are simply better. Draft a young RB for depth (Cowboys RB's in 4th round have worked out pretty well so far).

5) Keep Roy Williams, but open up the 2nd WR job for competition with Ogletree. I expect Roy to win that battle. I think his production improves (it better) in 2010. If Ogletree wins the battle, then RW has to go (I doubt that happens).

6) I should have put this #1.....sign Austin to a long term deal. Lock up at least one of the 3 RFA DE's (2 if the price is right).

One final note.....I'm not against adding a MLB early in the draft to groom as Brookings replacement, but I'm not sure how the coaches feel about Jason Williams. Obviously, no one wants Dallas to totally lock in on one position and forget about BPA.

I have no issue with any of this except the cutting of Barber. I'm sorry, I'm a huge fan and thus bias here, but I don't want us getting rid of any of our three backs.

 

[Hoofbite]

Jones and Romo like him so he is definitely part of our future. I think Sherman's comments were in regards to the 2009 season, not the 2010 season. Let's not make predictions before seeing what growth he may show over the offfseason. Most football players improve most between their rookie and sophomore seasons.

My guess is RW11 starts but doesn't finish the year as the starter.

I thought Sherman's comments were pretty standard.

Just keeping a player from buying into the hype.

 

[Dodger]

1. I agree. I think the offensive line needs some serious infusion of young talent.

2. I actually agree with this as well. Personally, I don't think the safety position in Dallas has been taken seriously over the past several years. Guys that are "okay" safeties just aren't good enough.

What these guys are asked to do makes them, I think, as important as just about any player. We want guys who are sure tacklers but can also cover receivers one-on-one. That's a lot to ask of a player, and in the pass-happy NFL of today, some of these guys need to be as good as a corner in coverage. The better safeties you have, the more flexibility you have on defense.

Who knows about the young guys we have now. Ball? Hamlin? Eh...maybe, but neither were considered stud safeties entering the draft. If they develop into good players, fine, but what I want to see on the roster is an elite safety, one acquired via the draft if possible. Dallas really needs to make this position a priority. I think it's that important.

3. I'd really like to see Bueller develop into a good kicker. Outside of that, just find one that doesn't loose it. How hard can this be?

4. I'm torn about Barber. I'd like the Cowboys to keep him, but I too am somewhat worried about his health.

5. Definately. I'm pretty much against giving a guy the job just because. The better players should play. Period. And if any of our receivers can produce better than Roy Williams, then Roy should move down on the depth chart.

6. Is there any doubt that Austin is for real? I think they might franchise him, though, just to be sure, but yeah, after next year lock him up.

 

[Idgit]

Good OP, noletime. Don't have big issues with any of it, though I'd hold Barber for another season and don't want to bring in a drunk like Janikowski.

5. Disagree. Ray Sherman said Ogletree is not ready for the big time, and if Ray Sherman says it then I believe it based on his production with Miles Austin. I do, however, think that it should be open to whomever to claim, and I think that Sam Hurd would make it a tough race.

Jones and Romo like him so he is definitely part of our future. I think Sherman's comments were in regards to the 2009 season, not the 2010 season. Let's not make predictions before seeing what growth he may show over the offfseason. Most football players improve most between their rookie and sophomore seasons.

My guess is RW11 starts but doesn't finish the year as the starter.

+1 for Eskimo. Sherman's comments were actually about this offseason, but it was clear from context that he does think Ogletree can get ready for the big time by working really, really hard this offseason. RW will at least begin the season as a starter, but he's going to lose snaps next year to Ogletree and may even have to fend him off for the starting position by the end of the season.

 

[LittleBoyBlue]

I have no issue with any of this except the cutting of Barber. I'm sorry, I'm a huge fan and thus bias here, but I don't want us getting rid of any of our three backs.

Agreed.

I think we have the perfect trifecta of backs. We just dont use them correctly.

I put this in another thread.


Felix and Choice alt carries as starters
Barber the closer. As it should be.


It doesnt take a rocket scientist to see that Barber lost his EFFECTIVENESS, ( I saw effectiveness because he was about quality carries and TD's NOT about quality of carries). We can have that again.


Because he gets paid so much by Jerry, Jerry dictates his playing time. That is unfortunate.

 

[noletime95]

Agreed.

I think we have the perfect trifecta of backs. We just dont use them correctly.

I put this in another thread.


Felix and Choice alt carries as starters
Barber the closer. As it should be.


It doesnt take a rocket scientist to see that Barber lost his EFFECTIVENESS, ( I saw effectiveness because he was about quality carries and TD's NOT about quality of carries). We can have that again.


Because he gets paid so much by Jerry, Jerry dictates his playing time. That is unfortunate.

I would be fine with Barber in a closer's role if he'd take a paycut. I'm working under the assumption that 2010 will be uncapped. The nice thing about cutting Barber is not taking the cap hit for that huge bonus he got two years ago. Of cource, I'm assuming there will be some form of cap once the CBA is renegotiated.

 

[LittleBoyBlue]

I have no issue with any of this except the cutting of Barber. I'm sorry, I'm a huge fan and thus bias here, but I don't want us getting rid of any of our three backs.

I would be fine with Barber in a closer's role if he'd take a paycut. I'm working under the assumption that 2010 will be uncapped. The nice thing about cutting Barber is not taking the cap hit for that huge bonus he got two years ago. Of cource, I'm assuming there will be some form of cap once the CBA is renegotiated.

I dont get into the money but if I did. Barber was producing double digit TD's and punishing defenses into submission - that is what he should be doing again and leave the money alone.

 

[burmafrd]

Barber has not been healthy or a real banger for two years. I think the boys need to look real hard at him during camp.

 

[Bluefin]

I would be fine with Barber in a closer's role if he'd take a paycut.

I'm fine with him in that role no matter his salary.

All I want MB3 to do is score red zone touchdowns and help close out games in the fourth quarter.

 

[JBS]

I would swap 1 and 2..I might be in the minority but I believe a playmaking, ball hawking safety is this teams most pressing need..Followed closely by Oline depth..

 

[sonnyboy]

Not having labor peace is never good, but if no agreement is in place before 03/05, Dallas dodges a major bullet with Miles Austin in addition to likely having the DL raided (Spears, Hatcher, Bowen). Since Dallas is not going to have many holes to fill, next years team should be even better, at least on paper. I'd like to see the Cowboys do the following:

1) OL: Draft at least 2 OL in the first 4 rounds to replace Proctor and Holland. Dallas has Free ready to go and Brewster developing already. I don't see a reason to cut a veteran like Flo, Columbo or Kosier. If somone beats them out, great. But depth on the OL is important.

2) Draft a playmaking safety in the first two rounds. Hope he can beat out Hamlin eventually. But FS is Hamliin's gig for next year IMO unless JJ wants to splurge on Sharper. Can't trust a rookie at FS while making a SB run.

3) Sign a proven vet kicker we can count on. Dallas can sign as many FA's it wants for less than $3.7 Mil the first year I believe. No kicker is getting more than that. I know it backfired before, but I just don't see Dallas chancing it with Folk or a rookie. I vote for Janikowski. Not sure what this would mean for Buehler, but I would still keep him myself if he's better at kickoffs than Jano.

4) Cut Barber. This might not be popular and I really like the guy, but Jones and Choice need the carries and after two injury prone seasons I'm afraid we've seen the best of Marion's career. If Dallas keeps him I hope he proves me wrong, but this the perfect opportunity to dispose of a bad contract while getting the ball to players I believe are simply better. Draft a young RB for depth (Cowboys RB's in 4th round have worked out pretty well so far).

5) Keep Roy Williams, but open up the 2nd WR job for competition with Ogletree. I expect Roy to win that battle. I think his production improves (it better) in 2010. If Ogletree wins the battle, then RW has to go (I doubt that happens).

6) I should have put this #1.....sign Austin to a long term deal. Lock up at least one of the 3 RFA DE's (2 if the price is right).

One final note.....I'm not against adding a MLB early in the draft to groom as Brookings replacement, but I'm not sure how the coaches feel about Jason Williams. Obviously, no one wants Dallas to totally lock in on one position and forget about BPA.

Good post and plan.

I think Ogletree will win a starting spot for 2010.

Williams and Barber need to stay in 2010. I have a plan for them that's a little out of the box, but really makes the most sense for everyone involved.

We need to tear up their deals and give them new 2 year deals for 2010 and 2011. Make sure they receive almost the same comp in 2010 (could be a negotiated issue) and a salary in 2011 similar to what they were getting on the present deal.
The rational or benefit here is to remove any cap liability in 2011 for either player.
Pay them what they were going to make anyway in 2010 and give them a chance to prove their worth.
If neither player plays to their salary, they can be released after the 2010 with no impact on the 2011 cap we'll probably have.

 

[Eskimo]

Good post and plan.

I think Ogletree will win a starting spot for 2010.

Williams and Barber need to stay in 2010. I have a plan for them that's a little out of the box, but really makes the most sense for everyone involved.

We need to tear up their deals and give them new 2 year deals for 2010 and 2011. Make sure they receive almost the same comp in 2010 (could be a negotiated issue) and a salary in 2011 similar to what they were getting on the present deal.
The rational or benefit here is to remove any cap liability in 2011 for either player.
Pay them what they were going to make anyway in 2010 and give them a chance to prove their worth.
If neither player plays to their salary, they can be released after the 2010 with no impact on the 2011 cap we'll probably have.

I think the intent in the new CBA will be to prevent such cap shenanigans from paying off for future years. Adam wrote about it 2 or so weeks ago.

 

[lockster]

Never thought I'd ever ever ever say this, but I do see a spot for Carpenter staying this year, since we have no one for that role right now. Pinch me, did I just say we need to keep Carp!!???