Busy Dallas Cowboys Face the Offseason
by Dave Halprin on Jan 26, 2010 11:20 AM CST
73 comments
The Dallas Cowboys will be a busy team this week, all the way through Sunday night. They have some immediate plans that include an all-star game and an all-star game. The Pro Bowl and the Senior Bowl.
The Pro Bowl will be filled with Cowboys. The recent addition of Tony Romo and Mike Jenkins puts nine Cowboys in the game, although Andre Gurode has pulled out because he's getting arthroscopic knee surgery soon.
Cowboys in the Pro Bowl: Tony Romo, Mike Jenkins, Terence Newman, Miles Austin, DeMarcus Ware, Andre Gurode, Jason Witten, Leonard Davis, and Jay Ratliff.
In addition, the Cowboys coaching staff will be handling the honors for the NFC team.
Meanwhile, Jerry Jones and Co. is in Mobile for the Senior Bowl. Aaron gave a nice breakdown of early Senior Bowl events and previews, here.
The DMN reports that Jerry wants to stay in the first-round of the draft, and that they could be going offense this year. Too bad the article doesn't give the exact quotes of what Jerry said.
Dallas Cowboys free-agent status:
More...
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENT
OG Montrae Holland
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS
WR Miles Austin
S Gerald Sensabaugh
DE Marcus Spears
DE Stephen Bowen
DE Jason Hatcher
WR Sam Hurd
S Pat Watkins
OT Pat McQuistan
C Cory Procter
NT Junior Siavii
CB Cletis Gordon
C Duke Preston
K Shaun Suisham
EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENT
CB Alan Ball
LB Steve Octavien
We have no issues with UFA's, who cares about Holland.
It's the RFA's the Cowboys need to deal with, and they've got quite a few important ones. None bigger then breakout star Miles Austin. We all know Jerry and Stephen do not let guys get away that they really want to keep, and you know they really want to keep Austin. This deal will get done at some point. Harder to determine are guys like Marcus Spears, Gerald Sensabaugh, Stephen Bowen, Jason Hatcher, Sam Hurd and Pat Watkins. Spears and Sensabaugh are starters, out of the two Sensabaugh makes more sense as a priority. The Cowboys safety play was greatly improved this season, thanks to Sensabaugh. Dallas might want to find more safety help in the offseason (Pat Watkins is a special teamer, we don't know about Michael Hamlin yet), but would like to bring Sensabaugh back as security. Spears, Stephen Bowen and Jason Hatcher all nominally play the same position. Spears is basically a run-stopper who gives way to Bowen when Dallas goes with 4-down on the defensive line. Out of those three, it may be Bowen who is the higher priority, and Dallas could look to develop new, young talent along the line through the draft. The rest of the batch, Hurd, Siavii, Watkins etc. are all simple economics, if you like them and you can get them at reasonable rates, you keep them; if you can't, you replace them.
Speaking of replacements, the Cowboys have a whole crop of possible replacement players already in house. Let's look back at the 2009 draft.
Jason Williams, Robert Brewster, Stephen McGee, Victor Butler, Brandon Williams, DeAngelo Smith, Michael Hamlin, David Buehler, Stephen Hodge, John Phillips, Mike Mickens, Manuel Johnson
Contributions so far: Victor Butler showed flashes of pass-rush ability in limited playing time. He could work his way into more time giving Ware and Spencer rest. David Buehler contributed the most out of this class so far, giving the Cowboys a weapon on kickoffs - can he kick FGs? John Phillips came on at the end providing the Cowboys with solid blocking and some skill in the passing game.
Gone: DeAngelo Smith, Mike Mickens and Manuel Johnson - (corrected, not gone, on PS, my bad).
Future outlook: Jason Williams may be productive at ILB, we just don't know. Robert Brewster is another question mark that could help solve the Cowboys offensive line problems down the road, but can he at least be a competent backup in 2010? Stephen McGee will continue his lessons learning the QB position in the NFL. Brandon Williams was thought of as potential force in the pass-rush (ahead of Butler in the training camp), but injury has left us unable to read his play. Michael Hamlin is still an unknown. Stephen Hodge might be the cover ILB we've been looking for on third-down, or maybe he isn't. He'll get the chance to challenge for that role.
The Cowboys offseason is off and running.
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Good stuff, Dave.
It will be interesting to see which RFA’s we decide to resign. I’d guess two of Spears, Bowen, and Hatcher. But we’ll see.
QB
The story sounds like a quasi-endorsement of Stephen McGee as our possible future. Guess that means we won’t be taking a QB in any round this year. We’re also set at RB, TE, and WR, so its gonna be an O-line year hopefully. Give me some Lupati!
He was hard to gauge in preseason
He was 1-2-3- run backwards then out of the pocket. He has some real athleticism, but so did Matt Jones.
Greetings from the Humungus, the Ruler of the Wasteland, the Ayatollah of Rock and Roll-A. I laugh at your puny plans.
by Lord Humungus on Jan 26, 2010 2:25 PM CST up reply actions
Didn't Manny Johnson
sign a futures contract?
I’d like to see him get another chance.
Tom Grieve is my hero.
assuming RW comes back (and given Jerry's comments I think that's safe to assume)
I think the team will tender only one of Hurd & Watkins. With RW on board, Hurd realistically is a 5th WR, looking above at the likes of Austin, RW, Crayton, & Ogletree. Thus his value to the team is the same role Watkins plays, which is special teams gunner.
While having the luxury of both on the field greatly benefits the coverage teams, economics dictate that its probably not prudent to tie up FA dollars in both players, particulalry when this is a unit you expect mid-low round rookies to fill in on as well.
RW coming back and RW staying are two different things
Considering RW’s productivity since he’s been here and Hurd, who has made just about every play he’s been given a chance to make, I think Hurd is undervalued and is really our 4th WR.
Austin
Ogletree
Crayton
Hurd
Remember, Wade said he’d “play the best player”.
When in doubt, empty your magazine
I'm assuming you meant the difference between RW coming back & RW playing :)
this isn’t really about whether Hurd can play, whether the coaches should play him over RW, or what his upside is compared to RW, is as it is more about the economics of the $$$ currently tied up in WR position. Consider that:
a) RW admittedly has a ridiculous contract, which Jerry seemingly doesn’t want to dump this offseason
b) Austin is up for a payday
c) Crayton got paid in 2007, & has a few years left to run
d) Ogletree is probably making pocket change (for Jerry, anyways!) as an UFA, and there is much clamor for him to have an increased role next year.
I just can’t see Jerry investing significant dollars into 4 WR (discounting Ogletree’s UFA contract) unless Pat Watkins goes, making Hurd the exclusive ST gunner. Again, irrespective of his ability or potential, Hurd’s current role with the team is essentially special teams ace rather than key cog in the WR rotation. SInce he’s not involved as a KR or PR, that’s yet another role (and $$$) that has to be filled by someone else.
I’m sure Jerry would still be willing to retain him solely based on his ST duties, but I can’t see him paying both him and Watkins for that role. And unfortunately none of the above WR (save possibly Ogletree) is going to see any action on the coverage units, which means a low-round rookie or 2010 UFA is going to be tasked with filling the role- at a much cheaper salary than what Hurd/Watkins realistically can get as a RFA this offseason.
So while not discounting the fact that Hurd could return & eventually get some increased snaps at WR, I think the decision will eventually come down to whom the staff values more on the coverage untis- Hurd or Watkins.
glad Romo and Jenkins made the Pro Bowl
they both deserved it, but it is kind of a screwed up system when you’re still the same spot in the selection order and just get moved up because someone above you doesn’t play. because of something not directly related to you, yesterday you weren’t a pro-bowler and today you are.
It means less now than it ever has.
You’ve removed all of the players from the best 2 teams and many of the players from the next 2 best teams.
by Baked Potato Soup on Jan 26, 2010 12:35 PM CST up reply actions
Still, the media
always refers to players as “Pro Bowlers” so it’s a nice nod, even if it’s a cheapened one…
FREE THE OGLETREE!!!
although for a young player like Jenks
it may mean a whole lot more to him ($$$), depending if he had any pro bowl incentives written into his rookie contract
McGee
what is his future with this team? Does anyone really think he will ever be starter material for the cowboys? When his contract ends, what will they do?
If Romo goes down for a couple games, and Kitna pulls a Brad Johnson, does anyone really want to see McGee go in?
(I provide many questions, and no answers :)
Does
anyone EVER want to see their third string QB go in a regular season game? If the DMN story is to be believed, Jerry really likes him. It’s a bit to early to call him the heir apparent though. Romo is still young, and McGee needs time to develop. Way, way, way to early to try and predict this kids future.
by Boundforbeach on Jan 26, 2010 12:39 PM CST up reply actions
you don't know that........
it’s too early for that. Why don’t you just be Romo’s caddy since you love him so much-LOL
I thought you liked McGee
I definitely think he has the potential to be Romo’s backup for years to come.
I’d love to be a backup qb for an NFL team, I think it’s the best job there is, especially behind a guy like Romo who rarely ever comes out of the game. Too old now though ;)
In Romo we Trust
I do like McGee.......
I thought you were putting him down by saying he would just be Romo’s caddy. In other words, nothing but a back-up. He’s very raw and undeveloped, but who know what could happen especially if Jordan Shipley were to come.
With the Cowboys he will be nothing but a backup
so long as Romo is playing. Thats not a put down on McGee, thats just a fact.
In Romo we Trust
We should take the Green Bay approach and draft a quarterback every year or so
If he can beat out your #3, so be it.
"We'll see." --Bill Parcells
We don't have the coaches to do that
You need a David Lee, a Holmgren, or some other QB guru to bring a young QB along. We have Wade Wilson who comes to us from Chicago – where he was in charge of the worst bunch of QB’s in the league. He hasn’t shown anything to indicate that he can get a young QB ready to compete.
by JimmyJohnson on Jan 27, 2010 3:49 AM CST up reply actions
Hopefully Garrett and Romo and Kitna
Are pitching in heavily on McGee’s education, because I agree with you on Wade Wilson, not sure why he on Jerry’s payroll.
Drago says, "We must break you!"
by APerfectStar on Jan 27, 2010 1:38 PM CST up reply actions
Dat Nguyen could be leaving for USC.
From Nick Eatman:
Not only does Nguyen’s contract expire in a couple of weeks, but there are now reports that the former Cowboys linebacker is headed to Southern Cal to be the new linebackers coach for Lane Kiffin’s staff.
Nguyen was at Valley Ranch on Monday morning but his office has been cleaned out and his name is longer on the door. He has been on Wade Phillips’ staff for the last three years, and played seven seasons for the Cowboys (1999-2005) before injuries took their toll and forced him to retire.
If he leaves, that will make this a busier offseason. Would hate to see him go, but it looks likely that he will be gone.
BTB League Consolation Ladder Champ...thought you knew.
by Aaron Novinger on Jan 26, 2010 12:38 PM CST reply actions
and I will hate USC even more!
BTB League Consolation Ladder Champ...thought you knew.
by Aaron Novinger on Jan 26, 2010 12:39 PM CST up reply actions
+1
RW is the opposite of WR. Coincidence? I think not.
by aussie_cowboy on Jan 26, 2010 9:31 PM CST up reply actions
Why would any aspiring assistant NFL coach
want to work for Lane Kiffin of all people? The draw of living in working at USC — I get. But for that little punk? And only as the linebacker’s coach. Pass…
by Boundforbeach on Jan 26, 2010 12:43 PM CST up reply actions
They do a good job of recruiting LBs there, so it could be a good career move for him.
But that was before Kiffin as far as I know.
BTB League Consolation Ladder Champ...thought you knew.
by Aaron Novinger on Jan 26, 2010 12:45 PM CST up reply actions
It's a promotion for him, though, isn't it?
You have to keep moving up that ladder, even if it isn’t the ideal situation, when you are a young coach. Look at Kiffin taking the job in Oakland and what having NFL head coaching experience has done for him. Now he has one of the premier college coaching jobs. If he does well, in 5 years he’ll be the next hot NFL head coaching candidate again.
by Baked Potato Soup on Jan 26, 2010 12:46 PM CST up reply actions
Ugh..
Lane Kiffin gave his soul to the devil. There’s no other way to explain how he’s gotten such gigs at such a young age. I agree with you that being a NFL head coach opens lots of doors for college jobs, but he didn’t exactly have a great tenure with the Raiders. And if he didn’t make a deal with the devil, then he found Alladin’s lamp. Just look at his wife :)
by Boundforbeach on Jan 26, 2010 12:58 PM CST up reply actions
Yeah, being with the Raiders is a lot like jump suits
NO ONE looks good with them. No one.
FREE THE OGLETREE!!!
yeah, I understand leaving the Raiders.....
but he did Tennesse pretty dirty too. Crazy Al may have been telling partial truths about Kiffen
I dunno
I think almost any coach in the college ranks would dump Tennessee for USC. It’s pretty standard.
FREE THE OGLETREE!!!
yeah, I know but.......
he just seems like a young spoiled little rich kid that feasts off his dad’s defense. I very well could be wrong, but he kinda rubs me the wrong way after he made his comments about the other SEC teams-cocky and arrogant. With that being said, he probably will be a great match for USC with his cockiness.=LOL
I just read...
that the Bucs LB coach, Joe Barry, is taking that position with USC. So, maybe Nguyen will end up staying.
by TheCowboyFan on Jan 26, 2010 12:45 PM CST up reply actions
Music to my ears.
Have hopes he can develop into the LBs coach for the Boys, and eventually the DC.
Wonder why his office is cleaned out, though.
BTB League Consolation Ladder Champ...thought you knew.
by Aaron Novinger on Jan 26, 2010 12:54 PM CST up reply actions
What do you think...
of Pasqualoni’s return to this defense?
by TheCowboyFan on Jan 26, 2010 1:09 PM CST up reply actions
Yeah he's a good coach..maybe
The extra Sun was bothering him..He was starting to look like a Gator..some people call them Crocs, I call them Gators..
Is Joe Berry the guy that was arrested for going into a drive-thru without pants?
Drago says, "We must break you!"
by APerfectStar on Jan 26, 2010 2:02 PM CST up reply actions
I thought Bi-Dawk was caught in yoga pants
I need to stay on top of the news better…
FREE THE OGLETREE!!!
Nevermind, it was a different Lions assistant
Cullen, 39, was ticketed and cited in August, during training camp when he allegedly went through the drive-in window at a fast-food restaurant late at night and the server noticed he was naked.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2702095
Drago says, "We must break you!"
by APerfectStar on Jan 26, 2010 2:25 PM CST up reply actions
Nah, that was just a mis-understanding..
He was just doing his Pee-Wee Herman impression..He should have chosen a good movie instead of a Burger King is all..
What's up with dat?
Greetings from the Humungus, the Ruler of the Wasteland, the Ayatollah of Rock and Roll-A. I laugh at your puny plans.
by Lord Humungus on Jan 26, 2010 2:25 PM CST up reply actions
That's fine
release him in to the wild. Let him make it on his own, and then reel him back in a few years when he is more developed as a coach.
2009 BTB Fantasy Champ... Deal with it
not sure if anyone has answered this question, but
if we sign Austin to a big contract, can we frontload the money in 2010 with smaller base salaries in future years? That way, he doesn’t hurt our cap in the future. This would be the opposite of what was done in capped years.
I haven't seen that...
but I have thought about that. I think it’s a very good question.
I think they could, now whether they do or not is another question.
by The Immortal Iron Fist AKA AFB on Jan 26, 2010 1:39 PM CST up reply actions
Sign him to the afor-mentioned 5/$45mil...
And make the first year $35 of that $45 million!
Pure Salary Cap Genius!
I'm starting to rethink my position on Jacoby Ford
reports out of the senior bowl are that he looks explosive and is making tough catches
2009 BTB Fantasy Champ... Deal with it
I have been on the Jacoby Ford bandwagon
for a while. I got to personally see him tear up GT in September and have wanted him for the Cowboys since.
If I had a nickel for every Super Bowl the Eagles have won, I would have zero nickels.
by Cowboyfan729 on Jan 26, 2010 8:18 PM CST up reply actions
I hate to say I told you so, but....
:) It’s all good, just come around to the light side of the Force. We have cookies. And tons of speed.
Send Wade to the Senior Bowl
And let Jerry coach the NFC in the Pro Bowl. Jerry can satisfy a lifelong dream and Wade can do his job and evaluate players.
by StillHateTheGiants on Jan 26, 2010 9:24 PM CST reply actions
They decided against him
because he boasted that he intended to blitz QBs and run up the score against the AFC. This apprently stems from an incident when he was a child (last year I want to say) Terry Bradshaw refused to sign his underwear, and he has vowed revenge.
FREE THE OGLETREE!!!
LMAO
Childress will be there, he’s going to surprise the players by dressing up as a flight attendant cheerleader, you know, as a bit of a joke (wink, wink)
Drago says, "We must break you!"
by APerfectStar on Jan 27, 2010 1:45 PM CST up reply actions
Haha
This apprently stems from an incident when he was a child (last year I want to say)
RW is the opposite of WR. Coincidence? I think not.
by aussie_cowboy on Jan 27, 2010 9:03 PM CST up reply actions
I was afraid I wasted that line
Thanks Aussie. You’ve restored by faith in bloggers…
FREE THE OGLETREE!!!
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