Very excited about the Cooper signing

[Kaiser]

Hey, I like Leary. But they'd have to be crazy to sign him to that amount when they have Collins who, at worst in his actual second year healthy, will be a little worse.

Leary makes 2.5 Million this year and a FA contract wouldn't be a lot higher than that for the first year or two, though the out years would obviously be higher.

Also Collins is an RFA next year that will probably make something close to that same 2.5 Million.

If Collins really becomes an All Pro at OG you are absolutely right on keeping him, but IMO the jury is still out on that. I think he is more inconsistent than most people think.

 

[gmoney112]

Yes, it would only make sense to re-sign Leary if Collins could play RT.

Personally, I think Collins could play RT. If he can, then moving him there and re-signing Leary would be cheaper than trying to sign an OT in free agency.

Oh, well yeah, maybe. I think Collins could play RT too, but it's really going to depend. I don't think Collins would be as good at RT as he would be at LG. And I don't think they're going to pay Leary a bunch of money on that theory. I think they'll plan on Collins playing LG, maybe take some snaps at RT in camp, and see if he has any future potential there. I think he's a lock right now for LG for at least next year.

They won't sign an OT in FA. They have Free/Green and maybe Cleary. If an "upgrade" is coming, it's going to come via the draft. Tackle class is weak, but i'd expect one as high as the 3rd if someone great drops. Otherwise just some 4-5 round guy if we take one at all. I don't really like it, but that's the way they'll do it.

 

[LandryFan]

I'm excited about this also. IT will help this year but we also may have stolen another good offensive lineman. There's a reason why he was drafted as high as he was. If we can tap into that talent we at least got a backup with some potential. and if it doesn't work out, no harm no foul, it's not like we traded for him or drafted him. This is a win win type situation.

To add, if what I read (don't recall where) is correct, we could possibly get a comp pick for him if he ends up signing elsewhere. That's likely a long shot at best because I doubt he will command much of a contract next season, but it is possible.

 

[gmoney112]

Leary makes 2.5 Million this year and a FA contract wouldn't be a lot higher than that for the first year or two, though the out years would obviously be higher.

Also Collins is an RFA next year that will probably make something close to that same 2.5 Million.

If Collins really becomes an All Pro at OG you are absolutely right on keeping him, but IMO the jury is still out on that. I think he is more inconsistent than most people think.

Well he definitely is (inconsistent). As are most lineman when they enter the league, not named Zack Martin. I mean, his action this year was the beginning of his 2nd season in the league. Leary really started getting it together in his 3rd year, 2014. Collins will make a similar jump. He was still doing things you don't see young OL do in this league. He's going to be a great player if he works at it, having Tyron/Travis/Martin there to compete with him is going to bring it out.

He really just needs reps. With Leary here, he can't do that. That's the problem. And I doubt he signs for backup money because he's good, he'll get some money and he deserves it. And as much as the "health" thing was kinda overblown, it still will be an issue when you're considering keeping him vs. your young blue chip talent.

 

[xwalker]

Oh, well yeah, maybe. I think Collins could play RT too, but it's really going to depend. I don't think Collins would be as good at RT as he would be at LG. And I don't think they're going to pay Leary a bunch of money on that theory. I think they'll plan on Collins playing LG, maybe take some snaps at RT in camp, and see if he has any future potential there. I think he's a lock right now for LG for at least next year.

They won't sign an OT in FA. They have Free/Green and maybe Cleary. If an "upgrade" is coming, it's going to come via the draft. Tackle class is weak, but i'd expect one as high as the 3rd if someone great drops. Otherwise just some 4-5 round guy if we take one at all. I don't really like it, but that's the way they'll do it.

No they probably won't sign a free agent OT; however, if Collins could play RT, then they could cut Free and his 5M salary. That would pay most of Leary's salary for 2017. The great thing about that is that if a Guard got injured, then Collins could move back to OG is Green was healthy. We know Green can play if healthy. He was very good in 2 starts at LT. The problem is obviously that they can't depend on him to stay healthy.

It could come down to deciding between the following:

LG Collins
RT Free/Green (Maybe Green can beat Free but Free's salary likely remains at 5M either way)

LG Leary (My guess is about 6M average)
RT Collins/Green (Green will likely be healthy if he is the backup. That would allow Collins to move to Guard if needed (Green-RT, Collins-OG better than Collins-RT, Looney OG).

I don't expect Leary to be re-signed but I think they should consider it; although, he might not want to re-sign with the Cowboys due to being replaced by Collins despite Collins not really winning the job).

 

[xwalker]

To add, if what I read (don't recall where) is correct, we could possibly get a comp pick for him if he ends up signing elsewhere. That's likely a long shot at best because I doubt he will command much of a contract next season, but it is possible.

He would have to get a significant contract AND the Cowboys would have to NOT sign free agents that offset it.

It is an interesting situation for the player (Cooper). If he does not get any playing time in the playoffs at OG, then he is unlikely to get much of a contact this off-season; however, if he did play a game in the playoffs with the Cowboys and was decent, it would likely blow up his value to some other teams.

 

[hornitosmonster]

Very low risk high reward potential

 

[JoeyBoy718]

No they probably won't sign a free agent OT; however, if Collins could play RT, then they could cut Free and his 5M salary. That would pay most of Leary's salary for 2017. The great thing about that is that if a Guard got injured, then Collins could move back to OG is Green was healthy. We know Green can play if healthy. He was very good in 2 starts at LT. The problem is obviously that they can't depend on him to stay healthy.

It could come down to deciding between the following:

LG Collins
RT Free/Green (Maybe Green can beat Free but Free's salary likely remains at 5M either way)

LG Leary (My guess is about 6M average)
RT Collins/Green (Green will likely be healthy if he is the backup. That would allow Collins to move to Guard if needed (Green-RT, Collins-OG better than Collins-RT, Looney OG).

I don't expect Leary to be re-signed but I think they should consider it; although, he might not want to re-sign with the Cowboys due to being replaced by Collins despite Collins not really winning the job).

Hope they don't try to get too cute and roll with cheaper, unproven options like Cooper at LG and Collins at RT. It would save us a boat load of money if we can get similar production from those two as Leary/Free, but I wouldn't risk messing with the one thing that keeps this team rolling - the OL.

 

[LandryFan]

He would have to get a significant contract AND the Cowboys would have to NOT sign free agents that offset it.

It is an interesting situation for the player (Cooper). If he does not get any playing time in the playoffs at OG, then he is unlikely to get much of a contact this off-season; however, if he did play a game in the playoffs with the Cowboys and was decent, it would likely blow up his value to some other teams.

All true. The odds of him fetching a comp pick are low. But given that he is a cheap pickup at this moment and cost nothing (in terms of assets), the fact that we could get a comp pick, as unlikely as that may be, is still just another reason, aside from his potential, to like the signing.

 

[gmoney112]

No they probably won't sign a free agent OT; however, if Collins could play RT, then they could cut Free and his 5M salary. That would pay most of Leary's salary for 2017. The great thing about that is that if a Guard got injured, then Collins could move back to OG is Green was healthy. We know Green can play if healthy. He was very good in 2 starts at LT. The problem is obviously that they can't depend on him to stay healthy.

It could come down to deciding between the following:

LG Collins
RT Free/Green (Maybe Green can beat Free but Free's salary likely remains at 5M either way)

LG Leary (My guess is about 6M average)
RT Collins/Green (Green will likely be healthy if he is the backup. That would allow Collins to move to Guard if needed (Green-RT, Collins-OG better than Collins-RT, Looney OG).

I don't expect Leary to be re-signed but I think they should consider it; although, he might not want to re-sign with the Cowboys due to being replaced by Collins despite Collins not really winning the job).

The problem is, you have to make a decision on Leary before you ever get to really see Collins take significant snaps at Tackle. I don't see them, and really myself, thinking that's the smartest path to take.

And there isn't a team in the league that'd pay Leary if they had Collins.

The RT thing is the only reason I can really see, and even then it's pretty risky. I think it's extremely unlikely Leary is resigned, and I think we're on the Free train for another year (the last of his contract), hoping Green can manage to stay healthy for a few weeks, or Cleary (who's only going to be 27 next year) manage to step up.

 

[Kaiser]

Well he definitely is (inconsistent). As are most lineman when they enter the league, not named Zack Martin. I mean, his action this year was the beginning of his 2nd season in the league. Leary really started getting it together in his 3rd year, 2014. Collins will make a similar jump. He was still doing things you don't see young OL do in this league. He's going to be a great player if he works at it, having Tyron/Travis/Martin there to compete with him is going to bring it out.

He really just needs reps. With Leary here, he can't do that. That's the problem. And I doubt he signs for backup money because he's good, he'll get some money and he deserves it. And as much as the "health" thing was kinda overblown, it still will be an issue when you're considering keeping him vs. your young blue chip talent.

Agree, but I'm not as bullish on Collins. I think if he was going to hit his ceiling he would be further along in development than he is now. Leary made the All-Division team in his second year after being on the PS his first year.

This would be my preference in order:

1 - Collins an All Pro RT, Leary resigns at LG
2 - Collins an All Pro LG, comp pick for Leary
3 - Leary the LG, Collins a backup

I still think there is a scenario where Leary is resigned and Collins is traded, but that's kind of a separate issue.

 

[xwalker]

The problem is, you have to make a decision on Leary before you ever get to really see Collins take significant snaps at Tackle. I don't see them, and really myself, thinking that's the smartest path to take.

And there isn't a team in the league that'd pay Leary if they had Collins.

The RT thing is the only reason I can really see, and even then it's pretty risky. I think it's extremely unlikely Leary is resigned, and I think we're on the Free train for another year (the last of his contract), hoping Green can manage to stay healthy for a few weeks, or Cleary (who's only going to be 27 next year) manage to step up.

Good point on the timing of determining if Collins can play RT. My thinking is based on the concept that Collins only needs to be better than Free if you can replace Free's 5M salary with a 6M salary for Leary. I would be shocked if Collins can't play RT better than Doug Free.

It would come down to the opinion of the OL coach. The biggest reason that it probably won't happen is because Garrett has an attachment to Free. I think Romo, Witten and Free are all close friends with Garrett.

 

[gmoney112]

Agree, but I'm not as bullish on Collins. I think if he was going to hit his ceiling he would be further along in development than he is now. Leary made the All-Division team in his second year after being on the PS his first year.

This would be my preference in order:

1 - Collins an All Pro RT, Leary resigns at LG
2 - Collins an All Pro LG, comp pick for Leary
3 - Leary the LG, Collins a backup

I still think there is a scenario where Leary is resigned and Collins is traded, but that's kind of a separate issue.

To be fair, the competition at G in 2013 wasn't very good. Evan Mathis and... I can't think of any others. Zack is always going to take one spot from now 'till infinity, and it looks like Pugh is the other the last two years. That's pretty tough.

Leary has still yet to make a ProBowl (pretty meh about probowl but it's a barometer)

Collins got injured in his 3rd game of his second season. He needs reps. Just too small a sample size right now

 

[xwalker]

All true. The odds of him fetching a comp pick are low. But given that he is a cheap pickup at this moment and cost nothing (in terms of assets), the fact that we could get a comp pick, as unlikely as that may be, is still just another reason, aside from his potential, to like the signing.

What I like the most about it is that I'm concerned about Collins returning too soon from his toe injury/surgery. That type of injury can become chronic if not handled correctly. Signing Cooper could keep Collins from being active for a game.

 

[LandryFan]

What I like the most about it is that I'm concerned about Collins returning too soon from his toe injury/surgery. That type of injury can become chronic if not handled correctly. Signing Cooper could keep Collins from being active for a game.

Good point. I am not sold that Collins is far enough along to come back at the level they need. We'll see.

 

[DallasBlockersClub]

He has all pro potential. He wasn't a top 10 pick for nothing and if he turns it around he most likely beats out Leary or Collins for LG

A street pick up better than Leary or Collins? No way

 

[xwalker]

Hope they don't try to get too cute and roll with cheaper, unproven options like Cooper at LG and Collins at RT. It would save us a boat load of money if we can get similar production from those two as Leary/Free, but I wouldn't risk messing with the one thing that keeps this team rolling - the OL.

Good point.

I'm more worried about them keeping Free as the starting RT. He was never very good but is getting worse. Green is good when healthy, but they can't count on him being the starter due to his injury history. One option would be to pencil in Green at the starting RT with Free as the backup. The problem with that is that Free's salary is 5M. Leary is not likely to average much more than 5M.

Let's just say that Leary's salary for 2017 will be 5M. Then you have the choice of Leary at LG with Collins/Green at RT or Collins at LG with Green/Free at RT.

 

[xwalker]

A street pick up better than Leary or Collins? No way

Not in these playoffs. However, physically he appears to have the ability to be right there with Leary/Collins. I don't know about his mental makeup, but physically he could be really good in the Cowboys OL scheme. The other question is if Cooper can stay healthy.

 

[Nightman]

Good point.

I'm more worried about them keeping Free as the starting RT. He was never very good but is getting worse. Green is good when healthy, but they can't count on him being the starter due to his injury history. One option would be to pencil in Green at the starting RT with Free as the backup. The problem with that is that Free's salary is 5M. Leary is not likely to average much more than 5M.

Let's just say that Leary's salary for 2017 will be 5M. Then you have the choice of Leary at LG with Collins/Green at RT or Collins at LG with Green/Free at RT.

That is why you cut Free first.......let him test he market and sign him for cheap if no one wants him

He took a pay cut once and I doubt he does it again.....I am fine with CGreen and Cleary if we lose Free

 

[xwalker]

That is why you cut Free first.......let him test he market and sign him for cheap if no one wants him

He took a pay cut once and I doubt he does it again.....I am fine with CGreen and Cleary if we lose Free

You'll never see my complain about cutting Doug Free.

Cleary looked better than I expected and Green is definitely better than Free if healthy based on his 2 starts at LT this season.