Replacing Allen more pressing than replacing Pettiti

[eduncan22]

He is worth it.

PRO: As a member of the NFL's All-Decade Team for the 1990's, Larry Allen has long been widely recognized as one of the NFL's premier offensive lineman, and he has established himself as the most decorated offensive player in Dallas Cowboys history. In 11 NFL seasons since being drafted out of Sonoma State, Allen has been named to more Pro Bowls (nine) than any other offensive player in Cowboys history. He has also been named All Pro seven times, six times at guard (1995-97, 1999-01) and once at tackle (1998). With his Pro Bowl selection at tackle in 1998, he became just the third player in league history to be selected to the Pro Bowl at more than one offensive line position during his career, joining Bruce Matthews (guard/center) and Chris Hinton (guard/tackle).

 

[Doomsday101]

He is worth it.

PRO: As a member of the NFL's All-Decade Team for the 1990's, Larry Allen has long been widely recognized as one of the NFL's premier offensive lineman, and he has established himself as the most decorated offensive player in Dallas Cowboys history. In 11 NFL seasons since being drafted out of Sonoma State, Allen has been named to more Pro Bowls (nine) than any other offensive player in Cowboys history. He has also been named All Pro seven times, six times at guard (1995-97, 1999-01) and once at tackle (1998). With his Pro Bowl selection at tackle in 1998, he became just the third player in league history to be selected to the Pro Bowl at more than one offensive line position during his career, joining Bruce Matthews (guard/center) and Chris Hinton (guard/tackle).

Those are past achievements while very impressive none the less they are past achievements. It is not easy for me to say Larry needs to go but I like the Cowboys more than any single player and if we were not in FA and Salary cap era then I would be a bit more loyal to Allen but we are not and at 8 mill given his play over the last 2 season, yes I think he can be replaced.

 

[fortdick]

He is worth it.

PRO: As a member of the NFL's All-Decade Team for the 1990's, Larry Allen has long been widely recognized as one of the NFL's premier offensive lineman, and he has established himself as the most decorated offensive player in Dallas Cowboys history. In 11 NFL seasons since being drafted out of Sonoma State, Allen has been named to more Pro Bowls (nine) than any other offensive player in Cowboys history. He has also been named All Pro seven times, six times at guard (1995-97, 1999-01) and once at tackle (1998). With his Pro Bowl selection at tackle in 1998, he became just the third player in league history to be selected to the Pro Bowl at more than one offensive line position during his career, joining Bruce Matthews (guard/center) and Chris Hinton (guard/tackle).

And Emmit Smith is the all time rushing leader! But I don't want him in the backfield right now. We all love LA for what he has done for the franchise. HE may be the best ever, but that being said, he has about one more effective year in him. Do we want to have a rookie or a backup step in to fill the LG spot in '07? What if LA gets hurt next year? We have no one that can step in for him and plug that hole.

Pettiti, Tucker, Columbo, whoever is on the right side, can play acceptably next year. You can help out a RT if need be. You can't help out a guard, especially on the left side. LG and LT are the most critical spots on the OLine and if you are not solid there, you can't pass and your running game is one dimensional.

I am all for trading our #1 pick for some later picks and possibly a move up for next year. We need a couple solid OLinemen right now, or in the near future. But we also have other needs. Unless AJ Hawk or someone of that caliber falls to us, we have to pick more than just a tackle.

 

[eduncan22]

From dc.com....

Larry Allen
2006 Cap Charge: $7.55 million

The veteran guard is expected to play in next month's Pro Bowl, the 10th of his career. And it might just be the last time he wears a Cowboys helmet in Hawaii, although cutting Allen might not be the wisest of options.

While his cap figure seems rather high next season, just what exactly is the going rate for a 10-time Pro Bowl guard who still shows the ability to play at a high level? If the Cowboys parted ways with Allen, cutting him before he receives a $2 million roster bonus, he still would count $4.01 million against the cap. So the Cowboys could cut Allen to save the $3 million, but then of course would have to find another left guard, which might cost as much. Might make more sense to keep Allen, who has two years remaining on his contract, for yet another season since they don't exactly have a ready replacement.

 

[DLCassidy]

The only way Larry isn't here next year is if BP has a much better opinion of Peterman than it appears he does. Depending on how we do with FA signings on D (OLB, FS) OL could be the focus of both rounds 1 and 2 (Marcus Mcneil, Davin Joseph?) of the draft.

 

[ddh33]

The situations with Larry Allen and Laroi Glover are the two I am most inetersted in watching. They are both still good players, but their contracts and fits on this team could make them somewhat expendable.