The perfect thing to do with Hatcher is use the franchise tag

[TINGS21]

The Cowboys did.... Remember DWare and Marcus Spears? Spears wasn't a world beater but he was solid and that was a huge upgrade for our dline that year. We just had no offense we could rely on.

We also had two 1st round picks that year (11th and 20th).
I hope they prove me wrong, but I don't see this current regime drafting back-to-back linemen. Where is the entertainment in that

 

[Marktui]

I let him walk. Don't want another Ratliff situation, JJ let his feelings get the best of him, don't think he would let it happen again. It's a young mans game. Ty Crawford, Ben Bass, Corey Irvin, Frank Kearse are in the mix next year. FA, maybe Melton? Draft one of these guys -Hageman, Sutton, Donald.

Hatcher is going to want max dollars because this will be his last chance for a payday. He is not going to give hometown discounts. But if he goes out and let's say the market is not too high for his services and it's palatable for our cap we could try and sign him.

 

[elcocinero]

Let him and Spencer go. Get Compensentory picks.

 

[xwalker]

I know, I know, we don't have any cap space just like in years past but eventually we are able to free up 12-15 million. I think I read that the franchise tag for a DT is somewhere around 8.5 million. Hatcher will be 32 next year and a long term contact for a guy in his 30s is a horrible idea that I think even Jerry now knows.
I wouldn't give him anything larger than a 3 year deal and he most likely only has 2 great-good years left. So it makes all the sense in the world to franchise him. Not only does it keep him here, but it doesn't force us to reach for a DT, it allows us time to develop someone or buys us a one year stop gap at DT. It would also allow us a better chance at signing him in 2015 at the age of 33 if we wish to. Unless we are going to go after a guy like Melton or someone special I would be love to see Hatcher franchised.

Terrible idea.

Franchise tags severely limit cap flexibility. They need to sign YOUNG free agents.

 

[khiladi]

The only logical thing I can think of, if Jerry has some sanity left is thus year is going to be a major clean up year. Garrett's last year and no major replacements, jones will clean house with many players and get fresh blood in.

Let Hatcher walk... Nobody will claim him if we franchise him and we'd get no compensation.

 

[jterrell]

Team can't realistically get far enough under cap in time to tag him and if they could it would be a waste of time and energy.

If they get Hatcher back at all it will be because the market didn't pay him near franchise money.

Franchise tags should be reserved for guts who teams consider trading high picks for. Hatcher at 32 is not that.

Love Hatcher but he is probably getting like 4 years 20m from someone and thus gone. The 13-15m real money in his next deal is to rich for us.

 

[silver]

No only no, hell no. He's breaking down and you want to keep him? Let him walk.

 

[Alexander]

Team can't realistically get far enough under cap in time to tag him and if they could it would be a waste of time and energy.

So I guess this year we will not hear the battle cry that "they can get under the cap and still do whatever they want"?

 

[WoodysGirl]

Bryan Broaddus ‏@BryanBroaddus 33m
“@jpgdallas: too expensive to franchise tag Hatcher for 1 yr while rebuilding D line?" I am not sure they go that route need that money

Joel Corry ‏@corryjoel 6m
@BryanBroaddus @jpgdallas Jason Hatcher's DT franchise tag will be right around $9.2M.

 

[jblaze2004]

jerry is that you?

 

[jterrell]

So I guess this year we will not hear the battle cry that "they can get under the cap and still do whatever they want"?

Oh you'll hear it. It just won't be anymore true than any other year.

The irony last year was Stephens dueling quotes about being " right up against cap" and "being able to do everything they want".

What's clear is what they want isn't what Cowboys fans want because they sure don't sign anyone of value very often under this new CBA.

 

[fifaguy]

It really worked with Spencer this year.

 

[lqmac1]

Easy to say to take care of that one position but just because you now draft FOR NEED, doesn't mean you hit on anyone of them. More than likely you only hit on one out of 3.

AND WHAT ABOUT THE OTHER 10 NEEDS THIS TEAM HAS?
DE 1-2 starters, RB, WR, OG, LBs, Safties, maybe even a kicker if Bailey leaves. How about a QB? So you want to neglect all these positions for two positions at DT. Why not lock one up for sure with retaining Hatcher then you could go draft BPA as we should with so many needs.

Simply put, We can not afford to keep Hatcher. For the money he's going to want, we can get 3 players for. He was quoted saying 'he doesn't care if he stays or goes'. My response: adios, amigo.