Crayton/Hurd - Headed for Trouble

Okay, so this will be my first fanpost so go easy on me.   I've been lurking for a long time and this is by far the best site for Cowboys news and opinions and I thought it was time I offered my two cents.

Well with the rumors running rampant about the release/trade of Crayton and Hurd and the news today that Crayton will ask for his release, it's pretty obvious that one or possibly both of them will no longer be Cowboys.  If the Cowboys choose to let go of just one, it's a mistake.  If they let go of both, it could be a disaster.  In a year where the entire organization, the media, and even the fans are thinking Super Bowl or bust why would you want to potentially rely on a rookie and a second year player in case of injury.  I just don't get it and here's why:

Crayton - Okay so he has a big mouth and maybe whines a bit much...and yeah a part of me will never forgive him for the drop in the Giants playoff game.  But, after Witten and maybe Austin, he has the best connection with Romo of any receiver on the team.  After Witten, he's usually the first place Romo looks on 3rd down.  He's a reliable starter in case RW or Austin goes down and he is a good PR.  Who is going to take over for him?  Yes I think Dez will be a very good player but this is a guy who has not played in a football game in over a year and who has had virtually no practice to get his timing down with Romo.  Historically, rookie WRs usually struggle in their first year and I think Dez has more to overcome than most.  If (God forbid) RW or Miles goes down for an extended period of time does anyone really feel comfortable having Dez and/or Ogletree starting?  I don't, not right now.  RW already seems to be having some aches & pains and who knows what could come of that later on.  At least with Crayton, you know what you have and there won't be any surprises. 

Hurd -   This one I would feel a little better about losing, but I still think it's a mistake.  He is a dependable receiver when needed and more important is what he contributes on special teams.  We've already cut Watkins and if we cut Hurd that means we have lost our top 2 special teams tacklers from last year.  I know special teams are notorious for player turnover, but we did just get this unit back on track last season after a couple of bad years.  Now we are faced with having a new PR, possibly a new KR and trying to find 2 new top tacklers.  That's a lot to ask.  Hurd has always done everything asked of him and never complained.  It's a shame to get rid of a player like that when it's not necessary.

I know the reasons why they want to get rid of these guys - save money, let young guys develop, etc.  But why?  This is a uncapped year so really the money is a moot point.  Where else are they gonna spend it now?  As far as letting the young guys develop, I'm all for that except when it comes at the expense of the rest of the team.  If you are trying to make a Super Bowl run you play your 53 best players and Crayton & Hurd belong in that group.  Give Dez a year to get comfortable in a NFL offense..give Ogletree another year to see if he can become a consistent, smart player.  Especially given the fact that our run game may not be up to expectations this year, why would we wanna put so much pressure on these young guys right now?  We will not be gaining anything (maybe a late draft pick?), but could be losing more than we realize.  I hope Jones & Co. will see the light and do what's best in the interest of winning.  But knowing past history, I kind of doubt it.  I just have to pray it doesn't come back to bite us later on.