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

[TheMarathonContinues]

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.

Yeah but who fits this description? Chido,Lewis, Diggs….known for their cover skills.

 

[Bobhaze]

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.

I agree with a lot of what you’re saying here. But where I disagree is this- IMO an NFL player who has played 4 years under a rookie deal - which usually underpays their performance- should not be expected to sign the next contract for less than what the market dictates they are worth.

We as fans too often judge a player‘s paycheck by what we think they should be paid in hopes that by playing for “a little less” or a ”hometown discount” it would be better for the team. But we all know as soon aa a player gets hurt and has little or no value to the team, the team will eventually cut them, only paying the “guaranteed“ amount of the deal which is always less than the total contract. That’s just the harsh reality for these men who are essentially modern day gladiators.

When a front office looks at a player they want to keep after their rookie deal, they should expect to pay market value for their services or seek a trade. Trying to go cheap on a player we want for the future is poor management IMO. Yes there are some players who get a lazy after getting paid. But that’s up to the front office and coaches to both know the player‘s character and habits.

 

[Bobhaze]

Yeah but who fits this description? Chido,Lewis, Diggs….known for their cover skills.

This was the scouting profile on Travon Diggs at the 2020 NFL combine with a list of both strengths and weaknesses:

Strengths

• Elite height, weight and length
• Size and strength for unique matchup potential against big targets
• Receivers catch quick jabs or heavy jams from press
• Fluid and athletic to open and match the route
• Above-average foot agility for a big cornerback underneath
• Eyes recognize route-jumping opportunities
• Little wasted motion to plant, drive and close
• Wide receiver's instincts and catch talent
• Used ball skills to make baller interceptions this season
• Length to become a human shield on 50/50 throws
• Opportunistic with scoop and score and pick-six in 2019
• Returned punts and kicks with reasonable success

Weaknesses

• Upright heel-clicker mirroring release
• Playmaking mentality can work against him
• Reacts before properly surveying the situation
• Loses discipline guarding combo routes
• Struggles to stay in phase with double moves
• Long speed is a concern with certain matchups
• Jersey-tugger when chasing to recover
• Picked on by LSU and Ja'Marr Chase
• Had trouble maintaining positioning while tracking deep throws
• Needs better attention to positioning as open-field tackler

I like Diggs a lot. He’s certainly a really good corner. I’m just not 100% sold that’s he’s worth market value as a top Corner in this league. Maybe he can show some more this year.
Link: https://www.nfl.com/prospects/trevon-diggs/32004449-4722-4895-603b-f1bc2ff73964

 

[blueblood70]

This was the scouting profile on Travon Diggs at the 2020 NFL combine with a list of both strengths and weaknesses:

Strengths

• Elite height, weight and length
• Size and strength for unique matchup potential against big targets
• Receivers catch quick jabs or heavy jams from press
• Fluid and athletic to open and match the route
• Above-average foot agility for a big cornerback underneath
• Eyes recognize route-jumping opportunities
• Little wasted motion to plant, drive and close
• Wide receiver's instincts and catch talent
• Used ball skills to make baller interceptions this season
• Length to become a human shield on 50/50 throws
• Opportunistic with scoop and score and pick-six in 2019
• Returned punts and kicks with reasonable success

Weaknesses

• Upright heel-clicker mirroring release
• Playmaking mentality can work against him
• Reacts before properly surveying the situation
• Loses discipline guarding combo routes
• Struggles to stay in phase with double moves
• Long speed is a concern with certain matchups
• Jersey-tugger when chasing to recover
• Picked on by LSU and Ja'Marr Chase
• Had trouble maintaining positioning while tracking deep throws
• Needs better attention to positioning as open-field tackler

I like Diggs a lot. He’s certainly a really good corner. I’m just not 100% sold that’s he’s worth market value as a top Corner in this league. Maybe he can show some more this year.
Link: https://www.nfl.com/prospects/trevon-diggs/32004449-4722-4895-603b-f1bc2ff73964

possibly BUT I mean just from memory and I could be wrong but you do realize that coming into the league Trayvon diggs was one player and he's improved from his coverage skills and whatnot and I don't believe jamar chase or Justin Jefferson or some of the top receivers in the league have picked on him I believe he may have got the better of those but like I said I'm just going by memory maybe you have something you can easily pull out but I believe last year while he was still biting on some double moves trying to make plays and late in the season he may have been a little hesitant to be physical for whatever reason he improved his coverage skills a lot he had less interceptions because they were picking on him a lot less because they were worried about him picking the ball off and they saw that he was shutting down some of the better receivers

he may not be perfect but he is still one of the better corners in the NFL and those are hard to find.

I mean everyone keeps wanting us to bring Jalen Ramsey's in here for two years for CB2, now so you get rid of diggs, now you need two guys because we still going to have to replace Gilmores spot and now you want to cut this guy and have to replace two corners?? that's the big question we're going back to square one at the corner spot even though bland looks like he could do OK inside, we do not have right now a replacement for either corner spot on the outside...

you're playing with fire, I mean we saw what happened when brown and Lewis went down we started getting picked on, our defense had not looked the same until we settle down a little bit.

 

[TheMarathonContinues]

This was the scouting profile on Travon Diggs at the 2020 NFL combine with a list of both strengths and weaknesses:

Strengths

• Elite height, weight and length
• Size and strength for unique matchup potential against big targets
• Receivers catch quick jabs or heavy jams from press
• Fluid and athletic to open and match the route
• Above-average foot agility for a big cornerback underneath
• Eyes recognize route-jumping opportunities
• Little wasted motion to plant, drive and close
• Wide receiver's instincts and catch talent
• Used ball skills to make baller interceptions this season
• Length to become a human shield on 50/50 throws
• Opportunistic with scoop and score and pick-six in 2019
• Returned punts and kicks with reasonable success

Weaknesses

• Upright heel-clicker mirroring release
• Playmaking mentality can work against him
• Reacts before properly surveying the situation
• Loses discipline guarding combo routes
• Struggles to stay in phase with double moves
• Long speed is a concern with certain matchups
• Jersey-tugger when chasing to recover
• Picked on by LSU and Ja'Marr Chase
• Had trouble maintaining positioning while tracking deep throws
• Needs better attention to positioning as open-field tackler

I like Diggs a lot. He’s certainly a really good corner. I’m just not 100% sold that’s he’s worth market value as a top Corner in this league. Maybe he can show some more this year.
Link: https://www.nfl.com/prospects/trevon-diggs/32004449-4722-4895-603b-f1bc2ff73964

Sounds like his strength were in coverage.

For me its just that Zeke dilemma. I knew signing Zeke would be bad down the line but at that point he gave us the best chance to contend. Its how I feel about Diggs. I consider secondary a strength if Gilmore plays how he has been. You take Diggs away and I feel completely different about that unit. From strength to weakness.

 

[CowboyRoy]

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?

So you want to go into the offseason next year having to find 3 starters on the oline?

And then your logic dictates that we can easily find an instant pro bowl type rookie center in the draft?

You must be one of those guys that think we can get the next mahomes in the first round next year.

Biadasz is probably the easiest signing. Could probably be resigned for reasonable price.

 

[Bobhaze]

So you want to go into the offseason next year having to find 3 starters on the oline?

And then your logic dictates that we can easily find an instant pro bowl type rookie center in the draft?

You must be one of those guys that think we can get the next mahomes in the first round next year.

Biadasz is probably the easiest signing. Could probably be resigned for reasonable price.

Just to clarify- No that’s not what I said at all.

 

[Bobhaze]

Sounds like his strength were in coverage.

For me its just that Zeke dilemma. I knew signing Zeke would be bad down the line but at that point he gave us the best chance to contend. Its how I feel about Diggs. I consider secondary a strength if Gilmore plays how he has been. You take Diggs away and I feel completely different about that unit. From strength to weakness.

I’ve enjoyed the discussion.

 

[CowboyRoy]

Just to clarify- No that’s not what I said at all.

Reread your post. Its exactly what you said about him. Easily replaced with someone better in the draft. Easy call for you not to resign him.

 

[Bobhaze]

Reread your post. Its exactly what you said about him. Easily replaced with someone better in the draft. Easy call for you not to resign him.

Perhaps not re-signing Biadaz, yes. I never said as you quoted me saying, “go into the offseason next year having to find 3 starters on the oline.”

Here‘s my exact quote from the OP:
”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.”

You can disagree with my opinions all you like Roy. Just don’t say I said something I didn’t say. I never said I wanted to replace 3 starters in the OL.

 

[Stash]

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 would consider trading Diggs, but the timing makes it tough. Do you trade him during this season and damage your chances for this year?

 

[CowboyRoy]

Perhaps not re-signing Biadaz, yes. I never said as you quoted me saying, “go into the offseason next year having to find 3 starters on the oline.”

Here‘s my exact quote from the OP:
”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.”

You can disagree with my opinions all you like Roy. Just don’t say I said something I didn’t say. I never said I wanted to replace 3 starters in the OL.

Well i never said you said that. just pointing out the reality if we dont resign him.

So right back at you. Dont say i said something i never said.

 

[Bobhaze]

I would consider trading Diggs, but the timing makes it tough. Do you trade him during this season and damage your chances for this year?

That’s certainly a good question. And I’m not necessarily saying Diggs must be traded. Just saying I think it’s something worth considering if we could improve our overall roster with that kind of move. It would be unlikely.

I tend to believe that this FO historically over-values some of its players. Diggs is very good. I’m glad he’s a Cowboy and have loved what he’s brought overall. Am I prepared to pay him top market dollar as a corner? I’m not 100% convinced yet. Maybe I will be later. And of course I coukd certainly be wrong, lol.

 

[Stash]

That’s certainly a good question. And I’m not necessarily saying Diggs must be traded. Just saying I think it’s something worth considering if we could improve our overall roster with that kind of move. It would be unlikely.

I tend to believe that this FO historically over-values some of its players. Diggs is very good. I’m glad he’s a Cowboy and have loved what he’s brought overall. Am I prepared to pay him top market dollar as a corner? I’m not 100% convinced yet. Maybe I will be later. And of course I coukd certainly be wrong, lol.

I’m with you on the uncertainty, especially with how he finished last season. He had plenty of embarrassing moments.

If it were up to me, I’d let him play out this season and deal with his free agency after the season. I want to see if he looks better, worse, or the same before I pay him $100 million or more.

 

[raven55]

if after this year things don't play out for a playoff run. sign cee dee, parsons, and let dak walk especially if interceptions are running rampart, let diggs get tagged and let some one give us a first round or second round for him that and he can keep jumping over instead of tackling and that why he can keep up his buss. decisions with another team

 

[CouchCoach]

That’s an intriguing idea. I just don’t think Jerry would ever allow for a “rebuilding” year.

Not that word, of course, he would use reload.