Projecting Doug Free

[jobberone]

And maybe they're not?

We're not talking about "years" here. We're talking about now. 2016 performance and going forward. Prior to that is past.

Many have formed an opinion of Free based on perpetuated myth. That's based on years of my reading the rants. Most have zero idea of the fact his performance fell some last year after many years of better than average performance at times very good. They just KNOW he sucks.

You are one exception and I don't think we are far off of an accurate opinion of his talents and lack thereof at times. There are more here with a good feeling for his skills.

We still need to look for a replacement at RT.

 

[SportsGuru80]

I would love to see him released....

 

[Bullflop]

Free is fighting Father Time, with each succeeding year seemingly inhibiting his ability to pass protect more and more. I think this year is likely to be his last, unless he agrees to settle for assuming a backup spot in 2018. I surely can't picture him lasting any longer than that, though. I do think he's been fortunate to have lasted this long as a starter, truth be told.

 

[JohnnyHopkins]

Chaz Green is an injury report hero so Free is the only guy on the team that keeps Dallas from heading into the draft with a big glaring hole at that spot. If they do not keep him it had better be because they fell into a bargain free agent or somebody amazing fell to them in the draft and Free is no longer needed.

 

[casmith07]

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.

If the choices are another year with Doug Free at RT at the same level (extremely efficient offensive production ground and air), then I will choose investing resources on the DL over finding a replacement RT for next year.

That being said, if a Zach Martin or Travis Frederick or Tyron Smith type falls in your lap and is a projected RT, you take him.