Sources: Dallas Cowboys close to deal with Ken Hamlin

by Brandon Worley on Jul 14, 2008 6:05 PM CDT

The Star-Telegram is reporting that the Dallas Cowboys are close to a deal with Ken Hamlin. They say the deal should be finalized later today or tomorrow.

Things started to heat up over the weekend when reports started to surface about the Cowboys executives keeping in contact with Hamlin's agent while on vacation. It looks like the first day back in the office got things moving quickly.

We will keep you updated as news comes available.

Thanks to Boysfan94 for posting the news in his fanpost.

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Sounds like it's going to happen

From the DC.com site

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news.cfm?id=23DFB3C0-FA6C-D43A-D8032A65E9D4A0E1

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

by APerfectStar on Jul 14, 2008 6:49 PM CDT reply actions

This was never a worry for me

Hamlin and the Cowboys will get a deal done before the 3:00pm deadline tomorrow. The cowboys need a quarterback in the secondary, and Hamlin fits that bill. I always thought signing him last year was a very smart move, not only because he can play both safety positions and make the calls and move people in the secondary presnap, but he’s was only 26 years old. I rather make a mistake signing youth and an aging thirty plus year old player.

As far as Hamlin goes, he wants to be here, Hamlin knows this team is loaded with youth and talent and will be contending for years to come, and he doesn’t want to go into the season on a one year deal risking a serious injury that could really hamper a multi year deal next year. This will be a great signing for this defense for years to come, the quarterback of the secondary thats been missing and I’ve been waiting for since woody retired.

by Deke on Jul 14, 2008 7:01 PM CDT reply actions

+1

His versatility is a huge plus..

"You can't win until you're not afraid to lose"

by Wmillion on Jul 14, 2008 7:54 PM CDT up reply actions

This is setting up for

Watkins and Hamlin next season or Henry and Hamlin. Unless Roy has a break out season this will be his last. You have to think with Henry’s age, Watkins will be the future back there with Hamlin.

Look up... get up...Don't ever, ever give up!!

by Boyzfan94 on Jul 14, 2008 8:05 PM CDT up reply actions

I'd take the Hamlin-ss/Henry-fs tandum in a heartbeat

I’ve been wanting that for that for a year.. now we have the corners to make that move..

by Deke on Jul 14, 2008 8:21 PM CDT up reply actions

I Love Henry Too

But we’d better have a backup plan. He always seems to be hurt, last year he got the dreaded high ankle sprain diving for an interception against the Rams.

I’m doubtful about Watkins, I hope he can develop but he’s too skinny and stiff to be effective as a safety.

It would be a shame this year to hang on a mediocre safety and cut a good corner. Fortunately the organization has been making very good personnel moves recently, so I think they’ll make the right decision.

by kindablue on Jul 14, 2008 8:42 PM CDT up reply actions

I'm not as high on Watkins as some are

I see him as a very good gunner on special teams and as a backup at free safety, not a long term solution, but this is his third year, its time to take the next step.

With regards to Henry moving to safety, I think the position change would be beneficial to him, and I think would decrease the chances of injury.

by Deke on Jul 14, 2008 8:58 PM CDT up reply actions

I am High on Watkins

I think he is going to play extremely well next season.

"You can't win until you're not afraid to lose"

by Wmillion on Jul 14, 2008 9:19 PM CDT up reply actions

+1

He hasn’t had a real shot yet, except for his rookie year and you can’t count thrown into the meat grinder a true evaluation. He has the size and speed to be a good FS in this league. Henry is a short term answer and may not be an option at all because of his age and injury history. It is very likely he may not be on the roster in 2009. Watkins and Hamlin in 2009 seems more likely.

Look up... get up...Don't ever, ever give up!!

by Boyzfan94 on Jul 14, 2008 10:28 PM CDT up reply actions

Could You Elaborate

On why Henry might reduce his chances for injury at free safety? That’s a much higher collision position than safety, it would seem to me his injury chances would get worse.

by kindablue on Jul 14, 2008 9:39 PM CDT up reply actions

His problems seem to be with his legs.

Remember that groin pull a coupla years back? High ankle last year. Always something that hinders his high speed for those quick WRs.

That #38 sure can hit!

by Aaron Novinger on Jul 14, 2008 9:46 PM CDT up reply actions

That's what I thought too

Put him back at FS and he doesn’t have to start/stop as much which seemed to be the cause of his injuries. His injuries were not caused by tackling, but change of direction and trying to keep up with faster WR’s.

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

by APerfectStar on Jul 14, 2008 9:53 PM CDT up reply actions

question

How does not have to stop and start as much if he plays safety? Since he has to make tackles in the open field. Safeties are more involved on every play then a CB.

"You can't win until you're not afraid to lose"

by Wmillion on Jul 14, 2008 9:59 PM CDT up reply actions

But he would be deeper in the defensive backfield

He would have more time to react to a play in front of him and take better angles, rather than closer to the LOS where he’s forced to stay with a WR that may be faster or quicker. He would not be making sudden stops/starts or trying to catch up to a WR that had gotten behind him.

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

by APerfectStar on Jul 14, 2008 11:48 PM CDT up reply actions

It can work

But, A lot of things have to go right. AJ stays out of trouble, Jenkins plays well, Scandrik plays well, and Henry has to stay healthy..

I don’t see the move until next year, I don’t want force any rookies in to action before we have to..

"You can't win until you're not afraid to lose"

by Wmillion on Jul 15, 2008 10:01 AM CDT up reply actions

Agreed that it would seem that way...

...but I have heard Rod Woodson say that converting from CB to Safety added several productive years to his career. Not sure why it is, but he would know.

by grapejoos on Jul 15, 2008 12:46 PM CDT up reply actions

I have heard him mention it

He said he was no longer quick enough to play at a high level. I think the move is good Henry and team, but not this year..

"You can't win until you're not afraid to lose"

by Wmillion on Jul 15, 2008 3:29 PM CDT up reply actions

Agree

CB is more valuable than FS, and while he can still play CB he should. But what I like is that he’s going to be moved into the dime coverage so Roy won’t be matched up on those TE’s and H-backs. I also like that he realizes whats ahead (Pacman and Jenkins) and instead of complaining, he does what the team asks him to do. Henry has a great attitude.

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

by APerfectStar on Jul 15, 2008 4:38 PM CDT up reply actions

yeah

I agree it is premature to move him to safety right now. First, let’s make sure AJ is reinstated and back to capacity, and see what M-Jenk and O-Scan can do, and Ball and the others. But for now, match Henry across from TEs and take away that mismatch against Roy, and we’ll be in good shape, while everyone competes for their spots in the CB depth chart.

by scottmaui on Jul 15, 2008 6:28 PM CDT up reply actions

+1

Henry one’d up with TE’s is a great move.

Roy can just focus on dropping the hammer. I am sure the coaches are telling “Roy just focus on what you do best”...

"You can't win until you're not afraid to lose"

by Wmillion on Jul 15, 2008 7:07 PM CDT up reply actions

experiment

If the experiment in Dime works, it might make Roy expendable.

"You can't win until you're not afraid to lose"

by Wmillion on Jul 15, 2008 7:10 PM CDT up reply actions

But you have to hate what

Al Davis did to the market. The guy is certifiable.

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

by dunkman on Jul 14, 2008 8:39 PM CDT reply actions

you knew this would get done

on the eve of the signing deadline…thats how the Jones’ roll.

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Jul 14, 2008 8:54 PM CDT reply actions

I really like Hamlin.

He is one FA that didn’t disappoint. He’s come in and been a leader. Just watched him clothesline Ahmad Bradshaw on NFL Replay, prevented a TD on that play.

Although Roy has his coverage breakdowns, it’s kinda nice to have two SS back there to lay some wood.

That #38 sure can hit!

by Aaron Novinger on Jul 14, 2008 9:17 PM CDT reply actions

The Dallas Cowboys and Pro Bowl safety Ken Hamlin have agreed to a six-year, $39 million contract, ESPN’s Ed Werder reports.

Hamlin

Hamlin, the Cowboys’ franchise player, received $15 million in guaranteed money and a $9 million signing bonus.

The deal was completed before Tuesday’s 4 p.m. ET deadline for teams to finalize long-term deals with franchised players.

Hamlin made his first Pro Bowl during the Cowboys’ 13-3 season. He finished with 62 tackles and five interceptions, one behind team leader Anthony Henry.

by tribedog96 on Jul 15, 2008 10:58 AM CDT reply actions