Rusty's 3 year plan (Buckle Up)

[RustyBourneHorse]

Hi all, welcome to today's issue of Rusty's 3 year plan (buckle up). In this OP, I'm going to discuss my 3 year plan for getting the Cowboys back on track. Right, let's go!

2024

• Firstly, we need to address coaching (and ones that can work with Jerry.....easier said than done). I'd say I'd want Vrabel, but who knows if he works well with Jerry. That said, hey, this is my plan, so, I'd go with either him or Rivera as DC who can become HC next season. I throw in Rivera because that's probably who's the likeliest option to be DC and future HC here. I'm okay with this because we need to be more physical. Either option should make us more physical. This is important for our defence. Plus, Rivera is good at defences. I do not have a problem with either option.
• Next, I sign Dak to a 4 year deal with an out after year 2 or 3. This allows us to cut or trade him after year 2 or 3. This allows us to bring down his $59 mil cap hit and gives us a way out after a short time.
• Extend CeeDee, Parsons, and Biadzs. This is pretty obvious.
• Sign the best linebacker or NT available in FA. I'd also sign a top corner (unless we also keep Gilmore). This takes care of a few big weaknesses entering the draft.
• Draft (mock drafts coming right after the Super Bowl) a LB, RB, OL (later in draft if Tyron Smith doesn't retire) and NT. This should allow us to stop the run and run the ball effectively next season. These will be vital to have any success next year. Our opponents (besides our division rivals) consist of the following: Houston, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Cincinnati, Atlanta, Carolina, New Orleans, Tampa Bay, Detroit, and San Francisco. If we cannot run the ball and stop the run effectively, we will probably not even win 5 games with this schedule.

Assuming moderate success, the Cowboys probably go about 9-8 and lose in the WC round (Washington wins the division in a fluke) to say......Detroit.

2025 (Cowboys have a mid/late first round pick, call it the 23rd pick)

• Vrabel or Rivera take over HC.
• WCO/TCO-friendly OC brought in.
• Dak is in one of two possible out years. This past season was disappointing, but we did make the playoffs. We controlled the ball better. So, let's keep him one more year, but, his replacement will be needed. As for Trey Lance.....numbers game. Lance traded to Minnesota for a 4th round pick.
• Tyron Smith retires
• Sign best available tackle to replace Tyron Smith.
• Draft QB round 1 to sit behind Dak for one year, then get another WR along with a CB.

Cowboys go 11-6 (Philly wins division) and Cowboys go to division round losing to San Francisco (who lose to Detroit in NFCC)

2026 (Cowboys have 26th pick)

• Nice little jump, should be able to get better. Next QB is ready to start. Dallas trades Dak to Denver for 1st round pick, 13th pick) to use out.
• To help new QB, the Cowboys sign a guard. In part, because Zach Martin is close to retirement, and this guard will be the replacement for Martin. Also, another linebacker is signed because LVE retires.
• Gallup leaves in FA.
• In draft, the Cowboys use one of the firsts on the best WR available to replace Gallup, and the Cowboys take a safety. Oh, and Cowboys, with this draft, shift to more of a 3-4 base to try to take advantage of DO's and Parsons strengths. So, the Cowboys also draft another NT and a DE this draft to create a rotation. This makes the Cowboys offense even deadlier because the defence is almost impenetrable.
• Cowboys go 13-4 and win SB over the Chiefs.

This is the scenario that I'd want if it were up to me. This would be my 3 year plan. What say you? What would your 3 year plan be?

 

[ghst187]

Mine:
Sell the franchise, move it to Mexico.

 

[big dog cowboy]

In this OP, I'm going to discuss my 3 year plan for getting the Cowboys back on track.

They haven't been on track for 28 years. The only constant in that time is the Jones clan. So any plan for the future that involves them running the show is a flawed plan.

 

[Captain-Crash]

 

[CowboyoWales]

Hi all, welcome to today's issue of Rusty's 3 year plan (buckle up). In this OP, I'm going to discuss my 3 year plan for getting the Cowboys back on track. Right, let's go!

2024

• Firstly, we need to address coaching (and ones that can work with Jerry.....easier said than done). I'd say I'd want Vrabel, but who knows if he works well with Jerry. That said, hey, this is my plan, so, I'd go with either him or Rivera as DC who can become HC next season. I throw in Rivera because that's probably who's the likeliest option to be DC and future HC here. I'm okay with this because we need to be more physical. Either option should make us more physical. This is important for our defence. Plus, Rivera is good at defences. I do not have a problem with either option.
• Next, I sign Dak to a 4 year deal with an out after year 2 or 3. This allows us to cut or trade him after year 2 or 3. This allows us to bring down his $59 mil cap hit and gives us a way out after a short time.
• Extend CeeDee, Parsons, and Biadzs. This is pretty obvious.
• Sign the best linebacker or NT available in FA. I'd also sign a top corner (unless we also keep Gilmore). This takes care of a few big weaknesses entering the draft.
• Draft (mock drafts coming right after the Super Bowl) a LB, RB, OL (later in draft if Tyron Smith doesn't retire) and NT. This should allow us to stop the run and run the ball effectively next season. These will be vital to have any success next year. Our opponents (besides our division rivals) consist of the following: Houston, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Cincinnati, Atlanta, Carolina, New Orleans, Tampa Bay, Detroit, and San Francisco. If we cannot run the ball and stop the run effectively, we will probably not even win 5 games with this schedule.

Assuming moderate success, the Cowboys probably go about 9-8 and lose in the WC round (Washington wins the division in a fluke) to say......Detroit.

2025 (Cowboys have a mid/late first round pick, call it the 23rd pick)

• Vrabel or Rivera take over HC.
• WCO/TCO-friendly OC brought in.
• Dak is in one of two possible out years. This past season was disappointing, but we did make the playoffs. We controlled the ball better. So, let's keep him one more year, but, his replacement will be needed. As for Trey Lance.....numbers game. Lance traded to Minnesota for a 4th round pick.
• Tyron Smith retires
• Sign best available tackle to replace Tyron Smith.
• Draft QB round 1 to sit behind Dak for one year, then get another WR along with a CB.

Cowboys go 11-6 (Philly wins division) and Cowboys go to division round losing to San Francisco (who lose to Detroit in NFCC)

2026 (Cowboys have 26th pick)

• Nice little jump, should be able to get better. Next QB is ready to start. Dallas trades Dak to Denver for 1st round pick, 13th pick) to use out.
• To help new QB, the Cowboys sign a guard. In part, because Zach Martin is close to retirement, and this guard will be the replacement for Martin. Also, another linebacker is signed because LVE retires.
• Gallup leaves in FA.
• In draft, the Cowboys use one of the firsts on the best WR available to replace Gallup, and the Cowboys take a safety. Oh, and Cowboys, with this draft, shift to more of a 3-4 base to try to take advantage of DO's and Parsons strengths. So, the Cowboys also draft another NT and a DE this draft to create a rotation. This makes the Cowboys offense even deadlier because the defence is almost impenetrable.
• Cowboys go 13-4 and win SB over the Chiefs.

This is the scenario that I'd want if it were up to me. This would be my 3 year plan. What say you? What would your 3 year plan be?

What does that 4 year (2/3 guaranteed) Dak contract look like?

 

[Rayman70]

Mine:
Sell the franchise, move it to Mexico.

Lets move it to Nova Scotia. Let Julian and the trailer park Boys have a crack at it. It can't be any worse.

 

[Captain-Crash]

and Jerry will start wearing an opossum suit too.......

 

[Coogiguy03]

Hi all, welcome to today's issue of Rusty's 3 year plan (buckle up). In this OP, I'm going to discuss my 3 year plan for getting the Cowboys back on track. Right, let's go!

2024

• Firstly, we need to address coaching (and ones that can work with Jerry.....easier said than done). I'd say I'd want Vrabel, but who knows if he works well with Jerry. That said, hey, this is my plan, so, I'd go with either him or Rivera as DC who can become HC next season. I throw in Rivera because that's probably who's the likeliest option to be DC and future HC here. I'm okay with this because we need to be more physical. Either option should make us more physical. This is important for our defence. Plus, Rivera is good at defences. I do not have a problem with either option.
• Next, I sign Dak to a 4 year deal with an out after year 2 or 3. This allows us to cut or trade him after year 2 or 3. This allows us to bring down his $59 mil cap hit and gives us a way out after a short time.
• Extend CeeDee, Parsons, and Biadzs. This is pretty obvious.
• Sign the best linebacker or NT available in FA. I'd also sign a top corner (unless we also keep Gilmore). This takes care of a few big weaknesses entering the draft.
• Draft (mock drafts coming right after the Super Bowl) a LB, RB, OL (later in draft if Tyron Smith doesn't retire) and NT. This should allow us to stop the run and run the ball effectively next season. These will be vital to have any success next year. Our opponents (besides our division rivals) consist of the following: Houston, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Cincinnati, Atlanta, Carolina, New Orleans, Tampa Bay, Detroit, and San Francisco. If we cannot run the ball and stop the run effectively, we will probably not even win 5 games with this schedule.

Assuming moderate success, the Cowboys probably go about 9-8 and lose in the WC round (Washington wins the division in a fluke) to say......Detroit.

2025 (Cowboys have a mid/late first round pick, call it the 23rd pick)

• Vrabel or Rivera take over HC.
• WCO/TCO-friendly OC brought in.
• Dak is in one of two possible out years. This past season was disappointing, but we did make the playoffs. We controlled the ball better. So, let's keep him one more year, but, his replacement will be needed. As for Trey Lance.....numbers game. Lance traded to Minnesota for a 4th round pick.
• Tyron Smith retires
• Sign best available tackle to replace Tyron Smith.
• Draft QB round 1 to sit behind Dak for one year, then get another WR along with a CB.

Cowboys go 11-6 (Philly wins division) and Cowboys go to division round losing to San Francisco (who lose to Detroit in NFCC)

2026 (Cowboys have 26th pick)

• Nice little jump, should be able to get better. Next QB is ready to start. Dallas trades Dak to Denver for 1st round pick, 13th pick) to use out.
• To help new QB, the Cowboys sign a guard. In part, because Zach Martin is close to retirement, and this guard will be the replacement for Martin. Also, another linebacker is signed because LVE retires.
• Gallup leaves in FA.
• In draft, the Cowboys use one of the firsts on the best WR available to replace Gallup, and the Cowboys take a safety. Oh, and Cowboys, with this draft, shift to more of a 3-4 base to try to take advantage of DO's and Parsons strengths. So, the Cowboys also draft another NT and a DE this draft to create a rotation. This makes the Cowboys offense even deadlier because the defence is almost impenetrable.
• Cowboys go 13-4 and win SB over the Chiefs.

This is the scenario that I'd want if it were up to me. This would be my 3 year plan. What say you? What would your 3 year plan be?

So in his 10th year, we're going to get a 1st rounder for him? Maybe

 

[Sarge]

Go Bengals!

 

[Montanalo]

No offense, Rusty, but the 3 year plan feels a bit like, "business as usual".

The older I get, the more inclined I am to tear it all down and start over. I am thinking, hire Yondu and his whistling arrow from Guardians of the Galaxy and let nature take its course.

 

[InPhiltraitor]

Well Rusty, at least you have a plan. I don’t have specifics, but I’m with the contingent of fans that are willing to take a few steps back to take a few steps forward. I guess the Jones’ could be commended for making enough moves to keep the team clinging to the plus .500 side of things (well above as of late) but I’ve grown weary of their methodologies. In being cap strapped and via on-the-field success (mid to low draft capital) the Cowboys are fulfilling the role as the NFL’s ‘Groundhog Day’ organization.

 

[75boyz]

In order to at least be able to genuinely compete for a trophy DESPITE Jerry's culture we need the best HC and QB possible to do that.

As with so many other similar posts I've responded to is that I believe if we nailed those 2 choices we could genuinely contend or even win one ring. But who's to say how long that tandem would stay afterwards is anyone's guess.

So the only real question is will Jerry(or Stephen) ever hire a Jimmy or Parcells type coach again while nailing his QB pick at the same time?

If he does, we'll win another Lombardi REGARDLESS of Jerry or Stephen's culture.

 

[RustyBourneHorse]

They haven't been on track for 28 years. The only constant in that time is the Jones clan. So any plan for the future that involves them running the show is a flawed plan.

I know, which is the biggest challenge, but I think this is a plan that even they would have a hard time bottling.

 

[SFloridaCowboy]

Easy explanation for lack of Super Bowl entry:
1. the salary cap has killed the Cowboys, who pay too much for their top players and are stuck with their cap hit, and they pay too much to those who were perceived to be very good players and there is not enough left to fill in with free agents, or to keep our own.
2. We lose young players who want bigger $ and to start, so we lose 2nd and 3rd round drafted players (Like McGovern and Connor Williams, who were better for their new teams than for the Cowboys) for a measly 5th, or 6th or 7th comp pick.

3. Jerry paid way too much for Tyrone Crawford who was severely damaged goods with a high salary. He played DL like he had roller skates on, as he was too often pushed backwards, Any player with a hip operation is done.

4. No QB drafted in 1st round other than Aikman 1966-present. I bet no other NFL team has a record like this

Before Jerry, QB Danny White, 1st pick 3rd round, did not have the arm to win the big one, and was underweight, unable to absorb defenders' hits.

Jerry has no extra money so he looks for bargains in the basement, like in drafting Romo with 5.2 speed and wild throwing, Dak at end of 4th round: scouts knew he was missing "it." Stephen McGee was a 4th rounder who did nothing. Quincy Carter in 2nd round was the biggest no-no in history. He was known drug user in college, yet they drafted him to be the face of the franchise.

We need a very high draft pick at QB in order to be champs. Trey Lance was drafted very high, but Frisco was sure he would never make it. Have the Cowboys' coaches been able to tap into this enormous talent, or is he lacking the brainpower to master the position? He surely has a better arm than Dak and more footspeed.

 

[RustyBourneHorse]

What does that 4 year (2/3 guaranteed) Dak contract look like?

To me, it's a deal that is almost a sandwich-type deal. I'd probably do a 4 year $55 mil deal with about $35-40 guaranteed. It'd have a decent hit at the start, be rather team friendly in 2025 allowing us to have the ability to move on from him, be a bit team friendly but with more due to him in 2026 (still allowing us to move on from him if needed, or assuming we restructure the deal in 2025, it can still work for us to have an exit point here), and have a rather massive hit the last year. Doing so gives him one last good payday (given his age), and gives us a potential exit if needed.

 

[big dog cowboy]

Go Bengals!

My wife is from there. Which means they are the 2nd most popular team in our casa. And I have to hear about Burrow. A lot!

 

[RustyBourneHorse]

Just so you know, the extension is more for the fact that we have to because of the way Jerry structured the deal on 2021 and a result of the restructures. With my plan, it addresses that, gives us just enough to be able to keep Parsons, Lamb, and Biadzs, allows us just enough to sign one good linebacker and and a decent CB, and it gives us an exit either in year two or three of the deal. In other words, it's more of a 2-3 year deal that's listed as a 4 year deal. There's an exit in one or both of those years that allows the team to move on from him with a minimal cap hit. That way, everyone wins within the Cowboys org. He gets paid, and the team has a way to build a champion and can move on from him sooner than 4 years. This season would be the only year we actually have to keep him, which we kind of have to do anyway with his cap hit.

 

[RustyBourneHorse]

No offense, Rusty, but the 3 year plan feels a bit like, "business as usual".

The older I get, the more inclined I am to tear it all down and start over. I am thinking, hire Yondu and his whistling arrow from Guardians of the Galaxy and let nature take its course.

I wouldn't be opposed to this. But then, I'm 31 and have never seen us even play in a NFCC game. I think this plan would put so much talent on this team that even Jerry couldn't bottle it.

 

[RustyBourneHorse]

Mine:
Sell the franchise, move it to Mexico.

Why, so the fanbase can ditch the team? I'm all for the team being sold from the Joneses, but I'm not in favour of them relocating haha.

 

[Creeper]

It's funny listening to fans, including myself. Half say the salary CAP is a myth. The other half say were are in CAP doom already.

The truth is both are right. There are always ways to navigate to get under the CAP. At the same time to think the machinations of getting under the CAP do not have consequences is folly.

But they do have to get under the CAP. So extending Dak, which is unpleasant for some folks, is a necessity at the start of any off-season plan that is intended to be "all-in". So is extending CeeDee. Plus, do not be surprised if Zack Martin and Demarcus Lawrence get extensions as well. If you want to go all in, you need to maximize the CAP room for this year, and CAP room after June 1 is worthless in March, when free agency begins. You cannot do that by cutting Dak. Giving up the QB is rebuilding, not going all in.

Going all in means selling out the future for the next season, or maybe 2 to win this year. We are going to see a youth movement on this team in 2025 and 2026 if we go all in now. If we keep trading draft picks, it may take longer or we need to get better at drafting.

There are some givens. MM is not going anywhere. Quinn is gone. We will have a new defensive scheme and coaching staff. This needs to be settled as soon as possible because player evaluations have to be done against the new scheme with the new staff before free agency and before the draft.

With this in mind, we have a bunch of free agents and we need to make decisions on all of them. I think some will be necessary to re-sign. There are pairs of FAs at certain positions. Lewis and Gilmore, Gallimore and Hankins, Armstrong and Fowler, for example. One of each of these pairs may need to be signed for depth. Or they can let them all go and use the draft and UDFAs to fill in the roster. That doesn't seem like all in to me. I would re-sign Hankins, and Lewis, and probably Armstrong.

I would let Biadasz go and try to draft a C to replace him. At worst, Brock Hoffman takes his place if the draft doesn't fall our way. Biadasz is the week link on the offensive line, IMO. But, there is a downside to using a rookie C, unless he is an exception. There is a learning curve. Smarts may have to be an important criterium when drafting C.

Defense needs the most work IMO and this is where I would focus my free agent spending. I want an impact DT to line up next to DLaw with Parsons behind them or along side them. I want my LBs to roam free, and I want to do whatever I can to get Parsons 1 on 1 if I can. The Cowboys need another player on the DL to get that kind of attention. If it costs them $25-$30MM a year then do it. All-in, remember? If Mazi improves in the offseason, it is gravy. If not, I am not worried that much.

Once I have the DL fixed, my next goal is to get LBs. I would look for 1 veteran with instincts and some pop to his game. It doesn't have to be Patrick Queen who I think will cost too much. If the DL keeps the LBs clean we can get away with some 2nd tier talent there, as long as he shows good instincts. I would draft a couple of LBs to go along with Overshown. Next year we are going to use 3 LBs instead of 2 safeties. We need more depth.

I think we have enough talent at S but drafting a safety later might be good for special teams. I do not want Jalen Tolbert on special teams in 2024. Trading Joseph hurt us on special teams as did the injury to Goodwin. Using Sam Williams was clever for a minute, but that got old very quickly.

On offense, we obviously need RBs and I think a real #2 WR. I like Michael Gallup but he has not produced. We need a better route runner who is more versatile. To me, Gallup is a 2 trick pony. Cooks is a WR3. Too small to block in the running game and honestly, I think he is a guy who has to be on the move rather than running curls and routes that bring DBs running downhill at him.

I think realistically, all this can be done in 1 offseason.

As for coaching, I think MM needs to go back to the drawing board and redesign some of his plays to better suit Dak and this offense. Some plays are just poorly designed. I would figure out why Dallas can't run screen passes. Screens are a great weapon to take the pressure off the QB.. And first and foremost, the team needs more discipline and fewer penalties.