The Free Agency Pool is Drying Up. How Will Dallas Adapt?

Another intriguing RFA RB the ‘Boys may consider is the Steelers Veron Haynes. He has a powerful, compact build like JJ (5’9, 222), and has averaged 4.5 YPC as a situational role player for Pitt. He’s a fair receiver outta the back field and a valuable special teams contributor. He also has the versatility to double as FB in a pinch.

Parcells specifically singled out Haynes for giving the ’Boys problems after their only game versus Pitt last season. Like Taylor, Haynes would seem to be a low priority for Pitt (w/ the return of a healthy Staley and a re-signed Bettis), and would cost the ’Boys a fifth round pick.

Fortunately this year’s draft class appears to have a fairly deep RB group. However, while a competent backup RB can probably be found on day two, it might be a stretch to think the ‘Boys could do better than Taylor or Haynes with that pick. Besides, why take a chance on a draft pick when you can sign a proven commodity? I’d love to see the ’Boys pick up either one of these backs.

I had not given consideration to the special teams part of the equation, but if Haynes excels in that area, the increase in salary can be justified. And we know Parcells values quality special teamers highly.

I hope that Dallas does not pursue a Free Agent running back at this point – maybe during the summer if necessary. Right now, they still have too many holes at starting positions. If the Cowboys can solve the right tackle situation, backup running back will not be a problem. I still like Rashard Lee – just wish Parcells would have given him more of a chance. Also, there should be some talent left in the later rounds of the draft. Some articles have Clarett falling into the 7th round or off the board completely – not that I would suggest picking up a head case like him.

clarett has raw talent and he’s going to be a very good running back in the NFL. so do not jump on the band wagon when become a star player. it really shows that you don’t know to much about football.

I suspect Clarett has the talent to be a good running back, but he has shown questionable work ethic and a bad attitude. Randy Moss has shown that he is a very talented receiver, but I am glad the Cowboys did not pursue him. Some players provide more of a negative energy to the team and their on-field production does not make up for it. I am not saying Clarett is in the Randy Moss category, but there is a risk associated within him.
 
Besides, my whole point was that some good talent, at least good enough for a backup RB, will be available in later rounds of the draft.

No need to waste a pick or big money on a backup Running Back. Let JJ get his touches with Lee, Anderson, Bickerstaff, and possibly another late round pick giving us depth. I think Jones is going to be a HOSS next year. He has whatever “IT” is and will only get better with experience and more NFL strength and conditioning. If LEE can learn to pickup the blitz and possibly catch a little I think Bill would play him more. Parcells never likes one dimensional players. For a reason they are easy to defend. If Lee is on the Field he is getting the ball. The D overstacks the line and stops the play. He has great upside potential and I like him overall.

Lets address the wholes we have on the Defense, and at Wide reciever. Imagine Julius and Witten if we can get another deep threat reciever than can draw double teams the way Irvin did. If we can find that, watch the kind of year Keyshawn and Glenn can have. Bledsoe can still chuck the balll and looks like an upgrade over Vinny. Let’s give him one more big target to throw at.

So far the Free agents look good…….Hope Rivera Recovers quickly. Henry and Ferguson addressed major holes and both are starters. Lets add a Safety, WR, and DE to the mix or a crazed OLB. I like the looks of ROTH from Iowa. Looks like a NFL guy to me.

Backup RBs have to meet several requirements to play for Big Bill. They have to be proficient at blitz recognition and pickup, good receivers outta the back field, valuable special teams contributors and a decent ball carrier.

Chester Taylor and Veron Haynes meet all The Tuna’s criteria far better than Lee, Bickerstaff and/or most rookies selected in the 5th round.

If the difference between spending a 5th round pick on an untested rookie versus a proven vet is less than $500K, why roll the dice when you can have the sure thing?