A trade of dissapointments: Julius Jones possible visit to Lions; Tatum Bell to Dallas?
by Brandon Worley on Mar 3, 2008 10:43 AM CST
in News
55 comments
Amidst talks of Tatum Bell possibly coming Dallas, Julius Jones might visit with the Lions today to take his spot. Bell was part of the same draft class in 2004 when Julius Jones was drafted, and was a let down in Detroit after being traded for from Denver. It's curious that Julius Jones might pick Detroit if he is seeking another starting job; Julius would most likely be backing up Kevin Jones in Detroit.
Another running back the Cowboys could have aimed at, Mewelde Moore, is visiting with the Steelers today. I thought that Mewelde Moore would be a good, cheap pick up for the Cowboys and it is interesting to see him visit the Steelers who already have Najeh Davenport and Willie Parker. You would think that if the Cowboys showed some interest they could convince him he might see more playing time behind Marion Barber.
Hat tip to grapejoos for posting the news.
A new running back that might be thrown into the mix is Warrick Dunn. When Michael Turner signed in Atlanta, Dunn realized his playing days for the Falcons might be over and asked to be released.
A league source said several teams would have interest in Dunn, notably Houston, Dallas and Denver.
[snip]
Dunn would like to play for a contender, which would make the Cowboys attractive. But Houston likely would be the front-runner for his services because of his success under [Texans assistant Alex] Gibbs and the belief that the Texans are a team on the rise.
The Cowboys are in need of depth behind Marion Barber and will look to the draft for a young speedy guy to back him up. The Cowboys would be smart, however, to make a play for one of the veterans still available to come in and help out in the backfield. Tatum Bell is still available but if the Falcons do release Dunn the Cowboys should at least inquire about his cost. Dunn has never had a huge season but plays well in the passing game and has the ability to be a change of pace back. Dunn is known around the league as a man of great character and his leadership abilities and experience in the backfield is something the Cowboys could find valuable. He is 33 years old though, but if he is available for a low price he would be a decent addition to the Cowboys.
Personally I would prefer Tatum Bell based on his age but I also say you have to go for value as well. Who would you guys prefer?
Update [2008-3-3 14:38:20 by Brandon]: The Falcons have officially released Warrick Dunn.
Hat tip to thebigham for posting in his diary.
The Ranch Report is saying that the Cowboys could possibly land Javon Walker amidst reported wide spread league interest. Javon Walker has a great relationship with Cowboys receiver's coach Ray Sherman and the Ranch Report believes the Cowboys could have Walker in for a visit sometime in the next week. If the Cowboys are able to sign Walker, I would like for it to be an incentive laden contract; the knee injury is troubling and we already have a receiver dealing with that. The Eagles are also reportedly highly interested.
Well, Deon "Cricket" Anderson will get his chance to shine again. Oliver Hoyte was signed by the Chiefs.
KC also added Oliver Hoyte, a 6'3", 250 lb. fullback. Hoyte was a linebacker coming out of college and the Cowboys converted him to fullback.
0 recs |
55 comments
Email
Print
Comments
I'd rather draft MB3's backup than sign
a FA, however, if we can sign a vet really cheap, it gives us more flexibility and options.
by Terry on Mar 3, 2008 10:49 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
agreed Terry
I want no part of a 33 yr old RB on the decline.
by Cowboys81 on Mar 3, 2008 3:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Tatum Bell is a good running back....
I watched him play personally here in Denver and he is an excellent back. He had tons of 100+ games, and can really break tackles and get out around the edges. I have no idea why he didn't get more playing time in Detroit, considering how their running game stunk last season -- they could have really used him. I think he'd make a great backup, or feature back opposite MB3. He's big and tough, and able to get 1st downs when needed.
- Hakrjak
by hakrjak on Mar 3, 2008 12:05 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
No, he isn't...
His first couple of years were a product of the Denver Broncos system. And even in those years, he was extremely mediocre. He is not a good RB.
by N41D on Mar 3, 2008 12:23 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I watched him at OSU
Tatum Bell was a stud at the college level. He's never seemed to live up to his potential at the pro level.
He's not what I would call a powerful runner. He relies on speed and does better when he can cut or get to the corner. I really thought he would do well in Denver when he got drafted, probably the best place for him.
He still has the same negatives that he did at OSU, however, fumbles too much and can't stay healthy.
I wouldn't be disappointed if the Cowboys signed him, but I'd still rather have Dunn for a year at a cheap price.
by APerfectStar on Mar 3, 2008 7:37 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
i'd rather have dunn...
he's tough, he can catch and he's a high character guy that fits the mold of team leaders like romo, d. ware and newman. anybody that knows his personal story would agree that he's an outstanding young man. i'd love to have him....at a reasonable (read: cheap) price.....
i could warm up to bell but he's had some fumble concerns and I wonder if he's more of a product of the denver scheme of blocking than anything else. not saying he's not a good player. he is. and he's got jets. dude is seriously fast. but for my money, i'll take dunn.
by Tuna Helper on Mar 3, 2008 12:20 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Put me down for Dunn
Everyone is so down on signing veterans. It's not like we are asking the guy to lead us into the future. We're talking about a 1-2 year deal as a role player and a locker room leader. And he's still a better back than Bell. Bell isnt bad. But he's a fumbler.
There is still only 1 back on the roster so we would still need to draft one. Just maybe not so early.
by Carl Shelton (GloryDayz88) on Mar 3, 2008 12:22 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
See no harm in bringing in Dunn...
And then letting the draft unfold on its own. If we get value at RB in the first round, then let him come in and battle it out for carries with Warrick.
It takes the pressure off and allows the Cowboys the opportunity to draft based on value rather than being in a position to potentially reach to fill a need.
by N41D on Mar 3, 2008 12:25 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Definitely Dunn
I've never been sold on Tatum Bell. Dunn is a great pass catcher, has decent speed, and plenty of experience.
Put me in the Dunn camp.
by rhbgsherb on Mar 3, 2008 12:33 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Tatum Bell
Younger, faster, more upside, no brainer!!!
by Deke on Mar 3, 2008 12:37 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Deke, I got news for you
Bell has been a bust. If he is so good, with so much upside, Denver and Detroit would have valued him much more. He has talent, but also has been very much of a china doll as well.
Dunn has been a very good back in this league for a long time, probably the toughest RB pound for pound I've ever seen.
He's a good football player and as Phillips said, you can't have too many good football players on your team.
by Terry on Mar 3, 2008 12:49 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
He was a good football player
its called age and dimiinishing skills, thats why Atlanta over paid for Turner and cut Dunn.
Its a young mans game, holding on to and over paying aging vets only keep your team from advancing and keep spot occupied from younger developing players...
by Deke on Mar 3, 2008 12:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
LOL....Deke
Tatum Bell (none / 0)
Younger, faster, more upside, no brainer!!!
If it's such a no brainer...
then why is Detroit letting bell walk and interviewing Julius Jones
by TrueBlue24 on Mar 3, 2008 1:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Detroit is looking for a lead back
Kevin Jones is injured far too much, they cant depend on him and pass happy mike Martz was running the show on offense, hence what is a running game.
Bell is a pure speed change of pass back, not a lead back. There is alot of things you can use him in the offense, but some would rather draft Felix Jones, same type of back, hence, Bell is cheaper. With what turner got from Atlanta in a contract, you think Barber is going to get that type of money, I hope not. If jerry was smart, keep barber for this year, sign ball, draft a lead back in the draft an move on, and say goodbye to Barber after this year, there is no way Barber is worth that kind of money..
by Deke on Mar 3, 2008 1:22 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
amen
Amen to that, Deke. It would be a really bad mistake to give MBIII the type of money that Turner got, and you know his agent is asking for substantially more. Let's use MBIII for $2.5M in 2008 and move on. Pete Prisco has a great article on this topic. Here is a link.
http://cbs.sportsline.com/nfl/story/...
My favorite quote in the article:
the life expectancy for most NFL back is less than five years. My philosophy on backs would be to draft them, beat them up, discard them and start all over again.
by Cowboy Louie on Mar 3, 2008 2:01 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
lol...gotta love that quote Louie...so true...
draft them, beat them up, discard them and start all over again.
Next....bring on Felix Jones.. the Tony Dorsett on this millenium......
by BoyzRback07 on Mar 3, 2008 4:45 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Really?
The next Tony Dorsett?
I think he will be an excellent change of pace back and a good starter one day, but a future HOFer? Just wondering what makes you think he will be so great.
by Romo9 on Mar 3, 2008 6:15 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
cuz I can sense things like that.
got the same feelings when I first saw these guys in college too: H Walker, E Smith, B Sanders, B Jackson, and recently A Peterson.
by BoyzRback07 on Mar 3, 2008 7:00 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Bwahahaha
This is undoubtedly one of the funniest things I've read on this blog in weeks.
by Dave Halprin on Mar 3, 2008 7:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
yeah...we'll see Grizz...he asked me how I know
I'm willing to go on record right now that Felix Jones will have a more prolific and heralded career than any back chosen ahead of him in this years draft...get back to me in 8 years and we'll debate it..
by BoyzRback07 on Mar 3, 2008 7:07 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Thats possible
but the next Dorsett! Well, I'll have to wait on that one.
by Romo9 on Mar 3, 2008 9:13 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I had a feeling in 1979
that OJ Simpson would kill his ex wife and her friend while his kids slept. Gee, I know I wrote that down somehwere, where did I put that???
by Deke on Mar 3, 2008 7:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
ofcource I thought Troy Williamson
would be a good receiver, little did I know, he cant see to catch the damn ball, good luck Jacksonville!!!!
by Deke on Mar 3, 2008 7:30 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm with you, Deke
I like Warrick Dunn; he was a great player for a guy his size and an even better citizen for the NFL. I would definitely take him for a minimum contract. But if the Boys are talking about picking up someone they can actually use, I'd be much more interested in Bell. He is faster, which is the #1 reason why, but he also has shown flashes in the past. They were in Denver, but who cares. Detroit should be viewed as irrelevant for purposes of evaluating what a RB can do; they have no running game and don't even try to commit to one. I'd take a chance on him.
by grapejoos on Mar 3, 2008 3:09 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
HaHa! Grapejoos
Detroit should be viewed as irrelevant for purposes of evaluating what a RB can do; they have no running game and don't even try to commit to one.
They found it against us last year and rammed it down our throat....LOL
by TrueBlue24 on Mar 3, 2008 4:30 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
haha, fair point
Still, I don't put a lot of stock in whether a RB is good based on how they perform in Detroit. That situation is just way too unstable to mean much to me.
by grapejoos on Mar 3, 2008 4:50 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Thats true
Grapejoos...
I was just busting your chops a little...LOL
by TrueBlue24 on Mar 3, 2008 5:07 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I concur
I think it would be best to wait till after the draft to make a decision on signing a Vet.
If we are unable to draft a player ready to backup Barber, then we find a Vet to sign. Players are too expensive right now...need to wait.
This draft is supposedly deep with RB's...make two 2nd rounders out of one of the 1st rounders and pick up a RB and WR. With that first rounder..you gotta pickup a Corner...but what the hell do I know..I just watch from my couch.
by tbone on Mar 3, 2008 1:08 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
WHAT ABOUT OUR DEFENSE?
with all of the attention everyone is giving to the moss and walker rumors at wideout, and who is going to be barbers running mate, it seems like everyone is forgetting that our main problem is on the defensive side of the ball, i am hoping we sign a legitimate corner, then worry about our already high scoring offense
by SKNZH8R on Mar 3, 2008 2:24 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Which legitimate corner are you wanting to sign?
Have you seen the contracts these guys are getting?
Reeves got a $20 Million contract!
by Brandon Worley on Mar 3, 2008 2:34 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Wasn't our defense that cost us in the playoffs
It was our offense not being able to do squat in the 2nd half.
by ChrisRichey on Mar 3, 2008 2:54 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
yeah...But
It was our offensive line that let us down...not really our skill players.We had one of the most explosive offensive units in the league.....
now its all the sudden broken?
by TrueBlue24 on Mar 3, 2008 4:34 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
True...it's been broke since GB game.
We NEED Branden Albert to man the LG position...If the top 3 CB's, and the top 4 RB's are gone by #22....We need to grab the best Guard out there, and Albert is the man. He is also projected to be an elite Tackle as well....If there at #28 it would be a good thought to replace that pass- non protecting matador we got playing LG in Kosier.....It would totally increase our rushing production, and it would solidify out pass protection like trying to penetrate the great wall of china.
trivia:
Who can name the last offensive guard we've drafted in Dallas ???
by BoyzRback07 on Mar 3, 2008 4:56 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Pat McQuistan
I think. Of course, BP moved him to OT.
I think Brandon Albert will be a name we'll be discussing more as a possible pick at #28 the closer we get to the draft. The price tags for stud LG's is blowing up enough to warrant a pick of the top ranked guard in the first round.
by APerfectStar on Mar 3, 2008 7:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Albert will never get by the Steelers at #23
by Terry on Mar 3, 2008 8:29 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Not way were drafting
a first round OL. There is a better chance us drafting another OLB..lol
by Cowboys81 on Mar 3, 2008 8:48 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
What OLB prospect?
Cowboys81, you have been on a roll with some really bad ideas here lately. Not to pile on, but since you just made another silly statement, there's a good chance Dallas could opt for O-line depth at the end of the 1st round, and no chance in h-e-double hockey sticks that they are taking a LB.
by APerfectStar on Mar 3, 2008 9:25 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
DEFENSE
in a perfect world i would like to use one of our 1st rounders and trade for deangelo hall. i would also like to sign a vet to help spell barber
by SKNZH8R on Mar 3, 2008 3:00 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Moore signed with Steelers
Steelers | Team signs M. Moore
Mon, 3 Mar 2008 11:32:15 -0800Updating a previous report, Scott Brown, of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, reports the Pittsburgh Steelers signed unrestricted free-agent RB Mewelde Moore to a three-year deal Monday, March 3. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
by Cowboys81 on Mar 3, 2008 3:21 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
defense
i agree that our offense was not hitting on all cylinders at the end of the year, but some games you have to rely on your defense to help you win cuz you are not always going to be clicking on offense.
by SKNZH8R on Mar 3, 2008 3:24 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Wow you guys are amazing?
As far as Dunn. We are talking about 10-12 touches a game if that. Is he too old to handle that? Why does everyone think we arent supposed to have anyone over 30 on the entire roster? I guess we better not re-sign Terence Newman after next season either, because he'll be 31 by that time.
Come on, we are talking about what 100 carries, 20 catches for Dunn. I think he can handle it.
And can we stop all this trade for DeAngelo Hall garbage. Hall gets smoked everytime he gets matched up with top flight reciever. Just check Steve Smith, Chad Johnson and T.O's highlight tapes. He thinks hes Deion. He is but he's like Redskins Deion.
by Carl Shelton (GloryDayz88) on Mar 3, 2008 3:58 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
with regards to Dunn's age
I think it would be short term thinking by this organization if they sign Dunn,a player with diminishing skill, where a guy like Bell as an example, is alot younger, more upside and can be a three or four year option, thats why I dont like signing 32 plus year old players, especially depending on the position.
I think the Hall trade talk on here makes about as much sense, as the chance of signing Moss, zero.
by Deke on Mar 3, 2008 4:06 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
what upside??
Bell has been in the league for 4 years now and hasn't accomplished anything. We're allowing Julius Jones to walk and he's a much better back than Bell, not to mention Bell is a china doll.
by Terry on Mar 3, 2008 4:20 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I'd put him on my team anyday
He's still a kid, bring him in motion, line him up in the slot, end arounds, toss sweeps, center screens, double reverses. Cant teach speed..
The kid hasn't been utilized, discount detroit and MIke Martz, how that guy continues to work in this league is laughable and Denver never settles on a runningback, and Bell isn't a lead back.
you're comparing two different type backs in JJ and Bell, not a fair comparison.
Grant wasn't much either until green Bay got him.
by Deke on Mar 3, 2008 4:31 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
doesn't make sense
I think it would be short term thinking by this organization if they sign Dunn,a player with diminishing skill, where a guy like Bell as an example, is alot younger, more upside and can be a three or four year option, thats why I dont like signing 32 plus year old players, especially depending on the position.
Why do we sign Bell for 3 or 4 years,when everyone is so sure we're getting a 1st round "Feature RB" in the draft?
Thats why Dunn makes sense,he's a one year "Hired gun" his touches will diminish as our Rookie Matures. Why pay Bell good money ,then take a cap hit when felix jones/whomever...takes his job?
by TrueBlue24 on Mar 3, 2008 4:41 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
you seen what Turner got for a contract?
you think Barber is worth that, I dont. I dont even think Barber is a lead back, time will show if thats true, especially the way Barber runs. If barber want Turner money, then you can say bye bye to him after next year, you need three backs.
Bell wouldn't cost you alot of money, we're paying Zach Thomas three million for one year, Dunn wouldn't be here more than one year, so next year, you'll need to sign two players to fill positions, probably three as Adoyele might be cut after June.
by Deke on Mar 3, 2008 4:57 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
If you think Bell would be starting here in '09 ?
your losing it Deke...That dude isn't worth it..certainly not something we'd be opening a new stadium with in '09....I don't even know why we're wasting time on this issue...If they sign Bell to anything more than league minimum, I'd be disappointed....A 3rd string back ???...wait til training camp for pete's sake.
Thats why Dunn makes sense,he's a one year "Hired gun" his touches will diminish as our Rookie Matures. Why pay Bell good money ,then take a cap hit when felix jones/whomever...takes his job?
totally agree with TrueBlue....we need a guy to mentor our impending rookie, let him slide in slowly, while learning all the do's and don'ts from one of the most respected, and productive backs of all time.
by BoyzRback07 on Mar 3, 2008 5:08 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Where did I say Bell is a starter?
I didn't!!!
Bell would be the complimentory this year, draft a lead back in the first round this year, barber isn't that, the one that's losing it would be Jerry if he was to sign Barber to the money Turner got yesterday, Barber's not worth that and not a lead back.
So, if you draft a lead back this year, after this year, barber will be gone, you'd have a lead back and Bell as a complimentory back and a rookie back you either draft late in next years draft or a practice squad back as your third option. I cannot look at fraanchise as a one year outlook, you cant in the NFL, everything has to be looked at three and four years down the road.
by Deke on Mar 3, 2008 5:20 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
well...that's assuming we're drafting a lead back
cuz sure as sh*t..your boy Stewart is gone at 22...so is DMac, Mendenhall, even Jones maybe....then what???
look,...i totally agree that MBIII doesn't deserve 7+ million/per...IF JJ was smart, he should have worked something out during this past season..By signing Crayton early, he really messed up..Barber was the guy that we could've gotten a sweeter pre FA contract with..imo...now your right.....we're gonna end up losing him for no compensation in '09, which I would've prefered losing this year for a 1st rounder. and we still might lose him...don't think that extra 3rd rounder is scaring everyone away...this FA market is still open people...wait n' see...
by BoyzRback07 on Mar 3, 2008 5:32 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
the way the last two offseasons went
with regards to all these high priced free agent contract signings that are being handed out throughout the league, its becoming more imperative that you have to draft well. Rght now, I'm hoping someone signs barber to a tender...
I dont mind the Crayton contract, he's a solid third wideout option at a fairly decent price. I have no doubt jerry will sign Walker in the next couple of days, tunnel vision will be in full effect for Jerry on that one.
by Deke on Mar 3, 2008 5:41 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Barbers probably worth it
as much as Turner is.
by Romo9 on Mar 3, 2008 6:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Certain photos copyright © 2009 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
