The price for Dallas Cowboys star defender is only getting higher

[deerhunter11]

If that is what you would do, buy a team and only use referrals.

The Cowboys let yet another big-name free agent slip through their fingers for financial reasons. The last time they offered a huge contract to a free agent was in 2012 when they signed CB Brandon Carr to a five-year, $50.1 million deal.

“Last Thursday, the Cowboys reached out about Cooper Kupp and they were interested. Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb were on the phone with Cooper Kupp talking to him about the idea of coming to Dallas…”

“And then, the Cowboys heard the numbers, and they were at numbers that the Cowboys weren’t going to get to.”

The Dallas Cowboys felt as though they couldn’t match what Kupp was looking for. In the end, he signed a three-year, $45 million deal with the Seahawks.

https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/arti...thing_that_scared_them_away/s1_17150_41927365

Jerry is a good owner but he is not a GM, it would be nice if he would hire a real GM that knows how to correctly run the football operations in Dallas.

 

[noshame]

He supports his team and you say he is kiss butt...He is a top leader now. One is a fool if any player with an ounce of brains derails development of his team. The entire staff has come together and if also thinks that team does not have full room, then he should take up pee wee football or flag.

You're half right. I think he supports his team and you're both kiss butts.

 

[CCBoy]

Jerry is a good owner but he is not a GM, it would be nice if he would hire a real GM that knows how to correctly run the football operations in Dallas.

That is just not true. He has observed all developments from ownership and GM challenges were necessary for both the Raiders and Cowboys. Both with success. No, he gets plenty of outside imput and analysis throughout the entire team is quite extensive.

Those with a weak link excuse probably hear that's Mom to you as well. When did Jerry pay off the purchase loan from the Teamsters?

 

[CCBoy]

But the team’s decision to let Lewis walk could now allow them to give Bland a long-term deal.

“Spotrac projects Bland to earn a four-year, $94.9 million deal when an extension is signed,” noted Cowboys Wire writer Reid D Hanson. "It was certainly possible for the Cowboys to retain Lewis and still re-sign Bland next spring, but it would likely call for drastic actions with Diggs... Losing Lewis hurts tremendously in the short-term, but his departure may ultimately facilitate Bland’s return in 2026 and Diggs’ retention."

The Cowboys have an opportunity to have two All-Pro corners on the team long-term. Their decision on Lewis gives them the chance to get a deal done as soon as possible. It would go a long way for a team that is looking to rebound from a disappointing season.

https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl...ord-holding-defender/bd1c2729b0850bff73733149

 

[Praxit]

...sounds like same problem 49ers have with Purdy. Pay him $50 million a year, or save and build the team with other players.

We already have huge contracts, Dak, CD and Diggs.

I would try and trade, see what you can get for him. But that's just me.

Do another Hershel trade. .

 

[CCBoy]

You're half right. I think he supports his team and you're both kiss butts.

See a recruitor if you are going to mention kiss backside and mean anything kissing...you from Russia?

He's a billionaire in sports and have you ever filed for even a $100,000 in a tax year?

He has done a ton of his own sacrifices to improve the plight of players to include a cap and the enforcement of standards for injury protections. Eugene Upshaw and the Player's Association appreciated him in their corner.

 

[CCBoy]

Name​	Status​
WR | Parris Campbell	Agreed to terms with DAL (3/15)
T | Dakoda Shepley	Agreed to terms with DAL (3/14)
DE | Dante Fowler Jr.	Agreed to terms with DAL (3/14)
RB | Miles Sanders	Agreed to terms with DAL (3/14)
CB | Israel Mukuamu	Agreed to terms with DAL (3/13)
LB | Kenneth Murray Jr.	Signed in trade with TEN (3/12)
LB | Jack Sanborn	Signed with DAL (3/12)
CB | Kaiir Elam	Signed in trade with BUF (3/12)
P | Bryan Anger	Agreed to terms with DAL (3/11)
DE | Payton Turner	Signed with DAL (3/11)
WR | KaVontae Turpin	Re-signed with DAL (3/11)
DT | Solomon Thomas	Signed with DAL (3/13)
OL | Robert Jones	Signed with DAL (3/10)
RB | Javonte Williams	Signed with DAL (3/10)
LS | Trent Sieg	Agreed to terms with DAL (3/10)
S | Markquese Bell	Signed with DAL (3/9)
S | Juanyeh Thomas	Re-signed with DAL (3/5)
DE | Tyrus Wheat	Re-signed with DAL (3/5)
G | Brock Hoffman	Re-signed with DAL (3/4)
CB | C.J. Goodwin	Re-signed with DAL (3/4)
DT | Osa Odighizuwa	Signed extension with DAL (3/4)

https://www.dallascowboys.com/news/free-agency-tracker-2025

Defensive Lined signed:

DE | Dante Fowler Jr.
DE | Payton Turner
DT | Solomon Thomas
DE | Tyrus Wheat
DT | Osa Odighizuwa

 

[noshame]

See a recruitor if you are going to mention kiss backside and mean anything kissing...you from Russia?

He's a billionaire in sports and have you ever filed for even a $100,000 in a tax year?

He has done a ton of his own sacrifices to improve the plight of players to include a cap and the enforcement of standards for injury protections. Eugene Upshaw and the Player's Association appreciated him in their corner.

100,000 ?
Wow last year I paid more than that.
Now get back to your paper route.

 

[CCBoy]

One of the key hires was defensive line coach Aaron Whitecotton, who spent time with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Buffalo Bills, and San Francisco 49ers before spending the last four years with the New York Jets.

Dallas came into the offseason also needing more help on their defensive line. They haven't made any big moves outside the building, but one that brings some intrigue is veteran defensive lineman Solomon Thomas. Unlike a lot of their signings in free agency, the Cowboys gave Thomas a two-year deal.

The expectation isn't for Thomas to come in and set the world on fire. He just needs to be solid, and seeing as he's played his best football under Whitecotton, there's a good chance of that happening.

https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/202...ve-line-coach-aaron-whitecotton-matt-eberflus

 

[CCBoy]

100,000 ?
Wow last year I paid more than that.
Now get back to your paper route.

Twice myself, and upon leaving the Army and Post Office...and you never reinforce, so back to your horseshoes and tossing 'em!

23 Military and 17 Postal

Your football is pretty weak...but I found your good buddy.

​

 

[CCBoy]

There is a shift in perspective in 2025, notably how aggressive the Cowboys have been in acquiring former 1st round talent to replenish depth on the roster.

10 years ago, with the signing of Greg Hardy, the Cowboys shifted away from high dollar players.

____________________

Talent from the draft is provided by the Scouting Department, who teams have tried to sign off as a GM.

Will McClay’s World​

One of the primary reasons the Cowboys have refrained from signing high-dollar free agents is their emphasis on building through the draft.

The team has consistently focused on acquiring young talent and nurturing them to be key contributors.

This philosophy has produced notable successes, such as the selections of QB Dak Prescott, CB DaRon Bland, and WR CeeDee Lamb, just to name a few.

We can thank VP of Player Personnel Will McClay for this change. Since taking on a larger role in the draft, the Cowboys have hit on their first-round picks at an alarming rate.

https://insidethestar.com/cautious-approach-to-free-agency-has-not-netted-results-for-cowboys

 

[noshame]

Twice myself, and upon leaving the Army and Post Office...and you never reinforce, so back to your horseshoes and tossing 'em!

23 Military and 17 Postal

Your football is pretty weak...but I found your good buddy.

​

L o l I get the postal part.

 

[CCBoy]

​

Linebacker Group​

Grade: B+​

Damone Clark
Darius Harris
Buddy Johnson
Marist Liufau
Brock Mogensen
Kenneth Murray
DeMarvion Overshown
Micah Parsons
Jack Sanborn

Parsons remains an offensive coordinator's worst nightmare, while Sanborn and Murray provide the unit with much needed depth.

Murray finished with career highs in sacks (3.5), pressures (7), and tackles for loss (8) last year while recording his third season with 90-plus tackles.

Sanborn has appeared in 48 games with 19 starts over his first three seasons and has recorded 164 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 10 pressures, and 4.5 sacks.

Along with Liufau and a hopeful Clark, the Cowboys have plenty of options to fill in the shoes of last season's leader in tackles, Eric Kendricks, who remains a free agent.

https://www.si.com/nfl/cowboys/news...e-agency-grades-linebacker-breakdown-analysis

 

[CCBoy]

? Von Miller is 35 years old and not the same player he once was for the Denver Broncos. However, he could still bring some added pass rush to the Cowboys

This season he posted six sacks in 13 games, without making a single start. Six sacks while playing less than 40% of the team's defensive snaps is nothing to discount.

Miller is no longer a $120 million player. He has dealt with knee injuries in two of the last three years and is clearly entering the final years of his career. However, he could still be of value to the Cowboys. At his age and with his injury history, he could sign with the team on a cheap, team-friendly deal.

Miller could find himself in the Hall of Fame one day after his illustrious career ends. He is the active leader in sacks with 129.5. He is an eight-time Pro Bowler, three-time All-Pro, two-time Super Bowl champion and a Super Bowl MVP.

https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl...-champion-von-miller/1cad2df479cb8622478af80b

 

[CCBoy]

And if wondering the most prized of these so far 10 new players, my advice is to follow the money and the years. That would suggest having traded for Tennessee linebacker Kenneth Murray Jr., inheriting the final year on his contract, highest salary cap hit of the bunch at $7.4 million.

After that, step right up Solomon Thomas, two years, $6 million, with $3 million guaranteed, with a chance to make another $1 million each year in incentives, so potentially $8 million.
These two surely will have prominent roles on this team.

But after that, we know all we need to know about Dante Fowler Jr., the designated pass rushing defensive end who returns. We know about the running backs, Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders, creating veteran depth there. Solid bang for the buck.

... Watch this man at camp!

Payton Turner.

That's right, Turner, one of five former first round draft choices brought in this past week, the New Orleans Saints selecting the 6-6, 270 defensive end with the 28th pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, but after his four nondescript years decided against picking up his fifth-year option and he was more than glad to sign a one-year, $2 million guaranteed free agent deal, sort of a prove-it contract with the Cowboys.

Someone had to see something in this guy to become a top 28th pick in the draft. He's got 35-inch arms, 10¼-inch hands, a 35-inch vertical and a 4.31 20-yard-shuttle for a defensive end when a 4.2 is considered good for a cornerback. The Cowboys thought highly of him, but probably not as highly as a first-round pick. Maybe if he was there at the 12th pick in the second round, No. 44, they would have taken him instead of Kelvin Joseph.

https://www.dallascowboys.com/news/mick-shots-this-might-be-this-bunch-s-big-sleeper

 

[CCBoy]

But if Dallas were interested in spending some of their remaining $30 million in 2025 cap space, they may want to consider adding Teven Jenkins, formerly a second-round pick of the Chicago Bears. ESPN recently projected them as one of the best fits for the top remaining interior offensive linemen.


Why teams should be interested: Offensive coordinators are desperate for competent offensive linemen, and Jenkins ranked 33rd in pass block win rate and 44th in run block win rate among guards last season. He stayed healthy for a career-high 14 games and committed only four penalties. At 27, he will be in the prime of his career over the next few years, and there are going to be teams that believe the 6-foot-6 lineman will benefit from getting out of Chicago and away from a dysfunctional offense.

Organizations that weren't willing to make the sort of massive commitments that Banks and Will Fries got might look at Jenkins as a reasonable Plan B. Of the non-quarterbacks left on this list, Jenkins could end up with the largest average salary, even if it's only as part of a one-year guarantee.

Pro Football Focus had Jenkins ranked as the third-best offensive guard in free agency, behind Trey Smith and Fries, who have re-signed with Kansas City and joined Minnesota, respectively. Jenkins was their No. 29 overall free agent and they projected him to sign a three-year, $40 million deal.

https://cowboyswire.usatoday.com/st...-as-top-fit-for-rg-teven-jenkins/82561867007/

 

[CCBoy]

Besides a top running back and top shelf wide receiver...#1 defensive tackle is the missing piece.


True to form the Cowboys have again turned their backs on the 1-tech defensive tackle spot this offseason. The position known for stoutness and run defense remains a glaring problem in Dallas, and based on what’s left on the free agent market, it’s likely to remain a problem until the the NFL draft.

Over recent years the Cowboys have treated the 1-tech position like a second-class citizen, filling it with a mix of journeymen and replacement level players. They used a first-round pick on a defensive tackle in 2023 when they picked Mani Smith from Michigan, but he’s floated between the two tackle spots, struggling mightily to play the run when positioned at 1-tech. It’s a worrisome issue for a team that was routinely abused by the run in 2024.

Luckily for the Cowboys, the 2025 draft class has a hefty collection of stout 1-techs available for the taking. Options should be there in the first, second and even third round of the upcoming draft. It stands to reason Dallas’ neglect in free agency was calculated because the front office intends on targeting the position early in the draft.

https://cowboyswire.usatoday.com/st...boys-massive-hole-2025-nfl-draft/82539070007/

Picks:

1st WR
2nd DT
3rd RB

 

[CCBoy]

They have no go to running back, and outside of CeeDee Lamb who scares you on that offense? They need to draft a wide out and hope they get production out of Jalen Tolbert and Mingo.

These are the two players I think as I look at the depth chart today are going to need to have an increase in production as role players.

https://insidethestar.com/these-cowboys-role-players-will-need-to-shine-bright-in-2025

 

[CCBoy]

Cowboys met with versatile All-American draft prospect labeled 'hidden gem'​

The Dallas Cowboys have met with a versatile All-American running back prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft class who believes he is a 'hidden gem.'

Hicks, who was an All-American this season at ACU, is one of the most versatile running backs in this year's class.

Hicks transferred to Abilene Christian after two years at Central Michigan. In his lone year with the Wildcats, Hicks rushed for 1,335 yards and 14 touchdowns, while adding 45 catches for 341 yards and three scores.

Because of his versatility, Hicks will be an intriguing prospect wherever he lands.

https://www.si.com/nfl/cowboys/draf...merican-nfl-draft-prospect-labeled-hidden-gem

 

[Rayman70]

We’re not winning with him and he hasn’t shown up in the big games or playoffs. He’s wears down as the season goes on. He’s not worth the money. Trade him!

To this point, you are correct. I'm very apprehensive about giving him the bag. He's only shown snippets of greatness, usually against mediocre to bad teams. We need it against good teams. To me, he is better served if we trade him and our team is better off too. We need players. We need draft capital.