Wednesday Rumor Roundup

Interesting stuff.

I was pushing for Shelton back a few months ago and taking a lot of flack for it. Everyone kept telling me he wasn’t that good and was too expensive. I thought he did a pretty good job run blocking for Droughns last year, but I don’t know about his pass protection skills. Either way, Fabini or Ashworth might be the choice at this point.

I had also been reading the rumors about the Dolphins and McGinest.

For some reason, I feel like when the Cowboys go to the Super Bowl (hopefully this season, definitely by 2007/08) their opponent will either be the Dolphins or the Chargers. It seems like all of these teams are on a similar trajectory.

I maintain my belief that the Eagles will be our toughest competition next season. They got knocked off their game by injuries and T.O. distractions last year, but they are still the team to beat in the NFC East, IMHO. I can see the Redskins starting strong the first 5-6 games and then imploding down the stretch because of egos, hubris, and internal gamesmanship amongst the coaches and QB’s. I’m still not sold on the Giants with Eli. They have too much riding on that kid, and I don’t think he’s got what it takes to win the big games.

When Sheltons name came up last season in the trade rumors before the draft, the cowboys had zero intrest. Any reason to think they will now, besides the fact that our line sucked this year.

When Sheltons name came up last season in the trade rumors before the draft, the cowboys had zero intrest. Any reason to think they will now?

If we aren’t going to go after Bentley, then I would rather sign a younger OT like Ashworth or possibly Shelton. Fabini can fill the hole for a couple of years, but after that, we’re back we are today. If we surprise everyone by signing Bentley, then a servicable old vet like Fabini makes sense.

Somewhere, somehow, we have to get some youth with our cap money.

If we aren’t going to go after Bentley, then I would rather sign a younger OT like Ashworth or possibly Shelton. Fabini can fill the hole for a couple of years, but after that, we’re back we are today. If we surprise everyone by signing Bentley, then a servicable old vet like Fabini makes sense.

Somewhere, somehow, we have to get some youth with our cap money.

Correct me if I am wrong, but the Dolphins I believe have cap problems. If a new CBA is not reached Miami will have little to say on what goes on in FA.

IS THEIR AN EGO IN HERE!!!

Sterling,

I think Eli is for real, he won several games in the 4th quarter although he did not pay well at the end of the season. He did almost beat us in Dallas with a furious comeback. This is his 3rd year coming and a make or break year for the kid. My guess, a make year IMHO.

Their D is good as well and their pass rush will be awesome if Strahan can survive older age for yet another season. Remember they still have Shockley (who was under used), Burress and Barber to go with Eli. It all hinges on Eli however, if he gets it, they will be a huge hurdle next year IMHO.

Eli better get more accurate or he will serve up INTS like Favre does not.

The NFC East is going to be hell next year no matter how you look at it.

I think at least 3 out of the 4 could be super bowl contenders.

I’m inclined to say that the Redskins may be a step behind, but then again, they somehow advanced farther than anyone else this year. That fact still amazes me.

All things considered, I think Dallas is a bit better positioned, but a lot hinges on free agency.

It is going be a battle for the playoffs next year in the NFC east. Even if we do fill all of our holes the Giants and Eagles(maybe Redskins) will still be tough games.

The only problem is I believe Demps is coming off of a ACL tear last year.S

Shane Q,

Isn’t Demps also a SS? I think Ed Reed plays FS in Baltimore.

I am not sure if eagles will be the force they used to be anymore! Defense has gotten older and slower… so has mcnabb.. not as mobile, which was his strength, I don’t think his passing was his strength, IMO. Giants on the other hand have improved much on defense and their offense is not bad either. Skins are done… it is payback time for all the lavish free agency spending.. Remember we did years agoas well.

You raise a good point, Toast.

I do think the Eagles will be stronger this season. They’ll make good free agent signings and get some players in the draft, because they’re a good organization.

What got my attention was the quickness with which their vaunted secondary collapsed. Read KC Joyner’s book and he’ll tell you Sheldon Brown was one of the top 5 CBs in 2004. And he didn’t make the Pro Bowl. Lito Sheppard and Brian Dawkins did. And Michael Lewis, the fourth wheel, is a very good young player.

Last year, though, the corners looked ordinary. Terry Glenn torched both of them in the first Dallas game. Others torched them too.

You wonder if they’re in the stage Dallas was in the late ‘90s, where they would patch a hole, only to see a new one spring up. The Cowboys were always one step behind. The Eagles are working on their o-line and d-lines this season. But if they patch them and the linebacking corps collapses (and it’s thin) or the CBs don’t bounce back, then we’ll know they’re in official decline.

Free agent FS are lacking this year, so I think we should go with the draft to shore up our needs here. I always liked Will Demps when I watched him. That all goes out the window now with the injury problems and the fact he’s a SS. Hope is going to ask for more than he’s worth.

toast/Raf;
i think you guys are right. Philly, though still dangerous, is on the decline. They had a great policy on signing players over 30. They did this b/c their drafts were always good. But recently, their drafts have not been very good. With that, they turned to free agency more. smart move really. they were peaking and needed that extra push to the top. They made that year before last with TO. Too bad kearse was not the player they thought they were getting. now, like us in the later 90s, they are dangerous and experienced but will not be a championship team. The transformation seems more pronounced as they talk about getting some older vets(barber, mawae etc) to come in. Even they know their time is ending soon…… The only team building for the future besides us is New York. And they have to be taken seriously, especially if they get a good improvement in their defensive secondary.

toast/Raf;
i think you guys are right. Philly, though still dangerous, is on the decline. They had a great policy on signing players over 30. They did this b/c their drafts were always good. But recently, their drafts have not been very good. With that, they turned to free agency more. smart move really. they were peaking and needed that extra push to the top. They made that year before last with TO. Too bad kearse was not the player they thought they were getting. now, like us in the later 90s, they are dangerous and experienced but will not be a championship team. The transformation seems more pronounced as they talk about getting some older vets(barber, mawae etc) to come in. Even they know their time is ending soon…… The only team building for the future besides us is New York. And they have to be taken seriously, especially if they get a good improvement in their defensive secondary.

In my opinion the Eagles are defineately on the decline, but there is enough talent on this team to make them a much tougher opponent this year. The Giants have always been a thorn in our sides & like it or not Eli will be better this year. They also always field an agressive defense. The Redskins in my opinion are the weakest in the division. They rely too much on free agency. Also I am surprised Brunell lasted the whole year. At the end I do not think they will be around. One thing all these teams have is good solid coaching which makes them all dangerous. There will be no gimme divisional games in the NFC East this year

The quiet from the Ranch is amazing. There are absolutely no substantiated rumors. I really an excited to see what happens and ready for a few surprises. We all love to guess including me but very soon we’ll know who Parcells is after and know more about who we’ll need in the draft. Although the Browns will make a run at Make Kameoto, I’d love to see us go after him strong. He’d come in and solidify NT along with Fergusan. I dont think anyone in the draft could immediatley settle that position as well as Kameoto can. Many DT have taken a few years coming out of college even when they looked like studs. Kameoto can do it now and we can seriously make a run at the SuperBowl so I want someone who can do it now and not take a year. Another guy is Chris Hope. He has become a stud and would completley solidify our secondary. Bentley would be amazing. Fabini and Sowell I’d like. Id even look at McGinnest and Eric Moulds. I dont want TO or Lavar Arrington.

The quiet from the Ranch is amazing. There are absolutely no substantiated rumors. I really an excited to see what happens and ready for a few surprises. We all love to guess including me but very soon we’ll know who Parcells is after and know more about who we’ll need in the draft. Although the Browns will make a run at Make Kameoto, I’d love to see us go after him strong. He’d come in and solidify NT along with Fergusan. I dont think anyone in the draft could immediatley settle that position as well as Kameoto can. Many DT have taken a few years coming out of college even when they looked like studs. Kameoto can do it now and we can seriously make a run at the SuperBowl so I want someone who can do it now and not take a year. Another guy is Chris Hope. He has become a stud and would completley solidify our secondary. Bentley would be amazing. Fabini and Sowell I’d like. Id even look at McGinnest and Eric Moulds. I dont want TO or Lavar Arrington.

Hey Biotrek and J-Man; if you hit the back button then refresh you will be posted properly.(not twice)

Here’s the problem I have with drafting a FS.

There are 3 NFL-ready FS in the draft IMO: Huff, Jimmy Williams, and Ko Simpson. All would have to be drafted with the 18th pick, with probably only Simpson being there. Would you take him over guys like Bobby Carpenter, Wimbley, or Lawson? I wouldn’t, not for a guy who has only played 2 seasons of football.

Now, I’m convinced that we go LB 1st, OG/OT 2nd, and either TE/FS 3rd. That leaves guys like Jason Allen or Anthony Smith. We would have just as many problems as we did with Keith if they started. Thats why I think we will draft one, probably in the 3rd, or possibly in the 5th, and sign a veteran who can give us 2 years and help teach the rookie.

This is my Cowboys Mock Draft so far (free agency will change it eventually):

18. Bobby Carpenter: Still Convinced. We sign McGinest and all of a sudden have some LB depth.

2nd round- OG Charles Spencer: We sign Ashworth, and LA and Rivera are old, so we take IMO the best OG in the draft. He may last with Jean Gilles or Joseph going in front of him.

3rd Round: FS Pat Watkins: Could start next year. My favorite mid round FS, and the best in coverage out of him, Harper, and Smith (Jason Allen goes in the 2nd round).

5th round: NT LeKevin Smith: We could sign a FA NT, and I would have no problem with that, but if not we get Smith who can backup Fergunson. He must pass a vigerous physical with his knees but if he does he could be a steal.

6th round: TE Charles Davis- Good backup TE to Witten who is a good pass catcher and can develop better blocking.

7th round: OG/C Will Allen: Can play C and G.

Flo, Rogers
Allen, Peterman
Johnson, Allen
Rivera, Spencer
Ashworth, Petiti/Columbo

That isnt an All Pro lineup but will get the job done with some big potential as backups. Im sold that we will get a K, FB, and RT in free agency so we will not have to go those routes. With that draft you could sign Ashworth, McGinest, Coleman or a mid level FS, Sowell, and Longwell. That team can compete with anybody in the NFL.

CKnight;
yea, i know about the backspace. for me it was something different. I hit spike it and got an error page somehow. probably my connection b/c i know nothing can be wrong with this site.

lou c,

I like your draft, especially taking the best OG in round 2.

As for the first round, I could see us taking a bit of gamble and trading down a few spots. Best case, we still get Carpenter. Worse case, we probably take Lawson or Gabe Watson, but we add an extra pick somewhere.

Signing a buy like McGinist gives us some flexibility in the first round.

madcowboy
We better not draft Gabe Watson he’s never played for the team(Michigan) just himself(Scouting Comine, Sr. Bowl).

biotrek,
I agree with you on Kameoto. If we can’t land Bentley, Kameoto becomes the #1 priority now that we have no depth at NT. The guy is massive and ready to play now unlike a rookie we may draft. I’m not sold on Ferguson being able to stay healthy through the entire year and even if he can, he’ll need to rotate. A rookie would be a liability and all the other NTs in FA are as old as Fergy. The best rookie prospect at DT we’d have a shot at in the second round is, well, Charles Spencer. Give me Kameoto so we can use Spencer at G.

lou c,
I’m right there with you. Bring in Coleman or Shulters at FS. They can play at least another year or two. I say save the FS draft pick for day 2 or wait until next year. We still have Davis to back up the vet we get and we can use a day 1 pick next year on FS. We can’t address everything this year obviously and FS would not be a concern with a solid vet…especially if we improve our pass rush which is what McGinest/Carpenter would do. So again, I agree with you. 1st round Carpenter, 2nd round best OL available (we need talented youth) and 3rd round best player available at OL, TE, ILB or FS.

I have always said that Kameoto would be a great pick-up. I just want this CBA over with, I’m tired of trying to predict what should happen or what will happen.

lou c,

I agree with you that Dallas will most likely take a LB in round 1. The FS void may be filled where we all least expect it though … from the CB position. I have been advocating getting speed and ball skills at FS over tackling ability. My reasoning has been that we already have two big hitters, 3 if we resign Davis. Plus the FS position has been one of the most effected by the recent 5 yard contact rule being strictly enforced. … I don’t think its any mistake that Kelly Jennings has been rumored to be targeted by Parcells. We obviously don’t have a great need for CB … so? So I think Jennings or a player similar in skills to him can fill the void. … A corner back.

CKnight,

I am just speculating but it seems to me a new CBA is a done deal. If I were to read between the lines the owners and NFLPA have a contract agreeable to both, the problem remains where is the additional money going to come from.

Do you guys have any idea if we will get any compensation picks this year. It would really help this year with such a deep talent in draftees. I know we signed alot of FA last year but other teams signed some of our players that we lost to FA. I remember some teams even got extra 2nd rounders last year. If we could get a 4th rounder or an extra 3rd that would be awesome.

If we get TO, Mawae or Bently, and a solid RT like Fabini, our Offense will be top 5 in the league. Who’s going to be able to cover TO, Glenn, Witten, and Keyshawn while still attempting to stop the rushing duel of Barber and Julius Jones? Defensivly, we need to sign a stud OLB such as Peterson or McGinest(eventhough he’s old) to give stability opposite Ware so he can improve into the stud we all know he can be. We need a FS, no matter how you look at it, we need to sign one and draft one late. Hope would be ideal, but I think Demps would suffice or even old Lawyer Milloy… Last need would be kicker and if you want one who’s automatic, you go with Vinitieri, but if money is an issue, I think Longwell or Bryant will do fine…

If we get TO, Mawae or Bently, and a solid RT like Fabini, our Offense will be top 5 in the league. Who’s going to be able to cover TO, Glenn, Witten, and Keyshawn while still attempting to stop the rushing duel of Barber and Julius Jones? Defensivly, we need to sign a stud OLB such as Peterson or McGinest(eventhough he’s old) to give stability opposite Ware so he can improve into the stud we all know he can be. We need a FS, no matter how you look at it, we need to sign one and draft one late. Hope would be ideal, but I think Demps would suffice or even old Lawyer Milloy… Last need would be kicker and if you want one who’s automatic, you go with Vinitieri, but if money is an issue, I think Longwell or Bryant will do fine…

I can’t take it anymore. AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH. I feel a little better.

lilbeast:
Teams receive compensation picks if what they get through FA doesn’t equates to what they lose in playing time, as far as I know, Henry played 12 games and started 11, Ferguson played in every game and started 2(?), Marco Rivera played and started in 14 games, Bledsoe 16/16 and Fujita 16/8(?).

I’d feel lucky if Dallas receives a 6th Rounder of compensation for the only two players that had some laying time, Testaverde and Coakley.

Reality says that Dallas will receive nothing.

Rafael:
Ed Reed and Will Demps played, when healthy, just like Polamalu and Hope, Demps playing more in coverage while Reed roamed the field. That way Reed amassed more interceptions, just like Polamalu in the last 2 years.

In the end, I would be much happier with Hope signed, after him I would put Marcus Coleman in a short list that also considered Chavous, Demps, Kenny Wright, Schulters and Warfield.

I really believe that the Eagles are going to make a serious attempt at running the ball this season. Reid hates it, but I think he realized how much their ineffective running game kills the offense and isn’t good for the health of his QB.

Shelton was okay at Cleveland last year, but I don’t think they are in any big hurry to sign him. Might be a good, low cost option at right tackle, but I’d still suggest that they draft an OT in the first day if they did sign him.

Chandus
Thanks
I can really see us picking up Coleman. He’s an ex Parcells player and he’s got the same agent (Sexton). He would be an ideal stop gap player and would help our young pups for FS if we draft one. Me I would like it if we drafted either Simpson,Bing,or Bullocks. Of the 3 Bullocks could possibly fall to the 3rd round but most likely not because his combine workouts were very impressive. And of the 3 Bullocks would probably make a bigger impact the soonest. Bing is more of a SS and Simpson will take longer to develop IMHO.

Is the real issue among owners that certain teams make more money or are able to spend more money. Many teams are under the cap anyway so what do they care? If you overspend for 2-3 years it catches up to you anyway & then your $crewed for 2-3 years so it doesn`t pay unless you win the bowl which most do not. To me it`s not a question of spending more money from the smaller market teams, it`s pocketing more money !

With the more I feed the thought of getting McGinnest in Free Agency, the more I find it interesting, I mean, Dallas would be in great position to trade waaaay down in the 1st Round using players like Bunkley, Youboty and Cromartie as trade bait, there they would be ingreat position to Draft the guy still on the board between Carpenter, Wimbley and Lawson (I’m mentioning Wimbley ahead of Lawson because I feel that he’s the best fit for the position and may be more willing to change).

In the 2nd Round I would be torn between Spencer, Colledge, Davin Joseph and Gilles, I’m grading the players like that, Spencer can play RT, G and may have some upside still at DT, Colledge is a LT that has alot of upside as G, Davin Joseph could also play RT in a limited role as his height isn’t what you desire for a Tackle but still would be valuable and Gilles is a Guard that’d only be a Guard in the NFL.

From there the Draft depends alot in Free Agency and, as you already heard, this is one is a deep in talent draft, so drafting by need can be used this year (in other years Parcells drafts the top player available in his board), and that only adds wind to an already unreliable aim.

I have tried to figure out the numbers and here is the best I have come up with.

OK the salary cap and estimated “defined revenues” cojoin because the cap is defined as approximately 65.5% of the shared revenues. So with the cap projection at $105.5 million, that means each team counts for $160 million of shared revenues. Multiply that by 32 teams and you have a $5.1 billion figure. That is “total shared revenue” under the current CBA. Under that agreement the NFLPA would stand to earn $3.4 billion.

What they are looking for? There is an estimated $2 billion of undefined income that is not part of the CBA. The players want a chunk of that. They want the shared revenues and outside revenue to be combined and then 60% diveed up to the players. Which comes out to about $4.2 billion.

The difference is approximately $800 million. Which equates to $25 mil per team. I believe, just my own speculation here, that this demand may have gone down a bit. That asking price was “over reaching”. Yet still if its $25 million or $10 million per team, the problem remains to be: Where is that money going to come from?

Supposedly 3 different deals sit on the owners table. Some of the owners feel that the money should come equally from all of the teams others think high revenue teams should endure the bulk of it. …

… and I use the term “high revenue teams” because plenty of the teams in the higher bracket are from small market cities. Cinci, Cleveland, Houston, etc. are out gaining there big market rivals.

i too am ready for this crap to be done! i can’t feel sorry for any side, but i’d have to take the high revenue owners side. take bob mcnair, the texans owner, he spent the largest amount to buy a franchise, the city and county here worked together, with mcnair to build a state-of-the art stadium, he’s had 4yrs of a brand new team stinking it up, there’s still money to pay on his end for the stadium, and try to get his franchise on the right track( which means more money) and now the players want 60% of the total, and the smaller slacker loser owners who just field a team, want him to pay more of it, than them?!!! i don’t get it??!!
 but on to the fa’s, i think dallas should go after, in this order, ot fs k , then maybe mcginest, then get the best player available in the draft at their pick.

I don’t see Philly as a big threat.No
WR,no RB,no TE,Shaky OL,Good QB.But
without a good Offense Philly’s pressure D struggles.

As for TO why would he want to come to Dallas????He would be a fool to come here we don’t pass the ball enough.He belongs in a passing “west coast” style offense.

Eric R.

I think you make a good point in distinguishing between “low revenue” teams and the “small market” cities because they are not necessarily always the same. Although you might want to remove Houston from the list of small market teams as Houston is the 4th largest city in the US.

a rushing attack of westbrook and mike anderson would be a strong attack to stop….

eli is maturing and is either going to be amazing or trash…or like peyton…amazing till the big games ..and then trash…and if they get madison..he will shut down who ever he coveres…tg and kjj will not cut it this year…if the giants put madison and hope on there D….so i hope bp and jj go strong for hope…roy would be much better with hope aside him…personally i say we would have the # 1 D in the leage if we snatched hope and peterson/mcgin. or arringto (i would prefer not arrington..but id take anything over fajita)….with a vet. NT…BINGO!

Who misses the dooms day Def.?Because i do …

notice i ignored the skins…because they are the weak link in our conf. next year… HORRAAAYYYY

Becker..
the eagles no TE?…LJ smith is an awsome athlete…i wouldnt under estimate his ability…hes probably there best hands..

nfl just teams have got til 10pm to be under the cap….hhmmmmm???

sorry..just said ^ according to the ft worth star..

DJ,

I don’t know where you get you #s from, but no way is Houston 4th in populated metro areas in the us. New York, L.A., Boston, Dallas, Chicago, and Philly are all more populated. But you are right, Houston is on the better half of the market arguement. … What I meant to say about them is Houston is bringing in more outside revenue than other, BIGGER markets.

The Eagles just signed former Chiefs LB Shawn Barber.

houston is 4th in total population, but 10th in metro area population…so says the city’s website…gotta rep my town!!:)

Iron Man,
Mike anderson is 33 years old and westbrook is a nothing more than a rec.in the backfield.They need a real RB they may get one either in FA or the Draft.
I think LJ Smith is a excellent athlete but whether that translates in
to on the field greatness remains to be seen IMO.
I agree with you on Eli.This will be a
very important year for him.He does not seem to handle pressure well…not
a good sign for someone who plays in
New York.He might have the best set of skill players in the NFL….so he doesn’t have alot of excuses….
though his OL is a bit shady.

CBA decision moved back two more hours, can these idiots get this deal done already so we can get on to FOOTBALL moves.

Jerry Jones just came out of the meeting to announce they are “close” … give it a 1/2 hour.

today is marcus spears’ birthday. i’m ready for some moves already, so sick of this CBA garbage. give me mcginest, bentley, ashworth, chaveous and longwell and let’s get to the draft already

lilbeast,

There will be no compensation picks for the Cowboys this year. Those picks are for teams that lose more players to free agency than they sign. We signed a bunch of free agents, and I can’t remember us losing any. [Coakley doesn’t count. We cut him. Neither does Testaverde. He wasn’t signed until long after the free agency period was over.]