Cowboys: Process For Acquiring Talent Is Not Over Yet.
by One.Cool.Customer on May 1, 2011 8:00 AM CDT
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PrintSix out of eight players the Cowboys drafted over the weekend play on the offensive side of the ball. This has raised some eyebrows, particularly considering that many observers thought that the the major needs on the team outside of the O-line were on the defensive side of the ball.
In yesterday's press conference the Cowboys Brass were grilled accordingly. Stephen Jones and Jason Garrett took turns answering those questions. Along the way, they stressed how following their board led them to the picks they made, how the draft is just one part of the talent acquisition process and that free agency as well as re-signing their own free agents, particularly on defense will be an important building block for the team once the league establishes a set of rules under which to operate.
After the break, a partial transcript of yesterday's press conference in which Jones and Garrett discusses further talent acquisition steps.
Q: Were there not any defensive players that were attractive to you guys, other than [linebacker and] corner?
Stephen Jones: "At the end of the day, if you look at player acquisition it comes in more than just the draft. You do it through unrestricted free agency, you can do it through trades, there's a lot of ways to do it. What we thought about not having free agency ahead of time, it would probably enable us to really follow our board. I think we did that."
"Going in we thought this was a draft that was weighted more towards offense. When we got finished looking at our board we had a lot more offensive players than defensive players. As it turned out, when it came time for us to pick, it was more offense than defense."
"Obviously we can look - when it does come - to unrestricted free agency. We can fill holes in that regard too. I would also say, if you look at last year's draft, in which we had some young guys who didn't contribute last year who might this year, we drafted 4 out of 6 defensive players. If you throw Josh Brent-Price in there then that's 5 out of 7 or you could put Josh in this draft."
"We really felt that at the end of the day we needed to pick the best player on our board. We knew that whatever we didn't fill in terms of needs on our team that we could go into unrestricted free agency and finish up our roster in that regard. I really think it added discipline to our draft and we ended up with the type of draft we want to have."
Q: Your defense did not play well last year. Yet you stayed disciplined, you stayed with your board and didn't go out and reach for defensive guys. Is that a way of saying that since Rob Ryan is the biggest addition to your defense you expect him to pull your defense back to a high level?
Jason Garrett: "We're absolutely excited about Rob coming in here as our defensive coordinator. He was hired for a reason, he does an outstanding job and we expect him to do an outstanding job with our defense. I thought Steven answered it well though. There are different ways you can acquire players in the NFL. The draft is a big part of it, but signing you own players and also signing free agents is a part of it as well."
"The process of acquiring players for our entire football team is not over yet. It's a little different this year because the draft and free agency were flopped chronologically, but that process isn't over. We're certainly happy about Rob and what he can bring to our defense."
Q: Do you expect to be active in unrestricted free agency on the defensive side of the ball?
Stephen Jones: "Certainly we'll be looking there. When we can help our team, we'll do it, and we may not be through on offense either. Once we know the system and we know how things are going to work then we're going to work hard to put the best possible team on the field."
Q: Is it fair to say you have one guy in mind on the defensive side of the ball?
Stephen Jones: "I wouldn't say "one guy" in mind. As I said, you've got to tell me th rules first ... whether it's four years to free agency or six years to free agency. When that happens, we'll identify the players that we think will help make us the best team and then we'll go from there."
"We have guys that we like. I wouldn't say that there's one guy in particular. We have guys, we have players on this team we'd like to re-sign."
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Following your board is a good thing.
That means you’re not making impulsive picks, which this team has a history of doing. It also is a clear indication that Garrett is having an affect on the war room. While I think there may have been better players available at some of those picks, I am not an NFL scout or executive, don’t have the means to research these players as the team does, so wouldn’t presume to know more about it than the team. If this is true, we are doing better in the draft than years past.
Was I a little disappointed we didn’t trade down in the first? Sure. It seems the team was only going to trade down if they got GREAT value for the trade. Maybe they didn’t want to trade down past 15, because Jacksonville’s offer to Washington wasn’t bad.
Was I confused we didn’t draft a defensive lineman? Yeah. It makes me think Stephen knows how much he’s going to have to pay Spears, and he’s okay with that number.
Do I know what the team’s plan is for FA and UDFA? Nope. But I’ve seen plenty of video on our top 4 now, and they really look outstanding. Smith goes without saying. Carter looks like a stud. Murray is not Felix or Choice. He’s different than either, and he might be better. What I really like about Murray is he doesn’t go down just because you get a hand on him. Our current stable of RB’s do. Arkin looks like a mean son of a bitch.
If you can't fix it with a hammer, you've got an electrical problem.
by White Wolf on May 1, 2011 8:53 AM CDT reply actions 2 recs
I agree
After watching the Front Office interviews on the mothership (combined with the body language we saw on the war room feed) it appears to me that Garrett really stood his ground when Jerry was pressing hard on some things. That’s an improvement to me. I think Jerry is better than what he gets credit for but he needs a calming voice of reason in the room that isn’t afraid to get into some real debates over principals. I feel we had outstanding group dynamics in our war room that have been missing for some time now.
I also suspect we ended up passing on the Jax trade. That’s a tough one b/c, at first glance, it seems we could have had Smith plus the 2nd rd pick and if not then it would be Costanzo plus the add’l 2nd rd.
Still, I like that they didn’t risk Smith, whom I believe will be the unquestionable best in this draft’s lineman 3 years from now. I’m not sold that Washington was absolutely going to pick a QB at #10. Reports are that Shanahan didn’t like Gabbert and that was way to high for Ponder.
In fact, after watching the kind of lineman Garrett drafted, I’m of the mind that he is trying to build the same kind of line that we KNOW for a fact Shanahan likes. Look at Shanahan’s SB winning Bronco teams and you will see an OL patterned after the 49ers of the 80’s…smaller than most but very quick, athletic, fast, and able to move in space very very well. It is a great line for screen passes, opening up cutback lanes for the RB, and getting into the 2nd level in a hurry. Who’s to say the Redskins don’t grab Smith as soon as we trade down w/ Jax.
I Wall of Text like it's the in thing to do
"...and just things really starting to unravel now for Utah..." Herbie, BSU vs. Utah, 22 Dec 2010
why would they over pay Spears when they could sign a better DE in FA for the same amount
Spears is a problem & he’s only good against the run so teams drool when he’s in. Jerry tried to trade him to the Fins last year for a 5th rd but they didn’t bite so i expect him to be the first gone.
he might stay for a cheaper contract but Jerruhs no fool & going to over pay for a 1 trick pony thats knees are banged up.
Every team has a great gameplan until they get Punched in the Mouth! Garrett & Ryan working as a team should create a physical environment at Valley Ranch that shows up on gameday.
Spears doesn't have bad knees.
He had a calf injury. Other than that, he’s been extremely durable. Tell me where I stated a price for Spears. Really, block quote it please. What 3-4 defensive end that’s not a ‘one trick pony’ are we going to get cheaper than Spears? You have a name in mind? Like everyone else I’m open to suggestion. Just tell me who, and how much we’re going to pay. Honestly DC, you make it sound like you know how much these guys are going to cost.
If you can't fix it with a hammer, you've got an electrical problem.
Following your board...
Is a VERY good thing. Adhering to pre-situational assessments and planning, reducing the emotional influence inherent in “the moment”, eliminating the ego-stroking, media-hype-satisfying sound-bytes that come back to bite you and end up less than satisfying in their final results is a very, very good thing. Sound, sober, well-reasoned evaluations and contingency planning tend to beat whimsical wildcatting. At least in the NFL.
Anybody heard much from Jerry? Relative to other years, I mean. Not face-time owner-level stuff, but the day-to-day GM, wannabe coach kinds of things. You know, the things he’s taken those kind of knocks for in the past from many quarters, not unjustly all the time, mind you, but shots nonetheless.
As much as i like Spears,he is'nt going to pressure the QB.
So we have to try to sign a FA DE that can get pressure on the QB.
Davie Wilson
"how bout them cowboys"!!!
by scotscowboyfan on May 1, 2011 9:28 AM CDT up reply actions
A 3-4 DE that pressures the QB is a rare commodity, which is why it would’ve been so nice to pluck someone out of this monster DL class who could, instead of another fast injury prone RB.
Oh well.
yes ,that missed opportunity will cost Jerry big bucks in FA.
Davie Wilson
"how bout them cowboys"!!!
by scotscowboyfan on May 1, 2011 9:58 AM CDT up reply actions
Yeah, this could all be correct
However, it assumes a lot.
1) We don’t know who is ready for a breakout year on that DL that is already on the team. But guess who has a better idea of that than we do…THE COACHES AND THE GUYS MAKING THE PICKS lol. RR has already raved about Stephen Bowen, Lissemore and Brent are young and coming into their own.
2) Dallas tried to package a deal together to trade back up into the 1st rd. and grab Cam Jordan, it didn’t happen, that’s how the cookie crumbles. After that, they followed their board. Could they have made a mistake? sure, anyone can on draft day. But we don’t know if they passed on any future All-Pro defensive lineman to draft a RB that will suffer through nagging injuries for the next 5-8 years.
We don’t know ANY of that, at this point it’s a crapshoot. Hell, even the PRO teams don’t know any of that yet. They have all made educated guesses, nothin g less and nothing more. I’m willing to bet Jerry Jones’, Stephen Jones’, and Jason Garrett’s educated guesses are a lot better than ours at this point.
We’ll see…maybe this will be just as bad as the 2008 draft when we drafted “football guys” and special teamers. Maybe it won’t. I’m willing to wait and see.
I Wall of Text like it's the in thing to do
"...and just things really starting to unravel now for Utah..." Herbie, BSU vs. Utah, 22 Dec 2010
I'm not saying it's a bad draft,
just thought that in a draft class rich in DL prospects ,we could have taken one.
i like the OL guys we drafted in the 1st and 4th rounds.
agree we won’t know the outcome of the draft till 3 years down the line.
i still think they will address DE in FA.
Davie Wilson
"how bout them cowboys"!!!
by scotscowboyfan on May 1, 2011 11:47 AM CDT up reply actions
The problem lurking in the back of my mind for a month was this:
If we draft a DE in the first, say Watt or Jordan, we don’t get a 1st round OT. If we draft a 1st round OT, we don’t get one of the DE’s with real potential. Kind of a damned if you do, damned if you don’t. I thought we were gonna take Da’Quan Bowers in the 2nd. Perhaps that was why I was so surprised by the Carter pick. But that knee problem of Bowers was really scaring people off. I just don’t see how we could have gotten a top OT and a top DE, and our larger issue was OT. The kind of trading it takes to get both is never guaranteed.
If you can't fix it with a hammer, you've got an electrical problem.
If we had taken the Jacksonville trade we could’ve traded both second round picks to get back in towards the tail end of the first and picked up Castonzo or Sherrod as well as taking a Watt or a Clayborn.
by HawkeyedFrog on May 2, 2011 12:33 AM CDT up reply actions
+1
First and foremost.
I also don’t think our DL is bad if we resign Spears to a friendly contract as well (and worst case scenario) start Spears, Ratliff, and Bowen as our base 3down linemen. Add Brent, Lissemore to the equation and we have a decent rotation. But there are some big names we can sign to provide some legit veteran supoprt – Eliss, Jenkins, Franklin.
And Hawkeyed, we tride to trade back up into the end of the 2nd and noone took the bait. It might have had less to do with what we offered and more to do with the value the other teams saw on the board.
"I am a true believer. Anthony Spencer will have 7 or more sacks in 2011 and Stephen Bowen can ball!" - Kegbearer
"Football is an incredible game. Sometimes it's so incredible, it's unbelievable."
- Tom Landry
Tried to trade back up into the end of the 1st
"I am a true believer. Anthony Spencer will have 7 or more sacks in 2011 and Stephen Bowen can ball!" - Kegbearer
"Football is an incredible game. Sometimes it's so incredible, it's unbelievable."
- Tom Landry
I think they said another decision should
be rendered in the next week
U.S. Marines - Forged on the Anvil of Discipline
Safety, safety, safety, safety
SWe’ve needed another great one since Woody retired.
U.S. Marines - Forged on the Anvil of Discipline
as well as re-signing their own free agents, particularly on defense will be an important building block for the team
enjoy
by Fan in Thick and Thin on May 1, 2011 9:07 AM CDT reply actions
I hear you FiTaT,not a comforting statement.
Davie Wilson
"how bout them cowboys"!!!
by scotscowboyfan on May 1, 2011 9:30 AM CDT up reply actions
What were your thoughts on Doug Free
before he was forced into action? There are young guys on this team that we have NO idea about. AOA, Phil Costa, Sean Lissimore, Josh Brent, etc. Just because these guys werent top 3 round picks and/or stud starting players yet, doesnt mean that some of them cant become that. I’d expect to see us sign either Spears or Hatcher, and probably a FA DLman, and I would bet the ranch we sign at least 2 DBs, either 2 safeties, or a safety and a corner. This draft was exactly the type of draft that this organization needs. Stockpile talented players. Nobody knows whats gonna happen tomorrow, much less throughout the course of the season. Hell, McCann, McCray, and AOA all may end up being stars. And Brent and Lissimore may as well. Its a process, and the guys in charge seem to have a defined plan of how to go about that process, something thats been missing here for quite a while. Give it time to work itself out.
by sportsfanatic21 on May 1, 2011 10:29 AM CDT up reply actions
knows whats gonna happen tomorrow
True, but we have an idea about what the likely probabilities are.
and the the probabilities are that Brent & Lissemore aren’t going to become great pass rushers and McCann & McCray aren’t going to become great DBs.
If you’re playing blackjack and you’re showing a 20 and the dealer is showing a 16, do you hit or stand?
by Fan in Thick and Thin on May 1, 2011 11:48 AM CDT up reply actions
"and the the probabilities are that Brent & Lissemore aren’t going to become great pass rushers and McCann & McCray aren’t going to become great DBs."
How do you know? Was Miles Austin ever gonna become a top flight WR? Was Doug Free gonna be the one guy that everybody feels comfortable with on the O line? Josh Brent is a good player already, and will get better. Sean Lissimore is big, strong, and fast. He came from a small school and needs time to develop (Miles Austin). I have no idea if McCray can play at all, but McCann did some nice things last year. Is there any possibility he could actually improve? Hell, Jay Ratliff was a 7th rounder who did nothing his rookie year. Should we have just pushed him aside and forgotten about him? There are some guys on this roster (other than the stars/starters that will have good NFL careers. Dont you think some of the above mentioned names show that maybe we need to be a little patient with some of what we already have?
by sportsfanatic21 on May 1, 2011 1:21 PM CDT up reply actions
We knew Miles was a rare talent early
I would compare Miles and Free more to Jon Phillips. There were people clamoring to see more of them. Free to a lesser extent from a fan perspective but he got rave training camp reviews.
The level of their success was surprising but not that they became a success.
The Ohio State Buckeyes are your Sugar Bowl champions... and for the 7th year in a row Michigan still sucks.
by Blue Eyed Devil on May 1, 2011 1:45 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
I can agree with that.
But I think with Brent getting into camp a bit late, and spending all of camp with a club on his hand, then still getting some time, he has a good outlook. And Lissimore coming from a small school, and battling injuries, the jury is still WAY out on him. The guy is a big, strong, fast, high-motor guy who could really become someone. And then there’s AOA, and McCann to a lesser extent. And again, we didnt give up on Rat or Romo even. Some guys need time, thats all I’m saying. And the original response was to the comment about re-signing guys we already have, and that being just awful. I dont think that is the case. A FA FS would be nice, but its not like we cant compete with what we have everywhere else. This is the same core group that was a top-notch defense 2 years ago. Add in RR’s schemes, and the sky is not falling IMO.
by sportsfanatic21 on May 1, 2011 2:15 PM CDT up reply actions
How do you know?
search around the internet for hit rates for various rounds of the draft.
i don’t have time to do it know but I’ll compile all the various sources and write a post.
also click on my name and search for ogletree. you can see the same discussion before last year.
by Fan in Thick and Thin on May 1, 2011 8:08 PM CDT up reply actions
"also click on my name and search for ogletree. you can see the same discussion before last year"
Ok. And while I do that, you look up Jay Ratliff. And like Rena said, Brent was projected MUCH higher than the 7th rounder we used on him in the supplemental draft. And again, dont forget that our starting QB and #1 WR were both UDFAs. Not to mention all the 2nd and 3rd rounders who we (and EVERY other team) have completely whiffed on. The original point you made is that its ridiculous to think that any of our existing players will be any good. At least thats what I took from your “enjoy” comment. Draft position, usually, after the top half of the first round, isnt the end-all, be-all when it comes to good football players. Why dont we wait and see what kid of players Brent, Lissimore, AOA, etc are before we start bashing them. ALL 3 were injured as rookies last year, so neither you, nor I, have any clue as to how good or not good they are.
by sportsfanatic21 on May 2, 2011 10:56 AM CDT up reply actions
I read this and think...Nnamdi
"You can't live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you."
- John Wooden (God rest his soul)
There will be a salary cap
We won’t be able to fit Asomugha under ours.
by b roo on May 1, 2011 10:43 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
We can make his contract cap smart
I think he can still be an elite CB until he’s 34, if you sign him to a 6 year contract you can cut him after 4 years under a smart contract
by somebodyquiet on May 1, 2011 5:04 PM CDT up reply actions
No
…but Jerry will need to make a splash. Who else is there?
"You can't live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you."
- John Wooden (God rest his soul)
So...
If it’s not Nnamdi, but non-glitzy, non-sexy, non-splashy signings, would you consider Jerry reined in for the 2011 draft/FA? Anyone else you’d like to add to that Nnmadi list?
Cr!pes, what am I thinkin’ smokin’? Jerry reined in? Even for only a year.
Mankins?
The top FA right now looks to be him, wouldn’t you say?
"You can't live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you."
- John Wooden (God rest his soul)
Franchised in February
So it depends on the new CBA. There’s going to be some sort of similar tag structure, so I’d say that’s too hefty a price, unless it was a Cassel/Vrabek kind of deal. Even then, borderline prohibitive, no? If we’re going to bite that kind of full-meal deal bullet, Ngata before Mankins.
WIthout it, say Nnamdi, Weddle, Clabo/Blalock/Nicks, maybe Jenkins (no) depending on a team’s needs? But after Nnamdi, for Jerry-level media-hype splash like you’re talking, do you figure any of them rate?
No
Not even close.
Didn’t Ngata get a long term deal?
"You can't live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you."
- John Wooden (God rest his soul)
Yes and no
Was franchised, signed the tender (something like $12 mil), so they’re likely to get a long-term deal done this year. Shouldn’t have mentioned him actually. Forgot the tender was signed. So strike him and my foolish mention.
So, it’s Nnamdi for Jerry-splash. Or nothing. Sound about right?
Pool Huff or Weddle please
The first 2 have experience in a Ryan defense which will help with the offseason the way it is. Weddle has been good in SD and I like what he brings to the table. I’m leaning towards a SS though – I’d like Akwasi to have a shot alongside a proven vet, I feel like he could be the odd man out without even getting a chance.
In terms of the current roster
This Draft did the following:
1) Served notice:
MBIII (no surprise), Columbo(same)
2) Don’t make any major purchases:
Choice, Holland, Gronkowski, Hurd
3) Last Contract:
B James, Bigg(no surprise)
4) Bubble Boys
Tree, Ball, Young
5) Opportunity remains
RW, Hatcher, Bowen, Spears, Kosier, Costa
5) Status quo
Romo, Witten, Austin, Dez, Felix, Gurode, Free, Rat, Ware
6) TBD – likely to be made clear in FA
TNew, Sensa
Marty B and Spencer are likely on their last contract, Draft did nothing to indicate otherwise.
Roles may change as newcomers progress – discussion for a different day
We live life forwards and understand it backwards
Unfortunately
Free is not status quo because he may be gone via free agency, he is not under contract. Also unfortunate that notice was not served on Newman, Ball and all of the DEs.
by b roo on May 1, 2011 1:00 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
I hope so
But I was agreeing with his list that its not exactly serving notice that he is getting replaced by waiting until the fifth round to draft a DB. Our pass defense was last in the league last year. Hopefully tdships is right that notice will be served and we can dump his bloated contract during free agency.
by b roo on May 2, 2011 12:08 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
I'll kill the "or the like" now
Reiterating:
If Your name’s not Romo, Witten, Ware, Ratliff or the like mightn’t you feel put on notice? Even, dare I say it, if you’re a wideout who’s not really had a string of prime seasons behind you. Look out there, down the road, into your futures, fellas.
If this draft class does little more than kick some behinds into stepping up their game, it’s been more of a success than many these past 15-16 years.
td’s more generous than I, more reasoned even (not tough to do that). Forget the players and positions of the 2011 draft, consider the “surprise” of some positions being selected. Not just to us, but to Player X. Even if X’s position wasn’t one picked in 2011, mightn’t it be in 2012 if the big guy ain’t pleased with performance?
what about Bruce Carter?
i don’t think anyone knows what position he’s going to play bc of his size & skill set. he looks kinda like a smaller 4-3 end that could play OLB/ILB hybrid. he sounds like a pass rusher that can drop in coverage but he sounded like he didn’t have the instincts & played a finese style.
Every team has a great gameplan until they get Punched in the Mouth! Garrett & Ryan working as a team should create a physical environment at Valley Ranch that shows up on gameday.
ILB
No way he can handle the Physicality of Spencer’s job and he wasn’t drafted to succeed Ware. He’s an ILB
The Ohio State Buckeyes are your Sugar Bowl champions... and for the 7th year in a row Michigan still sucks.
by Blue Eyed Devil on May 1, 2011 1:49 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Garrett has already said he's an ILB.
If you can't fix it with a hammer, you've got an electrical problem.
He could be great for us
or he could bust for us like Jason Williams
by somebodyquiet on May 1, 2011 5:05 PM CDT up reply actions
Potential customers for Choice's services...
Rams – Who do they have behind oft injured Steven Jackson? Not much. They didn’t select a RB in the draft either.
Chargers – They were in the discussion last off season. Their rushing attack was abysmal again last season. Really didn’t do much to fix their need other than taking Todman out of UConn. He’s a small, quick back.
Broncos – They have Knowshon Moreno and a cast of nobodies. They didn’t address RB in the draft. John Fox loves to run the ball with a two headed attack.
Seahawks – 2nd fewest rushing yards in the 2010 regular season despite having a couple well known names (Lynch and Leon Washington). Didn’t select a RB in the draft.
Chicago Bears – Forte is inconsistent. Chester Taylor is 31, expensive and didn’t impress with a 2.4 avg during the regular season. They picked up Unga from Hawaii in the 7th round.
Cleveland Browns – Peyton Hillis is very good. But, Mike Bell isn’t impressive. They did pick up FB Marecic in the 4th round. I could see Holmgren wanting a versatile RB like Choice. They’ve got a wealth of future picks, courtesy of Atlanta, to use as Jerry bait.
Rabid and luvin' it
you couldn't get a bag of wooden nickles for Choice.
great idea but its not going to happen.
Every team has a great gameplan until they get Punched in the Mouth! Garrett & Ryan working as a team should create a physical environment at Valley Ranch that shows up on gameday.
He's FA in a year, right?
Maybe he has trade value if the new CBA leaves 2 years on the contract?
The Ohio State Buckeyes are your Sugar Bowl champions... and for the 7th year in a row Michigan still sucks.
by Blue Eyed Devil on May 1, 2011 1:52 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Somebody might
Trade for him. He’s done well when he played. Pittsburgh might want him since he shredded their vaunted defense when he started against them a couple years ago.
by b roo on May 1, 2011 1:57 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Love that expert analysis.
There’s no way of knowing how the CBA, Free Agency or training camp is going to work out. There’s no knowing who’s going to get injured or just flat out bust in camp or the pre-season.
Most of the resident “experts” here said we’d never get anything for Crayton…too old, too slow, too loud, etc. We got a 7th rounder for him that likely would’ve been a 6th if he hadn’t jacked up his wrist so bad landing wrong.
Choice has had big games. He’s still young. He can run the wildcat (even though teams seem to be falling out of love with that). If a team needs a RB due to circumstances beyond anyone’s control, or even through their control, who’s to say with any certainty what could or couldn’t happen or what you could or couldn’t get for a player? Not you, not me, not anyone on this board.
Rabid and luvin' it
Wrong again.
Choice has value. He started making noise last year about more playing time. Yesterday Stephen Jones stated there would be more talent acquisition as soon as possible through FA and trades. Choice is one of the few on our roster with with true trade value that we would be willing to part with.
If you can't fix it with a hammer, you've got an electrical problem.
Am assuming 2010 work rules get re-established for this League Year
Free is an RFA, we tender and negotiate a deal a la MIles during the season.
Court is not going to make up work rules for the League, path of least resistance is using what was last in place. Same result if the owners hadn’t opted out – and they would have saved a boatload of $$$ on lawyers fees
We live life forwards and understand it backwards
Only way that happens
Is if the Court forces them to lift the lockout. If not then there will not be games or it will be a new CBA which very well may have free agency after 4 years just like it used to. If so it could be bye bye to Free.
by b roo on May 1, 2011 1:53 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Lifting the stay and reversing the ruling are 2 completely different things
The Appeals Court is not going to rule on the merits of the case, it is going to say the law was or was not followed in the Nelson’s ruling.
Lifting the stay means the lockout is over – again and the league will need to operate in some manner. The courts aren’t going to write those rules.
We live life forwards and understand it backwards
i think Dallas gets in the Nhamdi sweepsstakes & get a couple more FA's.
i wouldn’t be surprised to see Pool, Huff, maybe Weddle or a really dependable FS signed. i also believe they find an upgrade on the DL.
it also wouldn’t surprise me to see new SS from in house, undrafted player or even FA. Sensabaugh could find a team to over pay & Dallas is going to let him test FA but it won’t hurt my feelings to see him gone.
Every team has a great gameplan until they get Punched in the Mouth! Garrett & Ryan working as a team should create a physical environment at Valley Ranch that shows up on gameday.
Jerruh will not pay $15 million a year +
Nmadi. And that is what he will cost at least. Danny Boy might even beat that.
jerry will sign a few front loaded contracts in a year with no cap, expect to have free locked up and any free agents looking at dallas as a sweet landing spot thanks to that very reason. Jones is absolutely noy afraid to open up his checkbook unlike other owners. If he can pay nmandi 20 million this year or more to win a bowl he will. And even if its 4 or 6 for free agency both Raiders players are out Davis opted out of their contracts.
If a new CBA is put in place...
I fail to see how we can be big (or even moderate) players in FA.
We’ve got the the most expensive payroll in the league as it stands right now. Our cap figure is possibly already over what a new cap could be. We’ll possibly need to cut substantially just to get under a new cap.
Dallas has already stated it’s #1 priority is Doug Free (and that’s a good thing). But Free isn’t going to play for free. He played well at LT (an expensive position). He’s just entered the prime of his career. He’s going to require a very decent sized contract.
Throw in some other guys they’ve said they would resign like Bowen, Sensabaugh etc. Add in rookie contracts (pick #9 is a decent sized contract) and I don’t see how they can have much money left for any major FA signings.
I doubt we’ll see any major additions to this team through FA. What we’ve got now is who we’ll have when the season starts.
Oh there may be "major" additions...
Just not the high-profile, media-splash sexy signings. Please. I’m comfortable with a few solidly unsurprising non-glitzy lunchbox guys instead. One’s that’ll fill in some of the draft blanks, say. Whether they’re new or re-signings. Very comfortable. Sanders soured me on FA splash, TO on flash. No smash, no cash. And if there’s a solid semi-glitzy signing with a tolerable contract, laden with performance incentives instead of up-front hype money, I’ll still be pleased.
Is it coincidence...
That the three positions everyone brings up about missed draft prospects – OG, DL, Safety – are also the positions with the longest list of FA talent?
Doubtful
"I am a true believer. Anthony Spencer will have 7 or more sacks in 2011 and Stephen Bowen can ball!" - Kegbearer
"Football is an incredible game. Sometimes it's so incredible, it's unbelievable."
- Tom Landry
Nobody knows
that yet. It is all speculation what type if any free agency there will be if they play this year. I understand that people are making some reasonabe guesses as to what it might be but that is still just a guess. I don’t like the needed improvement of our worst in team history defense being based on speculation and guesswork. Hoping that RRyan and signing our own possible free agents will improve the D doesn’t sound like a great plan. Hope is not a plan.
by b roo on May 2, 2011 12:35 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Hope is not a plan and The Sky is Falling
Is not an accurate appraisal of our defense either.
Having a new coach who with better schemes, better motivation, and a few better pieces getting the defense to better resemble the ‘09 edition isn’t blind hope. It is reasonable. Assuming the crazy 2010 season is an accurate and only portrayal of our defensive talent seem like a short sighted plan.
I think Ryan and Garrett assessed the state of our defensive talent before the draft. I’ll trust in their strategy. There is going to be FA period. The difference that may occur is that MORE players end up as FA or the restricted ones become unrestricted. FA lists will only get bigger, very doubtful they will become smaller.
There is a plan here that I think you are missing. It’s not like Garrett and co. think our defense is the worst in the league and decided not to concentrate on it in the draft. Also, there seems to be a longterm plan in place. Perhaps we will have to rely on an elite offense to win games for us and our average defense not to lose them, but clearly there is more of a plan in place than just hope.
"I am a true believer. Anthony Spencer will have 7 or more sacks in 2011 and Stephen Bowen can ball!" - Kegbearer
"Football is an incredible game. Sometimes it's so incredible, it's unbelievable."
- Tom Landry
Past evidence
Has shown that Wade Phillips has had much more success as a DCoord than Rob. I wish Rob well but just hoping he does better with the same players doesn’t inspire me. The freaking sky already fell. The defense was historically bad last year.
by b roo on May 2, 2011 5:57 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
That's undeniably true, but...
I think RR has been hampered by the relatively bare talent cupboards inhis career and he’s about to show just how good (or not good) a DC he is.
"You can't live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you."
- John Wooden (God rest his soul)
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