CFZ What I Would Do with the Major Players With Contract Decisions Ahead

[TheMarathonContinues]

I dream of having a GM that would make moves like this. I wake up to the reality of having an Owner who will bend over and give Digs whatever he wants even though he is clearly not the guy.

What winners do this though? What winners trade their best players for draft picks? Chiefs did it with Tyreke Hill....can't really think of who else does this.

 

[charron]

1. Absolutely pay Parsons
2. I'm not sold on CD. Great slot guy but he only became a #1 cause there was little else at wr last year, no cooper and a broken gallup. I would need to see more from CD running outside routes to justify the big payday. Certainly talk to him about an extension just not max deal I think he wants.
3. Same as CD. A good long term team friendly deal or possible trade but not giving him 25+ a year.
4. TB is a jag. The talent gap between him and most rookies isn't that big and the FO typically does a good job when drafting OL so that is the route i'd want to go. Can't pay them all.

 

[75boyz]

Finding the elite QB must still be the top priority. You can't just settle for "decent" if you want to win the SB.

Heck, you need to be looking for the next elite QB even when you have one in his prime currently playing for you.

Just because that is a difficult task does not mean you should logically stop performing that task. It is the single most critical thing a GM does for a franchise. It is even more important than the coaching staff.

You and I share the exact same philosophy on the selection of an elite one first, then his absolute importance to team success. A few others do as well.
And as I believe you accurately stated in a previous post, the whole build a team around the bus driver QB are the outliers to SB winners. MOST superbowls have been reached and won by elite guys, "not" the other way around.

If Quincy Carter is your last QB draft pick taken before the 4th round and your team's claim to fame is the luck of an UDFA and another 4th rd pick at the most important position on a team for the last 15 years, then it's no wonder they haven't won anything.

At some point, doing your QB due diligence drafting homework and selecting someone with some pedigree should at least be risked.

Ain't no guarantees but at least give it a try.

My gosh is it LONG overdue.

And guess what?
IF he fails, then draft another top one again.

The risk to reward of choosing the right one is what the whole NFL's success is based on.
Well, the success of winning Lombardi's that is. Jerry's pretty much already got the profit making part of it down pat regardless of team success.

And uh, back to the OP, my vote's a NO on a new contract to the current QB.
jmo

 

[75boyz]

Finding the elite QB must still be the top priority. You can't just settle for "decent" if you want to win the SB.

Heck, you need to be looking for the next elite QB even when you have one in his prime currently playing for you.

Just because that is a difficult task does not mean you should logically stop performing that task. It is the single most critical thing a GM does for a franchise. It is even more important than the coaching staff.

AMEN.

 

[blueblood70]

1. Absolutely pay Parsons
2. I'm not sold on CD. Great slot guy but he only became a #1 cause there was little else at wr last year, no cooper and a broken gallup. I would need to see more from CD running outside routes to justify the big payday. Certainly talk to him about an extension just not max deal I think he wants.
3. Same as CD. A good long term team friendly deal or possible trade but not giving him 25+ a year.
4. TB is a jag. The talent gap between him and most rookies isn't that big and the FO typically does a good job when drafting OL so that is the route i'd want to go. Can't pay them all.

WRONG, CEEDEE WAS THE leading receiver in 2021, made coop and his 22mil expendable, he already was the #1... sorry, that's the proper order, then backed it up with a career year, he plays more than the slot. but who cares as long as hes productive. its like Kelce being the leading receiver target in KC , they have goto target, doesnt matter where it comes from, they used a WRBC for the rest of it.
Maybe on Diggs, IF some of the young guys develop with Bland maybe, hes worth a trade consideration but OCB is hard to fill and we dont have any young guys yet that could take over..
4. agree TB might be expendable most from that list for sure, Farniok could replace him without much drop off. dont agree hes jag but for sure not irreplaceable.

 

[Bobhaze]

What winners do this though? What winners trade their best players for draft picks? Chiefs did it with Tyreke Hill....can't really think of who else does this.

How about the Patriots on numerous occasions trading starters before they hit a big pay day?
-Richard Seymour
-Lawyer Malloy
-Randy Moss

All we’re ALL PRO starters and all were traded. Each time the pats won a SB later.

 

[CCBoy]

The Cowboys have a very nice problem on the horizon. Because of some good and perhaps even lucky drafting the last few years, there are several key players with rookie deals ending who will soon be due large second contract paydays. The biggest as of now are Cedee Lamb, Travon Diggs, and later Micah Parsons. To a lesser degree, there’s also Tyler Biadaz.

The question is, should we- can we- keep everyone at market value?

Of those 4, clearly Micah Parsons is the most valuable and no brainer when it comes to retaining. He undoubtedly has the most impact and importance to this team. He’s a potential HOF talent if he can stay healthy so as far as I can see, he’s an absolute must to resign. Diggs and Lamb are important, but not in the same category as Parsons. IMO, Biadaz is a good starter but replaceable.

So here’s how I rank these guys with contract decisions looming:

1. Micah Parsons- no question will be resigned. In fact, I predict he will become the highest paid defensive player in the NFL. This is a no-brainer and it’s just a matter of when and for how much. Parsons should be a Cowboy for life.
2. Cedee Lamb- after Parsons, Lamb is probably the next most likely to be resigned. PFF has him as the 8th best WR in the NFL. The Cowboys have struggled the last few years retaining WR talent and it has cost the team dearly on the field. I think Lamb will get resigned at WR market value which won’t be cheap. He will garner somewhere around $25-30 million a year. That’s market value. And they WILL pay it IMO.
3. Travon Diggs- PFF has Diggs ranked 8th in its Cornerback rankings going into 2023. As the passing game has become more central to NFL offenses, the market for corners has risen accordingly. Is Diggs going to be worth $21 mil a year? In fact, he may garner closer to $25 million per season. If I was going to hedge on a guy coming up for a payday, I might consider trading Diggs. I love his ball hawking skills but you can’t keep everyone.
4. Tyler Biadaz- this will be an easier decision in my book. TB has been a decent starter for this team and has improved every year. But with the paydays garnered by Parsons, Lamb and perhaps Diggs, keeping a C at market value would be prohibitive IMO. We can acquire a decent, perhaps even better C in the draft.

So IMO, Parsons and Lamb are locks to be resigned. Diggs is probable but I would consider a trade while his value is this high. If Bland continues to develop, losing Diggs for a trade that acquires additional draft assets may be a good move. Tyler Biadaz would not warrant a second contract IMO.

What do you think? Would you consider trading Diggs?

First, when the Cowboys shortly lose Tylor Smith, does that pay for Tyler Biadaz? As to the actual and future leader of the defense, Parsons gets his pay as does the leader of the offense, Prescott.

Cedee Lamb and Travon Diggs both get paid. The top producer in the passing game and the top defender against the passing game, in today's NFL, both are necessary to even be competitive. One shifts around players that support from that point.

In coming revenues will balance current and short ranged salary demands...thanks to the media cash flows now.

 

[CCBoy]

I tend to agree that the WR market is insane. I think Miami is paying Tyreek Hill close to $30 mil a season which is crazy. The chiefs made the decision to part ways with Hill and won a SB anyway.

The problem for the Cowboys is until they acquired Brandin Cooks this team was very light on overall WR talent. In 2018 and 2022 the team foolishly rolled the dice on just having mostly JAGs at WR and it showed. I think that experience will make them think twice about letting Lamb go.

Cooks addition rejustifies retention of Prescott.

 

[beware_d-ware]

Parsons is playing like a Hall of Famer. You can't let him walk.

Diggs... you sort of have to keep him. CBs are tough to find in the draft, and even the good vets are high-variance from year to year. Guys will literally bounce between "stud" and "dud", in a way you rarely see at other positions. Free agent CBs are expensive and very high-risk because of that variance. So if you have a vet who's consistently played well in your system, that's almost impossible to replace. It's definitely hard to replace him for cheaper.

CeeDee... you have to pay him. He's a young stud at the second most valuable position in football. We've already played the "Dak doesn't need WRs" game, and ended up panic-trading for Cooper.

Biadasz... in a vacuum, I like paying interior OLs. They are cheap for their talent level (eg a top 5 center makes far less than a top 5 DE), they age well, and rookie replacements are slow to develop. But Biadasz is a pretty replaceable talent. So it will really come down to cost. He isn't part of this team's core, IMO. He's much more expendable than say Parsons or Lamb.

 

[CCBoy]

But Jerry won’t draft QBs in early rounds. He just won’t do it. The last time the Cowboys drafted a QB in round one was Troy in ‘89. The last time they took a second round QB was 2001 with Quincy Carter. For the last 22 drafts, Jerry chooses not to draft any QB earlier than round 4.

This team is fully involved in the cash flow and sustainabity of team rosters drafting. It required a league special case scenario for the Cowboys to end up the corner and receiver that they did. Great deals but not the norm for status of the Cowboys.

There better be a pay day, here and now in results.

 

[CCBoy]

Parsons is playing like a Hall of Famer. You can't let him walk.

Diggs... you sort of have to keep him. CBs are tough to find in the draft, and even the good vets are high-variance from year to year. Signing free agents also comes with a huge risk because of that variance. So if you have a vet who's consistently played well in your system, that's almost impossible to replace. It's definitely hard to replace it for cheaper.

CeeDee... have to pay him. #1 WR, second most valuable position in football. We've already played the "Dak doesn't need WRs" game, and ended up panic-trading for Cooper.

Biadasz... in a vacuum, I like paying interior OLs. They are cheap for their talent level (eg a top 5 center makes far less than a top 5 DE), they age well, and rookie replacements are slow to develop. But Biadasz is a pretty replaceable talent. So it will really come down to cost. He isn't part of this team's core, IMO. He's much more expendable than say Parsons or Lamb.

Time together is an under appreciated element in the offensive line, but still very functional. If a team is merely an extension of the offensive line coach...that's not much of a line,

 

[big dog cowboy]

The time to make a trade is when a player has maximum value. I would definitely look at what kind of trade value Diggs could bring. If he could get us some good draft picks or even a player with value at another position I would do it.

Trade Diggs and next years first rounder and get a QB. Throw in Coakley if needed.

 

[big dog cowboy]

For the last 22 drafts, Jerry chooses not to draft any QB earlier than round 4.

I need to throw up.

 

[TheMarathonContinues]

How about the Patriots on numerous occasions trading starters before they hit a big pay day?
-Richard Seymour
-Lawyer Malloy
-Randy Moss

All we’re ALL PRO starters and all were traded. Each time the pats won a SB later.

I was speaking more so recently. Current winners don't do this. Even then teams didn't do it as much other than the Pats. It worked for them at the time. And like I said earlier Chiefs did it with Tyreke and it didn't hurt them. But it for sure hurt the Packers getting rid of Davante.

 

[TheMarathonContinues]

But Jerry won’t draft QBs in early rounds. He just won’t do it. The last time the Cowboys drafted a QB in round one was Troy in ‘89. The last time they took a second round QB was 2001 with Quincy Carter. For the last 22 drafts, Jerry chooses not to draft any QB earlier than round 4.

I'm concerned with what t hey would've done had they drafted a QB. Jerry LOVED Johnny Manziel...out the league. LOVED Paxton Lynch. Out the league. If we had the 1st rounders to draft them these guys if Jerry had his way would be our QB's........

And they've been linked to other guys in the past. I think Garrett said he really liked Andy Dalton coming into the draft. At least that would've been a 2nd rounder and easier to stomach.

 

[Bobhaze]

I was speaking more so recently. Current winners don't do this. Even then teams didn't do it as much other than the Pats. It worked for them at the time. And like I said earlier Chiefs did it with Tyreke and it didn't hurt them. But it for sure hurt the Packers getting rid of Davante.

Current winners don’t do this? Cowboys have done it. Traded Amari Cooper last year right?

• Eagles acquire AJ Brown in trade from Titans (2022- Titans have been to 2 AFC championship games last 5 years)
• Seahawks traded Russell Wilson to broncos (2022- was a great move for Sea who made the playoffs)
• Raiders trading Khalil Mack to bears (2018)
• Cowboys trade for Amari Cooper from raiders (2018)
• Sam Bradford traded from eagles to Vikes (2016- eagles won SB in 2017)
• Percy Harvin traded from Seahawks to Vikes (2014- Seahawks went to SB that yr)

Here’s an article on NFL.com showing that trading players in their prime is not at all unusual in NFL history.
https://www.nfl.com/photos/top-20-nfl-veterans-traded-in-the-prime-of-their-careers-0ap3000001030832

 

[TheMarathonContinues]

Current winners don’t do this? Cowboys have done it. Traded Amari Cooper last year right?

• Eagles acquire AJ Brown in trade from Titans (2022- Titans have been to 2 AFC championship games last 5 years)
• Seahawks traded Russell Wilson to broncos (2022- was a great move for Sea who made the playoffs)
• Raiders trading Khalil Mack to bears (2018)
• Cowboys trade for Amari Cooper from raiders (2018)
• Sam Bradford traded from eagles to Vikes (2016- eagles won SB in 2017)
• Percy Harvin traded from Seahawks to Vikes (2014- Seahawks went to SB that yr)

Here’s an article on NFL.com showing that trading players in their prime is not at all unusual in NFL history.
https://www.nfl.com/photos/top-20-nfl-veterans-traded-in-the-prime-of-their-careers-0ap3000001030832

Ok and what did they win? What did the Titans win after trading AJ Brown?
What did the Seahawks win after trading Russ? (This is not really what i'm referencing. Russ asked to be traded. At that point you get whatever you ask for and move on)
Raiders won nothing getting rid of Mack and Cooper. Actually got inferior talent for both.
Sam Bradford SUCKED. Not what i'm talking about.


Let me clarify....what team trades their best players and then wins a ring? Its just not a winning formula. Pats did it 15 years ago. Sure. KC did it with Tyreke.....Tyreke wanted to leave and get his money so KC had to do what they had to do.

 

[Bobhaze]

Ok and what did they win? What did the Titans win after trading AJ Brown?
What did the Seahawks win after trading Russ? (This is not really what i'm referencing. Russ asked to be traded. At that point you get whatever you ask for and move on)
Raiders won nothing getting rid of Mack and Cooper. Actually got inferior talent for both.
Sam Bradford SUCKED. Not what i'm talking about.


Let me clarify....what team trades their best players and then wins a ring? Its just not a winning formula. Pats did it 15 years ago. Sure. KC did it with Tyreke.....Tyreke wanted to leave and get his money so KC had to do what they had to do.

Surely you’re not saying Travon Diggs is the Cowboys best player? I’m not talking about trading Micah Parsons who IS this team’s best player hands down. In my book he’s the ONLY untouchable on this roster. Are you saying Diggs is untouchable?

 

[Jarntt]

The Cowboys have a very nice problem on the horizon. Because of some good and perhaps even lucky drafting the last few years, there are several key players with rookie deals ending who will soon be due large second contract paydays. The biggest as of now are Cedee Lamb, Travon Diggs, and later Micah Parsons. To a lesser degree, there’s also Tyler Biadaz.

The question is, should we- can we- keep everyone at market value?

Of those 4, clearly Micah Parsons is the most valuable and no brainer when it comes to retaining. He undoubtedly has the most impact and importance to this team. He’s a potential HOF talent if he can stay healthy so as far as I can see, he’s an absolute must to resign. Diggs and Lamb are important, but not in the same category as Parsons. IMO, Biadaz is a good starter but replaceable.

So here’s how I rank these guys with contract decisions looming:

1. Micah Parsons- no question will be resigned. In fact, I predict he will become the highest paid defensive player in the NFL. This is a no-brainer and it’s just a matter of when and for how much. Parsons should be a Cowboy for life.
2. Cedee Lamb- after Parsons, Lamb is probably the next most likely to be resigned. PFF has him as the 8th best WR in the NFL. The Cowboys have struggled the last few years retaining WR talent and it has cost the team dearly on the field. I think Lamb will get resigned at WR market value which won’t be cheap. He will garner somewhere around $25-30 million a year. That’s market value. And they WILL pay it IMO.
3. Travon Diggs- PFF has Diggs ranked 8th in its Cornerback rankings going into 2023. As the passing game has become more central to NFL offenses, the market for corners has risen accordingly. Is Diggs going to be worth $21 mil a year? In fact, he may garner closer to $25 million per season. If I was going to hedge on a guy coming up for a payday, I might consider trading Diggs. I love his ball hawking skills but you can’t keep everyone.
4. Tyler Biadaz- this will be an easier decision in my book. TB has been a decent starter for this team and has improved every year. But with the paydays garnered by Parsons, Lamb and perhaps Diggs, keeping a C at market value would be prohibitive IMO. We can acquire a decent, perhaps even better C in the draft.

So IMO, Parsons and Lamb are locks to be resigned. Diggs is probable but I would consider a trade while his value is this high. If Bland continues to develop, losing Diggs for a trade that acquires additional draft assets may be a good move. Tyler Biadaz would not warrant a second contract IMO.

What do you think? Would you consider trading Diggs?

I agree with most except I don't see Diggs being traded because I think he is the first one to sign and we have the cap space and I definitely don't see him getting close to $25M per when the highest paid CB is at $21M per

 

[CCBoy]

Trade Diggs and next years first rounder and get a QB. Throw in Coakley if needed.

Just throw in Troy, Harvey Martin, and Too Tall...who could resist?