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Catching up with the Dallas Cowboys

 

Confession time, I was totally out of the loop the past couple of days. Yeah, I faked a couple of posts but I was working on a big project for something outside of the blog and my time was very limited. A big hat tip to Brandon for carrying the water while I was finishing up that outside commitment. I promise to be back on top of may game now, even though the excitement is passing. I picked two of the busiest days this offseason to be on the sidelines. On Tuesday, Jerry signs MB3 and Terence Newman to big contracts, on Wednesday, the Cowboys hold their first OTA with media access and I missed it. I spent this morning reading everything I could just so I could feel like I was back in the loop.

So what did I learn? I learned that just like me Roy Williams chose a bad time to absent from Cowboys duties. It’s not a huge deal, he had a pre-planned commitment, but if anybody needed to make a showing at the media-day OTA, it was Roy. I wanted to hear about his supposed weight-loss and how he looked on the field. Guess we’ll have to wait until next time.

Pacman Jones of course wasn’t at the OTA, but that didn’t keep his name from surfacing, on two fronts. One, he’s passed his physical so the trade is now formally complete. We just await the decision from the commissioner’s office. Two, and more interestingly, Pacman may get some plays at WR on offense. Sounds like fun to me.

Another reason to love MB3. He gets a new contract on Tuesday, hops on a jet from Miami that evening and is at Valley Ranch on Wednesday for practice. I love it. He could have stretched it out a little bit, said he needed a day or two to get to Dallas, but nope, he signed the contract and then put on his cleats. I would have liked to seen him working out at the Ranch the whole offseason, but now that he’s here its all good.

The Roy Williams absence was compounded by the absence of our other starting safety, Ken Hamlin. Hamlin still hasn’t signed his tender and the two sides were talking last week about a long-term deal, but it didn’t get done. Now, we don’t know if one will get done this offseason. With those two being unavailable, Pat Watkins and Courtney Brown manned the safety spots.

Chris Canty has been working out at the Ranch all offseason and is participating in the OTA’s although he still hasn’t signed his tender. You got to respect that. Meantime, T.O. is playing in the final year of his contract and hasn’t made it even a tiny issue. He is now officially the Pod. Jerry gave every indication that T.O. will be extended at some point and will be in Dallas for the next few years.

Terry Glenn didn’t participate in the OTA’s. Likewise Orlando Scandrick who has an eye infection.

The Cowboys will be four players over the roster limit once they sign all the rookies. They’ll have to make four cuts before training camp.

OK, I feel a little better, feel like I am somewhat caught up. Here are some articles to read for getting caught up if you missed some stuff.

Mickey Spags on Jerry’s press conference . Also, here’s a link to the Jerry Jones’ presser  provided by BTB-regular APerfectStar in a Fanshot.

Nick Eatman on MB3, Newman and upcoming contracts

General notes on the OTA’s.

Pacman passes his physical.

Hashmarks has an interview with Tony Romo.

Todd Archer likes Miles Austin, plus other tidbits from the OTA’s. 

What are your thoughts on the recent signings of Barber and Newman and the OTA’s? Let’s get the community chatting again!

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Well..

Thoughts on who the 4 guys will be cut? Wait that means all the UDFA count in that? Oh ok nvm haha then its probably no one majorly important. Immm dumb i just had a conversation with myself.

What the French?! Toast!

by thebigham on May 22, 2008 11:04 AM CDT   0 recs

I have been up and down on Austin during his time here

I really liked his potential in ‘06, and I thought he could be starting caliber. ‘07 I started to sour on him. Hopefully Archer is right. It would be huge for us if Austin could make the leap this year. He has the size and the physical ability that rivals elite prospects. Now is the time when he needs to start putting it all together or he could be out of luck come end of training camp.

by quincyyyyy on May 22, 2008 11:09 AM CDT   0 recs

When I finally forgave Austin after da Skins loss debacle...

... I’ve been pimpin’ him here.

And Archer’s article below sums up my thoughts on him, how I’m rootin’ for him, how it’s do-or-die time, and how it’ll be yr three for him—usually a WRs breakout season.

Check it.

** Some people are down him after the 2007 regular-season finale vs. Washington, but Miles Austin caught everything Wednesday. And by everything, we mean everything. He made several adjustments to throws behind him and hung on for the catch. This is a big year for Austin and I’m on record saying he has the most potential of the in-house receivers the Cowboys need to make a big jump in 2008.

Early indications are that he’s determined to make up for last season’s dropsies. Now, if he can consistently carry that on through the remainder of OTAs, TC, preseason, regular season, and post-season.

That’s not too much to ask, is it?

Miles Austin is the guy I’ll be hoping succeeds in 2008.

"Jerry Jones offers more second chances than a tent revival." -- Kevin Sherrington, The Dallas Morning News

www.brainfriednetwork.com [NEWS/SPORTS/FOOTBALL]

by silverblue5 on May 22, 2008 2:43 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I have hope for Austin

You can learn to catch. He can run routes, he has big-time speed. He just needs some more reps to be comfortable in that situation and put a few hundred balls in the catching machine each day.

I agree he’s our best bet for a deep threat at WR. Might be Stanback, but he’s more or less a complete unknown.

by grapejoos on May 22, 2008 4:02 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

theres no question that Austin and Stanback

are enormously gifted athletes, they just need time to develop as do all WRs. I think by the time T.O. and Glenn are gone, these guys will shine as great playmakers.

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on May 22, 2008 4:13 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

But if I recall

Stanback’s speed isn’t all that great for a WR. He’d be more of a shifty slot guy than a deep burner.

Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.

by dunkman on May 22, 2008 5:02 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Just the opposite

I think he has more speed than he has quicks. He is very fast from what I have seen from him, especially for someone his size.

by quincyyyyy on May 22, 2008 6:42 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

dunk, he was a track star

he can run like the wind blows.

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on May 22, 2008 8:57 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Something I read recently

said 4.6. Must have gotten it wrong.

Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.

by dunkman on May 22, 2008 9:54 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

he ran the 100 meters at Pac-10 championships in like 10.46....not too shabby...that's faster than 4.6 speed.

A true diehard Cowboys fan since 1975.

"If you don’t take him off the field as a coach, he will just about die out there," Jerry Jones said. "That impacted my decision. It’s a Michael Irvin-type work ethic. That’s what we are talking about with Felix Jones."
- Owner/G.M of the Dallas Cowboys , Jerry Jones

by BoyzRback on May 22, 2008 9:59 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

But he didn't hit that for the NFL record

And so there’s nothing I could find that says he can outrun a 4.38 CB like Scandrick The Magnificent.

Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.

by dunkman on May 22, 2008 10:02 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I don't recall anyone saying he could run in the 4.3's.....only about 3% of the league runs that fast...

once again…..40 times aren’t etched in stone( just ask Felix 4.46 Jones)...nor are they indicative of a WR’s ability to get open deep or otherwise (TO and Michael Irvin, 4.5 speed at best).......Stanback will be a stud….and he will be getting open..

A true diehard Cowboys fan since 1975.

"If you don’t take him off the field as a coach, he will just about die out there," Jerry Jones said. "That impacted my decision. It’s a Michael Irvin-type work ethic. That’s what we are talking about with Felix Jones."
- Owner/G.M of the Dallas Cowboys , Jerry Jones

by BoyzRback on May 22, 2008 10:29 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Boyz

the discussion started on whether he was a speed merchant or shifty, open field kind of guy. All I’m saying is… he doesn’t appear to have elite speed.

Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.

by dunkman on May 23, 2008 5:36 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

no, you're right dunk

he did post a slow time 4.6 to 4.65—40. Not sure where that time came from since he didn’t run at the combine or his pro day due to injury.
But I watched that game against Oklahoma, he was the fastest guy on the field that day and almost single handily won that game.

by Deke on May 22, 2008 10:02 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Right

The injury may be what stood in the way – he wasn’t able to train up for the big combine “race for the payday” event.

Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.

by dunkman on May 22, 2008 10:04 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I just looked it up

here. Looks like 4.6 to me, which is not elite speed.

Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.

by dunkman on May 22, 2008 9:57 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I don't know where these sites get these numbers

he had a serious foot injury. He never ran the 40.

But I like that second position description: Wide receiver/athlete.

by quincyyyyy on May 22, 2008 10:11 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

So...

Miles Austin is faster and bigger then hurd and stanback. Apparently he is catching everything in sight. Who is the odd man out?
Do you hope the 30+ year old TGlenn can contribute or UDFA wes welker jr. or cut Austin, Hurd, or Stanback?..

Tough decision, but sounds like an area of concern is becoming area of strength..

We will need the depth though, toughest division in football, and one of the worst schedules in football.

"Why everything that's supposed to be bad, Make me feel so good?"

by Wmillion on May 23, 2008 12:27 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

there is no odd man out

the Cowboys 6 WRs this season will be T.O., TG, Crayton, Austin, Hurd and Stanback.

Nobody should realistically expect Welker Jr to make the team.

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on May 23, 2008 7:40 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

true

T Glenn situation is a little unsettling though. I don’t want to cut a WR who can contribue for years to come, because we hope glenn can come back.

"Why everything that's supposed to be bad, Make me feel so good?"

by Wmillion on May 23, 2008 8:42 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I wonder who could be one of those cuts...
The Cowboys will be four players over the roster limit once they sign all the rookies. They’ll have to make four cuts before training camp.

;)

by quincyyyyy on May 22, 2008 11:11 AM CDT   0 recs

What are the chances that the Hamlin deal can be completed?

Are there other teams looking to negotiate with him, or is that precluded re: his “franchise player” status?
Thanks

Wharter

by Wharter on May 22, 2008 12:09 PM CDT   0 recs

No other teams can negotiate

that time has past. He will play as a Cowboys this year, either at the franchise tender or a new contract.

by Dave Halprin (Grizz) on May 22, 2008 1:14 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

You sure Grizz?

Seems like I read one of Spag’s emails saying Hamlin is still eligible to sign offer sheets from other teams since he is an unrestricted free agent as opposed to a restricted free agent, regardless of the Franschie tag. Not that it really matters, no one’s going to give up two first rounders and a big contract for him anyway.

by WB3forMB3 on May 22, 2008 4:12 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

No Hamlin cant sign with anyone else

He was franchised. He probably didn’t sign the one year deal to enable dallas and his agent to continue to work on a long term deal with him. That happens all the time. He’ll play for the franchised tender or he’ll be signed to a long term deal, he cant sign with another team..

by Deke on May 22, 2008 4:18 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Franchised doesn't mean that

The Franschise tag doesn’t mean no one else can sign the guy. They can, but the Cowboys have the right to match the offer sheet first and if they dont the signing team has to give up two 1st round picks.

by WB3forMB3 on May 22, 2008 4:39 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Its called "exclusive" franchised player

Which I think Hamlin was offered.

An “exclusive” franchise player isn’t free to sign with another club. If Hamlin was offered a minimum average of the top five salaries as a safety as of April 16, or 120 percent of the player’s previous year’s salary, whichever is greater, he’s a exclusive franchise player.

If Hamlin was offered a minimum of the average of the top five salaries from last season at safety, or 120 percent of the Hamlin’s previous year’s salary, he becomes a "non-exclusive" franchise player and can negotiate with other clubs. if a another team offers a contract, then dallas could match a new club’s offer, or receive two first-round draft choices if Dallas doesn’t match.

The Key to Hamlin is the April 16 date and as I know, he was offered the average of the top five safeties as of April 16, then he becomes an exclusive franchise player, unable to sign with another team…...

by Deke on May 22, 2008 5:03 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I concede

The greatest two yard run ever

by WB3forMB3 on May 22, 2008 5:59 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

It's all moot anyway

no team is going to offer a contract to Hamlin and give up two first round picks.

by Deke on May 22, 2008 5:11 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

geeez....Hamlin can NOT be signed by another team...There is a deadline that has past...He can only deal with Dallas now...at the franchise tender or sign long term....end of subject..

A true diehard Cowboys fan since 1975.

"If you don’t take him off the field as a coach, he will just about die out there," Jerry Jones said. "That impacted my decision. It’s a Michael Irvin-type work ethic. That’s what we are talking about with Felix Jones."
- Owner/G.M of the Dallas Cowboys , Jerry Jones

by BoyzRback on May 22, 2008 8:48 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Mickey is wrong when refering to Hamlin....He can NOT sign elsewhere...period...

A true diehard Cowboys fan since 1975.

"If you don’t take him off the field as a coach, he will just about die out there," Jerry Jones said. "That impacted my decision. It’s a Michael Irvin-type work ethic. That’s what we are talking about with Felix Jones."
- Owner/G.M of the Dallas Cowboys , Jerry Jones

by BoyzRback on May 22, 2008 8:50 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Austin

Sounds like he has been working on catching the ball this off-season. If that guy can put it all together, running good routes, getting open, catching the ball, yards after the catch, then Dallas won’t have to worry about finding another WR. That would be a nice surprise.

T-New, shutting down WR's for Dallas since 2003

by APerfectStar on May 22, 2008 1:01 PM CDT   0 recs

Gotta love Canty...

I have a bad feeling he’s going to be a guy to leave Dallas after this season, with the crazy deals being handed DEs these days. I hope not, because the guy is a hard worker through and through.

It’ll be a nightmare trying to lock up Ham, T.O. and Canty this season/following offseason … especially with Ware right around the corner. Barring a heavy increase of the salary cap with a new CBA deal, I’m not sure Dallas can get it done.

by no1cowboysfan on May 22, 2008 1:03 PM CDT   0 recs

If any more renegotiating can be done

I expect long-term deals with Canty and Hamlin this year. Both can get a lot on the free market, but I think they’ll realize there is a special group here and Jerry will make the money competitive.

If the dollars aren’t there, then we’ll have to wait and see. I’m sure Dallas wants Hamlin done first. Ware will get done, we can always franchise him if things get tight. I expect the Ware negotiation to be pretty smooth.

by grapejoos on May 22, 2008 4:05 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Addendum

I think the numbers are possible to get these remaining deals done, but there are two caveats: Roy, Glenn, Ellis, and possibly Columbo are gone in 1-2 years, and we’ll lack flexibility to make FA additions under the current cap structure.

If there’s an uncapped year, I’m sure there will be plenty of ringers with short-term deals, but I think a deal will get worked out before that. Jerry is a big boy at the table, and we (and a few other teams) benefit more from a $10m-ish cap increase long-term. That gives us our core plus another one or two quality players. The uncapped year is just a bargaining chip for him, Snyder, Kraft, and the other rich owners.

by grapejoos on May 22, 2008 4:11 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Pacman on offense?

Eh, let’s just focus on getting him on the field and in football shape. To me, if you are trying to figure out how to use him on offense, that just reflects on the lack of depth/speed on the receiving corps. His few touches on offense in Tennessee were nothing special, and he isn’t really big enough to take a lot of punishment. If they’re considering this, they must know that behind T.O., there’s not a lot to get excited about at WR.

by Baked Potato Soup on May 22, 2008 4:03 PM CDT   0 recs

I'm almost certain Jones REALLY said

“Adam is certain to commit an offense”. I’ll double-check.

Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.

by dunkman on May 22, 2008 5:05 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

He's plenty big enough to be a star WR if that's where he would play......He's bigger than Welker, Harrison, and Steve Smith...as well as many many others...

He was an all american RB coming out of high school…he’s plenty tough enough to play the slot…and better than most in the league if Jerry indeed does plan on using him alot on O. I LOVE the idea of him on offense….20-35 plays on nickle defense….-4-8 punt returns ….about 10 plays on offense…I like it…

I can see Adam Jones and Felix Jones pullin off the double reverse…..woooo hoooo

A true diehard Cowboys fan since 1975.

"If you don’t take him off the field as a coach, he will just about die out there," Jerry Jones said. "That impacted my decision. It’s a Michael Irvin-type work ethic. That’s what we are talking about with Felix Jones."
- Owner/G.M of the Dallas Cowboys , Jerry Jones

by BoyzRback on May 22, 2008 8:58 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

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