Cowboys "Scared To Death" About Losing Free & Bowen To Free Agency
by One.Cool.Customer on Jul 26, 2011 4:43 PM CDT
in Dallas Cowboys News
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PrintJosh Ellis, staff writer for the Cowboys official internet site at Dallascowboys.com, just published an article in which he writes that the Cowboys are 'scared to death' of losing their premier free agents to competitors with bigger wallets:
Another Valley Ranch official said he was 'scared to death' about Free and defensive end Stephen Bowen hitting the open market, as many clubs are in much more flexible situations than the Cowboys and for the first time will be required to spend up to 95 percent of the $120.4 million salary cap.
The Cowboys had met briefly with Doug Free this morning, and while it's not clear what the situation is relative to Doug Free, it is clear that the Cowboys are hedging their bets: Marc Colombo has not been officially released although it appears that there is an understanding that a release would be contingent upon on the 'Doug Free Situation'.
Many commentators had chided the Cowboys earlier in the year for not franchising Doug Free when they had the opportunity. That Free now wants to test the free agency market before potentially re-signing shouldn't come as a big surprise, and neither is the fact that Stephen Bowen could draw a lot of attention from other teams.
What does come as a surprise are two sentences that Josh Ellis adds to his article, almost as an afterthought:
By all accounts, the front office was not anticipating the cap being quite so low for 2011. While releasing veterans and restructuring other contracts this week will create room for the Cowboys to operate in 2011, some of the cap hits they will take in 2012 will be very restrictive.
The Cowboys were surprised by how low the cap turned out to be? Mercy me! Everybody and their aunt assumed that the cap would return at roughly the 2009 levels.
If the Cowboys were truly surprised by how low the cap turned out to be, that could explain some of the (hasty?) personnel decisions we've seen today. Or could all of this be an elaborate ruse or negotiating ploy by the Joneses to gain some kind of leverage in the free agency game?
I hope it's the latter and worry it's the former.
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Jerry should have
made all these cuts last year. Again Jerry ALWAYS waits a year too long.
Jerry is the end all in Dallas.
by football mensa on Jul 26, 2011 6:16 PM CDT up reply actions
Doug Free 6yr 8mil avg Per John Claton ESPN
I just heard D Free signed contract 6 yr 8mil year avg form ESPN
I hope this is true we just blew up the right side now were mean and lean Go Cowboys
Free and Bowen
If both leave – time to blow it up and rebuild.
Not enough talent to infuse this squad for a deep playoff run.
Thanks to that horrid 09 draft class and the stupid Williams deal…
Got to be smarter in the future.
Blow it up? I thought we already were rebuilding.
Rebuilding the OL anyway.
And Bowen? We can’t play without Bowen?
I get it. You were using hyperbole.
"Everything is on the One." -- George Clinton, Parliament/Funkadelic
With an improved defense, everything should be on the One.
I can't tell if you are being sarcastic
It is very difficult to be sellers in the NFL (especially when you can’t take advantage of a GM like Jerry Jones).
What is this, Horseville? Because I'm surrounded by naysayers.
On the first day of the NFL year you're packing it in?
You know what? Close the doors to Valley Ranch. Send for the equipment in San Antonio. Just cut all the talent. We’re fielding a team of UDFA’s. What’s more, we’re going to pay them 108 million. Uh, no. Even if we lose Free, we already have a replacement. Granted, I’d hate to lose the one bright spot on the offensive line. Come back from the ledge, Rome.
Has it struck anyone else that if you fused Jason Garrett and Rob Ryan into one person, he may be a lot like Tom Landry?
Some people should not have the right to write.
Or breed.
Give me UR calls! Give me highstepping by CBs and PRs entering the endzone! Give me screaming on the sidelines and headbutting! Give me Fortitude, Solidarity and VIOLENCE! Bring me CHAMPIONSHIPS!
Bring me Ridolin LOL! - B'nSB
by BlueNSilverBlood on Jul 26, 2011 9:00 PM CDT up reply actions
I hope they know what they are doing
Bruce Carter+Sean Lee=BRUCE LEE!!!!
Follow me at my blog http://chiacrackscowboysblog.wordpress.com/
by Archie Barberio on Jul 26, 2011 4:54 PM CDT reply actions
Old Age Chia
Jerry may be getting to that point where fog clouds the brain….you can never tell when it rolls in…but once it’s there…it only gets thicker….
Another Valley Ranch official said he was ‘scared to death’ about Free and defensive end Stephen Bowen hitting the open market
I think this goes without saying, I would hope everyone would think this anyway
"I still feel like I have something to offer, and the cynical fan can really kiss my ass. I really don’t care. There’s a bunch of true fans and the people who actually want to take the time to get to know me know who I am. The guy who sits in his mom’s basement and types on his mom’s computer, I couldn’t really care less about." - Chipper Jones
Jason Williams
Complete bust – since then Dallas has had to spend two second rounders on LB’s. – Terrific.
That ridiculous draft will haunt me til I go to the grave….and that will probably be decades from now Jerry Jones! Decades!
Rome One
I concur on every thought.
Jerry is the end all in Dallas.
by football mensa on Jul 26, 2011 6:17 PM CDT up reply actions
Screw nnamdi
The Eagles are going to squeal with glee when they bust out a poison pill on us with Free
Ich bin ein Berliner--JFK
The Eagles are going to cry a river
When DeSean Jackson is home playing Madden on Wednesday instead of in camp and the Eagles have to call Drew Rosenhaus to ask why…LOL
by Rome One on Jul 26, 2011 5:01 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
I thought the poison pill...
was all but outlawed amongst the owners after the Hutchinson deal? They like doing trades too much to risk getting put out in the cold.
Rabid and luvin' it
This feels like 1994-96
when the Cowboys were doing the capdance every offseason in an attempt to keep their best players, but were still losing about 3 good guys each year.
The difference? They mortgaged the future to win super bowl XXX…now?
the 09 draft class
Gave us nothing….and it would be their third seasons by now – time to step up and contribute – but the team has nobody from that class….and I don’t count an erratic kicker as a draft class.
The Cowboys director of Scouting did...
His exact quote “I thought we had a good draft.”
The year after Jeff Ireland leaves and we get trade down for Jason Williams.
You do realize the former NBA shotgun shooting Jason Williams would have been a better pick…
Yeah and everybody knows that it was a horrible draft.
You’ve mentioned it like 4 times on this thread. We get it.
AFB Condensed- New name, same flavor.
by Iron Fist on Jul 26, 2011 5:11 PM CDT up reply actions 2 recs
Bowen will stay
Bowen will stay – but someone will come along and blow a wad of big bucks on Mr. Not-So-Free.
At least Tyron Smith is in the house…can you imagine if the Cowboys went Prince Akumara at number nine?
When was the last time Jerry let someone get away that he wanted?
I can’t remember any. Just hope we don’t have to pay too much.
by TheAnsah on Jul 26, 2011 5:32 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Did you notice how well Canty played in a 4-3 ?
Jerry is the end all in Dallas.
by football mensa on Jul 26, 2011 6:19 PM CDT up reply actions
Thank god he let Canty go
I like Canty and all but that was a stupid insane contract the Giants gave him.
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 Jul 26, 2011 7:34 PM CDT up reply actions
The must have had an inkling that this could happen. I can't believe that
JJ got caught with his pants down. He knew the cap ramifications, he helped negotiate the deal. If Dan Snyder can do it, JJ should be capable as well.
Does anyone have the cap hit numbers for next year
the “dead money” people are talking about?? Is it that bad??
it’s discussed in this thread.
http://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2011/7/26/2295354/cowboys-to-cut-roy-williams
the back and forth between OCC and requiem.
the dead money is any remaining unamortized portion of the signing bonus.
by Fan in Thick and Thin on Jul 26, 2011 5:06 PM CDT up reply actions
I just hope
That Free did not get fired up with Smith saying “They picked me to play LT”
by tattooed cowboy on Jul 26, 2011 5:04 PM CDT reply actions
this thread from last week is amusing.
by Fan in Thick and Thin on Jul 26, 2011 5:04 PM CDT reply actions
Yeah
I’ve been saying for months and months that all this talk of signing big name guys was a joke and that we’d be lucky just to get Free and Bowen resigned. Dallas went all in the last few years and spent up big. The move was a colossal failure.
Now comes the repercussions. Some of that is good, as riding ourselves of overpaid dead weight like Barber/Davis/Williams will help the team but there’s the possibility of the real bad. Losing Doug Free is the potential real bad.
You aren't really surprised are you that it was a colossal failure are you ?
Jerry is the end all in Dallas.
by football mensa on Jul 26, 2011 6:20 PM CDT up reply actions
No.
I spoke out about many of those contracts and thought they were poor decisions at the time they happened.
What did u expect ?
Jerry doesn’t have a clue how to build a team. the guy is hands down not even close the worst gm in the Nfl. He just doesn’t have that feel for what it takes to build a winner. He wasted too many picks on linebackers. He wouldn’t draft o linemen with premium picks. He doesn’t draft safties with premium picks. And to top it off he makes some of the worst trades in nfl history.
Jerry is the end all in Dallas.
by football mensa on Jul 26, 2011 6:40 PM CDT up reply actions
Regarding Free
He is a decent pass blocker. He isn’t a pile driver in the run game. He isn’t even close to Flo when Flow was 27. All of this is on Jerry.
Jerry is the end all in Dallas.
by football mensa on Jul 26, 2011 6:45 PM CDT up reply actions
He actually graded out in the top 10 in both categories...
If I remember correctly.
AFB Condensed- New name, same flavor.
I've seen reports were Free was graded as one of the best (Top 5) Run Blockers at LT in the league
I think Free is a fine all-around Tackle. Flozell was penalty prone, inconsistent and often overrated.
Riddle
What do you do when your team is 1-7 in an uncapped year?
Answer: Cut the crap.
RW, Davis and Barber shoulda been done gone last year.
by Crowboy on Jul 26, 2011 7:11 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Absolutely.
"The Angels are like the villain in the movie that isn't dead until he's been stabbed 150 times in the bath tub, yet he still might come back up one more time." - Eric Nadel
What do you do when your team is 1-7 in an uncapped year?
I could be wrong, but i’m not sure Jerry knew Dallas would be 1-7 before the season started and hence could have in his cut / keep decision.
by Fan in Thick and Thin on Jul 26, 2011 7:26 PM CDT up reply actions
Tons of us predicted they were going to suck.
We just didn’t realize it was going to be that bad. But we absolutely knew the O-line was going to be a problem, we knew the secondary was going to suck, and we knew Williams and Barber were done. There is no excuse for the way last offseason was handled.
"The Angels are like the villain in the movie that isn't dead until he's been stabbed 150 times in the bath tub, yet he still might come back up one more time." - Eric Nadel
You also knew...
Doug Free wasn’t going to be any good.
Guess we should have signed Jared Gaither.
AFB Condensed- New name, same flavor.
Hey, I freely admit I was wrong about that.
I was right about everything else though.
"The Angels are like the villain in the movie that isn't dead until he's been stabbed 150 times in the bath tub, yet he still might come back up one more time." - Eric Nadel
You knew the safeties were going to suck...
And the interior offensive line was going to suck… whoopity doo, you and everyone else that watches the Dallas Cowboys.
The only thing that was totally unpredictable was Mike Jenkins complete fall.
This “I was right about everything” stuff is lame. It’s not exactly like you predicted anything that wasn’t said by EVERY major pundit out there. The one thing you were against was the thing Jamie Dukes was bashing every week and that was Doug Free.
AFB Condensed- New name, same flavor.
I'm done talking about the past.
What’s done is done. Move on.
"The Angels are like the villain in the movie that isn't dead until he's been stabbed 150 times in the bath tub, yet he still might come back up one more time." - Eric Nadel
I'm done with this subthread bro.
"The Angels are like the villain in the movie that isn't dead until he's been stabbed 150 times in the bath tub, yet he still might come back up one more time." - Eric Nadel
I was thinking the same thing.
Hindsight is 20/20. Dallas wouldn’t have resigned Roy Williams(Safety) if they knew he was going to turn timid.
There isn’t one team in the NFL that hasn’t looked back and said, “Yeah we screwed that one up.”
I’m sure the Giants would like to get back that contract they gave to Chris Canty.
AFB Condensed- New name, same flavor.
Hopefully it's all a plan to gain leverage in negotations
If the Cowboys were truly surprised by how low the cap turned out to be, that could explain some of the (hasty?) personnel decisions we’ve seen today.
Yea agree they had to know!
Or could all of this be an elaborate ruse or negotiating ploy by the Joneses to gain some kind of leverage in the free agency game?
Seems like this is hopefully the case!
I still think the cap hits taken from these cuts isn’t as stiff as being predicted but since “dead money” still hasn’t been reported on who knows. I really really really wish someone would break down how the “dead money” is affecting caps according to terms of the new collecting bargaining agreement. Seems everyone is assuming nothing changed since the last agreement but then all those rumors were just rumors and it turns out and JJ was ramming a deal through that hits his own team harder than any team in the league – not logical.
The sky isn't falling...even without Free and Bowen...we will field a competitive team. It just would be better if we can re-sign them...
People should remember that it would be counterproductive to complain about our cap situation and then push for us to give Free whatever amount he wants…I think it would be prudent to let this entire period play out before any of us make sweeping statements about how well or badly the Cowboys handled their business. I may be in the minority, but I believe our front office is pretty competent.
by CaliFanInTx on Jul 26, 2011 5:14 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
One thing you certainly have right:
I think it would be prudent to let this entire period play out before any of us make sweeping statements about how well or badly the Cowboys handled their business.
Let’s see what actually happens. Then we can throw all the handfulls of monkey poop we want, but it is silly to condemn the front office until we know where things really stand.
If at first you don't succeed - blame someone else.
Agree.
I’m doing my best to hold my tongue until I see what plays out, but I swear to god if they screw this up I’m going to go off.
"The Angels are like the villain in the movie that isn't dead until he's been stabbed 150 times in the bath tub, yet he still might come back up one more time." - Eric Nadel
Screw up how?
You mean by not signing Free?
by danielcp0303 on Jul 26, 2011 5:34 PM CDT up reply actions
Yeah, that would be a pretty massive blunder.
"The Angels are like the villain in the movie that isn't dead until he's been stabbed 150 times in the bath tub, yet he still might come back up one more time." - Eric Nadel
I just wonder how many teams are going to give him a big contract
price might go down if we’re just bidding against ourselves.
by danielcp0303 on Jul 26, 2011 5:37 PM CDT up reply actions
teams have to reach the cap floor....
I’m worried.
Remember too
Yes, they have to get up to the cap floor, but they also need to be focused on the future and retain the talent they already have on their squads.
Yes, many of these teams will work to make a splash in FA to get closer to the number, but I heard that the Salary Cap isn’t counted until the end of the season (so teams can resign players they have on the squad to larger deals) (from a radio show in OKC, comments made by Pat Jones, who has coached in the NFL)
People are talking themselves into a frenzy that without Free we are doomed.
I really want to retain Free, but not at any cost.
Without another solid OT we're pretty screwed.
"The Angels are like the villain in the movie that isn't dead until he's been stabbed 150 times in the bath tub, yet he still might come back up one more time." - Eric Nadel
There are good ones out there though right?
I get what you’re saying though
by danielcp0303 on Jul 26, 2011 5:41 PM CDT up reply actions
Possibly.
Most likely if Free leaves we’re looking at a rookie that played RT in college playing LT for us this year and whatever we pick up in FA or Columbo to play RT. Unless we can sign Gaither, but he’s kind of an injury risk. We really need to retain Doug Free.
"The Angels are like the villain in the movie that isn't dead until he's been stabbed 150 times in the bath tub, yet he still might come back up one more time." - Eric Nadel
You do know that there are other Tackles available, right?
How about bringing back Flozell to play RT and moving Smith to LT? Honestly, I understand we would be much better with Free at LT, but this is a salary cap world…if Free wants $12mil/yr, will you pay it?
The best teams have their young players step up…I aspire to be one of those teams…can’t have that happen unless you draw lines in the sand.
I'm pretty sure Flozell
graded out as poorly as Marc Colombo did last year. If we have to resort to that we’ll be where we have been the last few years once again; a handicapped offense because of poor Tackle play.
Absolutely.
Just thinking about bringing Flozell back makes me want to vomit.
"The Angels are like the villain in the movie that isn't dead until he's been stabbed 150 times in the bath tub, yet he still might come back up one more time." - Eric Nadel
Flozell played pretty dam good for the Steelers at RT last year
Sounded like they were very pleased with him
Where is the supporting data for your statement? That Flozell played as poorly as Columbo?
No question that we would be downgrading without Free, but do we mortgage our future for 1 player?
I would argue that not fielding a competitive O-line this year would be mortgaging our future.
Besides, as has been said elsewhere we don’t even know that bringing Free back will be putting us in that much of a hole. With all the conflicting data flying around out there we have no idea how much cap room the Cowboys actually have to work with.
"The Angels are like the villain in the movie that isn't dead until he's been stabbed 150 times in the bath tub, yet he still might come back up one more time." - Eric Nadel
I can't answer that.
It would depend on what other teams were willing to offer him, how much cap room we have to work with, etc… Young LTs aren’t cheap though, I can certainly tell you that.
"The Angels are like the villain in the movie that isn't dead until he's been stabbed 150 times in the bath tub, yet he still might come back up one more time." - Eric Nadel
Yeah, I'd have to look around some and get back to you on that though.
I honestly can’t give you a number off the top of my head without comparing what other top LTs around the NFL are making.
"The Angels are like the villain in the movie that isn't dead until he's been stabbed 150 times in the bath tub, yet he still might come back up one more time." - Eric Nadel
That's not the point I'm trying to make...the fact is that you believe there needs to be a "line in the sand"
That’s the only point I’ve been trying to make. The Cowboys aren’t cheap, and I’m more than sure they made Free a generous offer, but I suspect they have a “line in the sand” that they won’t go beyond. Some fans can’t understand that concept.
Whoa, didn't mean to upset you.
Where is your supporting data that Flozell is worth signing? That Flozell is a marked improvement over Colombo?
If memory serves there were also some run blocking articles somewhere that had them similarly rated in the bottom 10 (or lower) in the league.
I don’t want either of these guys playing for Dallas and adding another year of age just means that Flow and Colombo will no doubt be battling it out for worst RT in football in 2011.
I don't think you are capable of upsetting me...lol
I just don’t think you are correct in your statement that Flozell played as badly as Columbo did. I was just challenging your assertion. A Whole lotta people are making “broad” statements today. I certainly would prefer to roll out Free as our LT, but only brought up Flozell as a response to the alternatives available.
The only point I have been trying to make is that we can’t keep Free if his demands are outrageous. I’m not saying they are…but many people have made blanket assertions that we must keep Free under any circumstances. I suspect Free will be reasonable, but he wants to check out other offers to see how much more he can get elsewhere. My statements have been calls for patience.
No worries.
I agree with you that there is a limit to what we can give Free. Even if not on principle then simply on salary cap space. My ceiling for Free might be a bit higher than yours though :)
Patience – Don’t think we’ll need to much, everything seems to be happening pretty fast.
Per profootballfocus.com
Colombo was ranked 76 out of 78 offensive tackles
Flozell was ranked 59 out of 78 offensive tackles
Sacks allowed? Colombo 7, Flozell 6
QB hits allowed? Colombo 11, Flozell 4
QB pressures allowed? Colombo 40, Flozell 30
Flozell would be a little improvement over Colombo, but both are dreadful.
"....the Cowboy way...." (Head Coach, Jason Garrett)
+1
I’m torn on this. On one hand as a Dallas fan, I don’t think it’s in Dallas’ long term interest to go over $8M / yr for Free.
OTOH, if Dallas committed say $10M / yr to Free we’d get a real test of the ‘OL First’ team building strategy that so many people here are enamored with.
by Fan in Thick and Thin on Jul 26, 2011 5:47 PM CDT up reply actions
you may be right long term
but short term, hes an absolute must sign. With an old kosier, a question mark at RG, an ancient and beaten and terrible columbo and a rookie in Tyron…this season would be a lost cause. Its hard to see Holland, Arkin, and Sam Young playing servicable football.
This team is built for 2009-2013. The best players are in their prime. Losing Free would considerably hurt our cause, and you have to wonder if at that point trading some of our younger players (Spencer, Jenkins) or possibly one of our best players (Witten, Miles, Ware?) would be in play. Cause this team is in no man’s land on the oline and dline if we lose Free and Bowen.
But thats all hypothetical. It would be a downright disaster, but I will put my trust in Jerry for now.
our options are kinda limited
little space under the cap (if any). Would we go into the season with Smith and Columbo as starters? sounds like Romo will be on a stretcher early…
I don't think they will.
If one thing is certain, Jerry is super loyal to his players.
This would be very odd if a guy they groomed to be a left tackle was suddenly not paid. If anything they’ll end up overpaying.
AFB Condensed- New name, same flavor.
That's not what I'm worried about.
I’m worried about Free saying “You know what, I’m tired of the circus act around here. I am the most sought after FA left tackle on the market and I can get just as much or more money elsewhere. Peace.”
"The Angels are like the villain in the movie that isn't dead until he's been stabbed 150 times in the bath tub, yet he still might come back up one more time." - Eric Nadel
Well that's one way to look at it...
but honestly I don’t really think that would be the case.
They cut a guy that had been a staple Cowboy for a LONG time to give him a shot. I don’t know the guy but if anything Dallas has showed him love.
AFB Condensed- New name, same flavor.
Right, but he owes us nothing.
That short meeting this morning and all the reports trickling out about the Cowboys being scared of losing him are making me nervous. I’m going to try to remain calm though.
"The Angels are like the villain in the movie that isn't dead until he's been stabbed 150 times in the bath tub, yet he still might come back up one more time." - Eric Nadel
That's every free agent out there.
So if Dallas throws all the money they got at him and he walks, I don’t see why you would be pissed at them.
AFB Condensed- New name, same flavor.
Putting themselves in that position in the first place with all the idiotic contracts Jerry hands out is a good place to start.
Again though, I don’t think anybody really understands what’s going on just yet so I’m going to try to just sit back and watch before I start berating anybody. I saw a post in another thread that says the Cowboys could be up to $30 million under the cap so who knows.
"The Angels are like the villain in the movie that isn't dead until he's been stabbed 150 times in the bath tub, yet he still might come back up one more time." - Eric Nadel
Yeah...
just curious after the cuts that Dallas has made, what bad contracts are left?
Not being sarcastic, I’m honestly curious.
AFB Condensed- New name, same flavor.
They're gone now, finally.
But their impact might be felt for years.
"The Angels are like the villain in the movie that isn't dead until he's been stabbed 150 times in the bath tub, yet he still might come back up one more time." - Eric Nadel
Unless they are still paying for them...
I don’t see how anyone besides Roy could be said for “effecting them for years.” He’s the only person that they gave up a potential OL for.
The rest is just money.. I think you’re being a little dramatic.
AFB Condensed- New name, same flavor.
Cowboys do have a good relationship with Free's agent
"When you want to win a game, you have to teach. When you lose a game, you have to learn."—Tom Landry
for a player
Jerry is about as good an owner as you’re going to get. He cares and pays well. The only reason to go elsewhere is to win a superbowl, and most potential superbowl teams don’t have a huge hole at LT.
That list is pretty freaking dumb
I just hope that every team that needs a LT would be as stupid as Jason Cole.
Tyron Smith and that's all
Doesn't appear Tampa is buying it.
Has it struck anyone else that if you fused Jason Garrett and Rob Ryan into one person, he may be a lot like Tom Landry?
Where do i get monkey poop?
I mean, in preparation for the inevitable?
I have noticed a new resurgence in Cowboy hating in 2007, which can only mean one thing- We're back.
The genuine stuff is hard to obtain, but you can get a suitable substitute.
1. Cup you hand . . .
If at first you don't succeed - blame someone else.
You start by
eating a couple bananas
"You have to play this game like somebody just hit your mother with a 2x4." -- Dan Birdwell, Oakland Raiders
LMFAO
I just spit pizza all over my keyboard
Has it struck anyone else that if you fused Jason Garrett and Rob Ryan into one person, he may be a lot like Tom Landry?
Has Gaither signed ?
Jerry is the end all in Dallas.
by football mensa on Jul 26, 2011 6:47 PM CDT up reply actions
No, I'm pretty sure he's available.
"The Angels are like the villain in the movie that isn't dead until he's been stabbed 150 times in the bath tub, yet he still might come back up one more time." - Eric Nadel
I'm telling you, if we whiff on Free we are screwed.
All the alternatives are going to be snatched up immediately. This isn’t like a regular FA period. Jerry and company are really going to have to really bring their A game, which scares the hell out of me.
"The Angels are like the villain in the movie that isn't dead until he's been stabbed 150 times in the bath tub, yet he still might come back up one more time." - Eric Nadel
They can want whatever they like...
He’s a free agent. They have no say beyond offering a larger contract. Reports I’ve read say they may not even try to bring him back.
Rabid and luvin' it
Wait...
jj has an ‘A’ game?
"You have to play this game like somebody just hit your mother with a 2x4." -- Dan Birdwell, Oakland Raiders
That's why I'm worried.
"The Angels are like the villain in the movie that isn't dead until he's been stabbed 150 times in the bath tub, yet he still might come back up one more time." - Eric Nadel
Santana Moss staying in WA
which is good bc that means they won’t likely be going after Holmes
(via @AdamSchefter)
"When you want to win a game, you have to teach. When you lose a game, you have to learn."—Tom Landry
Isn't it ironic
that we start the day with Jones saying “The Cowboys can sign anybody”, and end the day saying the Cowboys are “scared to death”.
Something does not compute.
by One.Cool.Customer on Jul 26, 2011 5:31 PM CDT reply actions
I think the scared to death thing
is just being scared of having a deal…then another team just coming along and offering your player a huge amount of money. They could have a deal in place tomorrow…but have to wait two days before making it official. You never know which team will come in at the 11th hour
by danielcp0303 on Jul 26, 2011 5:34 PM CDT up reply actions
Agreed.
Something is getting misreported somewhere.
"The Angels are like the villain in the movie that isn't dead until he's been stabbed 150 times in the bath tub, yet he still might come back up one more time." - Eric Nadel
What? Sports reporters getting it wrong, especially about the Cowboys?
My worldview is seriously shaken.
If at first you don't succeed - blame someone else.
Shocking, I know.
"The Angels are like the villain in the movie that isn't dead until he's been stabbed 150 times in the bath tub, yet he still might come back up one more time." - Eric Nadel
I would like to have Bowen here, but he was a one-dimensional defensive end.
Signing Free just became very difficult. Yanda was just locked-up by Baltimore accoring to ProFootballFocus. Yanda was the number one offensive lineman in the draft according to many sources. Free just moved up some teams’ free agent board.
I hope to see the terms for Yanda’s deal soon. It will probably be the baseline for Free. It should be around $9 million per year for 6 years, but let’s see…
Hot damn!
Yanda reportedly (Ravensinsider) signed a 5-year $32 million contract. Free may run cheaper than $9 million per year for 5-6 years. That would mean that Jerry and Stephen were right in not tendering Free $10.1 million as a Franchise guy.
It is still early, so Al Davis could still swoop in and pay Free $20 million per year for 10 years and make Free the highest paid player in NFL history just to stick it to Irsay (since Irsay said he would make Peyton Manning the highest paid player ever). The Chicago Bears, New York Giants, and Detroit Lions could all use Free.
LOL It's Jerry
The guy is the dumbest gm in the nfl.
Jerry is the end all in Dallas.
by football mensa on Jul 26, 2011 6:48 PM CDT up reply actions
For the fifth time.
We get it.
Give me UR calls! Give me highstepping by CBs and PRs entering the endzone! Give me screaming on the sidelines and headbutting! Give me Fortitude, Solidarity and VIOLENCE! Bring me CHAMPIONSHIPS!
Bring me Ridolin LOL! - B'nSB
by BlueNSilverBlood on Jul 26, 2011 8:48 PM CDT up reply actions
PR...
Give me UR calls! Give me highstepping by CBs and PRs entering the endzone! Give me screaming on the sidelines and headbutting! Give me Fortitude, Solidarity and VIOLENCE! Bring me CHAMPIONSHIPS!
Bring me Ridolin LOL! - B'nSB
by BlueNSilverBlood on Jul 26, 2011 8:47 PM CDT up reply actions
When did Bowen become the next Bruce Smith?
He has been a good backup for us and may end up becoming a solid starter, but lets not kid ourselves. This is no Sean Lissemore we are talking about.
Sean Lissemore = The next Bruce Smith
As long as we resign Free I'll be happy
we should also remember there is no state income tax in Texas. That allows us to sign FA’s for less money.
Sean Lissemore = The next Bruce Smith
I think it's probably the lack of DE's on the roster that makes them scared of losing Bowen.
AFB Condensed- New name, same flavor.
amen- part of a post I had to bury because all the activity that kicked up
he’s a five year vet that got plenty of snaps last year and did well. It’s doubtful he has pro bowl talent for the position, which is how we’ve come to view him here at BTB. Antyhing’s possible, but the evidence isn’t really there.
One QB pressure/sack every 19 snaps is pretty good for his position, but it’s not impacting the game as much as some are projecting.
SB Nation's Dallas Cowboys Site, Blogging The Boys | Follow me @KDP10for10
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Awesome Lissyyyyy
I actually LOL’d.
I have noticed a new resurgence in Cowboy hating in 2007, which can only mean one thing- We're back.
Good question.
This is not even a Marcus Spears we’re talking about. If Bowen was better, why didn’t he start?
"Everything is on the One." -- George Clinton, Parliament/Funkadelic
With an improved defense, everything should be on the One.
Worst case scenario
Free leaves. The cowboys could look to other tackle free agents, there are a few good ones out their. They could keep columbo and hope hes actually healthy this year. Or they could roll with the N.D. kid Young at right tackle. If Tyron is as Good as everyone expects it wouldn’t be that bad. It would suck loosing one of our own but finding a decent right tackle isnt that impossible.
"Don't fake the funk on a nasty dunk"
by sprewelllatrell on Jul 26, 2011 5:37 PM CDT reply actions
Who are the other good tackles?
And you are fine with putting a young rook that played RT at an undersized weight in college in right away at LT against Trent Cole, Orakpo, and possibly Osi? Actually, I’m okay with that scenario, so never mind.
Your First Ever Pinstripe Bowl Champions- The Syracuse Orange
by bigbluethruandthru on Jul 26, 2011 5:47 PM CDT up reply actions
Other free agent tackles
Ryan Harris denver, Jeremy Trueblood Tampa, Jamal Brown Skins, Matt Light Pats, Tyson Claybo. These are all capable players, some older, some off of injuries and some in their prime.
All Im saying is Dallas drafted the first offensive lineman in the draft for a reason, hes going to play and I dont see it as a huge risk. These tackles often come in and play fine their first year.
I want Free back as much as anybody but I dont feel the loss would be as hard to get over is all.
"Don't fake the funk on a nasty dunk"
by sprewelllatrell on Jul 26, 2011 5:52 PM CDT up reply actions
Also, Willie Colon
Reports on Steelers sites say he was recovering well from his surgery back in November. Nobody has talked about him much since he missed last season, but he was one of the top rated OL before his injury last summer.
Football is an incredible game. Sometimes it's so incredible, it's unbelievable. --
Tom Landry
"A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kick boxing." —Emo Philips
by Pnut Gallery on Jul 26, 2011 9:04 PM CDT up reply actions
They were fine with putting Free in that same spot vrs all those defensive ends
We all know he had minimal experience.
Smith has great feet, Long arms, and from I read was about 30 lbs haver than his playing weight at USC
"Don't fake the funk on a nasty dunk"
by sprewelllatrell on Jul 26, 2011 5:54 PM CDT up reply actions
Free wasn't a rookie
Of course it could work, but it would be a tough transition period. Maybe with a whole offseason, but this is the single worst year for trying radical new changes with rookies. Harris and Claybo are hte only two on that list who would be decent replacements, and the competition for them from teams with more money will be fierce. Light is really, really old, Brown is hurt all the time, and Trueblood was one of the worst rated tackles in the league last year. Hey, if those are your plan B’s, I’m all for that. I don’t know why I’m arguing with you, I am PRAYING that Free signs somewhere else.
Your First Ever Pinstripe Bowl Champions- The Syracuse Orange
by bigbluethruandthru on Jul 26, 2011 6:07 PM CDT up reply actions
haha I agree this is plan B
Harris from Denver would be intriquing if I were the cowboys. He’s played very well when healthy. I would think he wouldn’t command nearly as much because of the injury history. ala Marc Columbo in 2006, high pick derailed by early injuries.
"Don't fake the funk on a nasty dunk"
by sprewelllatrell on Jul 26, 2011 6:47 PM CDT up reply actions
Becho has a good fan post up about some alternatives.
It’s here. He mentions Clabo in Atlanta for one. He’s part of a good right side of the line there, but maybe he could play left good enough to beat out Smith.
"Everything is on the One." -- George Clinton, Parliament/Funkadelic
With an improved defense, everything should be on the One.
Crap.
"Everything is on the One." -- George Clinton, Parliament/Funkadelic
With an improved defense, everything should be on the One.
Atlanta is pretty hard up to resign him from what I'm hearing.
I started out with nothing and still have most of it left
Call me crazy, but I'm not worried about this year.
I think they have a plan that will be executed that will be better than the “ideas” they had last year like the Ball Experiment. I am worried about NEXT year. If we have to keep rolling dead money to clear cap space that will be awful. They need to let us know exactly what the CBA says so I can sleep tonight.
Semper Fi Do or Die
I agree about the cap
Everyones saluting all these cuts but theres going to be consequences next year.
Now if they can find some starters at reasonable pay like possibly Ab Elam at safety and Bowen at DE that could really go a long way in helping them through a few years where they have dead money hanging over their head.
"Don't fake the funk on a nasty dunk"
by sprewelllatrell on Jul 26, 2011 5:43 PM CDT up reply actions
Marshal Yanda agreed to a multi year deal with Ravens at about 7mil a year……………Would you be happy with Free at 7 mil a year??
Go Cowboyz!!!!!!
Dez is gonna beast this year!!
Melooooooo!!!!
Ecstatic.
Yanda is a G though, Free is a LT. So Free is probably looking at significantly more.
"The Angels are like the villain in the movie that isn't dead until he's been stabbed 150 times in the bath tub, yet he still might come back up one more time." - Eric Nadel
This is great news.
Yanda played left tackle for the Ravens last season. That is what I heard on the radio today. Yanda was projected as the best offensive lineman in free agency.
He actually played right tackle for the Ravens last year, after moving over from guard, his more natural position. Left tackle was manned by Michael Oher.
by One.Cool.Customer on Jul 26, 2011 6:19 PM CDT up reply actions
Shoot.
So Yanda"s contract for around $6.4 million per year will be a starting point for Free. Doug could easily get $9 million+. Darn.
Based on that, I think a contract approaching 8 million is realistic. But will it be enough?
by One.Cool.Customer on Jul 26, 2011 6:37 PM CDT up reply actions
if it ain't
we don’t pay him.
I have noticed a new resurgence in Cowboy hating in 2007, which can only mean one thing- We're back.
Yanda was projected as the best offensive lineman in free agency.
that may be. What is also true is the that Tamba Hali whipped Yanda as bad I’ve seen an OT get whipped in the playoffs.
by Fan in Thick and Thin on Jul 26, 2011 6:28 PM CDT up reply actions
Including the Vikings 2 years ago?
Football is an incredible game. Sometimes it's so incredible, it's unbelievable. --
Tom Landry
"A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kick boxing." —Emo Philips
by Pnut Gallery on Jul 26, 2011 9:08 PM CDT up reply actions
I would be too
Hopefully they’ll get Free and Bowen back. Now that they cut more deadweight than I care to discuss hopefully there’s room for Asomugha
Asomugha needs to be the last thing on their minds right now.
"The Angels are like the villain in the movie that isn't dead until he's been stabbed 150 times in the bath tub, yet he still might come back up one more time." - Eric Nadel
Ellis looking for a pink slip?
Seriously, articles with titles like this sure as heck isn’t going to help the team get Free and Bowen signed to a reasonable deal. The more I read on the “Mothership”, the less credibility I give them for having any “inside” info.
Rabid and luvin' it
Mickey Spagnola is the worst.
I wish they would fire him. I can’t stand that guy. Nothing but sunshine and lollipops without any sort of credible analysis whatsoever.
"The Angels are like the villain in the movie that isn't dead until he's been stabbed 150 times in the bath tub, yet he still might come back up one more time." - Eric Nadel
And Mickey is always quick to say I told you so
"Don't fake the funk on a nasty dunk"
by sprewelllatrell on Jul 26, 2011 5:58 PM CDT up reply actions
It's hilarious listening to him pick games.
I don’t think I’ve ever heard him pick against the Cowboys.
"The Angels are like the villain in the movie that isn't dead until he's been stabbed 150 times in the bath tub, yet he still might come back up one more time." - Eric Nadel
Well, to be fair, Mickey is a Cowboys employee.
He’s not paid to be objective and critical.
"Everything is on the One." -- George Clinton, Parliament/Funkadelic
With an improved defense, everything should be on the One.
Yeah...
Mickey definitely goes too far in the other direction.
I wonder if Ellis and the rest of the guys at the “Mothership” are even at Valley Ranch? If so, I can envision Stephen and/or Jerry walking down the hall and smacking him upside the head with a “WTF were you thinking”.
Rabid and luvin' it
by lonewolfz28 on Jul 26, 2011 6:03 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Ha ha ha. I just pictured that and I’m still laughing.
Good thing I’m sitting safe in Germany, I’d hate to have Dave walk down the hall and smack me upside the head every so often.
by One.Cool.Customer on Jul 26, 2011 6:08 PM CDT up reply actions
I knew you were the guy from Die Hard eating the candy bar!
Bruce Carter+Sean Lee=BRUCE LEE!!!!
Follow me at my blog http://chiacrackscowboysblog.wordpress.com/
by Archie Barberio on Jul 26, 2011 6:16 PM CDT up reply actions
baaaaa hahahahahaha
Bruce Carter+Sean Lee=BRUCE LEE!!!!
Follow me at my blog http://chiacrackscowboysblog.wordpress.com/
by Archie Barberio on Jul 26, 2011 6:22 PM CDT up reply actions
Hans is the main guy not the guy eating thr candy bar
Tony Romo 2011's League's Most Valuable Player
dammitt!
But isn’t the guy with the candy bar some asian dude?
by One.Cool.Customer on Jul 26, 2011 6:44 PM CDT up reply actions
Yes.
He gets it from the display case right before they scare off the cop. Baby Ruth IIRC.
Rabid and luvin' it
haha.i think
I just know hans is the main guy, I can hear mcclane HANNNSSS
Tony Romo 2011's League's Most Valuable Player
yeah!!!!!!! hahahahaha
Bruce Carter+Sean Lee=BRUCE LEE!!!!
Follow me at my blog http://chiacrackscowboysblog.wordpress.com/
by Archie Barberio on Jul 26, 2011 7:15 PM CDT up reply actions
Off the subject but what about Shaun Ellis at DE?
He would be a stop gap of coarse. But hes played in a smiliar scheme with Rex Ryan and can give you some pass rush from the DE spot.
"Don't fake the funk on a nasty dunk"
by sprewelllatrell on Jul 26, 2011 5:57 PM CDT reply actions
only themseleves to blame for the DE situation
knowing they had 3 free agent defensive ends maybe they shouldve thought about drafting one. Cullen Jenkins is a guy they should pursue. Shaun Ellis maybe…
Let me get this straight...
The Cowboys finally draft an O-Lineman who can start in this league and they are in danger of losing him to free agency?
On the other hand, perhaps I don’t want football this year. (kidding)
"Confidence doesn't come out of nowhere. It's a result of something... hours and days and weeks and years of constant work and dedication." --Roger Staubach
Actually, I've had that thought before
we’d be in an immensely better position cap-wise if there was no season. But I doubt any of us could deal with that. Now we’re going to mortgage 2012 to put a roster together this year.
Can someone answer one question?
Maybe I missed something, but what reason did they give for NOT franchising Free?
"Treat a person as he is, and he will remain as he is. Treat a person as if he were where he could be and should be, and he will become what he could be and should be." - Jimmy Johnson
My inderstanding is that Jerry tried to re sign Free last season, but...
the CBA rules during the uncapped season were too restrictive. Jerry generally does not want to use the franchise tag, so he used the restricted free agent tender, to buy another season to renegotiate. The franchise tag would have had Free getting paid $10.1 million in 2011, but the tender that Jerry gave Free does not apply under the new CBA.
I still think Free will be in Dallas in 2011. I would like to see Bowen in Dallas this season also, but he is not as important in my opinion (and the Jones’) as Free.
Marshal Yanda gets a five-year, $32 million deal with Ravens.
26yo rising star that can pretty much play every position on the line. Approx 6.5mil/yr, and that jives with my original thoughts on a $6-7mil/yr contract for Free. If the Cowboys throw $7.5mil/per to Free, I think it would be a very fair offer. I’m sure it’s kinda what the Cowboys were thinking when they didn’t put the franchise tag on him.
+1
We get Free signed for 5 years at 7mm per year. Just my feeling. If we don’t get him back, it’s not the end of the world. It’s certainly not optimal but there are enough starting caliber tackles out there that we shouldn’t just trash the season in our minds.
I have noticed a new resurgence in Cowboy hating in 2007, which can only mean one thing- We're back.
it wouldnt be the end of the world
Like I said before Colombo is still a pretty good RT and I think part of his problem was Davis’s bad play at Guard. If they can get a quality RG I think Colombo would be more than ok for another year.
You are out of your mind marc is done.
D
O
N
E
Tony Romo 2011's League's Most Valuable Player
by thebigham on Jul 26, 2011 6:41 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Yeah
Just because he could end up starting doesn’t mean he isn’t done. He was aweful last year.
AFB Condensed- New name, same flavor.
I think Davis had something to do with that
I think he was too worried about what was going on next to him at times. Not saying Colombo was good at all, but with a better guard next to him I think he would play better.
The guy can't bend his knees.
I’d love to have him as a backup but age and injuries have caught up to him.
AFB Condensed- New name, same flavor.
Yeah,
So, he’s slow, can’t bend his knees, injury prone, 6’8" frame and poor knees means he can’t get leverage in the run game and he graded as almost the worst RT in football in 2010.
What will it take for people to move on from this guy?
"Columbo is still a pretty good RT"
Were we watching the same games?
I love Columbo, I love his attitude and I feel like he played well for Dallas but he’s done man.
If Newman is done, which he might well be, than Columbo is sure as hell done.
AFB Condensed- New name, same flavor.
I think they pretty much said that Colombo is the RT if we lose Free
its all contingent on Free. The only reason why Newman is still here is because there is no savings by cutting him. Believe me I think Newman shouldve been gone last year where there was no cap. Same goes for MB3.
Ok
Well that doesn’t mean he’s good.
If you have a rookie left tackle and Marc Columbo on the other side this team is gonna have another top 10 pick next season.
AFB Condensed- New name, same flavor.
Im not sure even with Free we will be anything more than a .500 team next year...
alot of moving parts, new coaching staff and no off season with the rookies might be too much to ask for this team to finish any better than third in the division.
and possibly be drafting a QB
as it may take years off Romo’s career
Together, we WILL make it happen!
by nikeorlipstick on Jul 26, 2011 8:49 PM CDT up reply actions
if that happens
we could draft Matt Kahill…you know the guy that actually played LT at USC….
Here’s a theoretical play from last year: Snap. Tony takes 7 step drop. Tony looks left at Miles, who is doubled, and looks right to where Roy Williams should be…but instead sees Colombo on his back and a Defensive End foaming at the mouth jumping over Marc’s carcass. Tony proceeds to run like hell and look for Witten
-by CotySaxman on Jul 11, 2011 7:50 AM PDT
Am I the most optimistic Cowboys fan in the World? No, but I have a contract hit out on the guy that is....
by I am Ironman!!! on Jul 26, 2011 8:52 PM CDT up reply actions
I might even go a little higher than that.
"The Angels are like the villain in the movie that isn't dead until he's been stabbed 150 times in the bath tub, yet he still might come back up one more time." - Eric Nadel
That 6% state income tax really takes a bite...
if someone offers him 8 and we offer 7, that’s only 400,000 per year (yes only) to learn a whole new system, leave the team that groomed him, and uproot his social life.
Stay with us Doug.
I have noticed a new resurgence in Cowboy hating in 2007, which can only mean one thing- We're back.
should read "400,000 per year MORE"
I have noticed a new resurgence in Cowboy hating in 2007, which can only mean one thing- We're back.
no way this team needs to invest into the OL.
Even if it means trading a guy like austin in 2yrs
Tony Romo 2011's League's Most Valuable Player
As someone said above (sorry I don't remember and didn't see it scrolling back)
the article does say the unnamed official is the one who is “scared to death.” Not Jerry.
The headline says “the Cowboys” are “scared to death.” But maybe not.
Maybe comfortable offers have already been gentlemanly agreed upon. Jerry still wouldn’t cut Colombo until he had Free’s signature on a contract, and that can’t happen until when? Thursday?
"Everything is on the One." -- George Clinton, Parliament/Funkadelic
With an improved defense, everything should be on the One.
It's interesting that more people haven't commented that the Cowboys have in 1 day just solved most of their cap problems
without mortgaging their future. (We will push off some cap hits for the nest 2-3 years, but not so much that we can’t continue fielding competitive teams.) Many though Roy Williams would be safe because it would cost us more to cut him than to keep him, but apparently Jerry had some provisions written into the new CBA to fix that. That kinda reeks of competence, right?
t will be very interesting to see what, if any, are the provisions in the CBA dealing with releasing players, carry over cap hits, dead money etc.
It would be unbelievably fantastic if the new CBA offers up a get-out-of-jail-free card.
It’s interesting that more people haven’t commented that the Cowboys have in 1 day just solved most of their cap problems … but apparently Jerry had some provisions written into the new CBA to fix that
I could be wrong but I don’t think Jones solved the cap problems.
Rather it seems salary cap rules still apply and the unamortized portion of the bonus will be ‘dead money’ in 2012. Rather than ‘solved’ the problem is kicked into 2012.
While releasing veterans and restructuring other contracts this week will create room for the Cowboys to operate in 2011, some of the cap hits they will take in 2012 will be very restrictive.
by Fan in Thick and Thin on Jul 26, 2011 7:35 PM CDT up reply actions
And on the "solved" thing...
Um, he cut about 15 million… which is about as much as we were over.
Ergo, we have zero cap room as of this writing. We are right at the cap.
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 Jul 26, 2011 7:37 PM CDT up reply actions
And we haven't begun restructuring contracts folks have mentioned would give us some room.
Romo, Ware, Austin.
"Everything is on the One." -- George Clinton, Parliament/Funkadelic
With an improved defense, everything should be on the One.
Honestly
I think in the 2012 draft we need to be looking to build a new core.
Witten, Ratliff, Ware, Newman, and Romo won’t last forever.
In 2012 I think about that 1st round CB and that 2nd round NT. I think about taking that high-potential QB that needs a few years to develop in the 4th round.
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 Jul 26, 2011 8:01 PM CDT up reply actions
I agree fully about CB
but maybe they go C or OG in the 2nd
Yeah, and beyond. 2013, 2014, . . .
"Everything is on the One." -- George Clinton, Parliament/Funkadelic
With an improved defense, everything should be on the One.
You didn't completely read my post...I addressed that...it wasn't a magic bullet.
But we won’t be in cap “hell” in future years either…or so I have been reading.
Where did the $5mil Roy savings come from?We were previously projected to take a further cap hit if we cut the guy…now the tune is different?
Where did the $5mil Roy savings come from?
Requiem’s post does a reasonable job of explaining the options.
there’s some discussion in here as well.
http://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2011/7/26/2295354/cowboys-to-cut-roy-williams
by Fan in Thick and Thin on Jul 26, 2011 8:50 PM CDT up reply actions
Did you read this part that I wrote?
We will push off some cap hits for the nest 2-3 years, but not so much that we can’t continue fielding competitive teams
You only have a cap problem if you can’t afford to pay the money or if you can’t field a competitive team…we had a cap problem in the early 2000’s because 25%-30% of our cap was tied up with players no longer on the team.
true...
but sure would be nice to have a REAL slot receiver…i.e. not a big, slow, poor route runner with bad hands.
I have noticed a new resurgence in Cowboy hating in 2007, which can only mean one thing- We're back.
I kno I kno
But we have two #1 wr. Its time to straighten out the ol so we can actually throw deep
Tony Romo 2011's League's Most Valuable Player
That's why we got Jimmy as our WR's coach...
It’s his job to develop us some more receivers. But it’s comforting to know we have a strong #1 & #2 in place. Not too many teams can boast that…
Yup and we have signed at least 2 WR's today if not 3, forgetting in all the excitement.
We also have several young guys on the roster. I am sure we can find a couple in there somewhere that will be fine to.
Yup.RW was a progresd stopper
We have 5 young wr I’m sure e can find one that can make 3 catches 28yds and .4 tds a gamew
Tony Romo 2011's League's Most Valuable Player
Cowboys agree to terms with Oklahoma State LB Orie Lemon
“The Cowboys added a second former Oklahoma State player Tuesday, signing undrafted free agent inside linebacker Orie Lemon, according to a release by the university.”
"When you want to win a game, you have to teach. When you lose a game, you have to learn."—Tom Landry
YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
Bruce Carter+Sean Lee=BRUCE LEE!!!!
Follow me at my blog http://chiacrackscowboysblog.wordpress.com/
by Archie Barberio on Jul 26, 2011 7:36 PM CDT up reply actions
who?
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 Jul 26, 2011 7:37 PM CDT up reply actions
what do you know about this guy?
sounds like you like him lol
"When you want to win a game, you have to teach. When you lose a game, you have to learn."—Tom Landry
he looks like a nice inside linebacker
Bruce Carter+Sean Lee=BRUCE LEE!!!!
Follow me at my blog http://chiacrackscowboysblog.wordpress.com/
by Archie Barberio on Jul 26, 2011 7:47 PM CDT up reply actions
the WR from TT Lyle Leong, idk he looks real impressive
Bruce Carter+Sean Lee=BRUCE LEE!!!!
Follow me at my blog http://chiacrackscowboysblog.wordpress.com/
by Archie Barberio on Jul 26, 2011 7:48 PM CDT up reply actions
Jerry Jones does not get to use this excuse
Jerry has been intimately involved in all of the CBA negotiations. Not only has he had a working knowledge of all of it at every step along the way, but he’s had a prominent voice in shaping this CBA.
No. Jerry does not get to use the “oh, I was caught off guard” card. I don’t buy that for a second.
You do what you have to to rebuild this decrepit team, Jerry.
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 Jul 26, 2011 7:58 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
Let's see what happens when some contracts get restructured.
I still think slick Jerry has more tricks up his sleeve.
I started out with nothing and still have most of it left
I have faith
Cowboys Stadium didn’t get built by accident…although the acoustics suck
The Red Headed RumbleFish Runnin Things
Not good
JasonColeYahoo Jason Cole
Tampa, Dallas in a dogfight for doug free. Could get REALLY expensive
"I still feel like I have something to offer, and the cynical fan can really kiss my ass. I really don’t care. There’s a bunch of true fans and the people who actually want to take the time to get to know me know who I am. The guy who sits in his mom’s basement and types on his mom’s computer, I couldn’t really care less about." - Chipper Jones
Everyone except for Jerry Jones knew this was coming
The only surprise is that it is ONLY Tampa that’s bidding on him. My thought? There’s others and Jason just doesn’t have the sources yet.
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 Jul 26, 2011 9:00 PM CDT up reply actions
I still think he stays in Dallas
But it’ll just be a little tougher. I think him showing up to the Ranch early today was a good sign
"I still feel like I have something to offer, and the cynical fan can really kiss my ass. I really don’t care. There’s a bunch of true fans and the people who actually want to take the time to get to know me know who I am. The guy who sits in his mom’s basement and types on his mom’s computer, I couldn’t really care less about." - Chipper Jones
Jerry will throw a ton of cash at him under the table.
Has it struck anyone else that if you fused Jason Garrett and Rob Ryan into one person, he may be a lot like Tom Landry?
You know, I wonder if this kind of thing actually goes on.
Surely it does.
"The Angels are like the villain in the movie that isn't dead until he's been stabbed 150 times in the bath tub, yet he still might come back up one more time." - Eric Nadel
LOL. He'll back the dump truck up to Free's garage.
There is no way Jerry loses Free to Tampa. He’d sell his parents to make a deal.
Has it struck anyone else that if you fused Jason Garrett and Rob Ryan into one person, he may be a lot like Tom Landry?
Great.
I hope we win and then sign Davin Joseph out from under them too just for being a pain in our butts.
"The Angels are like the villain in the movie that isn't dead until he's been stabbed 150 times in the bath tub, yet he still might come back up one more time." - Eric Nadel
He's going to get at least $10mm a year, calling it now.
"The Angels are like the villain in the movie that isn't dead until he's been stabbed 150 times in the bath tub, yet he still might come back up one more time." - Eric Nadel
What, you didn't see that the Cowboys made Roy Williams one of the biggest WR deals in history
or that Marion Barber was the highest paid RB in the entire league last year?
Of course Jerry will give in to insane contract demands and pay everything possible. Agents play him like a fiddle.
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 Jul 26, 2011 9:51 PM CDT up reply actions
The only difference
Is that this contract might actually be worth it in 2 – 3 years….unlike the other two
"I still feel like I have something to offer, and the cynical fan can really kiss my ass. I really don’t care. There’s a bunch of true fans and the people who actually want to take the time to get to know me know who I am. The guy who sits in his mom’s basement and types on his mom’s computer, I couldn’t really care less about." - Chipper Jones
All I'm saying
Is this myth about Jerry being some supreme negotiator is false. Jerry often gets the guys he wants, but it’s at the expense of paying a lot of money.
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 Jul 26, 2011 10:04 PM CDT up reply actions
I usually would let it pass...but I call BS on you...you are embellishing your statement to a state of nonsense...
Reggie Bush was paid $10,585,000 last year and that ranked him as the highest paid RB…Barber was paid $3,860,000 last year.
Andre Johnson was given a seven-year, $73.5 million, which makes him the highest paid WR, while Roy William’s five-year, $45 million was reflective of TO’s contract of several years ago.
Hey, I get it…you think very little of Jerry, but don’t make up facts to validate your hate…
by CaliFanInTx on Jul 26, 2011 10:20 PM CDT up reply actions
Marion Barber's contract
Was $7.86 million in 2010 between roster bonus and base pay.
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 Jul 26, 2011 10:32 PM CDT up reply actions
Roy Williams' contract
Was a 6 year, $54 million contract.
Andre Johnson’s contract was a 7-year $62.7 million contract – if you remember – signed after he threatened to hold out specifically because ROY WILLIAMS was making more than he was. Andre Johnson specifically said he would hold out of training camp until he was given a team bigger than Roy Williams’. That’s how he got that contract last year.
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 Jul 26, 2011 10:35 PM CDT up reply actions
Please direct me to your source...that's not the figures I'm googling...
by CaliFanInTx on Jul 26, 2011 10:35 PM CDT up reply actions
Rotoworld
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 Jul 26, 2011 10:36 PM CDT up reply actions
...but your original assertion is still wrong...
by CaliFanInTx on Jul 26, 2011 10:37 PM CDT up reply actions
Marion Barber contract info
http://espn.go.com/blog/dallas/cowboys/post/_/id/4667435/marion-barber-got-a-bonus-can-he-get-traded
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 Jul 26, 2011 10:38 PM CDT up reply actions
OK...so where have you proven your point?
Barber’s contract is worth $24 million through 2014…so 2011-2014 would cost $24 million…we don’t have to pay that portion.
Wikipedia…On May 20, 2008, he signed a seven-year deal, $45 million with the Cowboys with $16 million guaranteed…so he cost the Cowboys $21 million for the last 3 years? More than he’s worth but not the highest in the NFL as you had asserted….
by CaliFanInTx on Jul 26, 2011 10:45 PM CDT up reply actions
Furthermore, how many of these contracts are on the team?
Is Witten overpaid? Is Ratliff? Romo & Ware have relatively gentle contracts for their level of play…I know Jerry sucks in your eyes, but I suspect if you go around the league, each team will have similar faux pas…
by CaliFanInTx on Jul 26, 2011 10:49 PM CDT up reply actions
Okay, whatever
I made my statement.
You asked me to back it up, I did.
You asked me for my sources, I provided them.
At this point I’m beginning to believe you don’t actually care about what I have to say or value my input, you’re just trying to harass me.
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 Jul 26, 2011 10:54 PM CDT up reply actions
Hey, listen, I'm not trying to be a d*ck here...
You made a blanket statement about Jerry Jones, that I disagree with, so I’m just arguing its validity. I’m just not pulling up the same facts as you are…or have the same perspective. No harm no foul.
by CaliFanInTx on Jul 26, 2011 11:06 PM CDT up reply actions
I've never found that as a solid argument
Just because you have more cap space, does that necessarily mean you’re going to overpay someone? I think they’re going to look at the market and put the price there, I don’t see them offering 12 – 13M just because they have money to spend, that’s just bad business
"I still feel like I have something to offer, and the cynical fan can really kiss my ass. I really don’t care. There’s a bunch of true fans and the people who actually want to take the time to get to know me know who I am. The guy who sits in his mom’s basement and types on his mom’s computer, I couldn’t really care less about." - Chipper Jones
Also why in the heck do they need Free anyway??
They’ve already got Donald Penn. Are they seriously willing to pay that much for a RT? Ridiculous. Like I said, I hope we outbid them and then sign Davin Joseph out from under them out of spite for the aggravation they’re causing us.
"The Angels are like the villain in the movie that isn't dead until he's been stabbed 150 times in the bath tub, yet he still might come back up one more time." - Eric Nadel
That would be awesome….
"I still feel like I have something to offer, and the cynical fan can really kiss my ass. I really don’t care. There’s a bunch of true fans and the people who actually want to take the time to get to know me know who I am. The guy who sits in his mom’s basement and types on his mom’s computer, I couldn’t really care less about." - Chipper Jones
Actually they have to
part of the new CBA is that teams HAVE to be 95% within the cap. That means you can’t have teams spending next to nothing on their roster anymore.
So they’ll overpay whether they want to or not.
Sean Lissemore = The next Bruce Smith
Why would they overpay one position
Instead of just upgrading multiple positions at market value?
I don’t understand your argument at all….that’s like paying $60,000 for a car that sells for $50,000 everywhere else just because you have money to spend, instead of paying the $50,000 and using the $10,000 you saved on something else.
"I still feel like I have something to offer, and the cynical fan can really kiss my ass. I really don’t care. There’s a bunch of true fans and the people who actually want to take the time to get to know me know who I am. The guy who sits in his mom’s basement and types on his mom’s computer, I couldn’t really care less about." - Chipper Jones
they have to get up there
and if they are going to have to use that much cap space; paying a lot to a young franchise LT is a good way to do it.
Sean Lissemore = The next Bruce Smith
So it turns out Jerry may not have been in as much control as some had thought.
Imagine that.
Has it struck anyone else that if you fused Jason Garrett and Rob Ryan into one person, he may be a lot like Tom Landry?
How should he have handled it any differently?
I’ve heard so many complaints about how Jerry screwed this up, but what did he do wrong?
I’ve read so many fan complaints on how we overpaid for players, and then the same fans turn around and say give Free what he wants in the next sentence…it’s so inane…
Sorry.
I guess you don’t allow a range of emotions on your blog. I’ll try to be better.
Has it struck anyone else that if you fused Jason Garrett and Rob Ryan into one person, he may be a lot like Tom Landry?
There's a difference between giving a mediocre WR $50mm and a 3rd down RB $45mm...
And paying up for a young LT. I don’t think anybody is suggesting we should give Doug Free $13mm a year or something (I hope not anyway), but yes it’s going to be expensive to keep him. It was always going to be.
"The Angels are like the villain in the movie that isn't dead until he's been stabbed 150 times in the bath tub, yet he still might come back up one more time." - Eric Nadel
I agree Roy and Barber were lousy decsions, so we want to pick up another turd?
Listen, Tampa’s star LT Donal Penn is getting paid six-year, $43 million…do you think Free would be offered more than that to play RT? The Raven’s just signed Yanda for five-year, $32 million. It seems to me that market for Free is set…I don’t think you need to pay him more than $7.5mil/yr…and I suspect that’s what Jerry is targeting all along…not the 10+mil some in the media are throwing out. Free just needs to feel comforted he isn’t leaving boatloads of money on the table.
by CaliFanInTx on Jul 26, 2011 10:31 PM CDT up reply actions
I hope you're right and I'm just knee-jerking.
"The Angels are like the villain in the movie that isn't dead until he's been stabbed 150 times in the bath tub, yet he still might come back up one more time." - Eric Nadel
Me too.
I’m scared of losing Free like you wouldn’t believe, because I think this Offense could be special this year.
But sometimes good organizations need to let talent get away even if it hurts them in the short term…
by CaliFanInTx on Jul 26, 2011 11:00 PM CDT up reply actions
*hugs you*
$8mm a year, not bad. I’ll take it.
"The Angels are like the villain in the movie that isn't dead until he's been stabbed 150 times in the bath tub, yet he still might come back up one more time." - Eric Nadel
Here's another one from Cole
JasonColeYahoo Jason Cole
Colombo could be next to go in Dallas if they re-sign Free. Colombo declined a restructure earlier, called back and was told to wait.
"I still feel like I have something to offer, and the cynical fan can really kiss my ass. I really don’t care. There’s a bunch of true fans and the people who actually want to take the time to get to know me know who I am. The guy who sits in his mom’s basement and types on his mom’s computer, I couldn’t really care less about." - Chipper Jones
Does this mean there's more leaks at the Ranch?
Has it struck anyone else that if you fused Jason Garrett and Rob Ryan into one person, he may be a lot like Tom Landry?
I would venture a guess
That most of this info to the media comes from player agents, and not team sources. I could be wrong, but it would make sense
"I still feel like I have something to offer, and the cynical fan can really kiss my ass. I really don’t care. There’s a bunch of true fans and the people who actually want to take the time to get to know me know who I am. The guy who sits in his mom’s basement and types on his mom’s computer, I couldn’t really care less about." - Chipper Jones
Gotta be Columbo or his agent.
Isn’t Columbo’s agent the same guy that reresents a good number of players?
Has it struck anyone else that if you fused Jason Garrett and Rob Ryan into one person, he may be a lot like Tom Landry?
Yeah
I believe it’s Jimmy Sexton, who, Ironically enough, represents Doug Free as well (So I guess once Free gets signed they can just inform Sexton at the same time, that his other Client can start negotiating with other teams)
Also represents Bradie James and Jason Witten, so has negotiated a few important deals with Dallas in the past, FWIW
"I still feel like I have something to offer, and the cynical fan can really kiss my ass. I really don’t care. There’s a bunch of true fans and the people who actually want to take the time to get to know me know who I am. The guy who sits in his mom’s basement and types on his mom’s computer, I couldn’t really care less about." - Chipper Jones
Agents.
Sexton better get Free in here. So, in essence, one of his clients signs a deal to get his other client axed.
Has it struck anyone else that if you fused Jason Garrett and Rob Ryan into one person, he may be a lot like Tom Landry?
haha, sounds like it, bittersweet negotiations I guess
Hopefully that doesn’t make him push for Tampa so both his clients have jobs
"I still feel like I have something to offer, and the cynical fan can really kiss my ass. I really don’t care. There’s a bunch of true fans and the people who actually want to take the time to get to know me know who I am. The guy who sits in his mom’s basement and types on his mom’s computer, I couldn’t really care less about." - Chipper Jones
Yeah, this is one of those deals where....
after Tampa signs him and we’re stuck with Columbo, Jerry can file a grievance that will be totally useless. The only thing we got going for us is Sexton has to be paranoid of pissing the Cowboys off.
Has it struck anyone else that if you fused Jason Garrett and Rob Ryan into one person, he may be a lot like Tom Landry?
Considering the Cowboys are going to be more active year after year
Than the Bucs are, and for that reason, you would want to stay off their shit list, for future clients
"I still feel like I have something to offer, and the cynical fan can really kiss my ass. I really don’t care. There’s a bunch of true fans and the people who actually want to take the time to get to know me know who I am. The guy who sits in his mom’s basement and types on his mom’s computer, I couldn’t really care less about." - Chipper Jones
Huh
Should have told Roy Williams’ agent that, I guess. I’m sure Roy Williams’ agent is so sad he fleeced Jerry for all that money. I bet he’s just crying in his mansion with his movie-star girlfriend right now.
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 Jul 26, 2011 9:53 PM CDT up reply actions
What?
Apparently you misunderstood what I said?
"I still feel like I have something to offer, and the cynical fan can really kiss my ass. I really don’t care. There’s a bunch of true fans and the people who actually want to take the time to get to know me know who I am. The guy who sits in his mom’s basement and types on his mom’s computer, I couldn’t really care less about." - Chipper Jones
Roy Williams' agent fleeced Jerry for every penny he could
After Jerry spent insane draft picks on Roy Williams.
By your logic, the agent should have worked with Jerry and given him a good deal after Jerry spent a 1st, 3rd, and 5th rounder on Roy. Instead, that agent strong-armed Jerry into what was arguably the worst contract in Dallas Cowboys history.
The idea that agents are afraid to take advantage of Jerry’s checkbook does not match up with reality.
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 Jul 26, 2011 10:06 PM CDT up reply actions
That's not what I said at all
What I was getting at is that I would assume the agent would work very close with the Cowboys, giving them every chance to retain their client, but with their clients best interest in mind. He’s not going to screw the Cowboys over, I assume he’ll go back and forth, but before he signs, he’ll always give the Cowboys the chance to match the best offer.
Roy Williams deal was completely different by the way, considering there was no competition for his services, and he was coming off a pro bowl season, so that contract wasn’t completely far fetched. Plus, Stephen is the one that negotiates the contracts, so if anything, it was the son that everyone loves that got “fleeced”
"I still feel like I have something to offer, and the cynical fan can really kiss my ass. I really don’t care. There’s a bunch of true fans and the people who actually want to take the time to get to know me know who I am. The guy who sits in his mom’s basement and types on his mom’s computer, I couldn’t really care less about." - Chipper Jones
Yeah, don't bite the hand that feeds you.
Players may be his clients, but teams are his cash flow. If he’s smart he’ll be very honest with the Cowboys about how to keep Free. And I’m sure Jerry will be playing every card in the deck to send the message that this is the one that can’t get away.
Has it struck anyone else that if you fused Jason Garrett and Rob Ryan into one person, he may be a lot like Tom Landry?
@JasonColeYahoo
Tampa, Dallas in a dogfight for doug free. Could get REALLY expensive.
"When you want to win a game, you have to teach. When you lose a game, you have to learn."—Tom Landry
sorry I’m slow didn’t see this was already posted
"When you want to win a game, you have to teach. When you lose a game, you have to learn."—Tom Landry
THANKS FOR CLUTTERING UP THE THREAD
heh
"The Angels are like the villain in the movie that isn't dead until he's been stabbed 150 times in the bath tub, yet he still might come back up one more time." - Eric Nadel
C'mon Maui
Get on the train or stay home. ;-)
Has it struck anyone else that if you fused Jason Garrett and Rob Ryan into one person, he may be a lot like Tom Landry?
but but... I am home ;-(
"When you want to win a game, you have to teach. When you lose a game, you have to learn."—Tom Landry
Don't guess you'll be taking a train to the mainland anyway. :P
Has it struck anyone else that if you fused Jason Garrett and Rob Ryan into one person, he may be a lot like Tom Landry?
yeah not too many trains around here lol
"When you want to win a game, you have to teach. When you lose a game, you have to learn."—Tom Landry
yeah that's the closest one
there is actually an old track that runs not far from here in Hana, which was also a sugar cane train, but not much left except the route
"When you want to win a game, you have to teach. When you lose a game, you have to learn."—Tom Landry
Sigh. Oh how I miss being stationed in Hawaii.
Wow, what’s it like living over in Hana? “Hawaii time” is one thing, but “Hana time” must be unreal.
- Formerly fan since '65.
if we resign Free, I hope we go HARD after Davin Joseph or any relevant Bucs player
Bruce Carter+Sean Lee=BRUCE LEE!!!!
Follow me at my blog http://chiacrackscowboysblog.wordpress.com/
by Archie Barberio on Jul 26, 2011 10:14 PM CDT reply actions
YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
AdamSchefter Adam Schefter
Dallas reached agreement on a four-year, $32 million deal that included $17 million in guaranteed money with OT Doug Free.
"I still feel like I have something to offer, and the cynical fan can really kiss my ass. I really don’t care. There’s a bunch of true fans and the people who actually want to take the time to get to know me know who I am. The guy who sits in his mom’s basement and types on his mom’s computer, I couldn’t really care less about." - Chipper Jones
by KJDH2154 on Jul 26, 2011 11:07 PM CDT reply actions 3 recs
YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
"The Angels are like the villain in the movie that isn't dead until he's been stabbed 150 times in the bath tub, yet he still might come back up one more time." - Eric Nadel
SCREW YOU TAMPA
"The Angels are like the villain in the movie that isn't dead until he's been stabbed 150 times in the bath tub, yet he still might come back up one more time." - Eric Nadel
And the winner of the lockout and new CBA is......
68 and you owe me $32 million! How happy is Free right now? What a great story. From a backup thrown in there to a starter to getting super paid!
The Red Headed RumbleFish Runnin Things
JasonLaCanfora: The chase for Cullen Jenkins gonna be very interesting. Always is whenever the Redskins and Cowboys have interest in the same player!
"Texas Stadium has a hole in its roof so God can watch his favorite team play." ~ D.D. Lewis
"Nope. But I have only been here nine years." ~ Walt Garrison, when asked if he had ever seen Tom Landry smile.
"How 'Bout them Cowboys!" ~ Jimmy Johnson
by Portland's Cowboy fan on Jul 26, 2011 11:23 PM CDT reply actions
OMG
If we get Abram and Cullen I will scream like a girl. I am a girl…just not that girly ;)
The Red Headed RumbleFish Runnin Things
hahaha I hear you!
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 Jul 26, 2011 11:52 PM CDT up reply actions
If we can walk away with Free, Kosier, Sensi, Jenkins, Elam, and Joseph I'll pick us to win the division right now.
"The Angels are like the villain in the movie that isn't dead until he's been stabbed 150 times in the bath tub, yet he still might come back up one more time." - Eric Nadel
Yeeesssssss!!!!!!!!!!
+68
-$32,000,000 worth every penny! OL is looking great! Now let’s swoop Cullen baby!!!!!!
The Red Headed RumbleFish Runnin Things
This beats the hell outta...
all the will-there-be-a-season, fans-ripping-each-other-siding-with-owners/players, doom-and-gloom, chicken-little-sky-is-falling lockout quibbling that’s all dead, done and in the past now, don’t it.
Ahhhh, are you ready for some…
Gentlemen, we’re 0-16. Let’s change that.
Hell Yeah T!!!!!
I have a bid going on Ebay for 2 tix for SF-Dallas in less than two months and the Cowboys posse in SF is rolling deep!
The Red Headed RumbleFish Runnin Things
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