The caveat is that Jerry is away from the team management otherwise my first action would be to padlock all the doors to my office and the coaching staff offices to keep Jerry out. Then as the new GM, I would first hire a new coaching staff. I'd look for a coach with a good understanding of the NFL game, NFL talent levels and the Cowboys roster.
Unlike a few other people, I would not dump the entire team without a plan. If every player on the roster that someone suggested should be cut or traded was actually cut or traded, I think the only player left would be the long snapper! That is simply unrealistic. There is a lot of talent on this team and I would want my coaches to bring out the best in that talent. In fact, that would be on the short list of qualifications for my new coach. At the same time, any coaching candidate who came in to interview and was okay with current defense schemes I would be show him the door.
And this is why I would not make any rash decisions on players. A better defensive scheme would help these players perform better. They don't need to be cut, they need to be put in a better position to succeed. Same with the offense.
Of course there are decisions to be made about free agents. I would make Dak an offer of no more than $35 million a year, negotiating the amount to be guaranteed. If he doesn;t take it, I'd tag him. Remembering the
Quincy Carter years, its not easy finding a QB. I would offer Cooper maybe $14 million, or in that ball park. See what he wants. I'd sign Anthony Brown, Antuan Woods, and Covington, because we need players. I'd see what Byron Jones wants and if the price is right re-sign him as well but I would not break the bank for him. Its all about the salary cap now. What do we have left? What free agents are available? With 18 free agents in 2020, the cap space we have will go quickly. I am not a person that would renegotiate bad contracts to push cap impact out into the future. I want to avoid cap jail. But I would change the philosophy of not signing top tier fee agents if the right players are available. With that in mind, I would be looking for an impact safety and/or DT. I am fine with trading future picks but never in the 1st two rounds unless its a steal and I know I can sign the players I pick up.
I'd also look at DEs. Quinn is a one trick pony. I want an DE who can play the run too. btw, my new coach would not be shy about throwing in some all out blitzes in certain situations, like 3rd and 10 from the 2 yard line and that's because my new coach would not play soft coverages but would get his DBs up close and have them stick like glue to the receivers, after giving them a good bump off their routes. In other words, I want my coaches aggressive on defense.
Realistically, I know that I cannot get all the players I want my first year so I would create a 3 year plan making sure I can retain the players I want and have the opportunities to add talent to the core group.
Finally, injuries happen to every team. Nothing can be done about that. But a GM should immerse himself in the injuries of his own players. Players with chronic injuries are a weakness for the team. They have to be replaced sooner rather than later. If a player is not going to recover 100% then is not the same player I think he is. Plan for his replacement, even if its Tyron Smith.
This is the short version.
