Has Zach Thomas stolen Carpenter's jersey number and Ayodele's job?

by Dave Halprin on Feb 26, 2008 8:47 PM CST in Dallas Cowboys News

The Star-T has an article talking about the Cowboys merchandising department already selling Zach Thomas jerseys with the #54 on them. Oops. Isn't that Captain Caveman's jersey number?

For starters, the Cowboys are already selling No. 54 jerseys with "Thomas" emblazoned on the back on their Web site. Thomas wore 54 with the Dolphins.
The problem is that linebacker Bobby Carpenter currently wears the No. 54.
According to a source, the merchandising department might have gotten ahead of itself in marketing Thomas' jersey, considering that a number change has not been worked out with Carpenter, and that Thomas has said he would be willing to wear No. 55.

Beyond that is the more serious issue. A source close to Akin Ayodele says he thinks he'll be cut or traded. A lot of people are thinking that Thomas will take Akin's starting job, including me, an apparently so does Akin.

But according to a source close to Ayodele, Thomas' signing is an indication that Ayodele's days in Dallas are numbered.
Ayodele does not play special teams. A team normally doesn't keep a backup linebacker that doesn’t play special teams, especially with a $2.5 million base salary for next season.
"They will try to trade him or release him,’’ a source said. "Obviously, Akin is not going to be happy about it. He has done a good job here. Zach is not signing here unless he is starting. I just don’t foresee where they keep them both."

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Thomas

will probably wear 55. There's been a lot of sale towards Carp jerseys being that he was a 1st rounder.

Shame about Ayodele. I really liked him. Hopefully we can get something productive for him. I'm still crossing my fingers for the Hall rumor.

Oh, and speaking of jereys...anybody else notice the Roy Williams jerseys going on sale? Wonder when the #38's will show up.

My popcorn's ready!

by CowboyBawler4 on Feb 26, 2008 9:00 PM CST reply actions

I agree that Ayodele wasn't bad

he was very solid, but I think the real reason we signed Thomas was to provide much needed leadership to a very young defense.

Cutting Akin would be stupid, we have to trade him if anything because he still has value.

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Feb 26, 2008 9:03 PM CST up reply actions

They might be forced to cut him

If other teams think Dallas is cutting him, they won't have to offer up anything in trade. Hopefully, Jerry can figure out a way to get something for Ayodele.

"On my signal...unleash Hell." Demarcus Maximus Decimus Ware

by APerfectStar on Feb 26, 2008 9:44 PM CST up reply actions

Trade him to Atlanta......

along with pick #22
A Henry
4th rounder

for:
#3 pick
D Hall
2 2nd rounders

True Cowboys diehard since 1975.

by BoyzRback07 on Feb 26, 2008 9:52 PM CST up reply actions

That's the rumor I like most

Out of all the ones I've read.

"On my signal...unleash Hell." Demarcus Maximus Decimus Ware

by APerfectStar on Feb 26, 2008 9:55 PM CST up reply actions

I would be all for that

but there is now way we get that much in return.

by ChrisRichey on Feb 26, 2008 10:21 PM CST up reply actions

Hah

The chances of Atlanta pulling that trigger are infinitesimal.

http://heartbreakplex.blogspot.com/

by BudLight @ Blogging The Boys on Feb 27, 2008 10:49 AM CST up reply actions

Ha ha, that's absurd

Why in the world would Atlanta make that trade? Let's see:

Swapping the #3 pick and two second round picks for the #22 pick and a fourth round pick AND swapping an excellent, young, pro bowl caliber cornerback for a so-so cornerback on the downside of his career with an injury history and a very, very average linebacker.

If YOU were the Atlanta GM would you make that trade? More likely, you would laugh your ass off, tell Jerry Jones to stop wasting your time and then hang up on him.

If some "reputable" media source really reported that trade as a possibility then they should just close up shop. I find it amazing that these so-called trade rumors that are SO obviously one-sided are even dreamed up.

Here, I'll dream one up of my own: I suppose if I went to the Altanta site I would find a bunch of guys all excited because Dallas is going to send both #1's, DeMarcus Ware, Jason Witten, Terrance Newman and a second round pick for Hall, the #3 pick and a fifth round pick in the 2019 draft.

Hey, that's kind of fun. Maybe I'll dream up some more. What the heck, it's the offseason!

by Cowboy Louie on Feb 27, 2008 11:37 AM CST up reply actions