Waiting on Marion Barber and Flozell Adams news
by Dave Halprin (Grizz)
on Feb 28, 2008 11:45 AM CST
in News
23 comments
It’s coming! Free agency will hit the masses at midnight tonight and the silly season kicks into high-gear.
I’m still waiting to see the official word on what tender the Cowboys place on Marion Barber – and Chris Canty for that matter. Yesterday, Clarence Hill stated very matter-of-factly that the Cowboys will only place a first-round tender on MB3. That raised a few eyebrows on this here blog, but Todd Archer says it will probably be a 1st and 3rd-round tender.
Pro Bowl running back Marion Barber is expected to receive the highest tender, worth $2.562 million, which would require a team to fork over a first- and third-round pick if the Cowboys chose not to match an offer. Defensive end Chris Canty is expected to receive the first-round tender worth $2.017 million.
Who to believe? We’ll know by 4 PM today when the tenders have to be in. Whatever the case, there’s almost no chance of a long-term deal being worked out before the deadline so MB3 will be testing the market. The Cowboys will have the opportunity to match any offer that MB3 gets, but if the price is too high, or a poison pill is inserted, might we have seen the last of MB3 in a Cowboys uniform? I, for one, certainly hope that isn’t the case. But, as I stated before, if you can get a 1st and 3rd for MB3, and the 1st is high enough, you have to consider that.
Oh the agony of the wait! In the meantime, go over to the DMN blog and read all about MB3 through the words of the excitable Drew Rosenhaus. But keep in mind that Rosenhaus is trying to drum up interest in MB3 to get maximum dollar, so everything he says must be viewed through that prism.
In terms of our own free agent, Flozell Adams, Archer also reports that the Cowboys will be working right up to the deadline to get him signed.
Free agency begins at 11 p.m. [12 AM EST] Thursday, and there is a chance the Cowboys will go deep into the night to keep one of their own.
The Cowboys and Jordan Woy, who represents left tackle Flozell Adams, are expected to continue negotiations Thursday in hopes of keeping the veteran in Dallas for a 12th season and beyond.
One of the names that Cowboys fans have thrown around in free agency is Bernard Berrian. The guy has the wheels but it looks like he’s going for maximum dollars and the Vikings appear interested in giving it to him.
He likely will be seeking guaranteed money well above the $9.5 million {Kevin} Curtis got from Philadelphia last year. The Chicago Sun-Times reported Berrian turned down the Bears' last offer, $25 million contract over five years that included $8 million in guarantees.
I think that will be a little rich for the Cowboys liking
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Grizz...You don't think getting "just" a 1st..is
Good enough ??
by BoyzRback07 on
Feb 28, 2008 11:51 AM CST
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It all depends on where it is...
I value MB3 very highly. I, unlike a lot of people, have no problem envisioning MB3 as an every-down, feature back. The idea that he isn't and can't carry the load doesn't resonate with me. It's funny how Michael Turner is considered one, yet he's never showed it in the NFL. Granted, he hasn't had the opportunity, but it's still a leap of faith. I guess it all depends on your view of things, and I love MB3 and think he is an outstanding back and we should pay him good money to stay.
by Dave Halprin (Grizz) on
Feb 28, 2008 11:58 AM CST
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I agree grizz
Like you said I just hope the pick is a mid to high pick,Not from ...say Tampa bay...Ya know???
by TrueBlue24 on
Feb 28, 2008 12:03 PM CST
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I want MBIII here as well..that's been .....
Been our mindset the whole time...till now...Personally I don't think he should get 6-9 million a year(which I am sure Rosenhaus is seeking)
It's not that I don't think Barber can be a featured back....sure he can...but has he done enough already to prove it, and deserve a top 5 RB salary ...I don't think so...and from the way things look, neither does Jerry by putting the 1st only tender, and his opinion is the only one that matters I guess.
I wouldn't be pissed and revolt or boycott gaims...this is business my man...Rosenhaus is going to do whatever he can to get MBIII as much as he can..and there are some seriously desperate running teams out there with lots and lots of cap space...We couldn't afford to sign MBIII to ANY kind of 12 million bonus + 6-9 million a year at this point...we don't have the cap room...Why aren't people bitching about losing a more important guy in Flo ???....cuz we can't afford him either...
Michael Turner will not command as bit a salary, imo, cuz he isn't a pro bowler, and wasn't able to display his talents in a two back system...if Turner was given as many carries(150+) as JuJo this year..he'd have even more value than he already has...so expect him to come cheaper than MBIII.
by BoyzRback07 on
Feb 28, 2008 12:21 PM CST
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More important guy in Flo?
Look, Flo is a great LT, but MB3 is way more important to the future of this team, in my opinion. I saw this coming with Flo, who has maybe 2 good years left and will want a big payday. I never imagined going into this season without MB3.
Any first round pick in the bottom half of the round is not equal value for MB3. I'm very worried, though frankly Rosenhaus's contract demands actually make me think we'll be able to keep him at the tender level, at least for this year.
by grapejoos on
Feb 28, 2008 12:31 PM CST
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then what ? that is illogical and won't happen..
Barber is going to get an offer....I can all but bet my house on that..
A RB more important than a Pro Bowl LT ????...lol...i'll let Terry argue that one...or anyone else that knows the importance of a quality LT.
I never imagined going into this season without MB3.
Time to imagine it....LOL.
by BoyzRback07 on
Feb 28, 2008 12:43 PM CST
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Look
I understand that a LT is more important than an RB on balance. My statement was based on the relative ages of the players, their cap numbers, and their projected futures. I assumed Flo would walk in free agency before the season ended, so that is an easier pill to swallow. I am not a draft junkie, but I know that many RBs are drafted highly and fizzle. You simply cannot count on getting MB3's level of production out of any rookie in this draft, though there is of course a chance that you will. In a word, it is risky, and a risk not worth taking.
Losing Flo would hurt, but we have several offensive linemen who have been waiting for a chance to start and Bigg, who has played LT before (though I don't want to move him). We also have the ability to draft one, if need be, and as many have said, rookies can do well at LT (Ugoh, McNeil). We have no other RBs on our roster (borrowing your trick here). Barber is also a fan favorite, and for all of those reasons I view him as more important to our organization.
As for what I said about the likelihood of MB3 getting a contract, if he isn't worth what Rosenhaus is asking to us, do you really think he'll be worth it to another team that has to give up a first round pick (and maybe a 3rd rounder) and at least as much money? I have my doubts. In any case, I'm going on record that letting MB3 go for anything less than a first round pick higher than #15 is a horrifically stupid move. I've said before that I wouldn't trade MB3 straight up for DMac and a big rookie contract, and I'll say it again. We'll see what happens.
by grapejoos on
Feb 28, 2008 2:14 PM CST
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I agree with MBIII being a fan favorite.
But if that's the only basis of keeping him, that's not justifying the reward to value quotient.
Losing Flo would hurt, but we have several offensive linemen who have been waiting for a chance to start and Bigg, who has played LT before (though I don't want to move him). We also have the ability to draft one, if need be, and as many have said, rookies can do well at LT (Ugoh, McNeil
I don't want to lose Flo...But i've accepted that...I agree with what you said about that.
You simply cannot count on getting MB3's level of production out of any rookie in this draft, though there is of course a chance that you will. In a word, it is risky, and a risk not worth taking.
I never proposed we rely on a rookie to deliver as a featured back here in our pass happy offense. I propose we make a run at Michael Turner, who I feel is equally as talented as Barber..So it really comes down to us trading Barber for Turner...and you certainly can argue that one is better than the other. But if this was to occur, we would STILL have an added 1st round draft pick...
So if you asked me, and any other objective football person in the world if they would take Turner & a 1st rounder over MBIII....it would be a resounding 100% YES....so please try to look at it as such.....
As far as MBIII not getting a lucrative contract offer..Be prepared for a team that is willing to give MBIII a 6 million+/per contract(Detroit, Carolina, Chicago, Houston, Arizona, Tampa) all come to mind...
Jerry can't and is unable to do so with our cap limitations....plain and simple....If MBIII wants to stay in Dallas...he will have to accept 3.5-4.5 million/per....or forget it.
We are not going to tender him just to have him for one more season with NO compensation....Canty will get a deal long before MBIII....you count on that...
by BoyzRback07 on
Feb 28, 2008 3:03 PM CST
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Fair enough
I would trade MB3 for Turner and a first rounder, yes. I'm not sure that Turner would be significantly cheaper than MB3, though. Turner + a first round pick would likely cost more, though is also worth more. I see your points, but I still think that MB3 is a more valuable asset to this team than Adams, all things considered (and that has very little to do with him being a fan favorite and a lot to do with him being a great football player).
At least we gave him the high tender, so now the real fun can begin.
by grapejoos on
Feb 28, 2008 3:47 PM CST
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I agree with boyz on this one grape
LT is much more important than RB, especially in our offense. We're not a running team, but a passing team so having someone to protect Romo's blindside is much more important than a RB who can average more than 100 yds per game.
IMO, the RBs in this draft are much better than who we would replace for Flo. Don't get me wrong, I love MB3 and think he is one hell of a back, but our offense is not centered around him its centered around Romo, T.O., Witten and the passing game. A very important part of that success is a LT who can keep Romo upright.
With another 1st rd pick, Jerry will be able get either Mendenhall or Stewart very easily and I think both of those guys will be good enough in the passing offense we run.
by Terry on
Feb 28, 2008 12:56 PM CST
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I'm actually surprised that Jerry
is allowing MB3 to hit the open market. Our scouts must truly believe that either Mendenhall or Stewart is the real deal.
Regarding Flozell, I have this gut feeling that Jerry and Stephen will "git r dun" late tonight and Flo will be continue being Romo's bodyguard for a few more years until Free or somebody else is ready.
The thought of going into next season without Flo actually terrifies me to be quite honest, I think he's that good.
by Terry on
Feb 28, 2008 12:17 PM CST
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by letting MB go..would actually help to sign Flo
that would be over 2 million more that can go into Flo's contract....another thought as to why this make sense.
by BoyzRback07 on
Feb 28, 2008 12:24 PM CST
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As much as I would hate to see MB3 go
could you imagine if the boys were able to secure a RB, WR and CB all in the first round? That is a serious talent infusion right there. MB3 is an incredible RB and brings so much energy to the team but if Rosenhaus is starry eyed, he may just price him out of the boys range. Remember, players and their agents make really dumb decisions sometimes, not just the teams signing them.
by Billito on
Feb 28, 2008 1:53 PM CST
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Just Imagine this....
Jonathan Stewart, DRC, and say Malcolm Kelly in the first round...all with contracts less than Barber.
Add a possible lose of Canty to that mix..........
....lmao...wow...
Throw in OL Williams, Clady, Albert, or Otah....
RB,CB,WR,OL
...all in the first round..impressive.
It could happen.............
picks rd.2 - rd.7 would be purely icing in the cake.
by BoyzRback07 on
Feb 28, 2008 2:02 PM CST
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I'd rather have Mendenhall and Thomas
I need to see Kelly run his 40 before I pass jugdment on him.
by Terry on
Feb 28, 2008 2:10 PM CST
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Kelly will run a faster 40...we'll see..either or
that's just a scenario...I'd actually trade out of the first with our #28...grab Thomas early rd. 2..
by BoyzRback07 on
Feb 28, 2008 2:15 PM CST
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As long as your scenario plays out...
MBIII has to be at least considered expendable. But I don't know if it is worth giving him up for the sake of drafting ONE player (that shall remain unnamed).
I bet Rosenhaus plays a greater role in whether MBIII stays or leaves than does Jerry Jones. Good thoughts, kingbillito.
by goodjobtimmyheresabluestar on
Feb 28, 2008 2:05 PM CST
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Dallas wants him here, and MB wants to be here...
but all bets are off as of midnight tonight...If he is offered more than 5 million a year.....Jerry will not match that...I think he is expenable..as you say...As much as i like MBIII, I'd take a top 25 pick for him...
by BoyzRback07 on
Feb 28, 2008 2:25 PM CST
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I like Flo just as much as the next guy...but
I think he may be a little overated. Why? Well, alot of time, the linemen, especially the tackles, are judges on stats in terms of how many sacks they allow. A good part of the reason flo didn't allow many sacks is because of Romo's ability to sense pocket pressure and move out of harms way. Kinda go's for Columbo too, to an extent.
Now, I am not saying these guys aren't good, because they are. However, I wouldn't say that they are great. A QB like Romo can make poor guys look good, good guys look great, and great ones look elite.
Just remember that if we loose flo. Because if we do, we just need a solid, dependable tackle that can get the job done. And if they can keep the penalties down, then that would be a huge bonus.
just my opinion.
by airtyme on
Feb 28, 2008 2:43 PM CST
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I respectfully disagree
You can't name me 5 better LTs in the league, he's one of the very best, and I actually feel he's highly underrated. All he does is shut down the league's best pass rushers on a consistent basis. Give me that and I'll take a few false starts every single game and be happier than a lark.
by Terry on
Feb 28, 2008 2:50 PM CST
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a false start or holding call is just as bad...
as a sack....it completely changes play calling and field position...
And since Flo was second in the entire league in false starts and holding calls, you must take that into account as well...when grading OT's.
by BoyzRback07 on
Feb 28, 2008 3:08 PM CST
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I disagree because you don't lose a down
and I've noticed we usually made up that penalty yardage of 5 yards on a false start. I agree holding calls hurt much worse but Flo doesn't hold that often, its usually false starts with him.
by Terry on
Feb 28, 2008 3:13 PM CST
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He was secong in the league in holding...
but it's all a mute point...I truly feel he's gone...and i'm all for saving money with younger guys, than paying out of desperation to extend a multi year deal on an aging vet....I do not want a 35 year old LT playing here in a few years...
by BoyzRback07 on
Feb 28, 2008 5:05 PM CST
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