The Defense has shut the door on several games

[Eskimo]

Need to bring back Melton and yes even Carter.

I would not pick up that option on Melton. He is okay as a PT pass rusher only and should be a rotational depth guy. Someone will probably offer him more to try and regain his old form but this guy also wasn't looking that great even before he tore his ACL last year.

As for Carter, he is an enigma. He played much better this year than last year. At times he looks great and other times he looks lost. He could be a really good nickel LB but I just don't like him defending the run. I'd actually much rather bring back Durant who was playing at a very high level and will probably be cheaper.

My guess is Carter tries to find a spot as a 3-4 ILB where he seemed to really be thriving before his injury in 2012.

 

[TheMarathonContinues]

I personally would like to bring back Carter because I think he would be brought back for a decent price and I don't think you can find better value as his replacement.

I'm not totally sure on the money with Melton. If its at a decent price than we should.

I'd treat this defense like we treated the offensive line. We didn't let guys like Bernadeau go. We allowed for them to be rotational guys and improved on the depth. If you can keep this defense and simply improve on the talent on it? That's the best way to go about it.

 

[Eskimo]

I personally would like to bring back Carter because I think he would be brought back for a decent price and I don't think you can find better value as his replacement.

I'm not totally sure on the money with Melton. If its at a decent price than we should.

I'd treat this defense like we treated the offensive line. We didn't let guys like Bernadeau go. We allowed for them to be rotational guys and improved on the depth. If you can keep this defense and simply improve on the talent on it? That's the best way to go about it.

Melton is due a $9M option if we want to keep him. Otherwise he hits FA.

Carter is also a FA. I think some team in need of a 3-4 ILB will spend a good chunk of money to bring him in with his coverage skills and open field tacking ability. I'd be okay to bring Carter back on a reasonable deal as I think he is really close to the lights turning on and he has oodles of untapped potential as a blitzer. The problem is we will be spending a fair bit at LB already with Lee and McClain so I don't think we can afford to spend much at the other LB and still fill our hole at DE.

 

[TheMarathonContinues]

Melton is due a $9M option if we want to keep him. Otherwise he hits FA.

Carter is also a FA. I think some team in need of a 3-4 ILB will spend a good chunk of money to bring him in with his coverage skills and open field tacking ability. I'd be okay to bring Carter back on a reasonable deal as I think he is really close to the lights turning on and he has oodles of untapped potential as a blitzer. The problem is we will be spending a fair bit at LB already with Lee and McClain so I don't think we can afford to spend much at the other LB and still fill our hole at DE.

Okay but there is the possibility of him simply re-signing for a lower cost correct? That's when I'd listen. At 9 million it makes it nearly impossible to bring him back. But in this league teams can overpay in free agency and it wouldn't shock me if teams did. Maybe he likes the team and organization enough to come back at a decent price. I wouldn't hold my breathe. He's been solid in his role. Only disappointment is hasn't racked up more snaps.

And yeah my opinion of bringing them back is all contingent on whether or not its at a solid price. A Justin Durant type deal. I'm also realistic though and understand that may not be the case. While I do think Melton might possibility be a goner I think the Cowboys value Carter more than Cowboy fans do. It wouldn't shock me at all to see them try and retain his services. Its hard not to like his skills, athleticism and speed at his position.

 

[kevm3]

We don't have a star-studded defense lined with talent. What we do have is an intense effort defense... and that makes our defense contingent on our offense. As long as our offense is playing its game and controlling time of possession, the defense also plays well since they have a ton of energy. If the defense is forced to be on the field for long periods of time, that's when they start getting shown up.

 

[Setackin]

This def will be sick with a couple FAs and a good draft.