• Dallas Cowboys -- Big D used to stand for Dallas, but if you substituted the word "drama'' these days, it would be fitting. After that can't-make-this-stuff-up ending to their season Saturday night in Seattle, the Cowboys have issues galore to tackle. None, of course, looms larger than the question of whether head coach Bill Parcells -- he of the 34-32 record in Dallas -- will saddle up for a fifth season on the job?
If the Tuna did inquire about the possibility of returning to the Giants as their general manager, that might be a telling glimpse into his thinking when it comes to 2007. But then again, he's the master of keeping all options open for himself, so don't read too much into his clandestine communication with New York. The tea leaves still seem to portend him staying on the sideline in Dallas, but he has until Feb. 1 before he contractually has to clue owner Jerry Jones in on his plans.
If Parcells stays, it doesn't necessarily mean Terrell Owens goes. Everybody wants to make it that simple, but it's not. Chances seem decent that they'll be together again in 2007, unless Parcells thinks he can convince Jones that T.O.'s 85 catches for 1,180 yards and 13 touchdowns can be replaced. Terry Glenn (March) and Owens (June) are due roster bonuses worth a combined $8 million, so those are the key dates to watch for.
Cowboys defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer reportedly is being sought for the same post by new Falcons head coach Bobby Petrino, and it's not likely that Parcells would fight to keep him. With a 4-3 background, he may not be the guy to lead the Cowboys' 3-4 front, and the team's dismal defensive showing in the final month might have sealed his fate.
Dallas is believed to be about $25 million under the projected $109 million salary cap entering free agency. One priority is to acquire another pass-rush threat to complement linebacker DeMarcus Ware, who was the team's only productive sack man, with 11½ in his second season. More pass rush figures to help out a secondary that was often scorched down the stretch.
The offensive line features two starters who are scheduled for free agency -- center Andre Gurode and right tackle Marc Colombo -- and a third who could be facing his second back surgery in three years (guard Marco Rivera).
Oh, yeah, and one more thing. Dallas might want to invest in a new holder, because we hear Tony Romo doesn't want that job any more.
