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

[TheMarathonContinues]

Jalen Ramsey, Champ Bailey, Pick a Patriot… you’re right, it does feel like a lot of teams have opted for capitalizing on young or in their prime corners and what they can get back. If we have good depth at corner come re-signing time, why not see the options out there?

We barely have 3 corners now…..and there counting a 32 year old Gilmore.

 

[TheMarathonContinues]

Once again, goes back to poor player evaluation, especially in the draft. We emphasize the wrong traits.

Curious to what do you mean by this?

 

[TheMarathonContinues]

I've been thinking along the same lines.

I like Diggs, don't love him. IMO, he's a bit overrated due to his high INT numbers in 21. Had 3 last year.

I don’t see how he’s overrated. Everyone says he’s overates and gets best deep to the point I think he’s undefeated. He held a lot of good receivers in check.

 

[T-RO]

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?

Agree on all four. Just signing Parsons and Lamb is tough. Can't see us going forward with Diggs.

 

[Bobhaze]

I’m just not understanding It. I mean I don’t disagree that if the right trade comes around you think about it. I just don’t see how it improves your team.

How does a first rounder next year help us this if we trade Diggs for one?

Well how can you know what could improve your team if you never listen to offers? It doesn’t have to be just a first round pick. You can trade for actual players too.

 

[kskboys]

Curious to what do you mean by this?

WRs: We emphasize height. Need guys who can get open, not guys who are just tall.

CB's: Same thing, height. We need guys who can mirror routes.

DT's: Same thing, height. Need guys who can get into the backfield.

Those are some examples.

 

[kskboys]

I don’t see how he’s overrated. Everyone says he’s overates and gets best deep to the point I think he’s undefeated. He held a lot of good receivers in check.

Allows too many receptions.

 

[CCBoy]

On the issue of Pollard:

With Saquon Barkley threatening to sit out and Dalvin Cook looking for a "significant contract," there seems to be some pushback among NFL running backs about their perceived lack of value. Do you think this affects the Cowboys working out a multi-year contract with Tony Pollard? Are we looking at a one-and-done season for him and the team?– Tony Washington/San Diego, CA

Nick Eatman: Can't say I've really thought of it that way, but you're not wrong. That's how things in the league usually work. Agents know what other agents are doing and teams know what other teams are doing. Therefore, running backs probably know what other backs are doing, and certainly, what they're getting paid. But honestly, I think the only way the Cook and Barkley situations – which are obviously very different – would affect Pollard, would be in the Cowboys' favor. At some point, these running backs are going to see the writing on the wall. Doesn't matter how great they are, teams don't want to spend a lot of money on them. So if these other RB situations factor into the Cowboys and/or Pollard at all, it might actually lead to a long-term deal. Pollard might not see it this way, but at some point, these guys might have to lower the overall number just to get a long-term deal in place. Do I see that happening? Not really, but it's probably the only way a deal gets done longer than one year.

Patrik: I don't think anything from outside of the building will impact negotiations inside of it, as it relates to the running back position, and that's because any lessons the Cowboys feel they needed to learn — they likely learned from the Ezekiel Elliott situation. In their eyes, they felt things came to a point where they could go younger at the position without keeping on two major salaries at RB, so they released Elliott with an eye on signing Tony Pollard to a long-term deal and they have until July 17 to do it. As far as what Pollard would want contractually, well, I don't believe he's looking to set the market (that's my opinion, by the way) and so I believe the potential deal should be easier to negotiate. Both Cook and Barkley have more "decorated" careers that, at minimum, do afford them the opportunity to ask for more money. For Pollard, who is insanely talented but who also hasn't had a chance to show what he can do as a No. 1 back, it's an entirely different conversation and, as such, I wouldn't think anything related to Cook or Barkley influences talks with Pollard.

https://www.dallascowboys.com/news/mailbag-will-rb-pushback-affect-pollard-deal

 

[TheMarathonContinues]

Well how can you know what could improve your team if you never listen to offers? It doesn’t have to be just a first round pick. You can trade for actual players too.

Ok that’s possible too. I guess if I can get a Quinnen Williams for Diggs I’d think about it.

 

[TheMarathonContinues]

Allows too many receptions.

To who though? He held Jefferson and Scary Terry in check.

 

[TheMarathonContinues]

WRs: We emphasize height. Need guys who can get open, not guys who are just tall.

CB's: Same thing, height. We need guys who can mirror routes.

DT's: Same thing, height. Need guys who can get into the backfield.

Those are some examples.

Didn’t realize they did that honestly.

 

[Verdict]

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?

1. I would look to trade Diggs even if we didn’t have the rest. He’s over rated in my opinion. He is worth more in a trade than he is on the field.

2. I would look to upgrade at center. If we keep TB cheap that’s fine but I would NOT pay him.

 

[AsthmaField]

Well how can you know what could improve your team if you never listen to offers? It doesn’t have to be just a first round pick. You can trade for actual players too.

So you are talking about listening to offers for Diggs and not actively trying to trade him to the highest bidder? Who wouldn’t listen to offers if a team calls you up about one of your players? Everybody would.

What is the last big-name-player for big-name-player trade that you remember?

 

[Bobhaze]

So you are talking about listening to offers for Diggs and not actively trying to trade him to the highest bidder? Who wouldn’t listen to offers if a team calls you up about one of your players? Everybody would.

What is the last big-name-player for big-name-player trade that you remember?

Big name for big name trades are very rare. (There have been just 90 player-for-player trades that include zero draft picks since 1994, according to Stathead data on Pro Football Reference)

Maybe Jared Goof and some picks for Matthew Stafford although that’s not player for player. I can certainly name some trades that have paid big dividends lately including the Stafford trade:

• Seahawks trading Russell Wilson for a ton of draft picks that translated into the Seahawks reaping big rewards from the bevy of picks they received. In 2022, the ‘hawks used the Denver picks to draft a 17-game starter at o-tackle in Charles Cross, then in the 2023 draft they picked up cornerback Devon Witherspoon at No. 5 overall and reinforced the edge with Derick Hall at No. 37. These players are likely to be key contributors to a squad hoping to build on a playoff appearance in 2023. Great trade for the Seahawks.
• The rams traded Jared Goff and multiple picks to the lions for Matthew Stafford. Sure paid off for the rams with a SB win in 2021 and the lions have used those picks from the rams to acquire rookie running back Jahmyr Gibbs and tight end Sam LaPorta joining Goff and 2022 draftees Ifeatu Melifonwu, Jameson Williams and Josh Paschal to complete the haul. The lions are in position to compete this year for the playoffs in a way they haven’t in a long time.

Im too tired to research more. But to say that trades for good players on your roster- either including players or just picks- cannot immediately improve your team is just not true. They are not common I think because they are bold and certainly have risks.

 

[AsthmaField]

Big name for big name trades are very rare. (There have been just 90 player-for-player trades that include zero draft picks since 1994, according to Stathead data on Pro Football Reference)

Maybe Jared Goof and some picks for Matthew Stafford although that’s not player for player. I can certainly name some trades that have paid big dividends lately including the Stafford trade:

• Seahawks trading Russell Wilson for a ton of draft picks that translated into the Seahawks reaping big rewards from the bevy of picks they received. In 2022, the ‘hawks used the Denver picks to draft a 17-game starter at o-tackle in Charles Cross, then in the 2023 draft they picked up cornerback Devon Witherspoon at No. 5 overall and reinforced the edge with Derick Hall at No. 37. These players are likely to be key contributors to a squad hoping to build on a playoff appearance in 2023. Great trade for the Seahawks.
• The rams traded Jared Goff and multiple picks to the lions for Matthew Stafford. Sure paid off for the rams with a SB win in 2021 and the lions have used those picks from the rams to acquire rookie running back Jahmyr Gibbs and tight end Sam LaPorta joining Goff and 2022 draftees Ifeatu Melifonwu, Jameson Williams and Josh Paschal to complete the haul. The lions are in position to compete this year for the playoffs in a way they haven’t in a long time.

Im too tired to research more. But to say that trades for good players on your roster- either including players or just picks- cannot immediately improve your team is just not true. They are not common I think because they are bold and certainly have risks.

I never said that it can’t immediately improve your team. You must be confusing me with someone else.

 

[kskboys]

Didn’t realize they did that honestly.

S's: We keep drafting them for their hitting skills. In today's NFL, if a DB can't cover, he can't play in the NFL.

 

[blueblood70]

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

cooper was not a homegrown Cowboy, and we know the backstory not just his $$ , it was his missing many practices, and those 2 games he missed , Jones wasnt paying a player like that wasn't a homegrown draft pick who was one of the younger stars up for new deal..

remind us who those were, so we have real reference to Jerrys mindset. they have been more than willing to move on from players they got in FA or through trades but young draftees up for their first deals who are one of the top players on the team.

 

[blueblood70]

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.

how are we losing Tyler smith? hes on rookie deal with a 5th year option.

 

[75boyz]

The previous 4 Cowboys second contracts that were debatably overpaid at QB, RB, DE and LB did not accomplish anything with regards to big picture return on investment.

Maybe better coaching was/is a factor to be considered?
Maybe, to have paid them not quite the amounts, guarantee or structure of the contract the way it was drawn up could/should have been different?
Maybe they just weren't as good as Cowboy marketed in the first place and never deserved the market to over market price originally signed for?

These are the big picture type questions that serious front office, GM and head coach teams should really investigate before repeating the same way you've always done business imo. The impact to overall team management can not be minimized.

That's my big picture armchair GM perspective anyway.

 

[FuzzyLumpkins]

I saw Trevons level of effort when he was playing for a giant bag of cash. I can only imagine how disgusting his play will look after he gets a giant bag of cash.

All this tells me is that any boss of yours would do well to never give you a raise. You only see value in doing something for financial gain.

Sure some NFL players like that but to paint that brush so broad. . . .