PFW - Dallas Free Agent Report

[jimmy4713]

It is nice to have guys who actually deserve a raise and to be resigned.

 

[YosemiteSam]

This board was aghast at the Cowboys cutting Aaron Glenn... well guess what? I think Jerry has learned his lesson about hanging onto guys past their prime and paying them huge dollars.

Look for some vets to either be cut or allowed to leave via FA.

Adams
Ferguson
T. Glenn

All three have questionable futures with the Cowboys in my opinion.

If Terry Glenn doesn't make it back this season, consider him gone. He got his $5 signing bonus this year. Next year he will earn about $1.7M, $2M in '09, and $4.95M in 2010. I suspect if he can't make it back this season, the Cowboys will use his $1.7M next season on a new receiver or resigning Crayton which I'm not so sure they are going to do as he is going to want to get paid more than he is worth I'm sure.

Ferguson on the other hand had an $8.125 signing bonus and will make $4M in base salary over the next two years. I'm not a cap guru, but if you cut him, that bonus gets piled on now rather than over the next few years though you will save the $4M in annual salary. If Tank plays well, and you resign Ratliff to a long term deal, you can let Ferguson go.

As for Flozell Adams. Franchising him will cost around $8M non-exclusive (approx-a-guessing based on Google search) franchise tag and $10-$11M for an exclusive franchise tag. No way the Cowboys exclusive tag him.

 

[big dog cowboy]

Adams
Ferguson
T. Glenn

Three non-Cowboys in 2008.

Book it!

 

[MichaelWinicki]

Yeah, I agree on Flozell. No way do we place the exclusive franchise tag on him.

 

[GhettoxCowboy]

Three non-Cowboys in 2008.

Book it!

I want Glenn back!!

 

[dogunwo]

Because at some point we're going to have to. Every team does. Aging players, roster limits and the cap ceiling "mandates" it. We tried that "hangyon" thing with old players from 1996 till 2000 and we crashed and burned.

Regardless of what the Eagles are doing this year, they've done it right as far as moving older players along to make room for younger and less expensive players.

This board was aghast at the Cowboys cutting Aaron Glenn... well guess what? I think Jerry has learned his lesson about hanging onto guys past their prime and paying them huge dollars.

Look for some vets to either be cut or allowed to leave via FA.

Adams
Ferguson
T. Glenn

All three have questionable futures with the Cowboys in my opinion.

I think even Flozell Adams knows that if he is looking for another big payday, his days in Dallas are done. We have been grooming McQuistan for two seasons, next year when need to see if he could play.

 

[MichaelWinicki]

I think even Flozell Adams knows that if he is looking for another big payday, his days in Dallas are done. We have been grooming McQuistan for two seasons, next year when need to see if he could play.

Exactly.

You can't "fall in love" with these players. The cap just won't allow it. And really you do have to be cognizant of the age thing. We've been burned more often than not by resigning guys over the age of 30 to big contracts...

Aikman
Irvin
Smith
Allen
Woodson
Rivera

Now Ferguson has taken a dump on us.

And do you risk losing McQ or retarding the progress of Free just to hold on to Adams?

The "fan" of me might say, "Yes". The business side of me says, "No".

McQ has looked good in the two preasons where he's gotten a chance to play and I thought Free's footwork was terrific.

If Adams wants a "mint" then I'd let him walk and use the money to extend Newman and Ware.

 

[LarryCanadian]

Huge risk for a team thinking a SuperBowl window for the next couple of years to go with a brand new LT.

In the prior cases of signing aging stars over 30 to long term deals, we were at the end of the dynasty years. I consider that different. Flo's play indicates he is capable of playing at a high level still, actually playing better this year than the prior 2 years most would agree.

I say TRY to sign him for a couple more years at high money, maybe he'd even go for 1 year big paycheque. It's not the short term high price deals that kill your cap, it's the long term deals with the massive bonus PLUS salary that kill you, especially when the player is hurt (as was case with Aikman, Woodson, Rivera, Irvin, now Ferguson) or just sucks (Wiley?).

In Flo's case we would be signing a known quality not a new dude FA who may or may not suck and "well the other team let him go for a reason". In Flo's case, how many other teams in the league are going to say, "well the Cowboys let him go for a reason" other than monetary?

Our team is relatively young except for a couple of spots. At start of season I thought I heard 3rd youngest starting lineup in league (without Glenn and Ferg that made sense).

I like McQuistan and Free (Marten didn't see enough of) but really what have they done to prove they can play at a Super Bowl team type level? Remember that is the goal now, not rebuilding like it has been for last 10 years. We want to win now!

I still say, if you are going to overpay a position, resign your own Left Tackle that is keeping your new franchise QB alive! Doesn't anyone remember Tucker, Petiti, and the host of other faces at tackle and how good we looked then?

It's a big risk. And putting Leonard out there would just eliminate all the gains we made this year by adding him at guard, and bring back all his shortcomings as a tackle again.

Larry

 

[LarryCanadian]

Couple of other things to think about. We haven't been the Dallas Cowboys of old in terms of Cap play, nor are we the Washington Commanders of the last 6 years. Our Cap situation is very good. Ask AdamJT13.

We do have a number of good players to sign true, and yes, younger stars are better, but if we sign one oldie, it should be the Left Tackle, not another WR.

The CAP is estimated to continue to rise by leaps and bounds if rumors are correct and revenues continue to be super for the league.

Again, we are hoping to win NOW, not rebuild, nor train 2 new offensive tackles while trying to win the Super Bowl.

Is Columbo signed through next season? I could see him go after next year with McQuistan or Free starting. They need to earn the spots. Heck if we are super lucky and have a couple game lead at end of season I see let the rookies play and see what they've got. We need a bit more info before saying we can plug them in without a massive drop off in play.

Larry

 

[yesfan]

This O-line has played well together and will only get better.
I can't believe they would let someone go.If it ain't broke...
Let the young players back them up and earn the spot.

 

[MichaelWinicki]

Huge risk for a team thinking a SuperBowl window for the next couple of years to go with a brand new LT.

In the prior cases of signing aging stars over 30 to long term deals, we were at the end of the dynasty years. I consider that different. Flo's play indicates he is capable of playing at a high level still, actually playing better this year than the prior 2 years most would agree.

I say TRY to sign him for a couple more years at high money, maybe he'd even go for 1 year big paycheque. It's not the short term high price deals that kill your cap, it's the long term deals with the massive bonus PLUS salary that kill you, especially when the player is hurt (as was case with Aikman, Woodson, Rivera, Irvin, now Ferguson) or just sucks (Wiley?).

In Flo's case we would be signing a known quality not a new dude FA who may or may not suck and "well the other team let him go for a reason". In Flo's case, how many other teams in the league are going to say, "well the Cowboys let him go for a reason" other than monetary?

Our team is relatively young except for a couple of spots. At start of season I thought I heard 3rd youngest starting lineup in league (without Glenn and Ferg that made sense).

I like McQuistan and Free (Marten didn't see enough of) but really what have they done to prove they can play at a Super Bowl team type level? Remember that is the goal now, not rebuilding like it has been for last 10 years. We want to win now!

I still say, if you are going to overpay a position, resign your own Left Tackle that is keeping your new franchise QB alive! Doesn't anyone remember Tucker, Petiti, and the host of other faces at tackle and how good we looked then?

It's a big risk. And putting Leonard out there would just eliminate all the gains we made this year by adding him at guard, and bring back all his shortcomings as a tackle again.

Larry

Granted Larry there is always pressure to win "now" but if the NFL has proven one thing it has proven that a long-term plan such as the Eagles, Steelers and Patriots have shown is the way to go.

Yeah, I want to win now but I want to win 5 years from now too... just like the old Cowboy teams.

And if you do not trust your scouting department to find quality prospects then you're dead in the water, which I don't think is the case here.

McQ has looked good and Free showed very good footwork in the preseason.

So just avert your eyes and let the young guys play.

 

[Dallas]

Crayton reminds me of Alvin Harper in this situation. Crayton is a better all around WR than Harper. Dont' get me wrong. What I find common of these 2 individuals is the person.

Look how much Crayton is talking in the news and on the sports shows. Look how much he is putting his face out there.

That just tells me he is looking to get paid and paid big next year.

Yeah I am Patrick Crayton. Remember me? Give me the money. There is nothing wrong with that. BUT !!

We all know how Harper turned out when he lost is Irvin. Think Crayton could do what he does so well w/o Witten and Owens?

I bet we lose him tho. I am ok w/ that. I think Stanbeck and Hurd will turn out well enough to replace him.

Mmmmmmhmmmm think on that.

 

[stealth]

harper was fast as all hell, thats what made him valuable with irvin on the other side of him. Crayton is all hands with pretty decent route running and good improv skills, which are valuable with Romo as our QB. Good hands are good hands, no matter where he ends up he will end up better than alvin ever did.

every time I think about alvin harper I think about the XFL

 

[JPostSam]

i see dallas trying to re-sign both barber and julius, probably to pretty similar numbers. with tyson thompson likely on his way out, i can't imagine dallas would keep only barber OR julius and then have to go find TWO running backs.

 

[2much2soon]

And if you do not trust your scouting department to find quality prospects then you're dead in the water, which I don't think is the case here.

But why (in essence) tell your scouting dept that "we have a guy playing at an all-pro level and just stoning some of the best DE's in the game, but we want you to go find someone younger and cheaper. And you have to have them in here and ready to perform just like the guy they replace, by the start of next season. Or we risk getting our franchise QB killed on his blindside."

Don't ride Flo until he is broken down and ineffective like LA or Emmitt. But when he can't shut down a Cole or Usi anymore get him off the field and then have someone else ready.

 

[FuzzyLumpkins]

Granted Larry there is always pressure to win "now" but if the NFL has proven one thing it has proven that a long-term plan such as the Eagles, Steelers and Patriots have shown is the way to go.

Yeah, I want to win now but I want to win 5 years from now too... just like the old Cowboy teams.

And if you do not trust your scouting department to find quality prospects then you're dead in the water, which I don't think is the case here.

McQ has looked good and Free showed very good footwork in the preseason.

So just avert your eyes and let the young guys play.

The thing is that Adams is right in as a tweener in terms of what i would consider prudent judgements in concern to contracts to players concerning age.

I do not think its overly liberal to think that Adams will play at a high level for the next year or two. Two years from now he will be 34 and at that point I also find it reasonable to consider that his play will decline. If Adams is willing to sign a two year deal you do that in a heartbeat.

Adams plays at LT and is in the discussion for the top LT in the NFC. if it wasnt for his penchant for false starts i would think he would be in the discussion for tops in the NFL.

The issue is that more than likely he is going to want a 3 or maybe even 4 year deal wihich would mean that he would be signed through the age of 36 and the requisite signing bonus.

In my mind its not about whether we should or should not attempt to resign him. To me the answer to that is clear. If someone offers him a 4 year deal then its time to say goodbye but its that three year deal that makes me sit back and think.

that would see him signed through 35 and I guess the question at that point is whether or not that is too long.

Here is the real question though. What about if by that third year we move him out to LT and dispense with Columbo. Adams is good at LT but he would be just as good or better than Columbo at RT. Columbo is a bit too inconsistent for my taste even though i love his tenacity.

For example i wouldnt mind seeing a line of

Free Kosier Gurode Bigg Adams

over a line of

Free Kosier Gurode Bigg Columbo

much much over a line of

Bigg Kosier Gurode Proctor/draftee Columbo

To put things in perspective the Eagles signed Jon Runyan who was 33 at the time to a 3 year $12.5 contract before last year. if we can get Adams to sign something like that I do it every day of the week and twice on Sundays.

 

[VCDefectors]

Team officials won’t say it, but they view Barber as the future at the position.

I just love how some of these media outlets can read the minds of the Cowboys organization. What special powers they have!!

Why not just say, "From Barber's performance this year, it's hard to imagine him going anywhere. We believe that he is more likely to remain in the Cowboys future plans than Julius Jones."?

 

[MichaelWinicki]

The thing is that Adams is right in as a tweener in terms of what i would consider prudent judgements in concern to contracts to players concerning age.

I do not think its overly liberal to think that Adams will play at a high level for the next year or two. Two years from now he will be 34 and at that point I also find it reasonable to consider that his play will decline. If Adams is willing to sign a two year deal you do that in a heartbeat.

Adams plays at LT and is in the discussion for the top LT in the NFC. if it wasnt for his penchant for false starts i would think he would be in the discussion for tops in the NFL.

The issue is that more than likely he is going to want a 3 or maybe even 4 year deal wihich would mean that he would be signed through the age of 36 and the requisite signing bonus.

In my mind its not about whether we should or should not attempt to resign him. To me the answer to that is clear. If someone offers him a 4 year deal then its time to say goodbye but its that three year deal that makes me sit back and think.

that would see him signed through 35 and I guess the question at that point is whether or not that is too long.

Here is the real question though. What about if by that third year we move him out to LT and dispense with Columbo. Adams is good at LT but he would be just as good or better than Columbo at RT. Columbo is a bit too inconsistent for my taste even though i love his tenacity.

For example i wouldnt mind seeing a line of

Free Kosier Gurode Bigg Adams

over a line of

Free Kosier Gurode Bigg Columbo

much much over a line of

Bigg Kosier Gurode Proctor/draftee Columbo

To put things in perspective the Eagles signed Jon Runyan who was 33 at the time to a 3 year $12.5 contract before last year. if we can get Adams to sign something like that I do it every day of the week and twice on Sundays.

I'm in full agreement with your post Fuzzy. If we could get Adams to sign a 3-year deal that wasn't ridiculous I'd say go for it! Heck, I'd even consider 3 years for $18 mil, including a $6 mil signing bonus.

But my gut feeling is that he's going to hold out for BIGG money and some fool team will offer it.

 

[Hoofbite]

I just love how some of these media outlets can read the minds of the Cowboys organization. What special powers they have!!

Why not just say, "From Barber's performance this year, it's hard to imagine him going anywhere. We believe that he is more likely to remain in the Cowboys future plans than Julius Jones."?

Do you think otherwise? And its been a lot more then just this year.

I wish Julius well and wouldn't mind keeping him because the running game as a whole is working but at the same time, Julius isn't impressive at all. The quickest way to make Dallas' running game dominant is to get a back to compliment Barber.

 

[JackMagist]

Lots of magic to be worked by Jerry to hold things together. I would like Flo to stay for at least another year to give Free time to develop. I believe McQuistan will replace Kosier and I just hope we can hang on to Colombo, but I have a feeling he will leave for greener (pun intented) pastures.

I believe he is right about Ware. Redoing his contract now, will help offset some of the damage later.

Alot of these guys seem like they are the type of players that would give up alittle money to win. Of course you are dreaming to believe they all would do it.

Canty, Crayton, and Colombo are the most likely to me to leave for more money. Canty is a RFA, but if you only tender him, someone will probably go after him and poison pill his contract. (They should outlaw that garbage by requiring any guaranteed money in the contract to be paid by the offerer of the contract)

We have Colombo through 2008. He could have bolted for greener pastures this year but chose to stay with the Boys to show thanks for the opportunity we gave him when we pulled him off the slag heap. Of course after next season we will have to cough up the bucks to keep him but that is a next year problem. As for Kosier we have him for another 2 years (or is it three?). He came here on a 5 year deal. Neither of those guys are an immediate problem.

Our only immediate concern at OL is Flo and we have to determine if McQ is ready to take that spot. I don't want to have to count on Free with his injury history in college and in TC this year so I'm thinking we need to get Flo re-signed if we can get him on a two or three year deal.

Julius is history with the other priorities that we have and I don't see Thompson sticking around next year either. Therefore I think we make Barber a priority and try to bolster the position in the draft...maybe as high as the 2nd or 3rd round.

I just don't see us letting Canty go. He has been a bargain for us and we will pony up the cash to keep him around. I just don't see it any other way.

Crayton is just too valuable to us to let him walk. He is a proven player now and it will cost us some money to keep him but I think he will get Terry Glenn's money next year and Glenn will be gone. WR is another position that I see us trying to bolster in the draft...probably with one of our 1st round picks with an eye to the future.

We will likely make the play to keep Reeves. He did a good job filling in for both Newman and Henry and with them both getting older and Henry's injury history we will need a proven backup and 3rd CB. We may let Nate Jones go and try to plan for the future with a 1st round CB in the draft.