Cowboys Tidbits: Is Signing A Big Fish The Better Long Term Strategy?
by KD Drummond on Feb 22, 2012 8:00 AM CST
in Dallas Cowboys 2012 Free Agents
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As we get closer and closer to the onset of the new NFL season, it becomes clear how difficult the road ahead will be to traverse for Jason Garrett, Stephen Jones and the Dallas Cowboys. The Scouting Combine gets underway today, and the drills to come in the next couple of days will probably be used to finalize the order of the hundreds of prospects that Dallas has on their big board. Free agency kicks off in earnest two weeks after, and the slow grind to improving the franchise begins.
One of the leading areas where the Cowboys need improvement is the secondary; that's no secret. Mike Jenkins and Orlando Scandrick are penciled in as the starters for 2012 and the Cowboys will need to bring in at least three bodies to supplement the cornerback position. They could go in a multitude of directions; big ticket free agent, draft picks from any of seven rounds or inexpensive vet. None would be surprising. About the only move the Cowboys could make that would shock people would be if they didn't release veteran Terence Newman.
When the Oakland Raiders released Stanford Routt, he was quickly connected to the Cowboys under false pretenses. He has now signed with the Kansas City Chiefs, which led to this "domino chain" wonderment from ESPN's Dan Graziano.
The Cowboys had some interest in cornerback Stanford Routt, but not as much as some other teams did, and Routt signed Monday with the Chiefs. What this means, however, is that the Chiefs are likely to let talented 25-year-old cornerback Brandon Carr leave via free agency, and that adds Carr to the mix of available cornerbacks for the Cowboys to target. Carr is better than Routt, but with star wide receiver Dwayne Bowe still to worry about, the Chiefs appear to have decided to go with a cheaper option.
I'm on the fence between Carr and Falcons FA Brent Grimes. I like both players a lot and want one to have a star on his helmet. The question is whether or not Dallas would enter, or win, a bidding war for either. Even as Dallas has $20 million in cap space, there are plenty of other teams that have more, and Dallas has multiple holes to fill, as Rabble pointed out.
Are they going to use up 40-50% of their 2012 cap space on one player?
To me, that's a question of long-term philosophy, and it might just differ from conventional wisdom.
Follow the jump to see why, and get more of the latest in Cowboys news.
If Dallas does spend a large part of it's cap on a premiere free agent, to me that indicates that they aren't just trying to win now. The cap is expected to increase significantly when the new television contracts are locked in. The club has already publicly committed to a BPA approach to the draft. In my eyes, a big free agent splash means Dallas wants top tier talent and is willing to play with lesser players at certain positions in 2012, with hopes to replace them with draft picks and free agents in future years. I am so on board with this strategy, you'd think I was planking.
Get the big fish, draft BPAPN (best player at a position of need, since we have so many) and then see which players develop within your organization. I'd much rather do that than sign six average free agents to two, three or four year contracts; and end up with zero impact newbies. Obviously, it has to be at the positions of the highest need, meaning the secondary. We could survive with what we have on the defensive line, and in my humble opinion the linebackers as well. Even without Anthony Spencer returning. I'm in the school of thought that he is rather easily replaced, although I've been proven wrong before. I think it was 1989 or so.
Of course I want to compete for a championship every season. However, a team needs elite talent to win, and Dallas needs more of it. The draft is one way to get it, and a financially preferred model, but sometimes you must use free agency to do more than just tread water.
Stephen Jones On The Anthony Spencer situation
DMN's Rainer Sabin checks in with some straight forward responses from the only straight forward shooter in power in Big D. VP Stephen Jones says the club is still contemplating using the franchise tag on Spencer.
"It's certainly a possibility but it hasn't been determined," Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones said Tuesday. "I think he's a hell of a player. I think he is a good pro football player. Then the question is obviously when you franchise a player you're putting him at even another level. But that happens. That's the business we're dealing in and that's what we'll have to figure out -- if that's worth it."
...it should be noted that Spencer dropped into coverage last season twice as many times as the Cowboys' other starting linebacker, DeMarcus Ware, according to ProFootballFocus.com...
"Everybody wants to automatically say, 'Outside linebacker -- how many sacks?'" Jones said. "A good football player can impact a game in a lot more ways than just how many sacks he has. Pressure is important in our league and we pay for pressure. But you also pay for good football players. And I think Anthony fits in that mold. I think up until this point evidence speaks for itself. He's never been a big sack guy. But he is a good football player."
Gosselin: Cowboys offensive line "shortcomings"
Rick Gosselin of DMN held a chat, and discussed his reason for thinking the Cowboys need to go interior offensive line early in this April's draft. The players come up small, and they can't do anything about it. Gosselin expects the players to beef up, but thinks the height disadvantage of Phil Costa, Kevin Kowalski and Bill Nagy, all 6'3" will keep them from being able to compete with the big uglies across from them.
I think Costa, Nagy, Kowalski and Arkin will all beef up. As you get older in this league and spend more hours in the weight room, bigger bodies become a byproduct. The problem is they won't get any taller. Costa, Kowalski and Nagy are all in the 6-3 range. DeCastro goes 6-5. That's also why I'm anxious to see what Arkin can do -- he's 6-5. Those shorter guys tend to get engulfed by those 330-pound defensive tackles. The Cowboys need height as well as bulk in their 2012 offensive line.
Special Teams Ability Doesn't Earn You A Roster Spot
I mentioned this in the comment section of my One Man's Gang article last week before I took a mini-vacation. I don't subscribe to the theory that a player who makes negligible contributions on one side of the ball deserves a roster spot because of what he does on special teams. To me, the leading special teams guy has those stats because the coverage schemes are made to free up the top two guys. Meaning, the stats are a bit inflated and could be approached by a lesser coverage guy given the same opportunities.
That's not to say I think Danny McCray isn't important to this team, but people that think that auto-earns him a 2012 roster spot are exaggerating his impact in my opinion. Regardless, he should be thanked for his tireless work, and that's exactly what the Mothership did in this article as their writers discuss his impact.
Cowboys newest fan arrives in MD hospital
On a personal note, I've been a bit missing in action over the last few weeks, with sporadic posting and manning of the social media versions of BTB. I've had good reason, though. This past Friday morning, at 12:25 am the newest addition to my, and the Cowboys, families arrived in this world. I have a new baby boy that I am extremely proud of, as witnessed by me changing my profile pic for SB Nation. I'm sure he'll be making his appearances in the background of future podcasts to let you know his opinion of my musings.
And yes, he's already pledged his allegiance, as he left the hospital in full Dallas Cowboys regalia; much to the chagrin of some nurses who have the misfortune to root for the local team. Go Cowboys!
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Wrong Strategy
Football games are won by a quarterback, protecting the quarterback and rushing the quarterback. Signing a big name CB and drafting one in the first round is a bad move.
by Mighty Blue Star on Feb 22, 2012 8:06 AM CST reply actions
But if you want to win a Superbowl
you better have a game changer back there.
by Sharksbreath on Feb 22, 2012 9:10 AM CST up reply actions
I think game changers in the secondary,
are a combination of skill and pressure. You could have Deion Sanders back there and Eli will still look like an All Pro, if he has 30 minutes to throw the ball. Eli is not a bad Quarterback, but he would have won about the same amount of games with the Cowboys as Romo did. Eli’s defense with a little help from the Patriots recievers won the Super Bowl.
Get Romo a offensive line that can give him at least 5 seconds to throw before he has to scramble, and a defensive line that makes the opposing qb throw in less than 2 seconds, and Romo will be carting home the Lombardi.
If I should die before I wake,
feed Jake.
CONGRATS KD !!!!!!!!
Kids are a wonderful gift. The great thing for him KD is he will out live Jerry and will one day see the Cowboys as a driving force.
Now about your post….sign Carr and draft Dre move him to fs and the secondary is significantly upgraded using only 1 draft pick. Same thing could be said for signing Nicks and drafting a guard. I would rather sign two studs than 5 jags.
Jerry is the end all in Dallas.
thank you!
finally the voice of reason Carr + Nicks > anything else we could reasonably do
by Plinkostar on Feb 22, 2012 8:53 AM CST via Android app up reply actions
haha- thanks man
I knew you’d be able to work in a Jerry dig
I think my thought train has evolved to this point. Get me difference makers in FA. The middle-tier of a team should be composed of the draft picks that didn’t become stars.
+ A lot!
Middle tier should be our 4-6 rounders that we keep letting go ie J Thomas from last year sure woulda been nice to have him around through all the injuries and short comings of our guys last year. Butler is a prime example of this I think he and our Dline backups are making the most off their opportunities and its the starters that have been hurting us lately.
Optimissum Prime sees nothing but the best for America's Team!!!
by Cowboys_Attack on Feb 22, 2012 10:00 AM CST up reply actions
Congratulations on the newborn!!!
At this moment I have a 3 week old granddaughter and her 13 month old sister staying with us as Mom and Dad are doing a 2 week deployment.I really forgot how hard it can be at times.But when they look at you and pour that love out,nothing much comes close! Congratulations!!
Tony Romo,Sean Lee,and DeMarcus Ware-Leaders by example!!!
by NVCowboy4Life on Feb 23, 2012 1:51 AM CST up reply actions
thanks bro-
he let me know it’s his house, too. Decided to christen my side of the bed last night with just about every liquid he could produce. Then smiled at me like “gotcha!”
by KD Drummond on Feb 22, 2012 8:58 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Just wait till he learns to walk.
Never go to the bathroom alone again.
If I should die before I wake,
feed Jake.
+1
hahaha so true
Optimissum Prime sees nothing but the best for America's Team!!!
by Cowboys_Attack on Feb 22, 2012 12:45 PM CST up reply actions
Congratulations KD
I bet your proud dad.
Hey Washington... D.C. stands for Dallas Cowboys
Jerry the GM…if we could only find a way to get rid of that guy…
Twitter: @silva918
Congratulations!
check out my bands nanoSMASH and Day vs Night
by AustonianAggie on Feb 22, 2012 10:48 AM CST up reply actions
Congrats KD
and the big fish is a bad idea overall
sign the smaller younger fish in FA (less exp) use them to upgrade from the below avg to avg or slightly above…anything else seems to cost more than it is worth
He who laughs last, thinks slowest
The Weather is here, I wish you were beautiful"
Indecision, may or may not be my problem
by BigBad Joe on Feb 22, 2012 8:20 AM CST reply actions 1 recs
congrats KD
I love when the Cowboys family gets bigger.
I don’t mind the big fish model. If we are to institute it, then an all-pro G is the way to go. Solidify our interior line with Nicks, who immediately adds stability and leadership ,but also helps out the yuggs ,and paces the way for them to get better.
At db, our weakest position across the board ,I am not in favor of drafting a cb, and converting him to safety . It sounds good on paper, but kirkpatrick will take a few years to adjust to the speed of the NFL, and learning a new position.
Is like to upgrade our secondary with some solid players, think Porter, Thomas from the Giants, or an Aaron Ross( who could actually play the safety because he’s acclimated to the game) or Marshall. Any 2 of those , along with a cb or two in the draft, and we are able to compete. Remember, we Luke to use all our cbs . We rotate a lot throughout the game , we need upgrades, and all of them are . As for the safety position, is rather draft a barron, then draft a see and move him.
Is also like to draft Ingram in the 1st, you can never have enough pass fishers, and this guy is gonna be a beast . Keep up the good work fellas,
by gogokroz on Feb 22, 2012 8:56 AM CST via mobile up reply actions 1 recs
Congrats to you KD!
Thats the greatest gift in world!
We're here to win football games. The way to do that is to tell him and to get on him at the right times. I do that when you guys (media) don't see and watch.''
What else makes a strong leader?
"You win,'' Romo said. "You're a very good leader once you win.
"That's' what we're going to do.''
by TARHEEL PAUL on Feb 22, 2012 8:23 AM CST reply actions 1 recs
congrats KD
and I have to agree with you. The biggest mistake (IMO) that people have is thinking that we have to fix every hole this year. Name me one team that doesn’t have a hole ya’ll. in the Salary cap era that is going to happen.
What a “Big spend” now does is upgrade a position so that it becomes a strength not just for a year, but for 5-6 years.
this is one reason I am in favor of getting Mario Williams. He would Immediately upgrade the Pass rush and could make it a force for many years. If Dallas then is able to get a couple of decent CB’s in the draft, then toy have the makings of a very good Defense.
and with The pass rush set for the foreseeable future that allows you to focus on the other positions….
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 22, 2012 8:38 AM CST reply actions 1 recs
Perhaps
The best strategy that people have overlooked (including me) is to let Spencer walk, apply that money to Mario Williams to play LOLB opposite Ware, and take remaining dollars and apply towards either G, C, or CB. That way free agency was used to significantly upgrade the pass rush, and improve either the secondary or interior oline. This would enable an ideal BPA strategy during the draft.
Tag Team name for Sean Lee and Bruce Carter is RUSH HOUR
by Rohpuri on Feb 22, 2012 9:26 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
i'm not in favor of signing mario williams
but, its nice to imagine opposing qb’s shaking in fear at the thought of Dware and Mario Williams rushing from the edges…
by CowboysFan4Life on Feb 22, 2012 10:42 AM CST up reply actions
If they actually find a way to sign Mario Williams
I want Rob Ryan to hold a press conference explaining how we plan to switch to 4-3.
There's always money in the banana stand.
Dallas already plays a 4-3
at least that is how teams Defend against us….
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 22, 2012 12:02 PM CST up reply actions
Mario Williams would cost more than the cap room we have...
without Spencer on the payroll. The Cowboys have about $20 million in cap space without Spencer. Williams, if franchised, would cost over $20 million. Besides, who’s gonna drop into coverage, Williams or Ware?
Houston can't afford to franchise him
And he’s not going to make what he did in the last year of his back loaded contract. His cap hit year one will be closer to 10 million than 20.
In reference to all of the 4-3 switch talk- this team is already multiple in its fronts. Every 3-4 team in the league is in the nickel with four down linemen upwards of 70% of the time anyway, that’s why Spencer had so many rushes. Far too much is being made of the base scheme. You’d see everything from RR including fun like bringing ware and Williams off the same side and bringing a DB off the opposite edge or delayed ILB blitz. It’s all about getting someone one on one or better yet coming free altogether in your blitz packages and dramatically increasing the pressure when you bring 4 and play coverage. It’s not like they’d be dropping him off on any second and long or third down plays.
by Linebacker22 on Feb 22, 2012 7:59 PM CST via mobile up reply actions 1 recs
this
times 10 million
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 23, 2012 8:57 AM CST up reply actions
It took me a while to realize you were talking about football
The biggest mistake (IMO) that people have is thinking that we have to fix every hole this year
I thought you referring to the
christen my side of the bed last night with just about every liquid he could producecomment….
Don't believe everything you think.
if Routt is the cheaper...route (at 7 million per)
How much will it take to win Carr in a bidding war???
5 corners with over $10m cap hit in 2012 right now
Champ, Revis, Nnamdi, Asante, Charles Woodson
I’d expect him to come in the $8.5-$10 range depending on the bidding war.
probably
still less then what we’d pay Newman. Oh and he’s only 25!
by Plinkostar on Feb 22, 2012 8:56 AM CST via Android app up reply actions
Congrats on the new addition KD!!
Great news…
Love it when new Cowboy fans are brought into this world.
God bless him!
Go Cowboys.....Go Bulls.....
by goat3000 on Feb 22, 2012 8:50 AM CST reply actions 1 recs
Yes, congrats!
Which OL do you like better?
Smith-Nicks-Nagy-Kowalski-Free
OR
Smith-Holland-Wells-Kosier-Free
That’s the diff between going all in on 1 guy and spreading the $s around.
by DB23 on Feb 22, 2012 8:58 AM CST via mobile reply actions 1 recs
Not necessarily.
We can also obtain a starter for our O-line with a selection in one of the first 3 rounds of the 2012 Draft.
Osemele, Zeitler, Miller, Washington, B.Jones & M. Brewster are all going to be available after the 1st round. Somebody like Lucas Nix might even be available in the 4th.
Get starters that are difference makers in FA, then fill in with low budget JAGS for your back-ups. Wells could also be a ‘difference’ maker that wouldn’t break the Cap budget. There’s some quality young talent in FA, we need to grab a couple of these guys before the well dries up.
Smith/Zeitler/Wells/Nagy/Free
by StarloverinWNC on Feb 22, 2012 1:00 PM CST up reply actions
Haha Congrats man I'm expecting my latest addition Mar. 23rd
Enjoy the good times man!
Optimissum Prime sees nothing but the best for America's Team!!!
by Cowboys_Attack on Feb 22, 2012 10:09 AM CST up reply actions
Congrats too!
Yeah those ratbird fans are really bitter aren’t they? haha.
"Obviously, I felt like if I ran into my lineman there it was going to help the play" ~Tony Romo
player acquisition
The team has talent but the distribution of talent is poor. One has holes that other teams can exploit. Thus one can improve the team significantly by replacing the bottom tier guys with merely average guys.
1. get mid range mid dollar guys who are role models to fill holes, [average > bottom tier]
2. upgrade the talent level and depth in the draft
3. get the expensive positions [see the franchise tag for details] in the draft
4. get the relatively cheaper positions in FA.
5. intangibles are harder to measure but are important
6. spend too much on stars and you tend to skimp on quality depth
7. you have to have good depth across the board- everywhere not in one area
8. you have to develop young guys
9. you have to let guys walk when they get too expensive
10. rinse and repeat
Congrats KD! awesome
as for the post – i like carr better, only bc of age… and then i think if decastro is available, he’s a no brainer… then pick up a cb/s in the 2nd and 3rd, whichever has the best value… then with the rest of the draft, we need ILB, OLB, DE depending on what we do with laurent and spencer
by CowboysFan4Life on Feb 22, 2012 9:07 AM CST reply actions
KD
1) Congrats on having a son. That’s every father’s dream. Important question, will he grow up to be a QB, WR, RB, or Pass Rusher?
2) The realist in me expects them to go Jag in FA, but I really want two difference makers, and then carpet bomb BPA in the draft and UDFA to fill up needs. I don’t want more Frank Walkers and Abe Elams on this team. Hence I don’t want Mike Adams or Abe Elam on the 2012 roster.
3) If I made the decisions, Spencer walks, and I find his replacement in the first or second round. Melvin Ingram, Vinny Curry, Johnathan Massaquoi have potential to be better players at his position. Hell, I’d settle for Courtney Upshaw, as he’ll give you Spencer’s production, maybe slightly better, for less the cost.
4) Along these lines, my ideal scenario would be to let Spencer walk, and go after a FA G/C plus Carr or Grimes. Then go BPA on S, G, C, DT, OLB, CB in the draft.
Bottom line, we’ve all seen enough of Spencer, it’s time to see if we can do better, and we can. He’s not a difference maker.
Tag Team name for Sean Lee and Bruce Carter is RUSH HOUR
by Rohpuri on Feb 22, 2012 9:11 AM CST via mobile reply actions
Congrats KD!
Great timing too.. You’ll be able to stay home with him and show him the ropes on his first “Underwear Olympics!!”
In regards to the Cap.. When is this TV deal supposed to get locked in and could that effect possible contracts now? If we know that cap is goin to increase would be be possible to sign a big free agent now and back end load a 3-5 year deal?
Congrats KD!
As to the post, I would only consider landing the big fish that is Carr or Nicks, because both are young enough to become nucleus players. I don’t want to throw big money at a guy who will be 30+ by the time we fill our other holes.
Also, as far as the Gosselin chat, I thought you wanted guards to be shorter, because interior players play the leverage, who can get lower than who, game?
I ran into a group of men trying to take an old lady's purse and decided it was my duty to help out. She was a tough old broad, but in the end we got her purse.
by MilesAhead on Feb 22, 2012 9:24 AM CST via Android app reply actions
+1
Regarding the money and age issue very much agree!
Optimissum Prime sees nothing but the best for America's Team!!!
by Cowboys_Attack on Feb 22, 2012 10:15 AM CST up reply actions
Thank you!
Formerly Pineywoods - different name, same cockeyed view of the world.
Jason Garrett - Lord of Order
Rob Ryan - Lord of Chaos
Why does everyone think so highly of Gooselin, I think he's a moron
To say being 6-3 isn’t tall enough to be a good interior OL is complete and utter nonsense. OL play is all above leverage and being tall inside is actually detrimental to being able to block the huge DTs.
Obviously Gooselin never played a down of football in his life.
In Romo we Trust
I think he was trying to say they can't add enough to their frames
but i still disagree with him. It’s not your usual interior lineman who can move and get great pad level at 6’5".
Don't believe everything you think.
Gosselin
Gosselin is an old fashioned journalist. More important than what he thinks is what he reports. He talks to the folks that make decisions and they trust him. He makes a mock draft that is remarkably accurate, because it is based on what he is told by the folks who are actually drafting players.
Folks might want to look at the following. The Huddle Report rates folks who make mock drafts. Gosselin rates highly.
Congratulations - I'm jealous, I had two girls :)
I remember some of the best times of my life was holding one of my infants in the middle of the night, all tired and groggy thinking that life couldn’t get any better. It does, it’s awesome, enjoy the ride – best advice I was ever given about kids – “The days are long, the years are short”.
I think I’m in your corner on this post, to an extent – I don’t want a Mario Williams, as I don’t want to hamstring the cap for the foreseeable future. Carr is the best big signing they could make IMO, as then it allows them to go DeCastro in the 1st if he’s available. If Carr gets 10 million, then its time to walk away. 10 million on any one player is too much for me, assuming that Spencer leaves, Robinson and Fiammetta stay, and they can pick up one of the FA centers for a reasonable amount. I think the Cowboys should bring in Matt Roth to plug Spencer’s “hole”, try for Carr at Newman’s current salary, and see who they can draft second round for OLB growth behind Roth, who will be replaced by mid to late season.
Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not his own facts.
"Meanwhile, like a bitter wine, Philadelphia’s jealousy fermented in the dark cellars of pride and resentment. With no playoff hopes of their own, Eagles fans turned towards hating the Cowboys." Steve Sabol, NFL films
+1
And who’s to say they can’t structure Carr’s contract to have a more modest $6-7 million hit this year, with increasing totals when the TV contracts push the cap up next year?
I ran into a group of men trying to take an old lady's purse and decided it was my duty to help out. She was a tough old broad, but in the end we got her purse.
by MilesAhead on Feb 22, 2012 9:45 AM CST via Android app up reply actions
They could but
Teams with more cap room can blow him away with year 1 $s. since these.contracts are not guaranteed guys like to get big $s early. Look at Jahri Evans- his yr 1 cap hit was higher than his contract average yearly value.
by DB23 on Feb 22, 2012 9:50 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
Agreed - and there are numerous temas that can do that.
I don’t see Carr coming to the Cowboys, but it’s sure nice to dream LOL
Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not his own facts.
"Meanwhile, like a bitter wine, Philadelphia’s jealousy fermented in the dark cellars of pride and resentment. With no playoff hopes of their own, Eagles fans turned towards hating the Cowboys." Steve Sabol, NFL films
Can't we prorate a huge signing bonus.
Like 10 million up front over 5 years. 4-6 million this year escalating to 6-8 by the end. He gets his money now and we take less of a hit this year.
by The Loco Llama on Feb 22, 2012 10:35 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
Yes but
unless you guarantee the back end money, he may never see it……that is what we are up against with so many teams having huge $$ under the cap……
btw most contracts are structured like you suggested, but alot of the players are cut before the big money at the end, that is why the real contract $$ are only the bonus and guaranteed money
He who laughs last, thinks slowest
The Weather is here, I wish you were beautiful"
Indecision, may or may not be my problem
Definitely true
But I guess it comes down to how well they can sell him on it. Would you rather come to the Cowboys (no state income tax) for a solid signing bonus and a guaranteed year 2 roster bonus and be a part of a team that has the pieces in place to be competitive soon, or take the same amount as an upfront bonus to play for the Jaguars and mire in mediocrity through the prime of your career?
I ran into a group of men trying to take an old lady's purse and decided it was my duty to help out. She was a tough old broad, but in the end we got her purse.
by MilesAhead on Feb 22, 2012 10:45 AM CST via Android app up reply actions
Can Scandrick move to safety
He seems like he is aggressive and a good tackler and would have better than average cover skills for a safety
Like Mensa said
The good tight ends and WRs would beat him over the top. He lacks quickness.
Tag Team name for Sean Lee and Bruce Carter is RUSH HOUR
by Rohpuri on Feb 22, 2012 9:52 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
That puzzles me
Thought that’s why he played the slot WR’s was due to his quickness. Speed is different, and that’s where he’s lacking. In tight quarters he’s good, in space, maybe not.
I see 3 areas of need: Interior OL, Defensive backfield, pass rush. One of these is going to go unaddressed, there’s too many holes and its the wrong time to go half-assed.
All this plays to my contention DAL will again wait for the FA market to settle, fill needs at a mid-price level. Supply will drive the choices to some extent, but I see Pass rush as the odd man out here.
'I have wasted Time and Time doth waste me'
Jerry Jones as Richard II - Act 5, Scene 5
Not sure I agree with that
He plays slot corner due to his quickness and most tight ends aren’t overly quick or have blazing straight line speed, they use their physical power and footwork to get open. Scandrick’s best attribute is his physical play and I feel he could stay with tight ends.
Oh and if I am not mistaken Scandrick fan a 4.3 40 time
That is not someone who is slow by any means
Quickness and Speed aren't the same
when talking about a players quickness, you are more refering to their “change of Direction” vs speed which tends to be straight line…
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 22, 2012 12:05 PM CST up reply actions
That makes sense
And is why I am a bit confused. I thought slot corners were supposed to be quick but again I could be wrong on that. I brought up the speed thing because I don’t see how a guy who runs 4.3 at the safety spot could be beaten consistently over the top. Just trying to clarify because I am not well versed on speed/quickness and what is necessary for the safety spot
He lacks ball awareness. See the Cruz catch in the second Giants game.
Imagine Graham or Gronk. Those guys would abuse Scandrick. Scandrick is little. Those guy would flick him off like a mosquito. Big beats small in those situations. You think Scandrick could cover Fitz when Fitz beats the cb ? Nope.
Jerry is the end all in Dallas.
by football mensa on Feb 22, 2012 8:31 PM CST up reply actions
Cap Question!
It seems every year we can wriggle out an extra 5-7 million more than originally forecasted wtih our cap. Do you guys think it would be feasible to add Paul Solai (DT), Brandon Carr (CB), and Michael Griffin (S) with 26 million? Maybe drop Kosier, Brooking, and other players.
Keeping in mind we would have to let Laurent Robinson go and sign a cheaper addition if not developed from within. I would rather alocate that 5-6 million towards a stud DT with another 2-3 added for a fresh face. Thus helping out our DE dilemma/depth wtih Ratliff sliding over.
Resign Bradie James, Parnell, Montrae Holland, maybe Ball
by Noonelikestheeagles on Feb 22, 2012 10:04 AM CST reply actions
Maybe Holland and Parnell
But no to James and no to Ball. It won’t help Carter develop and I don’t want to lose Robinson.
by soonercowboy14 on Feb 22, 2012 1:42 PM CST up reply actions
Parnell and Geathers need to have their chance this preseason.
by Jonathan Stern on Feb 22, 2012 10:20 PM CST up reply actions
The ticking clock...
Wow, I felt alone in the woods when I mentioned Mario Williams yesterday. When signing big ticket free agents, I agree it’s a foolish approach to team building when for the last few years teams have become so skilled at managing the cap that all we would see are players north of 30 unlikely to play at a high level for the majority of the contract.
This year the reduction in cap and previous uncapped year has presented a unique situation where there is a real possibility that at least one of three players in their prime hits the market in Williams, Carr, and Nicks. Scott Pioli came out yesterday saying the the Chiefs still want to re-sign Carr even with the addition of Routt and they certainly have the money. If Brees re-signs before FA begins it frees up the cap for Nicks leaving Williams as the only one of the three that appears sure to hit the market.
The only time you’re truly rebuilding in this league, without trying to contend in the process, is if you don’t have a quarterback. This team has a small window where that isn’t a concern, so my FA interests reflect that. A center, Myers, Hardwick, or Wells, and any one of the big three would truly free up the team to use a BPA strategy on draft day.
by Linebacker22 on Feb 22, 2012 10:05 AM CST via mobile reply actions
I would...
I would love to go after Carr but I don’t think they need to put all the eggs in one basket. I agree with most posters that they wait for free agency to settle down and sign a lot of second tier FA’s, I also read that Wells is basically done in GB.
Congrats KD! huge fan of your work. My son is going to be 10 weeks old on Friday, holding him for the first time was such a great feeling. Oh and he already has a Bryant jersey.
by It's Our Deztiny88 on Feb 22, 2012 10:25 AM CST reply actions
Congrats KD
My Son has been a joy. I wish the same for you.
To the signing Nicks Carr idea. If you look at our roster we have 51 players under contract right now, and 3 of them are kickers. If we let Newman go as expected, that gives us 50 under contract.
After we take out the money for the rookie pool that leaves us about 15 million. If we sign both Nicks and Carr where do we get the money just to give us a roster? Don’t get me wrong. If it can be done then sign me up. But I just can’t see it.
by BluegrassCowboy on Feb 22, 2012 10:27 AM CST reply actions
KD congrats big man
I had my daughter up here in Frederick Maryland…I named her Landry. I got so many “Awww like Laron Landy!!” Then I had to burst their little Redskin bubbles and tell them…no…like Tom Landry…you know, that ACTUAL legend
You aint been around in awhile, maybe you haven't heard........I don't shine shoes no more
by markdamack on Feb 22, 2012 10:34 AM CST reply actions 1 recs
No fair.
You now have the hands- down, best profile picture in BTB land!
I am so happy for you.
Formerly Pineywoods - different name, same cockeyed view of the world.
Jason Garrett - Lord of Order
Rob Ryan - Lord of Chaos
here's my wishlist
i’d like a solid guard (nicks or grubbs) .. a solid veteran center (myers or wells) .. a mid range cb (terrell thomas) .. resign laurent robinson
CONGRATS KD!!!
kids are by far the greatest gift in the world. mine are all gone in another year and it sucks. i deff gonna miss them. enjoy them while there young.
i agree alot with this plan of attack. if Dallas was paying T-Old 8 million and it was ok why not pay Carr 9 million for someone 6 years younger and a better player. if moving Scandrick to FS has any merit then draft Dre or Jenkins and this secondary is set for 5-7 years.
im still on the DeCastro bandwagon, just hearing him being somewhat compared to LA makes him worth the pick
finish the Oline rebuild
by yehti on Feb 22, 2012 11:41 AM CST via mobile reply actions
Love Nicks and Carr but...
We have $20M in cap once Newman is gone. Losing Buehler and Coleman and you have another $3M…which is likely. So $23M.
Nicks has already said he’s looking for roughly $8M a year based on being paid more than Evans. Carr will certainly go for all of that and maybe more….$9M.
As much as I’d love to have both Nicks and Carr…with other signings we can’t afford to pay two guys upwards of $17-$18M. We need a veteran FA…QB, C, and CB at the very least. A veteran LB and DL would nice too.
Now I subcribe to quality vs. quantity…but with so many needs we’re going the HAVE to sign 2-3 2nd tier veteran FAs to just fill out the roster…and then hopefully one prize in the FA class.
I’d prefer Nicks but either Nicks or Carr then $5-$6M on a FA C, QB, and G/CB depending on whether we go Nicks/Carr.
This all maybe just a fantasy also…because there’s a good chance Nicks will be franchised and the same with Carr. The Chiefs stated that they want Carr back and they have something like $38M in cap. If NO signs Brees long-term…Nicks will be franchised.
Im not saying
Im just saying… he shares a birthday with Michael Jordan and Jim Brown :)
I will not pull a Marinovich.
by KD Drummond on Feb 22, 2012 12:33 PM CST via Android app reply actions
Congratulations, Dad!
Blessings and good health to you and your family.
Congrats!
Please check out the charity that I run, Fort Worth Music Outreach@ www.fortworthmusicoutreach.org
CONGRATS KD.. You just tipped the scale in Dallas' favor in the fight for the DMV
Couple Things:
Won’t there be another $6 mil in cap space, once TNew is cut? Meaning, they would really have $26 mil to spend. If Kosier, Coleman, and Ogletree are cut would that add another $3 mil?
The only corner that should even command a big time contract is Carr. Grimes is too old to give a 5+ year deal. Finnegan will get overpaid, and I hope we aren’t the ones.
I really hope that they can agree on a deal with Spencer. I want him back, but not at an almost $9 mil cap hit. Think he agrees to 3 years/ $18 mil?
I like the idea of signing one of the best Centers in FA, instead of Guards. Not only because they cost less, but you usually get more years out of a C.
I’m really looking forward to seeing the CB’s, OG’s, and OLB/DE’s in this combine. Especially, Melvin Ingram, Kirkpatrick, Fleming, DeCastro, and Brooks.
by Ceasaleo on Feb 22, 2012 4:41 PM CST via mobile reply actions
what we need to
is get some newbies in the secondary keep our linebackers, i actually think we need to bring SPENCER BACK because we can draft a high on a OLB NEXT YEAR and worry about OUR NEEDS and help out the d line NT in FA
FEAR THE STAR
I agree with everything you said.
Though I’m with Terry on Gosselin being a moron, I wouldn’t mind drafting a guy like DeCastro if we take care of CB (the biggest priority) in FA. Good article.
congrats KD,
i hope he can say (or at least think) on his first birthday, ‘Well, I’m rooting for the current world champions!’ :)
kids are wonderful, and they tend to sleep well in your arms while you are watching the game, at least here – my newborn got me through for a few times when otherwise i would’ve had a cardiac arrest due to our beloved Cowboys turning up the heat – on themselves.
and on the other hand, you now have a secret weapon for the 10-for-10 contest :)
Mario Williams would be worth it
He is better than any defensive player in this draft. He could be schemed in and the Cowboys would not have any pass rush problems anymore.
by Jonathan Stern on Feb 22, 2012 10:16 PM CST reply actions
he would definately help the dbs
I just don’t think we have a chance.
He's good, but he's no Danny White!
by Shaymer on Feb 22, 2012 10:49 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
As for signing a talent such as Carr
I think it would be worth it if your going into next year with the confidence that some players at other positions are going to step up so you don’t have to spend in order to compensate for their inability to start or contribute significantly (OL, DL, WR, backup QB, etc.). Also it eliminates a need in the draft but you’ve got to acknowledge that M. Jenkins is in the last year of his rookie contract and you need to make a decision if he is an option to resign or does Carr take his spot in the future while you still take a corner in this draft for depth. Either way I think JG went into last season knowing that it was a 2-3 year remodeling project with a plan in mind of doing it through the draft which I believe is the right way because it is a proven method.
Common sense is not common.
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