Is Doug Free Overpaid?

by Rohpuri on Feb 15, 2012 10:07 PM CST

Since the season ended unceremoniously to the New York Giants back on New Year's Day, it's been reasonably expected that once the front office and coaching staff begins to evaluate the depth chart for the 2012 season, Doug Free and Tyron Smith will switch positions. During the past month, I've read comments every now and then suggesting Jerry and Stephen Jones overpaid Doug Free last summer. Without knowing the salaries for the rest of the starting left tackles, this is more of an assumption. In actuality, his contract is both reasonable in dollar amount and in length. His contract placed him in the middle of the pack for starting left tackles in 2011.

After the jump, we'll have a look at the salaries, most of which came from rotoworld.

On July 29th 2011, Doug Free signed a four year contract worth $32 million. The deal had $17 million guaranteed, which included a $10.3 million signing bonus. 2012: $6 million, 2013: $7 million, 2014-2016: $8 million, 2017: Free Agent. Below are the available figures for the other starting left tackles in 2011.

Contracts for the NFC East's Starting Left Tackles in 2011

Jason Peter's Contract: 4/28/2009: Signed a six-year, $60.657 million contract. The deal contains $25 million guaranteed, including an $11 million signing bonus. 2011: $5.9 million, 2012: $7.9 million, 2013: $10.4 million, 2014: $8,352,340, 2015: Free Agent.

David Diehl's Contract: 5/6/2008: Signed a six-year, $31 million contract. The deal includes annual escalators of between $750,000 and $1.1 million depending on Diehl playing offensive tackle as opposed to guard. 2012: $3.825 million, 2013: $4.1 million, 2014: Free Agent.

Trent Williams' Contract: 7/30/2010: Signed a six-year, $60 million contract. The deal includes $36.75 million guaranteed. 2011: $7,852,000, 2012: $11 million, 2013: $5 million, 2014: $7.25 million, 2015: $10.25 million, 2016: Free Agent.

Analysis: After comparing Doug Free's contract to the other starting left tackles in the NFC East, it becomes clear that Doug Free's contract is a very reasonable one. For starters, it's a four year deal unlike the other three guys who each have year contracts. Additionally, Free's contract contains either the least or second least amount of guaranteed money, as it's unclear how much of David Diehls's contract was guaranteed. Although Doug Free's contract is the third richest in the NFC East, it's only worth $1million more than David Diehl's contract. Trent Williams, on his rookie deal, is the second highest paid LT in the NFC East behind Jason Peters.

Contracts for the NFC North's Starting Left Tackles

Derek Sherrod (1st Rd pick in 2011): 7/29/2011: Signed a four-year, $6.602 million contract. The deal contains $5.327 million guaranteed, including a $3,301,456 signing bonus and all of Sherrod's first three base salaries. 2011: $375,000, 2012: $675,091, 2013: $975,182, 2014: $1.275 million, 2015: Club Option, 2016: Free Agent.

Chad Clifton: 3/5/2010: Signed a three-year, $19.58 million contract. The deal contains $7.5 million guaranteed, including an initial roster bonus of $6,376,250. In order to max out the contract, Clifton must be on the Packers' 45-man game-day roster 16 times in each year. He can earn another $250,000 annually via workout bonuses. 2012: $5.25 million (+ $203,125 roster bonus), 2013: Free Agent.

Note: Sherrod was drafted to start at left tackle, but could only play 5 games in 2011, thus Chad Clifton had to start 10 games.

J'Marcus Webb: 5/16/2010: Signed a four-year, $1.851 million contract. The deal included a $60,600 signing bonus. A $1.308 million playing-time escalator is available in the final year. 2011: $405,000, 2012: $490,000, 2013: $575,000, 2014: Free Agent.

Charlie Johnson: 8/1/2011: Signed a three-year, $10.5 million contract. The deal included a $3 million signing bonus. 2012: $2.95 million, 2013: $2.95 million (+ $500,000 roster bonus), 2014: Free Agent.

Analysis: With the exception of the Packers, the starting left tackles in the NFC North, who by the way make substantially less money than the starters in the NFC East, are not very good at all. Pro Football Focus apparently rated J'Marcus Webb as the 67th best tackle in the league out of the 76 players. Jay Cutler probably thinks he should be rated as the worst. Charlie Johnson apparently played so well as a starter in 2011, that the Vikings are desperately looking for his replacement in this year's draft. I couldn't find the numbers for the Lions starting Left Tackle because the guy is a free agent currently. Doug Free would be the highest paid left tackle in this division, for both guaranteed money and total dollars.

Contracts for the NFC South's Starting Left Tackles

Jermon Bushrod: 7/29/2011: Signed a two-year, $9.8 million contract. The deal included a $3.5 million signing bonus. 2012: $3.25 million, 2013: Free Agent.

Sam Baker: 7/25/2008: Signed a five-year, $13.5 million contract. The deal contains $7.8 million guaranteed. 2012: $2,576,250, 2013: Free Agent.

Donald Penn: Signed a six-year, $41.7 million contract. The deal contains $18.8 million guaranteed, including a $2 million signing bonus and Penn's base salaries in years one through three. Another $5.5 million is available through first-year incentives, though they are "unlikely to be earned." Annual $400,000 workout bonuses and $600,000 weight-clause incentives are available in years two through six. 2011: $7.2 million, 2012: $5.1 million, 2013: $5 million, 2014: $6.4 million, 2015: $6.5 million, 2016: Free Agent.

Jordan Gross: 2/19/2009: Signed a six-year, $60 million contract. The deal included a $5 million signing bonus. 2012: $8.5 million, 2013: $8.7 million, 2014: $6.7 million, 2015: Free Agent.

Analysis: Both the Saints and the Falcons lack a premier left tackle. The Saints are going with a stop gap guy, while the Falcons whiffed on Baker, who lost his job mid season, and will probably get cut this off season. If Doug Free played in this division, I doubt he's considered overpaid, as he would be the third highest paid player, with probably the second or third most guaranteed money.

Contracts for the NFC West's Starting Left Tackles

Joe Staley: 6/4/2009: Signed a nine-year, $43.66 million contract. The deal includes $18 million guaranteed. Another $3 million is available through incentives. 2011: $1.15 million, 2012: $1.3 million, 2013: $1.6 million, 2014: $2.2 million, 2015: $4 million, 2016: $4.9 million, 2017: $5.75 million, 2018: Free Agent.

Russell Okung: 8/6/2010: Signed a six-year, $48.5 million contract. The deal includes $30 million guaranteed. Another $9.5 million is available through incentives. 2011: $2.9 million, 2012: $3.48 million, 2013: $4.06 million, 2014: $4.64 million, 2015: $5.22 million, 2016: Free Agent.

Levi Brown: Brown agreed to terms with the Cardinals on August 2, 2007, six days after the team reported to training camp. The six-year contract could be worth up to $62 million, just over $18 million of it guaranteed. 2012: $8.33 million (+ $9.675 million roster bonus), 2013: Free Agent.

Roger Saffold: 7/28/2010: Signed a four-year, $6.3 million contract. The deal contains $3.9 million guaranteed. Another $250,000 is available through "unlikely to be earned" incentives based on Pro Bowl berths and the 2010 Offensive ROY award. 2011: $405,000, 2012: $490,000, 2013: $575,000, 2014: Free Agent.

Analysis: When compared to the starting left tackles in the NFC West, Doug Free's contract is very reasonable, especially when you look at Levi Brown's contract. Apparently he was rated as the 4th worst left tackle in 2011. Roger Saffold, one of the best rookie linemen in 2010, was considered the 5th worst left tackle thru ten weeks of the 2011 season, that the Rams are now considering drafting his replacement, and switching him to RT. Free would be the third highest paid left tackle in this division, and the guaranteed portion of Free's contract would be the fourth highest total.

Contracts for the AFC East's Starting Left Tackles

Matt Light: 7/31/2011: Signed a two-year, $12 million contract. The deal contains $7 million guaranteed, including a $6 million signing bonus. 2011: $1 million, 2012: $3.4 million (+ $100,000 workout bonus), 2013: Free Agent.

D'Brickashaw Ferguson: 7/7/2010: Signed an eight-year, $73.6 million contract. The deal contains $34.8 million guaranteed, including a $1.6 million signing bonus, a first-year roster bonus of $3.1 million, and a second-year option bonus of $3.9 million. All but $5.3 million of the "guarantees," however, are guaranteed only for "skill" and not injury. 2012: $9.985 million, 2013: $7.25 million, 2014-2015: $5.95 million, 2016: $8.625 million, 2017: $11.275 million, 2018: Free Agent.

Jake Long: 4/22/2008: Signed a five-year, $57.75 million contract. The deal includes $30 million guaranteed. Year six voided based on rookie-year playing time (Long started all 16 games). 2011-2012: $11.2 million, 2013: Free Agent.

Chris Hairston (2011 4th Rd Pick): 7/28/2011: Signed a four-year, $2.456 million contract. The deal included a $415,900 signing bonus. 2012: $465,000, 2013: $555,000, 2014: $645,000, 2015: Free Agent.

Analysis: If Doug Free was in the AFC East, he'd be the third highest paid left tackle, and would have third most guaranteed money, at roughly half the amount of the top two players. Note, although he didn't start in 2011, the Bills are hoping that Hairston will be their starting left tackle in 2012, since their 2011 starter Demetrius Bell is a free agent.

Contracts for the AFC North's Starting Left Tackles

Willie Colon (Injured in 2011, will start in 2012): 7/28/2011: Signed a five-year, $29 million contract. The deal included a $6 million signing bonus. 2012: $4.5 million, 2013-2014: $5.5 million, 2015: $6 million, 2016: Free Agent.

Bryant McKinnie: 8/23/2011: Signed a two-year, $7.5 million contract. The deal included a $1 million signing bonus. 2012: $3.2 million (+ $500,000 roster bonus due 3/18), 2013: Free Agent.

Joe Thomas: 8/22/2011: Signed an eight-year, $92 million contract. The deal contains $44 million guaranteed.

Andrew Witworth: terms of his 5 year contract are undisclosed.

Analysis: Doug Free's contract would make him the 2nd highest in this division, however, his contract is only $3million more than Colon's. The guaranteed portion of Free's deal is the second most as well, which is more than half of the Guaranteed amount in Joe Thomas' contract. Note, Bryant McKinnie, at 33 years old, was picked up off the street before the season started, graded out as one of the worst left tackles in the league.

Contracts for the AFC South's Starting Left Tackles

Duane Brown: In July of 2008, he signed 5 year deal worth up to $11.5 million dollars, with $6.2 million guaranteed. In 2012, the final year of his rookie contract, he's scheduled to make around $2.1 million.

Michael Roos: 4/25/2008: Signed a six-year, $43 million contract. The deal contains $15 million guaranteed, including a $9 million signing bonus and a second-year roster bonus of $4 million. Another $1.5 million is available through escalators. 2012: $5.5 million, 2013: $6 million, 2014: $6.625 million (Voidable Year), 2015: Free Agent.

Eugene Monroe: 8/14/2009: Signed a five-year, $35.4 million contract. The deal contains $25 million guaranteed, including a onetime bonus of $5.98 million. 2012: $2,182,500, 2013: $2,622,500, 2014: Free Agent.

Anthony Castonzo (First Rd Pick in 2011): 8/2/1011: Signed a four-year, $8.0 million contract. The deal contains $6.535 million guaranteed, including a $4.31 million signing bonus. 2012: $738,686, 2013: $1,102,372, 2014: $1,466,058, 2015: Free Agent.

Analysis: Doug Free would be the third highest paid left tackle in the AFC South, the guaranteed portion of Free's deal is the second highest after Eugene Monroe.

Contracts for the AFC West's Starting Left Tackles

Ryan Clady: signed a 5 year $14.5 million dollar contract with roughly $11.5 million guaranteed. In 2012, the last year of his rookie deal, he's scheduled to make $3.5 million.

Marcus McNeill: 10/11/2010: Signed a six-year, $48.98 million contract. The deal contains $24.5 million guaranteed, including a $1.791 million signing bonus, McNeill's first-, second-, and third-year salaries, and $1.75 million of his 2013 salary. 2011: $10 million, 2012: $10.5 million, 2013: $7.75 million, 2014: $8.75 million, 2015: $9.75 million, 2016: Free Agent.

Joseph Barksdale (Rookie in 2011): 7/28/2011: Signed a four-year, $2.579 million contract. The deal included a $539,800 signing bonus. 2012: $465,000, 2013: $555,000, 2014: $645,000, 2015: Free Agent.

Branden Albert: 2012 is the final year of his 5 year rookie deal, and he's scheduled to make over $2.7 million.

Analysis: Doug Free's contract would be the second richest in the AFC West, and would contain the second most guaranteed money. The Chargers are scheduled to cut Marcus McNeill in March in order to save that $10.5 million cap hit.

Conclusion: Doug Free is not overpaid

If my math skills are correct, Doug Free was the 14th highest paid left tackle in 2011, which is the middle of the pack for left tackles. The only division where Free would've been the highest paid left tackle, is the NFC North. Free would be the second highest paid left tackle in the AFC West and AFC North. In the remaining divisions, he's the third highest paid left tackle. When you look at the guaranteed portion of his contract, he's got the second or third most amount depending on the division. Only in the NFC North does he make the most guaranteed money. Lastly, when you look at the length of these contracts, Free's four year deal was also reasonable in length.

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Comments

I've brought this up in several threads on the debate at switching Smith and Free

because Jerry supposedly got a steal when they signed Free’s contract last summer, but Free had played LT in 2010 and was at the spot going into 2011. He would be overpaid as a RT if the switch is made. I hope his back ailment is resolved in the offseason.

"How 'Bout them Cowboys!"---Jimmy Johnson

"...and the Cowboys...STUN the Bills!"--ESPN MNF

by ScottB1985 on Feb 15, 2012 10:20 PM CST reply actions

Based on how he performed? Yes, he was overpaid. For the position, I guess not, and,

according to Ironman, his contract wouldn’t constitute overpayment, even if they moved him to RT. I imagine they will switch him back to RT; I just hope he’s better there.

by Fernie67 on Feb 15, 2012 10:24 PM CST reply actions

I think he will be

Even if Kosier can’t play much next season, hopefully he can be Doug Free’s whisperer and help him out with pointers, confidence, etc.

"The tone is business," Garrett said. "Let's get to work. The Giants are going to be at the Meadowlands on Sunday at 4:15. They're an awfully good football team. We have to get ready for them."

by Rohpuri on Feb 15, 2012 11:18 PM CST up reply actions

I hope so, too.

by Fernie67 on Feb 16, 2012 8:58 AM CST up reply actions

thanks for the shout out Fernie

Here’s a theoretical play from 2010: 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

Now, if somebody doesn’t agree with that, that’s cool. I also don’t agree with the fact that I don’t have $10 million in my bank account. But the fact that I don’t agree with it doesn’t make it any less true.
by One.Cool.Customer on Dec 23, 2010 12:00 AM PST

by I am Ironman!!! on Feb 16, 2012 8:38 AM CST up reply actions

Hey, you did the research; you deserve the shout out.

by Fernie67 on Feb 16, 2012 8:58 AM CST up reply actions

Thanks for all the good contract data

I feel better about the Free contract now.

Can you compare Spencer to all other #2 OLBs ??

by the_hat on Feb 15, 2012 10:41 PM CST reply actions

Sure I can do that

"The tone is business," Garrett said. "Let's get to work. The Giants are going to be at the Meadowlands on Sunday at 4:15. They're an awfully good football team. We have to get ready for them."

by Rohpuri on Feb 15, 2012 11:15 PM CST up reply actions

man u guys are so wishy washy man

One year u scared TB may sign him and he is worth 10 mill a year now hes not even worth 8 mill a year..

A year ago 17.5 ppf rating.. a dynamic RT prospect in 2009.. Now after one year he is over paid a bum etc… man u guys need to get stuff right.

You call Miles, Free, Dez and everyone else ouf why you guys dont call Romo and his contract out ?

by lostar2009 on Feb 15, 2012 11:22 PM CST via mobile reply actions

do you hate Tony Romo or something?

"The tone is business," Garrett said. "Let's get to work. The Giants are going to be at the Meadowlands on Sunday at 4:15. They're an awfully good football team. We have to get ready for them."

by Rohpuri on Feb 15, 2012 11:58 PM CST up reply actions

Given that he's also on DMN ragging on Romo, I'm guessing that's a yes.

by Fernie67 on Feb 16, 2012 9:00 AM CST up reply actions

lol

"The tone is business," Garrett said. "Let's get to work. The Giants are going to be at the Meadowlands on Sunday at 4:15. They're an awfully good football team. We have to get ready for them."

by Rohpuri on Feb 16, 2012 9:58 AM CST via mobile up reply actions

i have posted there like several times

But they really hate Romo there i just believe the guy is over hype..

by lostar2009 on Feb 16, 2012 3:46 PM CST via mobile up reply actions

omg here come the Romo goon squad !!!!

Ready to defend this guy passer rating !!!! OMG!!!!!

This guy passer rating can be the best of all time we still failed to make the playoffs..

But yea go on ahead and give me a rant about the D or oline being subpar

by lostar2009 on Feb 16, 2012 11:43 AM CST via mobile up reply actions

Uh, this is his post. If anyone is acting like a goon, it's you.

by Fernie67 on Feb 16, 2012 2:32 PM CST up reply actions

rohpuri and fernie will come out of no where to defend Romo

The goon squad !!!!

As soon as i mention a peep about Romo here go you guys. Romo body guards..

How about letting Romo fight his own battles like Eli did? Romo game can not be back up besides a passer rating, which can be easily manipulated

by lostar2009 on Feb 16, 2012 3:52 PM CST via mobile up reply actions

Romo is a pretty good QB. Not everyone can be Aaron Rodgers or Drew Brees or Tom Brady. Remember how things were between 2000-2004.

by Jonathan Stern on Feb 16, 2012 4:03 PM CST up reply actions

Yea i also remeber a time before 2000-2004

I remember the 90’ s , 80’s and 70’ s…

Every team falls off a cliff.. but that doesnt mean you fall in love with the first guy that comes around..

by lostar2009 on Feb 17, 2012 12:14 AM CST via mobile up reply actions

Just curious. How old are you? You seem incapable of rational discussion,

and your responses come off like someone who is still in middle school. BTW, I didn’t come of out of no where to defend Romo. If anything, I chose to defend Rohpuri, given that you’re acting like he’s somehow invaded his own post. Aside from that, if you look, I responded to your bizarre attack on those who think Free had a bad year. Why don’t you answer that one? Oh, that’s right, you don’t care about numbers. Your preconceived notions are all you need.

by Fernie67 on Feb 16, 2012 5:08 PM CST up reply actions

Thank you Fernie!

"The tone is business," Garrett said. "Let's get to work. The Giants are going to be at the Meadowlands on Sunday at 4:15. They're an awfully good football team. We have to get ready for them."

by Rohpuri on Feb 16, 2012 5:56 PM CST via mobile up reply actions

The one that was an actual reply to your original post

whining about people who don’t think Free was good last year. Try reading down.

by Fernie67 on Feb 17, 2012 10:01 AM CST up reply actions

because Romo performs up to his contract

every year

by CowboysFan4Life on Feb 16, 2012 7:43 AM CST up reply actions

+9

by Proxy406 on Feb 16, 2012 7:56 AM CST up reply actions

yea he did a nice job blowing the jets and detroit games for dallas

by lostar2009 on Feb 16, 2012 11:39 AM CST via mobile up reply actions

but that was in his contract :)

by lostar2009 on Feb 16, 2012 11:55 AM CST via mobile up reply actions

and did a great job winning @ San Fran

by I am Ironman!!! on Feb 16, 2012 12:08 PM CST up reply actions

he was clutch

Against San Francisco, the Redskins 2wice, against Miami, and put the team in position to win the Arizona game-Garrett iced his kicker; had the team cruzing against the Giants at home-Terence Newman and his secondary let the team down-then Romo had the team in position to tie the game with the field goal, but JPP blocked it.

Also, if the special teams didn’t allow a punt block td against the Jets, the Cowboys win that game.

Get your facts straight.

"The tone is business," Garrett said. "Let's get to work. The Giants are going to be at the Meadowlands on Sunday at 4:15. They're an awfully good football team. We have to get ready for them."

by Rohpuri on Feb 16, 2012 12:51 PM CST via mobile up reply actions

redskins and Miami do not even count

I give u the 49 ers…

But the redskins and miami wasnt even contenders…

I guess that is how our qb is judge .. making clutch plays aganist scrub teams..

by lostar2009 on Feb 16, 2012 4:05 PM CST via mobile up reply actions

also i find it odd that we was struggling against san fran until kitna came in

He put up a TD easy aganist those guys… like it was childs play..

by lostar2009 on Feb 16, 2012 4:07 PM CST via mobile up reply actions

forgetting the INT's Kitna threw?

I can't think of anything because I'm so fly.

by liquidblake on Feb 16, 2012 4:22 PM CST up reply actions

yea just like the 4 Romo threw aganist detroit

Thats was clearly Witten running the wrong route in the play. The safety left the enzone open and Witten was suppose to kept straight but he broke his route off.

Text book int… but of course if that was Romo that would have already been explain

by lostar2009 on Feb 17, 2012 12:18 AM CST via mobile up reply actions

Only a moron would think Kitna played better than Romo in that game

by Specific on Feb 16, 2012 5:03 PM CST up reply actions

who said Kitna played better than Romo?

Your right only a " Moron " would think Kitna played than Romo..

The plays was there all day over the top. It wasnt realized until Kitna step in..

Rewatch that game.. you even hear the sports broadcasters giving Kitna praise for finding the open and soft spots in the defense so easily..

Romo played gutsy but playing with those busted ribs may have cripple the team throughout the game. I doubt we would have won that game with out Miles and Kitna

by lostar2009 on Feb 17, 2012 12:22 AM CST via mobile up reply actions

Thats picking and choosing

So Romo INTs lost detroit and NYJ, but Kitna’s 2 INTs at San Fran don’t count? Cool story bro

by Specific on Feb 17, 2012 10:05 AM CST up reply actions

yea the 2nd int could have went both ways..

But hey Kitna came in and handle his biz tho

by lostar2009 on Feb 17, 2012 1:36 PM CST via mobile up reply actions

Yea those non contenders beat the sb champs.

Not saying redskins are good but they playing there division better than any team in the NFL and beat the sb champs.

by Sado44 on Feb 16, 2012 6:04 PM CST via mobile up reply actions

Wow

your spelling is pretty good — for an 8 year old.

BTW — shouldn’t you be posting on the Eagles or Giants board? Come on, you should be posting on the board of your favorite team. We don’t need 8 year old trolls here.

by Conn Cowboy on Feb 17, 2012 6:42 AM CST up reply actions

you must have low self esteem?

Did they bully you as a kid?

by lostar2009 on Feb 17, 2012 9:27 AM CST up reply actions

man thats a lot of excuses

Just say it wasnt his fault and save the type letters

by lostar2009 on Feb 17, 2012 12:34 AM CST via mobile up reply actions

Get your facts straight

Was directed at Lostar

"The tone is business," Garrett said. "Let's get to work. The Giants are going to be at the Meadowlands on Sunday at 4:15. They're an awfully good football team. We have to get ready for them."

by Rohpuri on Feb 16, 2012 12:51 PM CST via mobile up reply actions

yea it was all Romo

not special teams allowing a blocked punt TD…no it was all Romo…and so that leaves the Detroit game and yea I would put the blame on him, every QB has a bad game…Brady lost the game vs. the Bills by throwing 4 picks. When it comes down to it this team lost 8 games this year because of a variety of weaknesses that got exploited at different times. NYJ special teams, can’t score in the Red Zone 4th Qtr, Detroit we can’t run the ball, Romo keeps throwing picks and our D cant stop Calvin Johnson, New England-can’t score TD’s in the red zone, Defense allows Brady to drive down-field for the win, Eagles..horrible game plan and Vick tears the D apart, Arizona special teams Bailey misses a game winning field goal, defense gives up game winning TD in overtime, Giants we cant stop the Giants on D, offense scores 34 points and still loses, Bailey has tying FG blocked 2nd special teams mistake in 2 weeks, Eagles once again shred the D, no Romo, offense can’t do anything with McGee at the helm, Giants beat us because we call stupid plays fall behind early and cant come back. So Special Teams I count for 3 losses….not so much Romo

Does it hurt when you do that? Then stop doing that!

by 9to88 on Feb 17, 2012 10:08 PM CST up reply actions

thank you sir

Tag Team name for Sean Lee and Bruce Carter is RUSH HOUR

by Rohpuri on Feb 17, 2012 10:28 PM CST up reply actions

Free had a PFF rating in 2010 of +17.9, and in 2011, his rating was -9.9. Maybe you

need to “get stuff right.”

by Fernie67 on Feb 16, 2012 9:13 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs

because Romo makes peanuts really

and he is ALWAYS willing to take a pay cut to sign someone

Anthony Spencer is not the Egg McMuffin of 3-4 OLB's

by Archie Barberio on Feb 16, 2012 7:47 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs

ummm you need to check up on how much qbs are paid nowadays

We’re getting top 8 play imo from a contract thats somewhere around 12-15 I think.

11 mil for a qb is quite a normal deal nowadays. Kolb is making the same amount. Vicks being paid more. Cutler, Fitzpatrick and many more are just a million or two below him.

I will tolerate some criticisms of Romo, but calling him overpaid is a load of crap.

The only guys on this team more consistent than Romo have been Ware and Witten.

by foyesboys on Feb 20, 2012 5:36 PM CST up reply actions

He didn't have a very good season.

And he will be a RT next year.

by cowboy north on Feb 16, 2012 2:57 AM CST reply actions

Good article Rohpuri

Free contract is a good one. He had a down year but I’d expect him to bounce back really strong at RT this season.

by Luke. on Feb 16, 2012 3:09 AM CST reply actions

Thank you Luke

I agree, I think Free bounces back at RT this season.

"The tone is business," Garrett said. "Let's get to work. The Giants are going to be at the Meadowlands on Sunday at 4:15. They're an awfully good football team. We have to get ready for them."

by Rohpuri on Feb 16, 2012 5:57 PM CST via mobile up reply actions

guarantee it

Anthony Spencer is not the Egg McMuffin of 3-4 OLB's

by Archie Barberio on Feb 16, 2012 7:48 PM CST up reply actions

Good Posy Rohpuri!

Any idea how Free’s contract will look compared to RT’s if he is switched for 2012?

by Cowick22 on Feb 16, 2012 3:31 AM CST reply actions

posy=post

by Cowick22 on Feb 16, 2012 3:32 AM CST up reply actions

I am not sure how he compares to RT's

but Free is making compareable money to Jahri Evans of the Saints….who is currently the highest paid Gaurd in the league….

I would imagine that Free will be one of the better paid RT’s….but considering that he can play the LT position in a pinch is worth the extra money IMO…..

by I am Ironman!!! on Feb 16, 2012 8:41 AM CST up reply actions

I agree

"The tone is business," Garrett said. "Let's get to work. The Giants are going to be at the Meadowlands on Sunday at 4:15. They're an awfully good football team. We have to get ready for them."

by Rohpuri on Feb 16, 2012 8:43 AM CST via mobile up reply actions

Boy,

you could really argue that “Free is making comprable money to Jahri Evans”. Evans signed for 7 years and 56.7 mil with a 12 mil signing bonus. That is over 24 mil more than Free. While Free got a 17mill gurantee, Evans got 19 mil in bonus plus salary the first year of his deal and Free got 11mil. I know that the average value is comprable but I think I would rather be Evans.

by jevans1729 on Feb 16, 2012 3:31 PM CST up reply actions

naturally that is what I meant

the average salary…which is really the essence of the discussion….

by I am Ironman!!! on Feb 17, 2012 11:48 AM CST up reply actions

That's a solid point Ironman.

You have to look at all the intangibles as well. Versatility is worth more.

by StarloverinWNC on Feb 20, 2012 8:09 PM CST up reply actions

Doug Free has a bad back. In 2010 he could block anyone

by Jonathan Stern on Feb 16, 2012 8:49 AM CST reply actions

You keep saying that, but you don't know if it's true or not. Not a word has been

said about his being injured. I hope that is the case, and he’s better next year, but you need to quit acting like rumors are the truth.

by Fernie67 on Feb 16, 2012 9:14 AM CST up reply actions

He shut down Jullius Peppers and Mario Williams in 2010.

Look at him. He was not the same player, not nearly as athletic. How can it be explained?

by Jonathan Stern on Feb 16, 2012 3:06 PM CST up reply actions

So, anyone who has a down year must be injured? Again, you keep talking

about it like it’s a fact. I find it odd that you say it’s his back; who said so? The Cowboys?

by Fernie67 on Feb 16, 2012 5:13 PM CST up reply actions

I have heard it several times I think it is true. Cause Free convinced me that he is actually very talented by his ability to block Mario Williams and Julius Peppers

by Jonathan Stern on Feb 17, 2012 6:50 AM CST up reply actions

Teams won’t talk about every single injury. Peyton Manning had an unknown surgery.

by Jonathan Stern on Feb 17, 2012 6:55 AM CST up reply actions

Free was hurt more by moving kosier than anything

Sad but true and smith was helped more by moving kosier that’s why they moved him.

by Sado44 on Feb 16, 2012 6:07 PM CST via mobile up reply actions

Hopefully this is one problem that cna be fixed by coaching.

"I know we put a lot of weight on championships, and rightfully so. But championships are won as a team, and I'm fully convinced of that. You never see one guy — a great player, great quarterback — carry a team through the playoffs and into a Super Bowl and win a Super Bowl that way. I've never seen it." - Kurt warner

by Grimlock83 on Feb 17, 2012 4:15 PM CST up reply actions

For sure you sign somebody like Nicks to play next to Free or Tron and you will see an improvement from whomever he’s placed next to.

It’s just like DB’s if you have a good one he can cover for some others deficiencies.

by StarloverinWNC on Feb 20, 2012 8:12 PM CST up reply actions

People tend to forget that for a large part of 2010, Free was pass blocking for a QB whose entire repertoire seemed to consist of 3-step drops. He’s a very good runblocker, but his pass blocking is rather average.

by One.Cool.Customer on Feb 16, 2012 9:28 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs

yeah there is that too

I would be willing to wager that Tron is not as bad as he showed in 2011, but not as good as we all thought he was in 2010….

He is an RT that is a serviceable LT…..well worth 32 million over 4 years…..

by I am Ironman!!! on Feb 16, 2012 10:15 AM CST up reply actions

U mean Free?

Obviously.

Do either of you OCC or Ironman think there is anything to the Free injury as a reason to the drop-off? Or would you put more emphasis on it being growing pains from the positional switch or Kosier not being next to him?

by StarloverinWNC on Feb 20, 2012 8:16 PM CST up reply actions

Yup

People do forget Garrett changed the offense to fit Kitna’s lack of mobility.

No doubt Free is a mauler in run blocking. That block against the Eagles in 2009 (final game of the regular season) was pure art.

"The tone is business," Garrett said. "Let's get to work. The Giants are going to be at the Meadowlands on Sunday at 4:15. They're an awfully good football team. We have to get ready for them."

by Rohpuri on Feb 16, 2012 10:26 AM CST via mobile up reply actions

what about 2009?

Anthony Spencer is not the Egg McMuffin of 3-4 OLB's

by Archie Barberio on Feb 16, 2012 7:49 PM CST up reply actions

He filled in at RT at the end of the season right?

"The tone is business," Garrett said. "Let's get to work. The Giants are going to be at the Meadowlands on Sunday at 4:15. They're an awfully good football team. We have to get ready for them."

by Rohpuri on Feb 16, 2012 8:28 PM CST up reply actions

That's what I'm counting on, that he's out of position at LT, and he'll step it up at RT.

by Fernie67 on Feb 16, 2012 11:21 PM CST up reply actions

excellent point

by foyesboys on Feb 20, 2012 5:37 PM CST up reply actions

For some reason I was thinking

it was Plantar Fasciitis.

I have had it for MONTHS and it is no pick-a-nick.

MacGruber!

by Mojoness on Feb 16, 2012 4:43 PM CST up reply actions

That is Kosier.

by Rena on Feb 16, 2012 4:51 PM CST up reply actions

Sherrod isn't the Pack's starting left tackle.

He was their backup RT who had to go into the game when the starter was taken out hurt. Shortly after he broke his leg and went on IR.

http://www.nfl.com/teams/greenbaypackers/depthchart?team=GB

Their LT was Newhouse, who also was hurt, so then next man up at LT was Clifton.

by Rena on Feb 16, 2012 4:52 PM CST reply actions

Thank you for the info

"The tone is business," Garrett said. "Let's get to work. The Giants are going to be at the Meadowlands on Sunday at 4:15. They're an awfully good football team. We have to get ready for them."

by Rohpuri on Feb 16, 2012 6:02 PM CST via mobile up reply actions

I only knew as I liked Sherrod in the draft if we had traded down and missed Tyron.

So I keep a eye on how he was doing. :)

by Rena on Feb 17, 2012 2:13 PM CST up reply actions

good stuff here

if we didn’t pay Free, he would be a Buc or Eagle right now, if we lost Doug Free, we would have been screwed man
I love Doug Free, get him back to RT and watch, he will be a freak there
he was sooooo good in 2009 I am still questioning the front office about not keeping him in over Columbo, frankly I want to know why he wasn’t in at RT years ago

Doug Free is a great draft pick, the first one we hit on the OL in a LONG time before Tron

Anthony Spencer is not the Egg McMuffin of 3-4 OLB's

by Archie Barberio on Feb 16, 2012 7:46 PM CST reply actions

Thanks man

"The tone is business," Garrett said. "Let's get to work. The Giants are going to be at the Meadowlands on Sunday at 4:15. They're an awfully good football team. We have to get ready for them."

by Rohpuri on Feb 16, 2012 8:29 PM CST up reply actions

I agree I like Free

and I have zero doubt it was Wade Phillips’ “no one loses their job” head coaching style that put Colombo back in.

I believe Wade’s perspective as a head coach is “everyone let’s just cover eachother’s butts and ride this NFL gravy train and all make tons of money.” With Wade it was never about winning, it was about everyone defending eachother (regardless of performance) so they could all cash another year’s worth of multi-million-dollar paychecks.

Don’t rock the boat and everyone keeps making money.

by Blue Eyed Devil on Feb 16, 2012 9:52 PM CST up reply actions

dude

dont get me started on Wade as a head coach
worst hire ever
now IF he was hired as a DC back in 2007, totally DIFFERENT story

Anthony Spencer is not the Egg McMuffin of 3-4 OLB's

by Archie Barberio on Feb 16, 2012 10:16 PM CST up reply actions

Man.. If JG had been hired as HC and Wade just as DC

I think the past 5 years would have been different

by Specific on Feb 17, 2012 10:07 AM CST up reply actions

I wish we hired Garrett back in 07

Anthony Spencer is not the Egg McMuffin of 3-4 OLB's

by Archie Barberio on Feb 17, 2012 12:04 PM CST up reply actions

I have had that thought too

I wonder if Garrett style was too close to Parcells though…if you remember Dallas was wanting to get away from the “heavy handed Taskmaster” type(which Garrett, while not completely fitting into, comes close to it) which was one of the reasons Dallas hired Phillips….

just a thought….

by I am Ironman!!! on Feb 17, 2012 1:23 PM CST up reply actions

Wouldn't we have had Dom Capers on this staff

If not for Brian Stewart’s tantrum?

So many terrible mistakes this GM has made

by Blue Eyed Devil on Feb 17, 2012 1:26 PM CST via mobile up reply actions

He's seems like the type who would run things that way

He’s the grandpa who run to when you’re in trouble.

Parcells is the grandpa you run away from when you screw up.

"The tone is business," Garrett said. "Let's get to work. The Giants are going to be at the Meadowlands on Sunday at 4:15. They're an awfully good football team. We have to get ready for them."

by Rohpuri on Feb 16, 2012 10:23 PM CST up reply actions

Ummm, since you acknowledged that he will be the starting RT on the team next year...

Shouldn’t you have compared his salary to the starting RT’s in the league?

by Damnsammit on Feb 17, 2012 6:10 AM CST reply actions

There

by Tyrone Jenkins on Feb 18, 2012 9:07 AM CST reply actions

There's a HUGE flaw in this analysis

Free is not an NFL LT. He might play one on TV, but that’s not who he is. He’s not even a RT. He’s an OG.

The reason Free played LT at all is because Dallas failed to find an adequate backup for Flozell. After he got old, Free took advantage and had ONE average year at LT. People forget all the penalties, holding calls and false starts he had since the volume was less than what Flozell was doing. Flozell’s play was SO bad, that improvement to average play by Free made him look like a pro bowler. Free was in the right place at the right time and cashed in.

I wouldn’t be surprised at all if Free struggles as an NFL OT (regardless of what team he might play for). He’s simply not an OT. Feet are too slow, arms are too short and instincts are wrong. If he continues to placed at that position, he’ll certainly give his best but he’s ultimately out of position.

You could move Witten to OLB and he’d be OK too – probably. But he too would obviously be out of position.

by Tyrone Jenkins on Feb 18, 2012 9:12 AM CST reply actions

Really?

Feet are too slow, arms are too short and instincts are wrong. If he continues to placed at that position, he’ll certainly give his best but he’s ultimately out of position.

I am going to take this one at a time….

Feet too slow: Free put up a 4.5 20yard SS(a drill designed to test foot speed) while weighing 320 lbs….of the current NFL players there is maybe a handful with that weight/SS time Compare that to Tyron Smith who put up a 4.6 while weighing 15lbs less….

Arms are too short:
Arm length is 34 inches which while isn’t Tyron Smith-like(he has an arm length of 36+") is certainly NFL Caliber for an OT

Instincts are all wrong:
not sure how you figure that, but he was given a +17.5 grade by PFF in 2010(which is better than what Smith did this past year as a RT)

So your contention at best is 2/3rds wrong, and possibly completely wrong…did Free have a bad year? obviously….but to say that he isn’t an NFL caliber OT is completely knee jerk and wrong…..

by I am Ironman!!! on Feb 18, 2012 4:08 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs

SS times

aren’t an indication of ability to block. shuffling your feet and actually positioning your body between the QB and the DE/OLB is. Free didn’t do that. He graded out to be a below average LT this past year. That is to say he was worth than 16 other starting LTs. I had him 20th but experts vary w/ their assignment.

And when you’re talking about arms being a full 2 inches shorter, that is a huge deal in terms of blocking. 34" is considered goof but not great for an OT. Most of the elite LTs (D’Bricshaw, Ryan Clady, etc.) have 35+" arms.

Free’s 17.5 grade indicates he played well – that was 1 year. What was his grade last year?

I’ve been saying all along, Free is better at blocking in a phone booth – not moving/shuffling. He’s good at turning his hips parallel to the line, running outside, then turning up field, locating the 1st guy to cross his face (whether that’s a CB, S or LB) and mauling them. There’s an art to that. Free has the size (that’s height, weight and arm length) of a typical NFL GUARD!!!!

Carl Nicks – 6’5", 330, 35" arm length
Jhari Evans – 6’4" 318, 34" arm length
Evan Mathis – 6’5", 304, 34" arm length

I’m not dogging Free, especially since I think he’s playing out of position. But I AM stating he was overpaid; especially when you figure the plan was always to move him to RT.

$8 mil / yr for a RT?

by Tyrone Jenkins on Feb 18, 2012 5:25 PM CST up reply actions

In 2010 he shut down both Julius Peppers and Mario Williams what more could a team want?

by Jonathan Stern on Feb 18, 2012 9:06 PM CST up reply actions

um your premise is completely false TJ

SS times
aren’t an indication of ability to block. shuffling your feet and actually positioning your body between the QB and the DE/OLB is.

which is what the 20 yard Shuttle tests (the ability to quickly change direction) thus a low SS time indicates that a player can quickly “shuffle his Feet and position himself between the DE/OLB”

and as far as his arm length being “too short” and more for a Guard here are a few OT’s:

Winston Justice:

6-6 320, 34-7/8 arm length

D’brickshaw Ferguson:

6-6 310, 35 in arm length

Jason Smith

6-5 307 33-3/4 in arm length

Roger Stafford

6-5 323lbs 33-5/8 in arm length

Joe Stanley

6-5 315, 33-1/2 in arm length

Frank Omiyale

6-4 315 36 in arm length

notice all of them are in the 6-4 to 6-6 range and all of them have 33-36 inch arms…. thus one could say that most if not all Offensive Linemen who are 6-4 to 6-6 have 33-36 in arms so using that as an example of “player position” is moot.

so your premise that Free that says and I quote:

Feet are too slow, arms are too short and instincts are wrong.

is False:
A player is’t going to get a 17.5 grade if his “instincts are wrong”

A player isn’t going to get a 4.5 SS time (or a 7.38 3-cone drill time) if his “feet are too slow”.

you can’t say his arms are too short if the average Arm length is ~34-35 inches

so your entire premise that Free lacks some Quality to be a NFL OT is wrong….

Would he make a very Good Guard? yes but then most OT’s will, as the OT position requires greater athleticism than the OG position….

and your premise that Free is Over paid is wrong if you believe that he will be a very good Guard as the highest paid Guard is making an Average salary of 8.1 million….which is roughly the same as Free and Free has shown that he can man either OT spot, at a decent level…..

by I am Ironman!!! on Feb 20, 2012 7:52 AM CST up reply actions

Ok Iman

Let’s look at production:

Last year, did Free EARN his $8 million salary? yes or no (circle one)
Next year, how well will he have to play at LT to make up for “stealing” money this past year? Will he have to be in the top 3% of all LTs (that would include Joe Thomas, Staley, Ferguson and Diehl)? yes or no (circle one)

Let’s say he is moved to RT – would he not have to be the BEST RT in the NFL to earn his salary? yes or no (circle one)

I feel sorry for Free – he’s in a no win situation. He’s paid among top 10% of NFL LTs and the 1st year of his contract, he played poorly. In other words, he’ll never be able to make up for what he SHOULD have produced already. Factor in that he’ll probably be moved to RT, as he’s not even the best T on the team, and he’s even further overpaid.

I don’t blame Free – if JJ was dumb enough to offer it, then he’d be a fool NOT to take the offer. But let’s be CLEAR – Free was overpaid last year and will continue to be overpaid unless his game drastically improves and he’s a serious pro-bowl candidate for the next 3 years!

by Tyrone Jenkins on Feb 20, 2012 2:27 PM CST up reply actions

1) Free was an average left tackle in 2011. Not great but not bad, average. $8 million is a little above average so he was paid appropriately.

2) I would expect Free to be a top-5 RT in 2012 at his salary. He doesn’t have to be the best because he can play left tackle. The luxury of having a high-quality left tackle on the roster in case Tyron Smith gets injured is worth some extra money. You pay for car insurance, think of it as paying left tackle insurance.

by Blue Eyed Devil on Feb 20, 2012 6:41 PM CST up reply actions

Answering For IAI

1) NO he didnt earn it, 10 sacks given up is unacceptable.
2) If he stays at LT he would need to be average to earn the 8mil paycheck.
2b) NO every season is a new one. You cant ‘make-up’ for seasons past.
3) He will have to be a Top 5 RT next season to earn the 8mil paycheck.

If we stick some UDFA or 7th rd draft choice next to him, he’s probably not going to play as well as if we drafted DeCastro and plugged him in at RG next to Free. It’s all about expectations. We should have seen it coming that moving Free to a new, more demanding position, AND taking away his safety blanket(Kosier) was going to have negative ramifications.

We placed a heavy burden on him in 2011 and he regressed. He doesnt suck, we just need to have more realistic expectations. Which is NOT a strong suit of the Cowboy fandom.

by StarloverinWNC on Feb 20, 2012 8:47 PM CST up reply actions

I agree with Star here

Like I said earlier:(edited for correctness)

I would be willing to wager that Free is not as bad as he showed in 2011, but not as good as we all thought he was in 2010….
He is an RT that is a serviceable LT…..well worth 32 million over 4 years…..

by I am Ironman!!! on Feb 21, 2012 8:21 AM CST up reply actions

Doug Free is paid exactly as he should be

He’s about an average quality left tackle and he’s being paid average left-tackle money.

Good news for us is that he’s a more natural right tackle and with Tyron Smith in the fold he can become a great RT.

I thought the Cowboys did a good job with the contract. Given the situation I was very afraid Free would put them over a barrel last off-season but the front office did a good job paying fair market value.

by Blue Eyed Devil on Feb 18, 2012 9:00 PM CST reply actions 1 recs

This.

Linning and Winning!

by Joe21 on Feb 20, 2012 1:48 PM CST up reply actions

I agree BED.

by Rena on Feb 21, 2012 4:19 AM CST up reply actions

Switc him to the opposite side and he's not overpaid anymore.

Linning and Winning!

by Joe21 on Feb 20, 2012 1:48 PM CST reply actions

Incorrect.

RT make less than LT. If he’s a top 15 paid LT he’s gonna be one of the top 5 paid RT in the league. But Im too lazy to do the research.

This whole analysis should have been based on him being overpaid amongst RT in the first place. Not knocking your work there Rohpuri, which Im sure was extensive. And appreciated for sure.

The Cowboys would be fools to leave Free at LT for the 2012 season. Tyron is WAY better. And if they dont make the switch Im gonna be pissed. Sure there will be growing pains, but he’ll be an ALL-PRO LT by 2013 if not before.

by StarloverinWNC on Feb 20, 2012 8:31 PM CST up reply actions

I disagree here Star

I would be ok with Free as the LT for another year, as more than likely, with better players beside him, he should play better.

but then that is the key, does Dallas think that Free would improve more by moving him to the Right side, and would that be enough to offset the struggles that Tron might have at LT, or would it be better to leave them where they are and improve the interior which should/could improve both of them….

Decisions, Decisions……

by I am Ironman!!! on Feb 21, 2012 8:19 AM CST up reply actions

Don't Fear Tyron's Rise

There’s no reason to fear Tyron becoming an amazing left tackle. If he turns into a great left tackle and forces Free to the right tackle spot you have a great choice:

1) Keep him at RT where he’s very good
2) Trade him for a draft pick There’s quite a few teams out there that would like a prime left tackle at $8 million a year. Minnesota, Arizona, and Chicago would love to keep their QBs upright and off IR.

by Blue Eyed Devil on Feb 21, 2012 5:19 PM CST up reply actions