Ware and the salary cap

[big dog cowboy]

I don't get the sudden "Ware is a bum, done, washed up, etc." talk coming from a lot of you guys.

If we cut him, 31 other teams will be lining up to try and get him.

The guy was injured for most of the year and didn't play in 3 games. It's his first "bad" season as a Cowboy...

One (of the many) biggest problems our organization is the overvaluation of our players. Given Ware's production level, injury history and contract it is the believe of Cowboy Nation that it is time to move on now. Either that or live in the past for the next 2-3 years while he plays out his contract constantly say what a great player he used to be.

 

[udas]

I would be shocked if Ware isnt back next year. When was the last time Jerry cut a high priced franchise player after one bad year? Look I'm sure age is catching up, but he can still be a good pass rusher and studying the top pass rushers in nfl history gives me hope Ware can return to being productive.

Here is a list of the top pass rushers in Nfl history and the number of 10+ sack seasons after 31.
smith- 5, white-4, Greene-5, doleman-4, Strahan-2, j taylor-2, randall-2, Dent-1, Abraham-3, L Taylor-0, O'neil-0
I'm not saying Ware is going to be Bruce Smith or Reggie White, but getting 2 more good seasons out of Ware is very possible and not easy production to replace. Does anybody remember going nearly a decade without a pass rusher recording double digit sacks?

 

[FuzzyLumpkins]

Ware shouldn't be an every down player. He needs to take the Jim Jeffcoat role. I imagine he will floursih. I saw where he was open to a salary reduction. I think the outcome is obvious.

 

[Nightman]

I would be shocked if Ware isnt back next year. When was the last time Jerry cut a high priced franchise player after one bad year? Look I'm sure age is catching up, but he can still be a good pass rusher and studying the top pass rushers in nfl history gives me hope Ware can return to being productive.

Here is a list of the top pass rushers in Nfl history and the number of 10+ sack seasons after 31.
smith- 5, white-4, Greene-5, doleman-4, Strahan-2, j taylor-2, randall-2, Dent-1, Abraham-3, L Taylor-0, O'neil-0
I'm not saying Ware is going to be Bruce Smith or Reggie White, but getting 2 more good seasons out of Ware is very possible and not easy production to replace. Does anybody remember going nearly a decade without a pass rusher recording double digit sacks?

But he's getting paid to get 20 sacks, not merely double digit sacks. It's his salary, not just his production. If they can get 80% of his sacks at half the cost and 1/3 the cap hit, it has to done. This is the year to make the move, if they have to restructure him again they are pushing another 10m in dead money down the road. His dead money vs cap hit will never be better than this offseason.

 

[ShiningStar]

But he's getting paid to get 20 sacks, not merely double digit sacks. It's his salary, not just his production. If they can get 80% of his sacks at half the cost and 1/3 the cap hit, it has to done. This is the year to make the move, if they have to restructure him again they are pushing another 10m in dead money down the road. His dead money vs cap hit will never be better than this offseason.

can he make that if hes on the sidelines? having a stinger?

 

[udas]

But he's getting paid to get 20 sacks, not merely double digit sacks. It's his salary, not just his production. If they can get 80% of his sacks at half the cost and 1/3 the cap hit, it has to done. This is the year to make the move, if they have to restructure him again they are pushing another 10m in dead money down the road. His dead money vs cap hit will never be better than this offseason.

Thats the problem with pro sports salaries you get paid based on production in the past. The reality of it all is Jerry will not cut ties with Ware this offseason. He'll rework the contract and hopefully his entire base salary doesnt get converted into a guaranteed bonus.

 

[HappyOnions]

One (of the many) biggest problems our organization is the overvaluation of our players. Given Ware's production level, injury history and contract it is the believe of Cowboy Nation that it is time to move on now. Either that or live in the past for the next 2-3 years while he plays out his contract constantly say what a great player he used to be.

Injury history? If you're referring to this year then okay, but before this season he only missed one game in his entire career.

I'm just simply not ready to give up on him. It was his first year in a new scheme, going from a stand up-rush linebacker to a three-point stance lineman probably takes some getting used to especially when Ware has been rushing from a standing position for his entire career.

I agree that this organization over-values it's players and very prematurely rewards them with lucrative contracts: Miles, Marion Barber, Romo, Lee, etc. Not saying that those guys are bad players by any means, but they're cap hit outweighs their production; especially those that can't stay healthy.

If Ware has a similar year next year, then I agree that it's time to probably move on...but it was a bad season; everyone has them. Let's not be so eager to rid ourselves of one of the greatest players in team history because of injuries and a new scheme...

 

[ShiningStar]

Injury history? If you're referring to this year then okay, but before this season he only missed one game in his entire career.

I'm just simply not ready to give up on him. It was his first year in a new scheme, going from a stand up-rush linebacker to a three-point stance lineman probably takes some getting used to especially when Ware has been rushing from a standing position for his entire career.

I agree that this organization over-values it's players and very prematurely rewards them with lucrative contracts: Miles, Marion Barber, Romo, Lee, etc. Not saying that those guys are bad players by any means, but they're cap hit outweighs their production; especially those that can't stay healthy.

If Ware has a similar year next year, then I agree that it's time to probably move on...but it was a bad season; everyone has them. Let's not be so eager to rid ourselves of one of the greatest players in team history because of injuries and a new scheme...

you hold on to the past, give me a young back field wrecker who wants to lead a line into the new age of Cowboy history. Someone who is ready to explode at the snap of the ball, get to qbs, stop the runner, be feared by the Olines, and commands his body to leave it all on the field.

 

[Nightman]

Injury history? If you're referring to this year then okay, but before this season he only missed one game in his entire career.

I'm just simply not ready to give up on him. It was his first year in a new scheme, going from a stand up-rush linebacker to a three-point stance lineman probably takes some getting used to especially when Ware has been rushing from a standing position for his entire career.

I agree that this organization over-values it's players and very prematurely rewards them with lucrative contracts: Miles, Marion Barber, Romo, Lee, etc. Not saying that those guys are bad players by any means, but they're cap hit outweighs their production; especially those that can't stay healthy.

If Ware has a similar year next year, then I agree that it's time to probably move on...but it was a bad season; everyone has them. Let's not be so eager to rid ourselves of one of the greatest players in team history because of injuries and a new scheme...

The problem is that Dallas needs the 7.5m in cap relief from Ware's contract to be players in Free Agency. They can get it a few different ways, but it has to be done pretty early in the league year.

They can restructure him and save around 8.5m but add 8m in dead money for the future
They can release or trade him and save 7.5m with no more dead money
He can take a straight 5-7m pay cut
They can designate him a June 1st cut and save 12.5m this year, but they can't use the money until June 2 and add 5m in dead money to 2015

Obviously the best option would be the pay cut, but it's also the longest shot. If he declines the pay cut, I think they have to trade him or just release him. He will be signed as FA, but for how much? 5m, 6m, 8m??? That's the big question.

 

[slomoxn]

Honestly I doubt Ware goes anywhere.
The chances of him having 15 sacks next year are much higher than the chances he is cut or traded.

I think none of the three are going to happen, he won't get 15 sacks, maybe 8 or 9, and Jerry can't seem to let players go. Thats not saying he is not still a decent player but sometimes its better to cut your losses and start fresh on both sides.

 

[TwentyOne]

A trade is the same as a cut. There will be 8.5M of dead-money on the cap with either. Bonus money that already been paid but was prorated under the cap over multiple years always stays with the original team. Only the base salaries go to the new team.

No team would pay Ware his 12.25M salary which increases in future years if he was a free agent. They're definitely not going to trade picks for the right to pay his salary.

Of course Ware's new team could negotiate a new deal with him.
In fact thats how most teams handle tades.

 

[Frozen700]

sadly ..the great old lion is finished..

we need to cut ties with him,romo, austin,spencer,claiborne,carr,hatcher.... either way they can do it...just do it.

This.......

All those guys need to go. I think Carr can stay though

 

[TTexasTT]

I think none of the three are going to happen, he won't get 15 sacks, maybe 8 or 9, and Jerry can't seem to let players go. Thats not saying he is not still a decent player but sometimes its better to cut your losses and start fresh on both sides.

I get what youre saying, but like you said JJ will overpay guys. In this particular case I dont get too bent outta shape about it.
If it happens to anyone Id rather it be a classy, respectable guy that gave it all to the team.
I happen to still have hope for Austin, but damn... that contract is a absolute train wreck.

 

[JoeyBoy718]

Honestly, I say let's make this the "show me something" year. That goes for everybody. Garrett has to show he's worth building around. Romo has to show he's an elite QB. Ware has to show he isn't washed up. Sean Lee has to show he isn't a China doll. Carter has to show he has some heart. Claiborne has to show he isn't a bust. You get my drift. I say give all these guys I just mentioned one more chance. I'm tired of the same ol, same ol.

 

[big dog cowboy]

Romo has to show he's an elite QB.

That's priceless.