What does the future hold for Terrell Owens in Dallas?

by Dave Halprin (Grizz) on Dec 8, 2007 11:22 AM CST in News Comment 43 comments

Admittedly, I have given very little thought to T.O.’s contract status. In fact, I give very little thought to much of what will happen after the season, in free agency and the draft. For me, it’s all about what’s going on right now. What a great season we are having so far, I never imagined we’d be 11-1 at this point in the season. We have basically forgotten what it’s like to lose a game. Yeah, we lost to the Patriots but that was a game that I thought we could lose even though I hoped like crazy that we would win. Anyway, all of that is just a long way of me saying with the season we’re having, I’m not putting much thought into any after-the-season activities.

But Todd Archer brought up T.O.’s contract status in an article today. Remember back when we signed him? There was a lot of talk about how it was crazy that the Cowboys made that kind of commitment and spent that kind of money on a player that was considered a pariah by most teams. I remember even thinking that a little, wondering why we just didn’t give him an incentive-laden contract for a year to see how he works out. Wow, that seems like ancient history now. With the 20/20 view of hindsight, I’d say we signed him relatively cheaply and we should have locked him up for longer.

I have no idea what T.O. thinks about his contract and whether he wants to extend or re-new the terms, but I do know one thing: His contract calls for him to get $7 million next year and the way he is producing that seems like a bargain. Also, what is Cowboys’ management thinking? Well, the negotiator, Stephen Jones, says this:

"I don't want to speculate on what happens after this contract," executive vice president Stephen Jones said, "but Terrell is a very driven guy, a very disciplined guy. Right now he's enjoying playing the game and enjoying being around this team. If things continue where we're having success, I'm sure there might be something down the road."

I’m not trying to stir the pot and create something out of nothing. As it stands now, T.O. is signed through next season at a very reasonable rate. So what do you guys think? Will T.O. want to re-negotiate after the year? Should the Cowboys try to extend his deal for a few more years? Should we just let it go and wait until after next season to re-sign him? Not looking for controversy, just looking for opinions.

The Lions will supposedly test the Cowboys’ pass defense this week. To some extent, that’s true, but the definition of pass defense is sometimes too narrow. I agree that the secondary will see a lot of passes thrown in their direction and I’ve stated a few times this week that the Cowboys secondary has to make sure tackles after the catch. Mike Furrey and Shaun McDonald are little water-bugs that can make you pay with yards after the catch. The Cowboys defensive backs have to get them on the ground after the catch.

But to me, the big element of pass defense this week is not the secondary, it’s the front seven. DeMarcus Ware, Greg Ellis, and the rest need to put pressure on Kitna. The Lions offensive line is woeful and has a lot of trouble protecting him. The best way to stop their passing attack is to put Kitna on his butt when he drops back, or at least create enough pressure so that he has to get rid of the ball before he’s ready. If the Cowboys can consistently do that then the rest of their offense is in a pitiful state.

Looking ahead, Nick Eatman suggests DeMarcus Ware as Defensive Player of the Year, while Todd Archer puts Wade Phillips’ name into the hat for Coach of the Year. Both very reasonable suggestions, but much will hinge on how the Cowboys finish the year, not how they started it.

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I think the wait and see approach

I haven't been a T.O guy, everyone knows that, never have been and never will be, I think his history and actions speak for themselves about him throuhgout his carrer, I give the guy credit for having a great season this year, he seem happier as a person and more focused on what his responsibilities are on this team and in some ways, has taken a more of a leadership role among the younger wideouts on this team, but he also played nice in his first year in Philly too, but based on his history, I'm not willing to give him the break and sign him now to an extention, some will say everyone deserves a second chance, and yes will I agree with that, but T.O has had numerous chances in this league to prove himself, only to fail and cause trouble among his teamates and coaches. I think his agent, "Mr Next Question", will try to have the last year of his deal torn up and get a new longer term deal done with a big signing bonus after this season, but I rather the cowboys to give him roster his bonus for next year and take a wait and see approach, if by halfway through next season, T.O continues to play at a high level and hasn't resorted to his earlier problems/issues with teamates, then I can see the cowboys giving him an extention next year along the same lines as his present contract, three year deal which is really three one year deals, with a big roster bonus due every year in either April or June, if T.O and his agent is on board with that, then sign him up, Gee, never thought I'd say that about T.O, but if his agent and we all know about that clown, if he wants a three year deal with big bonus money up front and a small base salary, I say noooooooooo!!!

by Deke on Dec 8, 2007 11:49 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Couldn't agree more

Dang it this site is addictive. I'm supposed to be studying and look here I'm reading about T.O.'s contract.

As much as I love T.O. and how much of a stud he has been this year, the Cowboys have to play this one a little close to the vest. I agree with you Deke that he has had his second chance(s) in this league. And kingbillito you are right, Jerry has learned his lessons and is in my opinion entering a new phase of his GM career which, in my opinion, owes a lot to Bill Parcells.

by gaz0425 on Dec 8, 2007 1:46 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Philly Dallas Comparisons

People keep comparing this year to his first Philly year. Well, this is his second year and so I think it says something that in his second year he's actually better.

People say that when things were going well in Philly in that first year that he wasn't a problem. That's not accurate. Him and McNabb had that well publicized sideline dispute (although it could be a heat of the game thing), and all reports out of philly were that, behind the scenes, the clubhouse was dividing right down the middle during that first year.

I dunno, just some reasons you might think this time is different. He likes his coaches, he likes his teammates, by all accounts his teammates like him, and i don't think anybody has any problems proclaiming him the leader and, therefore, giving him the limelight.

by ab03 on Dec 8, 2007 4:01 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I think you are right Deke

TO has been all-world this year and to have him for the next three or four years playing like this would give us a good four year window for a lombardi trophy but to just say "oh he's changed, let's throw a ton of money at him" would be a mistake. If we sign him three more years like Deke said, he can get well paid and we have the option every year of moving on if things turn sour. What if the unthinkable happened and Romo got hurt and was out for 8 games? Would pod person TO pick up the slack and be a stud or would old TO come out and throw the backup qb under the bus? I think JJ has learned from his past mistakes and will no longer mortgage the future of the franchise, especially with Romo at the helm. There's no way we are wasting the next 6 years with a franchise qb who can take us to the promised land.

by Billito on Dec 8, 2007 12:24 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

let's see how next season goes

There's really no reason to rush him into a new contract. Yes, he's having a HOF-caliber season right now, but can he keep it up? Apart from all the valid reasons stated above me, he is 34. Can he keep playing at this high level? I know Jerry Rice played for 21 seasons, but that was Jerry Rice. I'd just hate to lock him in a huge contract only for his age to catch up with him.

If we win the Super Bowl, then we owe Parcells a Gatorade shower.

by Nelson on Dec 8, 2007 12:51 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

To Me His Age

Is just as important, and maybe even more so, than his past behavior. If you look around, there's not many 35- or 36-year old wide receivers in the league. Owens is obviously an incredible athletic specimen, but even great athletes decline in their mid-to-late 30's. I would not invest a great deal to extend his contract, and even then only by one year. Let's count our good fortune in picking up a Hall of Fame caliber player on the cheap for a few years, then move on.

by kindablue on Dec 8, 2007 2:20 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Normally I would feel the same way

I'm not concerned that TO is going to decline drastically because he has managed to play at such a high level this year. This year is not the same as 3 years from now, of course, but I think his conditioning is going to allow him to play well for longer than most WRs. We'll probably have to overpay him the final year to get him to sign the contract, but unless we could replace him with a Moss/Chad/Roy Williams type, he is a huge part of what makes this offense so dangerous and we would miss him dearly. For that reason, I'd want to extend him, but, again, only in a way that would allow us to cut him in a fairly cap-friendly way if things go south.

by grapejoos on Dec 8, 2007 2:58 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I Agree His Performance This Season

Has been exceptional, but if you review his game log, it's been mind-boggling the last six weeks. It's even all the more impressive when you consider defenses should be keying on him, since he more than any player can incinerate them.

However, I would caution extrapolating this recent performance over the long term, especially considering his age. It's true he's playing great right now; but he's approaching that performance cliff for wide receivers.

Here's some example of receivers known for their longevity:

Cris Carter dropped off dramatically after he was 35:

http://www.nfl.com/players/criscarte...

Jerry Rice remained productive at 41, but then again he's Jerry Rice:

http://www.nfl.com/players/jerryrice...

Tim Brown dropped off dramatically after he was 36:

http://www.nfl.com/players/timbrown/...

James Lofton dropped off the cliff after 36, too:

http://www.nfl.com/players/jamesloft...

I understand what you're saying, that Owens is a conditioning marvel. Maybe he's a special case, and he'll smash through the wall that seems to stop most 35- and 36-year old receivers. But the wall's still there, and there's a real risk he might fall off like the others. The good news is he's signed through the age of 34, so we're virtually guaranteed getting the sweet spot. After that, it's a lot more dicey--and my suspicion is Stephen Jones was well aware of the 35-year old cliff when he signed him.

by kindablue on Dec 8, 2007 3:30 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Interesting

Thanks for pulling this together, I was wondering about this. I'm sure management is aware of it, and I'm sure he's due for some decline. But if anyone can avoid it, it's TO based on the way he trains. He's a more physical player than these guys, but I guess I can't be sure which way that cuts. BTW, I was trying to think of current older WRs who are getting it done, and Joey Galloway is having a hell of a season for a 36 year old. I was also amazed to see that Isaac Bruce is only 35. It seems like that guy has been in the league forever.

by grapejoos on Dec 8, 2007 3:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

What's Really Amazing

Is the wide receiver draft class of 1996. These players are still on active rosters:

Marvin Harrison
Terry Glenn
Eddie Kennison
Eric Moulds
Amani Toomer
Muhsin Muhammad
Bobby Engram
Terrell Owens
Joe Horn

And the first player taken in the draft, Keyshawn, retired after last season.

Pretty amazing.

by kindablue on Dec 8, 2007 4:07 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

reminds me of the 1983 quarterback draft class

If we win the Super Bowl, then we owe Parcells a Gatorade shower.

by Nelson on Dec 8, 2007 4:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Excellent point Blue

Great comparison when you break it down between age and production of a receiver, another reason why I like signing T.O to a three year deal structured in the way as three, one year deals with the team roster bonus every April or June protecting us against any of his antics that may arise or his production and ability falls off.

by Deke on Dec 8, 2007 3:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

The More I See

Stephen Jones' work, the more I like it. It looks to me he had an eye on Owens' age when he signed the deal in 2006, and he structured the contract so that the signing bonuses were spread out over each year. Owens complained about taking a de facto pay cut his second year with the Eagles, since the bonus all came up front. Jones structured the deal so Dallas could easily cut bait at any point when Owens declined, or regressed into his previous infantile behavior.

I think it goes without saying any extensions Owens gets should have the same limited investment as the existing deal.

by kindablue on Dec 8, 2007 4:13 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Owens is his own worst enemy at times

When he signed with Philly, the players union told him not to sign that deal because the way it was structured, but he said he wanted to play in Philly, he didn't want to play in Baltimore where San Fran traded him because his agent forgot to send in the right paper work that would make him a free agent.

T.O never included his big signing bonus when he talked about his contract when the base salaries were compared to Harrison and Moss, thats what seemed to piss him off, everyone knew that the Eagles deal was really only a three year deal, even though I think it was a six year deal in total, with a huge roster bonus due him in the third year if he behaved, a deal which I believed at the time would of been three years and twenty seven million dollars after three years, if he only was able to behave himself, almost the same deal he signed in dallas, but was structured differently.

I actually cant wait until Steven Jones takes over the GM duties and the day to day operations of the Dallas cowboys, I just dont think he'll make decisions, like his father does based on love of a player, jerry sometimes gets too close to these players and it sometimes clouds his judgement on signing them.

by Deke on Dec 8, 2007 4:30 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Completely Agree

with everything you said. Which isn't unusual.

by kindablue on Dec 8, 2007 4:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Don't forget the 2005 season

When Owens got suspended from the Eagles and sat out almost half the season. Just saying, guys like Cris Carter and TIm Brown were huge parts of the offense for their teams and played a lot of ball in their mid thirties. TO basically had a year off and add that to his conditioning and freakish atheleticism it makes sense why he is playing so well now. I say he plays two more years after this season as a game changer and then just becomes a kick butt #2 reciever playing along side our new #1.

As far as what happened to TO in Philly, yes he was wrong and handled things very poorly but the iggles are notorious for cutting loose and/or not paying guys who come off of huge seasons and the management is cold blooded when it comes to taking care of players. McNabb is a gifted quarterback who had put up great numbers but is a playoff goat so TO risking his leg to get back for the SB and watching Reid mismanage the clock and McNabb dogging it just put him over the top.

by Billito on Dec 8, 2007 5:27 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

well if Jerry doesn't sign T.O.

Cowboys aren't 11-1 and don't have a shot at the SB.

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Dec 9, 2007 11:41 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Drew Rosenhaus may have to find some temporary

housing here in Dallas in the offseason with MB3's and T.O.'s contract status in doubt.

(By the way I wonder how much T.O. had to do with MB3 getting Drew Rosenhaus)

Burt-D

by Burt D on Dec 8, 2007 1:15 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Crap

MB3 is a Rosenhaus client? Ok, upgrade him to a definite holdout...which is actually fine as far as I'm concerned. For his production, he deserves more than a 4th round contract, and with his play style, I am sure he wants some security. This may interplay in an interesting way with our need to replace JJ, and whatever salary we end up paying to our new "lightning" back.

As for TO, I am fine extending his current deal another 2 years with his current deal structure. If he wants a more traditional contract, I actually trust him not to become a team-killer, but it just needs to be structured so that it doesn't kill our cap if we have to release him. I think he is truly happy in Dallas and, while he will want his money, I don't expect him to play hardball. Famous last words, I know.

by grapejoos on Dec 8, 2007 1:32 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I am in total agreement with TO..

I believe he has earned a raise and extention, he has put up better #'s then any receiver in Cowboys history, He has been genuine, enjoys being here, and i'd like for that to continue. He is far from being done, or slowing down, probably one of the best conditioned athletes in the league. I agree to a roster bonus format, maybe a little restructuring bonus...I say he has 3 good years left...and It pains me right now to think of our team without him...Hurd, Austin, maybe Crayton, doubtful Glenn, and Stanback doesn't really put the fear in any secondary.

True Cowboys diehard since 1975.

by BoyzRback07 on Dec 8, 2007 2:39 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I wasn't fully accepting TO as a Cowboy

and still have my reservations.

Yes, he has been the good team player, leader, and good boy with no antics. I believe it is as the team goes, he goes. He is all that and above right now as the team is having a great season. He is happy, getting paid good, and getting "opportunities" as he is wanting.

What happens is things go sour? What will he be like when he doesn't get the ball or "opportunities"? Does he revert to as what Skip Bayless calls him (I won't say it)?

Wait and see approach works for me. Remember, like it was posted earlier, he was happy when things were going good in Philly. Then all of a sudden, his attitude changed when things went bad.

by DaveTroll on Dec 8, 2007 2:30 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I was behind him in Philly

Things went sour there only when McNabb decided not to show up for the Superbowl that year...If you reveiw that game film, you will see that McNabb was doggin' it, was out of gas, should've been replaced, and basically blew it for them.TO
worked his butt off to come back from a broken leg in 3 weeks only for McNabb to stink it up.I'm not saying it was right, but TO called him out on it, and things went downhill from there...He went there on a discounted contract that offered no security whatsoever...He should've been paid and more appreciated....He didn't get either......now he has that.....thank godness....cuz without him...we wouldn't be here,where we are....period....

I
honestly believe he has changed his ways, totally, He knows he was perceived as an malcontent, misfit, and has done everything in his power to change his ways and the way people think of him. I think he has been a very good team player, and a leader to some extent.I think he istrying to clean up his act cuz the Hall of Fame is knocking on his door, and the last thing you want is inductees and voting media to have a hatred for you...btw...I hope he goes into the HOF as a Cowboy...seeing we are the only team that has shown him love.

True Cowboys diehard since 1975.

by BoyzRback07 on Dec 8, 2007 2:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

TO is emotional...

...but he's really all about the money, or at least, that's what happened in Philly. Say what you will about the fairness of him wanting a new contract after one year, but he blew up because he thought he was underpaid and wanted to get more money.

There are two reasons why I think this is going to work out long term, unlike it did for him in Philly: first, he seems to like his teammates and coaches here and he has been accepted; second, and more importantly, an extension in Dallas is probably the best thing for TO financially. TO is happy when he gets what is best for him, and I think we're in a mutually beneficial situation here. Jerry has always been receptive to players' financial desires. Crazy as it sounds, I think TO has learned to trust the organization and Jerry has learned to trust him. I bet he retires (and is inducted into the HOF) as a Cowboy.

by grapejoos on Dec 8, 2007 3:01 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Oh and

before he signed with us, I hated him more than any other player ever. Full disclosure!

by grapejoos on Dec 8, 2007 3:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

lol....

yeah.....I didn't hate him , I just didn't
like him, I just never imagined i'd see him in a Cowboy iniform.

I just didn't think he had good enough hands....which in a sense, is still true.....but i love him now every time he holds onto the ball...I've learned to live with the drops..but that cradled scoop pass last week to Al Harris, that would have sealed up the victory almost killed me..

I now think it's the most signifficant free agent signing since Charles Haley...and has elevated our team to elite status....

True Cowboys diehard since 1975.

by BoyzRback07 on Dec 8, 2007 3:33 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Totally agree, Grapejoos...

... regarding the "money" thing which triggered Owens' idiotic antics in Philly.

And one difference that I've noticed this year as compared to his teams in Philadelphia and San Francisco is that other players (Tony Romo, Jason Witten, MB3, Marcus Spears, HC-Wade Phillips, OC-Jason Garrett, WRCoach-Ray Sherman) have gone out of their way to include him in activities in the locker room and off the field.

Whereas in his two previous stops, most of his other teammates chose to leave him to himself (although he did have FEW teammate friends with the Eagles and Niners, but not to the extent as here in Big D). And here in Dallas, our larger than life owner King Jerry -- unlike Lurie and York -- takes the initiative, as well to forge and maintain a relationship to the man once referred to as "The Player."

"It's either hit, or be hit... It's just that physical aspect of my game that has always been with me." -- Marion Barber III

by kcbrett5 on Dec 8, 2007 3:09 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I think he's about the money only

in as far as it indicates his standing in the league. He wants to be regarded as the best and money is the key metric for these guys. The other thing that keeps him going is recognition, and right now he's on the sexy team going.

by dunkman on Dec 8, 2007 3:13 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Absolutely.

There's a clip on NFL.com from the Packers post-game, where Wade calls TO out to give a speech to the team (after cheers for the crowd, offense, defense, special teams, and coaches, in that order). TO graciously does just that and spreads credit around. Mind you, this is after a game in which he turned a sure TD into an INT in impressive fashion. It's just such a far cry from the atmosphere he was in in Philly, or even last year under Parcells.

In interviews he praises Wade, Garrett, and Sherman, as well as Romo and the O-Line. It's just a total 180, and it makes sense if you think about it. This guy has MAJOR trust issues, and he's finally in a place where he is trusted and accepted. Plus he is more in sync with Romo than any QB he's played with, and they respect each other. For all his faults, Jerry has always been the best at putting big-time egos in a place where they can succeed and buy into a family environment. Jerry set this up for success by giving TO a contract that provides appropriate incentives on an annual basis to keep it together while still compensating him fairly. The coaching staff has been the final piece of the puzzle.

Now, let's keep Ray Sherman around and pray some team doesn't give Randy Moss $10m per year. Moss could be the wildcard in extension talks.

by grapejoos on Dec 8, 2007 3:26 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Understand this...

I'm not making excuses for T.O., but things turned sour in Philly wouldn't extend his contract. Not taking sides, just pointing that out. That triggered Owens into rippin' into Eagles leadership -- from HC-Andy Reid to OC-Brad Childress (at the time) to QB-Donovan McNabb.

In the same manner that I'm in "wait-and-see" mode with Terrell Owens regarding his behavior, I'm also in "wait-and-see" mode with King Jerry regarding personnel moves.

On the one hand, I believe Owner/GM-Jones will "take care" of T.O. financially, but on the other hand, I'm praying that the King doesn't strap us against the cap for the next few years by OVERPAYING him (which is what he did at the tail end of the Triplets era).

I'll go on record by siding with the "wait til next season" camp on Terrell Owens' contract situation.

"It's either hit, or be hit... It's just that physical aspect of my game that has always been with me." -- Marion Barber III

by kcbrett5 on Dec 8, 2007 3:04 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

That is utter nonsense

No way he's ever been a "pariah". I'm pretty sure he doesn't even swim. Who comes up with these things??

Owens has done everything he's supposed to do and more. Jones won't make his decision based on what Owens did on other teams, just what he's done the past two. In my mind, and maybe in Jones', Owens is similar to Haley back in the day. A bit of a troubled past, loads of talent and late in the career. If he thinks Owens is one of the key ingredients to being a Super Bowl contender, he'll find a way to pay him.

Good call on the key to the game. Last year the Cowboys' defense couldn't sack their own groceries, and there was no Hamlin in the secondary. This year's game should turn on getting to Kitna and forcing turn-overs and punts. And if the Dallas offense plays as it should, taking full advantage of those situations, this could be a decisive win. My worry is what I saw at the end of the Green Bay and Redskins games.

by dunkman on Dec 8, 2007 3:06 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

WR

The question is whether Dallas will seek a WR in the free agent pool or the draft. We need corners, too.

Terrell's contract could become a problem at season's end, especially with the frenzy of the press.

thelandryhat.com New Coach, Same America's Team

by thelandryhat on Dec 8, 2007 3:23 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I say it depends on how the Cowboys

finish the season. If we go on and win the SB and T.O. is a part of that, which he probably would be, then I say reward him with a long term contract.

T.O. has proven he can be well behaved if he's happy and so long as as Romo is the qb, Garrett the OC, Ray Sherman the WR coach, and Phillips the HC, T.O. will be a happy camper.

He's probably the best conditioned athlete in the league and will play at a very high level until he's 37 or 38 without losing a step. I can remember Jerry Rice played at his HOF level at that age and there's no question in my mind T.O. could as well.

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Dec 8, 2007 3:23 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

..well said..

see...we can agree on some things...

True Cowboys diehard since 1975.

by BoyzRback07 on Dec 8, 2007 3:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

thank you

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Dec 8, 2007 3:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

HEY DRUNKMAN....

T.O. did swim in collage and when he would lose he would bite the other swimmers so that how he got the "tag".

"I guess I'm gonna fade into Bolivian." Mike tyson.

by hashishkabob on Dec 8, 2007 3:31 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

That's why I come to this blog

for the well researched background and opinions. Thanks, Hash.

by dunkman on Dec 9, 2007 7:48 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

And it's "dunkman"

Drunkman is my super hero alter ego. He shows up after games...

by dunkman on Dec 9, 2007 10:17 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

haha good one

Burt-D

by Burt D on Dec 9, 2007 10:18 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

TO will holdout

There is no way he plays next year on that deal and he'll want to be the highest paid WR in the league based on his numbers. Rosenhaus will not let an aging WR play on a one year deal.

so the Cowboys will have to decide who to sign and who to let walk. Barber is going to want to get paid like a top 10 (at least) back. that's a lot of money and I'm not sure what we can and can't afford. We will never have as much talent as this year.

by cosbie84 on Dec 8, 2007 4:17 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

T. O. Extension

Hey, now. New to droppin' on this blog, but not readin' you guys or cheerin' the Boys. That goes waaaaay back. Anyhow, just want to say, lots of smart comments herein. You guys got it covered. T.O., our man, he ought to stay. F all that previous team stuff, for C sake; pay a fella for what he did for you, not for what he did or did not do when he didn't work for you. DUH! Out for now; was laughing earlier, thinkin' bout how smart all this group's ideas were... if Jerry Jones were a Communist, you guys would all have great jobs!! Keep the faith, n' Dallas 42, D.L. 13.

by da gama on Dec 8, 2007 7:17 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

TO is all about respect.

The danger with TO and contracts is it plays with a core issue with TO -- respect. If he feels he's disrespected, he turns into Mr. disruptive. If respected, he turns into the guy that on a long touchdown overtakes everyone on the field to make blocks at the 2 yard line. The current contract makes him paid as a very very good receiver. The next one will too if we want the pod-person.

by mlibbey on Dec 8, 2007 7:55 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

This is TO's last stop and he knows it

Much like Moss in NE, TO knows that he's found a great QB, and an even better coaching staff. He's going to ride this contract out and will probably want to keep playing with the current regime as long as he can.

Time for him to pad his stats for the HOF, and he's changed his behavior, to the shock of everyone. There isn't going to be another situation in the near future that affords him all he could want.

He's here for as long as he's able to produce at this level with this QB.

by APerfectStar on Dec 9, 2007 3:16 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

This is a great point

it's not just the money. He wants to make a play for the HOF and he needs a very good team to be able to achieve that kind of success. People who think that this offense is all about TO forget that he was just another "good receiver" when Bledsoe was slinging it to him. It's also about Romo, Witten and a very solid offensive line.

by dunkman on Dec 9, 2007 7:51 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs