Projecting Doug Free

[Verdict]

Free was the weak link on the OL this year. I think we can all agree with that. Even as the weak link some might argue that he was "good enough" even though he was somewhat marginal.

Having said that, if he could play at the same level as he did last year is that really "good enough". I foresee a significant drop off in Doug Free's ability level coming up in the immediate future based on his age and the dropoff we are already seeing.

Maybe he can be milked another year, but that's a risk in itself. I wouldn't want to put my eggs in his basket this year. Him as a backup might be ok.

 

[StarBoyz83]

I think Dallas has enough resources in the oline. They need to start pouring them into the defense. You don't need a great oline to win the sb.

 

[big dog cowboy]

 

[Verdict]

I think Dallas has enough resources in the oline. They need to start pouring them into the defense. You don't need a great oline to win the sb.

That's not really a direct reply to my original premise.

 

[StarBoyz83]

That's not really a direct reply to my original premise.

I think he's fine for another year or 2. Maybe green can move there after this year or they can grab a 4th or 5th rounder.

 

[Idgit]

With Free, the OL is the strength of the team. We're not losing games because of the OL. The RT debate is a giant distraction every offseason.

We're also not moving Collins to RT, which is another variation of this debate.

Sink the resources in the defense finally. It's way overdue.

 

[negativecreep]

If we are losing Leary (We are), I'm not comfortable losing Free as well, I don't trust Green staying healthy, and I don't want to put Dak in a bad spot.

 

[jobberone]

Free was the weak link on the OL this year. I think we can all agree with that. Even as the weak link some might argue that he was "good enough" even though he was somewhat marginal.

Having said that, if he could play at the same level as he did last year is that really "good enough". I foresee a significant drop off in Doug Free's ability level coming up in the immediate future based on his age and the dropoff we are already seeing.

Maybe he can be milked another year, but that's a risk in itself. I wouldn't want to put my eggs in his basket this year. Him as a backup might be ok.

I think there is a fair chance he will compete for RT/swing tackle. Depends on Green, draft and FA.

 

[RandyOh]

We have bigger needs then RT. between Free, Green, Cleary, and possibly a late round OT we should be able to keep RT patched up for a season. 2018 offseason is when i would look for the long term replacement. Especially if we go defense heavy with our early picks this year. Not saying im against taking an OT early this year if one drops into our lap though.

 

[Yakuza Rich]

Free is still a good run blocker. Pass pro-wise, you just never know what Doug Free is going to show up. And we may replace him with somebody better in pass pro, but inferior in run blocking.

I don't know why the team won't consider La'el Collins at RT. I love a lot of his drive blocking and his ability to pull and run, but I would like to keep Leary if we could.




YR

 

[Stash]

I don't see how you keep him at a $5 million price hike. Something's gotta give. I would open up the RT spot for all competition. Green, Collins, Cleary, whoever.

But I'm sure not paying this guy a total of $7.5 million for mediocre play.

 

[GhostOfPelluer]

I think Dallas has enough resources in the oline. They need to start pouring them into the defense. You don't need a great oline to win the sb.

I hope you're wrong about not needing a great oline to win the SB. Since that's where Dallas has spent an overwhelming amount of its resources in draft picks recently and cap money moving forward.

 

[StarBoyz83]

I hope you're wrong about not needing a great oline to win the SB. Since that's where Dallas has spent an overwhelming amount of its resources in draft picks recently and cap money moving forward.

I think it's good enough. The defense needs a lot of work. They don't need to have half of their cap into the oline alone.

 

[OldCoach]

If the Cowboys think there is a guy that is really good on the board in rounds 2-4, I say they take him. Free is good enough to get by no doubt. Once we have an impact defensive player or two, take the best player available.

I could see the Cowboys drafting a tackle in the first if they had him graded at the level of their current pro bowlers. Think of the Cowboys O going heavy more often and bringing in 6 olinemen and having a guy like gathers at te next to Witten.

It's an extra tool in the toolkit and depth at a very important position. A serious injury to T. Smith could devastate our offense.

 

[Toruk_Makto]

With Free, the OL is the strength of the team. We're not losing games because of the OL. The RT debate is a giant distraction every offseason.

We're also not moving Collins to RT, which is another variation of this debate.

Sink the resources in the defense finally. It's way overdue.

Preach.

 

[Toruk_Makto]

I don't see how you keep him at a $5 million price hike. Something's gotta give. I would open up the RT spot for all competition. Green, Collins, Cleary, whoever.

But I'm sure not paying this guy a total of $7.5 million for mediocre play.

Doug Free is only. Making $5mm this coming year.

This is the last year of his deal and potentially his last as a Cowboy. But on my list of things to improve this offseason RT is very far towards the bottom.

 

[Stash]

Doug Free is only. Making $5mm this coming year.

This is the last year of his deal and potentially his last as a Cowboy. But on my list of things to improve this offseason RT is very far towards the bottom.

Opinions vary. He's certainly not worth the $5 million salary and $7.5 million in total costs.

 

[DeaconMoss]

gonna need a big cannon

 

[Toruk_Makto]

Opinions vary. He's certainly not worth the $5 million salary and $7.5 million in total costs.

"$7.5 million in total cost" is such a silly way to look at Doug Fred's cost to the team.

Doug Free took up 2.9% of our cap last year and will cost 4.5% of our cap this year. I think a key starter on the single most dominant unit in all of football is worth a two year average of 3.7% od our cap. Don't you?

 

[OldCoach]

You're not supposed to quit your job until you have another one lined up. Same with replacing Doug Free if possible.