No need to go after top guys in free agency

[Dave_in-NC]

Does anyone think Lawrence will amount to anything???

I do, small sample size but he produced.

 

[Stash]

Not that I necessarily think we can, but really I believe this is a year where it isn't going to pay to go after the very top guys (Suh, maybe Hughes and Hardy, etc.) in free agency and instead go after those second tier guys who are quite deep and could improve our defense a great deal. Guys who I think fit this bill would be guys like Sheard, McPhee, Graham, and Orakpo (if his number goes down because of injury history enough) at DE, Odrick and maybe Thornton (I am a firm believer that we need a good run stuffer at DT) at DT, guys like were on our team last year at LB, and guys like Maxwell and Culliver at CB. In short... don't go after the top tier guys that cost an arm and a leg (sometimes two) go after the YOUNG second tier guys who will improve our defense, and allow us to go BPA in the draft.

I'll respectfully and completely disagree with this.

You buy mid-tier players, you get mid-tier results.

A pass rusher like Hardy is a game-changer who will be the focal point of opposing offenses and he will not only get double-digit sacks, he'll allow other defenders to prosper with less attention too.

A Jabaal Sheard might be an improvement over George Selvie, but he won't be the difference-maker that helps get this defense to a championship level.

The pressure a guy like Hardy brings makes every area of the defense better - linemen, linebackers, and secondary. The biggest weakness on this defense is far and away the lack of pass rush. I would do everything and anything I could to bring in the player who has the best chance to change that.

 

[Dave_in-NC]

I'll respectfully and completely disagree with this.

You buy mid-tier players, you get mid-tier results.

A pass rusher like Hardy is a game-changer who will be the focal point of opposing offenses and he will not only get double-digit sacks, he'll allow other defenders to prosper with less attention too.

A Jabaal Sheard might be an improvement over George Selvie, but he won't be the difference-maker that helps get this defense to a championship level.

The pressure a guy like Hardy brings makes every area of the defense better - linemen, linebackers, and secondary. The biggest weakness on this defense is far and away the lack of pass rush. I would do everything and anything I could to bring in the player who has the best chance to change that.

I'm for any one who could help make us look like we have a secondary. Hardy is just that guy. If we signed him and some how stayed healthy at LB
we would make giant steps in not just helping the secondary but offense to.

 

[Stash]

I'm for any one who could help make us look like we have a secondary. Hardy is just that guy. If we signed him and some how stayed healthy at LB
we would make giant steps in not just helping the secondary but offense to.

Exactly. And it could make the difference between getting to Aaron Rodgers and him having all day to throw.

I make one serious financial investment in the defense and get the top pass rusher available.

And not only does it tremendously help the defense, it truly allows you the option to draft the best player available.

I know the cost will be high, but I feel the potential rewards can be even higher.

 

[endersdragon]

Okay so how are you guys going to pay for Hardy. He's probably going to be looking at around $10 million a year or more (if Ware got that much, you can bet Hardy will too), where do we get that kind of money?

 

[egn22]

I say sign a guy like Sheard, and draft a powerful 1 tech to replace Hayden. That would most likely net us BPA in the first and upgrade our line significantly

 

[DoctorChicken]

Okay so how are you guys going to pay for Hardy. He's probably going to be looking at around $10 million a year or more (if Ware got that much, you can bet Hardy will too), where do we get that kind of money?

1 - Don't pay Murray. Go younger and cheaper.

2 - Restructure Smith's contract, which is a contract that is designed to be restructured.

3 - Get Carr to take a pay cut, or make him a June 1st cut. I assume he'll take a pay cut.

 

[visionary]

Give me McCourty and Hardy/sheard and a half way decent DT in order of priority

This is because McCourty is a very very good player at a position of need and pretty much the only true option at FS whereas there are several options in FA and draft at DE and DT

 

[Stash]

Okay so how are you guys going to pay for Hardy. He's probably going to be looking at around $10 million a year or more (if Ware got that much, you can bet Hardy will too), where do we get that kind of money?

Reworking existing contracts like Tyron Smith and Romo.

And there is also some money to be saved by reworking Carr's existing deal too.

This team falls from contender status once Romo retires anyway, why not do everything to increase your chances of winning it all now while he's still here?

 

[JoeBoBBY]

I certainly do. He just needs an offseason and some gametime to improve, not to mention a consistent 3 tech next to him will help.

yeah, those last few games he started to show signs of life. He still looks very very raw. But, with more time, more reps, practice, experience I think he can develop into what the Cowboys saw in him.....

I remember watching Bobby Carpenter in pre season and just knew he was too slow and it was a bust.... I have the exact opposite opinion of Lawrence.

 

[endersdragon]

1 - Don't pay Murray. Go younger and cheaper.

2 - Restructure Smith's contract, which is a contract that is designed to be restructured.

3 - Get Carr to take a pay cut, or make him a June 1st cut. I assume he'll take a pay cut.

Still doesn't give us that kindof money, not if we want to resign anyone else. Toss Romo's contract into it as well and maybe... but then we are just screwing ourselves down the road and knowing our luck Hardy will just get suspended again.

 

[endersdragon]

Reworking existing contracts like Tyron Smith and Romo.

And there is also some money to be saved by reworking Carr's existing deal too.

This team falls from contender status once Romo retires anyway, why not do everything to increase your chances of winning it all now while he's still here?

Just like the Packer's did after Favre left?

 

[DoctorChicken]

Just like the Packer's did after Favre left?

The Packers had Aaron Rodgers, a 1st round selection in the NFL draft waiting to take over when Favre left.

We have Brandon Weeden and Dustin Vaughn.

 

[Dave_in-NC]

The Packers had Aaron Rodgers, a 1st round selection in the NFL draft waiting to take over when Favre left.

We have Brandon Weeden and Dustin Vaughn.

That's just scary. Especially if Vaughn doesn't move to the number two spot this season.

 

[DoctorChicken]

That's just scary. Especially if Vaughn doesn't move to the number two spot this season.

I know the coaches like Vaughn. I'm eternally optimistic, and I hope he pans out, but the chances are slim.

 

[big dog cowboy]

Just like the Packer's did after Favre left?

Ever heard of Aaron Rodgers?

 

[JoeBoBBY]

The Packers had Aaron Rodgers, a 1st round selection in the NFL draft waiting to take over when Favre left.

We have Brandon Weeden and Dustin Vaughn.

And thats exactly what I want the Cowboy to do. This is a young team. Romo and witten will be gone 2 years? 3? ??? But the rest of the team is pretty good. Dez will still be here. That young offensive line will still be here. Ii would say most of the young guys on D will be here....? maybe.

How many years did Rodgers set the bench? Learning. Watching. Getting experience? Gaining confidence? before he took over for Favre? I remember he took over against us after Favre went down and damn near beat us after we had a decent lead..! I was glad we got out of that game only playing him for a half!!

Thats exactly what I want the Cowboys to do. Yes, it comes at a price. You lose that draft pick you couldve spent on the Defense.... But . I think its worth it. Especially now that Romo is older and the back siutation.... We need a good backup.

Go 13-3 in the regular season but lose the first playoff game becuase romo goes down in the first qrt,,,,,,yuck!

 

[ABQCOWBOY]

Okay so how are you guys going to pay for Hardy. He's probably going to be looking at around $10 million a year or more (if Ware got that much, you can bet Hardy will too), where do we get that kind of money?

I don't know how much he might get. I don't think you can say that he IS going to get that. Lets just see what he might cost. I think you can restructure Tyron. I think Carr takes a pay cut and I think you save money on Murray. I think Carter is probably gone. I think Spencer is gone if you bring in a guy like Hardy. I think you could get there.

 

[JoeBoBBY]

Exactly. And it could make the difference between getting to Aaron Rodgers and him having all day to throw.

I make one serious financial investment in the defense and get the top pass rusher available.

And not only does it tremendously help the defense, it truly allows you the option to draft the best player available.

I know the cost will be high, but I feel the potential rewards can be even higher.

I agree I dont think thats going "all in". We need some pass-rush.

 

[Stash]

Just like the Packer's did after Favre left?

So Brandon Weeden = Aaron Rodgers according to you? OK.....