Javon Walker and Tatum Bell: Future Cowboys?
by Tuna Helper on Feb 29, 2008 4:54 PM CST
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Dallas may have an eye on two former Broncos.
Tatum Bell, a Texas native who was traded from Denver to Detroit last year, may be the change-up back to replace Julius Jones. He’s got wheels and he desperately wants to get out of Motown, although he claims speculation of trade demands were inaccurate. He was just frustrated with the lack of playing time. Apparently Dallas has shown interest and we've got plenty of playing time to spare.
Seems odd that the 'Boys would want to replace Jones with Bell. Some of the criticism that bugged us about Jones applies to Bell. He's fast but he's not going to break any tackles. He's had injury problems. He has rushed for 1,000 yards in this league and does have big play ability. Just seems like we'd be switching one type of runner for that exact type of runner. But then again, if the money is right and he understands his role as the change-up back and not the featured back, maybe that's the point. A cheaper version of Jones who's more appreciative of his chance to be part of an offensive juggernaut.
Hat tip to silverblue5 for his diary on Tatum Bell here.
Also Javon Walker has been released by the Broncos. I’ve discussed my thoughts on a potential move to get him here. Nonetheless, he’s available now. He’s also a big fan of receivers coach Ray Sherman. Key quote:
If the Cowboys are interested, then they could have a potential closer on their side.
Walker holds receivers coach Ray Sherman in the highest regard. Sherman coached Walker in Green Bay and helped him become a Pro Bowler. He was also instrumental in Walker dealing with the death of Darrent Williams last off-season.
Again, if the Cowboys are interested, money will play a part - and they don't have a lot of it at the moment - but Sherman can give the Cowboys a big advantage.
I'm notoriously fickle, so I could warm up to a Walker deal. He's a unique weapon when he's healthy. He can run, jump, make tough catches, break tackles. I just worry about his affect on our locker room. Normally, I'm not a guy who thinks all players need to get along, go out to eat and pay for each other's lapdances at the local strip club. But the fact that Walker has complained his way out of two good situations worries me. If he comes here, he's got to understand he's not the man. He's the man sitting next to the man (Jason Witten) sitting next to the man (T.O). Just saying.
Seems like Asante Samuel is headed to the Eagles. Great. That’s just what we need. Another great cornerback in Philly. Just awesome.
Hat tip to sduncan24 for his diary on the Samuel signing here.
Here’s a wrap-up of free agency news at ESPN's Harshmarks. Jerry Porter just signed with the Jags. I thought he'd be a good fit here but $30 million is way too rich for my blood. Also Jacques Reeves is visiting four teams. Have they seen some of his work in the playoff game? How 'bout the New England game? Good luck with that.
Actually, Reeves played pretty well for us. All sarcasm aside, I wish him well. I'm also wishing for an upgrade at the position.
Don Banks throws his two cents into the ring about free agency. How narcissitic do you have to be to criticize moves ONE DAY after free agency started? Anyways, he’s not a big fan of what Tuna’s doing up in Miami.
The same can't be said about Jerry Jones. Tom Orsborn believes Jerry Jones deserves a standing ovation for recent moves to sign Flo and trade Fergie.
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Hey, I'm o.k. with Bell & Walker
Not sure we could afford them and I don't think they are going to set the world on fire but both guys have lots of potential and this would be it for both of them. Seriously, Dallas has a bakers dozen of pro bowlers, a solid group of players character wise (outside of the original 81 who loves himself a little too much), a super solid group of coaches and an owner that cares. If that won't bring out the best in a good player who wants to play for a winner they have nothing left and I really think both players have something left.
by JJshairgel on Feb 29, 2008 5:23 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Only question about Walker is
how healthy is he?
If he is healthy then he could be a great addition to this team.
by coolaid on Feb 29, 2008 5:32 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
A bit unfair to Don Banks
After all, his column is called Snap Judgements. And plenty has happened in one day of free agency -- enough to comment on anyway. I thought it was a decent read.
Anyway, how are so many of these contracts announced so quickly after FA begins. Does the league turn a blind eye to the player courtship that happens before?
by goodjobtimmyheresabluestar on Feb 29, 2008 6:09 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I'm glad Samuel signed with Philly
because he's overrated IMO. There is a reason why he's had so many INTs over the last few years, its because QBs know they can beat him and therefore throw at him a lot, his coverage abilities are not great.
If he was really that good, the Pats would have never allowed him to walk.
I'm looking forward to seeing Romo and T.O. toast him on a regualr basis.
by Terry on Feb 29, 2008 6:45 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
here's the money quote in the Orsborn article
And for all of you wondering why the Cowboys apparently aren’t going after any big-name free agents, consider this quote to Pro Football Weekly from an NFL front-office type who requested anonymity:
"The best time to enter the free-agent market is after the first wave. You get in early and you’re going to pay through the roof. The market always pushes up the price tag. I’m not interested in overpaying anyone. To me, you can find good value after the first wave every year. You just have to go back to the tape and look hard for it. A lot of money every year goes to the guys with big names – the Jevon Kearses. He was done when the Eagles signed him. What has he done since? But his name was a big draw."
Last year Ken Hamlin, this year ???
by Terry on Feb 29, 2008 7:02 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Speaking of Hamlin
Glad we tagged him...just look at the deal Madieu Williams got from Minnesota ($33 million, 6 years). Being a free agent in today's NFL is a sweet deal.
by grapejoos on Feb 29, 2008 7:18 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
well...it was stupid to just tag him....
now he's going to be getting 7 million/year, at the least....and more than likely a deal won't be inked...and we'll lose him next spring in free agency.........Hamlin could've been signed for less than 6 million/year if we had just did it these last few weeks.....now the market is set too high....you think Madieu Williams contract is high...look here :
WILSON TO RAIDERS
Winning a Super Bowl is the NFL's equivalent of the time-honored "beer goggles." Suddenly, the players on the team with the trophy look better than they really are.
And the Giants are experiencing some of that on the first day of free agency, less than four weeks after securing their first championship of the free-agency era. Gone are linebacker Kawika Mitchell, linebacker Reggie Torbor, and (per Nancy Gay of the San Francisco Chronicle and Adam Schefter of NFL Network) safety Gibril Wilson.
Schefter reports that the deal is for the six-year, $39 million package that Jay Glazer of FOXSports.com reported the Raiders had offered.
http://www.profootballtalk.com
by BoyzRback07 on Feb 29, 2008 7:54 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Stupid? Give me a break
First--that contract is insane. Agreed there.
As for Hamlin, do you think that there was some misunderstanding as to what the contracts were going to look like for top free agents? I'm sure the Boys would have loved to sign Hamlin to a multi-year deal at the tag price, and I'm sure Hamlin would have said no thanks. Hamlin would have gotten $7m/year THIS offseason based on these contracts. Players and agents knew this was coming, just look at how fast these contracts have been inked. We'd all like to keep Hammer in town I think, but for now we get him for a year at far below market rate. It doesn't necessarily mean he won't be back after this year.
Hats off to Jerry for getting Hamlin and Flo back for the absolute minimum price possible. Have a little faith as far as next year goes...do you really have reason to doubt that Jerry will bring him back if he plays well and we can make it work cap-wise?
by grapejoos on Feb 29, 2008 8:33 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I agree
They had to tag Hamlin, he was the top rated safety on every single FA ranking list. He would have gotten more than Madieu Williams, that's for certain.
Jerry played this one well, keeping Hamlin for at least next season, plus getting Flo re-signed (I didn't think he'd get it done.)
by APerfectStar on Feb 29, 2008 8:37 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
good luck to that...
Jerry will bring him back if he plays well and we can make it work cap-wise?
by BoyzRback07 on Feb 29, 2008 9:56 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Wait
Yeah, it will be tough. But I thought you had a bunch of plans that would allow us to free up the cap space by cutting Roy, Ayodele, Fergie, etc. to bring in Jenkins, or Rogers, or (the other) Roy Williams, or McFadden, etc? Couldn't the same plan be used to keep Hamlin? Or will that not work? I'm not a cap expert.
I really don't understand your criticism of Jerry here. Is it that he couldn't force Hamlin to sign for less than he's worth? Because that's what he did with the franchise tag. Is it that he re-signed Flo (for below-market price)? I'm honestly puzzled.
by grapejoos on Feb 29, 2008 10:03 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
He sacrificed Hamlin to bring back Flo...
Yeah, it will be tough.
But I thought you had a bunch of plans that would allow us to free up the cap space by cutting Roy, Ayodele, Fergie, etc. to bring in Jenkins, or Rogers, or (the other) Roy Williams, or McFadden, etc?
I had plans to make cap room for DMac, Jenkins, Williams, and Rodgers ?...I'd sure love to see where I posted that.
I'm pretty sure I was expressing the windfall of rediculous salaries we have on this team for overvalued, underperfoming players that i'd like to purge from our roster next year after june 1st 2009....Fergie, Ayodele, Glenn, Williams, Kosier, Henry....to free up room for flexability to secure players like, Columbo, Newman, Ware, TO .......That all goes out the window now....
I was very content to let Flo go...sure, everyone's happy now...so aren't I...and if we are afforded an opportunity next year to retain Hamlin, good....but with the contracts that were just laid out, I can assure you he is going to test the market next year....no doubt about it. And if you think Hamlin is worth more than 7 million a year now, which I sure as hell don't.
You could only assume next season he is going to be worth over 8 million...ok..go right ahead and pay 8 million a year on a safety...brilliant move Jerry. I know I'd love a 400% raise.
I'm a believer that players are to earn their salaries, in a tier system...first contract, do good, get rewarded with second contract, sustain excellence, third paycheck is your reward for longevity and outstanding play...
At the time of franchising Hamlin,he was given the average of the top 5 players in the league. a mere 4.4 million dollars..NOW you have fiscally irresponsible clubs that wallow in the basement of the league year in and year out, giving outrageously overvalued contracts to marginal players..(Madius Williams and Gibril Wilson)...which now drives the usually reserved and humbled average salary of a safety to over 7 million dollars. brilliant I say....what in the world do you guys think Terrence Newman is now going to demand ? ...well...the going rate for him will be about 11 million ..hmm...I guess we can franchise him next year too.....the top average for a CB next year to franchise....12 million.....good luck to that....
Couldn't the same plan be used to keep Hamlin? Or will that not work? I'm not a cap expert.
sure, I guess we can sign Hamlin to a 6 year/48 million dollar contract, 25 million guaranteed.....cuz that is exactly what he is going to cost us....Now we can franchise Newman at a cap rat of 12 million....cool...ok....what about unrestricted free agents Canty and Barber ????....well, let's look at that...Canty....a good player who I feel will be taken in the first round of this years draft, by a team that is willing to give up that pick. I hope not, but if he get's through this....Tommy Kelly, an undrafted 3rd year player, that mplayed 7 games last year due to a torn acl....just was made the highest paid DT in the league today....at 8 million/year....I'm Canty's agent, and i got a woody. If you think Canty is now going to get Ratliff money , or Tommy Kelly money ?...i'd say it's going to cost about 6-8 million/year to sign Canty, IF he doesn't get picked up this year.
MBIII,...hmmmmmm...if you think he is safe because of the high tender....think again my friends...I is still being looked at...count on it...to match his deal??....how bout 8 million/year for 5 years.....bout the going rate for the best Free Agent back out there....I can go on and on.....but don't expect the same team in '09......
I really don't understand your criticism of Jerry here. Is it that he couldn't force Hamlin to sign for less than he's worth?
Hamlin was worth no more than 5-5.5 million a year....till now... Now he is worth 8 million.
First--that contract is insane. Agreed there
I am pretty sure that is what Jerry is saying when he looks at those recently sihned contracts.......
Is it that he re-signed Flo (for below-market price)? I'm honestly puzzled.
I can't fault the guy for bringing back Flo, Jerry has devotion like that...Jerry cares for his players...Flo's good..no doubt...can't complain about the yearly amount, I had him penciled in gettin about that. Do I think it was below market....naah...that's what 34 year old lineman get, i guess....Would I have prefered he gambled a bit, and played one of three Tackles he's drafted the past two years ??.....yeah....i wish he did.
by BoyzRback07 on Feb 29, 2008 10:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Boyz the Wilson
contract just put a huge grin on Hamlin's face. Leave it to Oakland to over pay for a below average safety. I guess that's the only way Al Davis can get players to play for his pathetic franchise. This is going to really hurt us when we negoiate a new contract for Hamlin
by Cowboys81 on Mar 1, 2008 1:10 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
exactly Cowboy...Oakland and Davis are whacked...
I seriously believe that guy has had a mental breakdown...does he have Alztimers's or Parkinson's ???...I saw him at Miachael Irvin's enshrinement ?.....he didn't look like he had his mental falculties.
He should lose control of his team....for the good of football.
by BoyzRback07 on Mar 1, 2008 6:55 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
bringin back Flo had nothing to do with devotion
it had to do with the fact that Jerry has a franchise QB he needs to protect so our offense can run at the same effeciency it did last season. Thats not going to happen inserting a 4th rd pick with no expereince or Bigg Davis at the most important position on the team other than QB.
If you were willing to let Flo go, then you were also willing to allow our team to be worse next season.
by Terry on Mar 1, 2008 9:12 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Ok...
As a disclaimer, I'm not trying to fight or anything, just trying to understand your position. I must have been thinking of your posts regarding scrubbing our cap of the guys you mentioned above, perhaps it was during the Hall rumors.
Here's what I don't understand: Jerry effectively managed to retain Flo, Hamlin, Barber, and Canty (though, obviously we'll see about those last two) for a combined cap hit of around $12m this year. I would call that outstanding for 3 Pro Bowlers and one very good DE. That's the same money on the open market that you pay for a Madieu and a Gibril (if you're stupid). Only Flo is signed long-term of those, but don't you think that the agents for Hamlin, Barber, and Canty have eyes and ears and expect to get paid like these UFAs?
Reasonable minds can certainly differ on Flo, and have. But considering Faneca, an excellent guard, got $8m/year from the Jets, I don't think it's out of line. In fact, I think the Flo contract is a good deal, and it sounds as if we'll be able to wiggle out of it relatively painlessly down the road. But putting Flo aside, what were Jerry's options here? Clearly the FA market is not the way to solve problems cost-effectively. He could have let these guys walk, but there is no cap hit after this year for any of them but Flo. What he's going to do is make the cuts you have suggested, whether now or in the not-too-distant future, renegotiate every deal he can over the course of this season, and use the draft to protect for the future. We likely will not be able to keep every player who is up for a new deal next year, but knowing Jerry, he'll keep all that he can. That was going to be the case whether Flo got resigned or not. All things considered, I'm thrilled Jerry managed to keep every good player on this team at least one more year and give us another shot at the Super Bowl.
I think we are all irritated by the circumstances of having little cap room, but that comes with having great players. The FA contracts are insane, but nothing can be done, and we're not part of the problem. There may be reason to grumble generally, but I don't get why Jerry is to blame for any of this; I'm more inclined to praise him for managing to keep this team together in spite of those things.
And, BTW, as for Canty, if he is going to get a contract like that as a UFA, we should hope someone tries to sign him now when we can get a first round pick in return. I like the guy, but I'd rather keep Flo, Barber, and Hamlin as of now if it came down to it. He is not worth that kind of money.
by grapejoos on Mar 1, 2008 12:24 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
i agree.............just venting...lol
Here's what I don't understand: Jerry effectively managed to retain Flo, Hamlin, Barber, and Canty (though, obviously we'll see about those last two) for a combined cap hit of around $12m this year. I would call that outstanding for 3 Pro Bowlers and one very good DE.
I'm more inclined to praise him for managing to keep this team together in spite of those things.
Jerry gets a thumbs up so far...Signing Flo is something I had no idea he'd be able to pull off...especially at those very friendly cap figures.
kudo's to Jerry.
I would have felt better if he had just given Canty the high tender as well, I guess...
It's not like he isn't warranted the extra 500,000...i'm somewhat skeptical of that move, knowing the lack of quality DL in the later half of the 1st round in this years draft. I applaude the Fergie trade...simply something that needed to be done for cap reasons, but I think he pulled that trigger too soon...If he had the Jenkins & Rodgers trades to gauge it, I think we should've gotten more...a 4th maybe..oh well...Tuna pulled a quick one...cuz I am sure he was interested in the other two NT's..and knew they'd be much more...
IF we lose Canty, Ratliff is back to NT, which is fine, but leaves a hole on at the DE position...Hatcher maybe ?..Bowen ? ...hmm...not as comfortable...although I'd sure like Hatcher to show me something this year.
I must have been thinking of your posts regarding scrubbing our cap of the guys you mentioned above, perhaps it was during the Hall rumors
.
Well...yeah....I was suggesting how we would be able to afford Hall, and whatever other benefits come from it by disgrading the contracts of many players NEXT year...I still hope that trade presents it's self...By trading Henry & Ayodele, it would free up even more cap space, and provide us with a top notch CB opposite Newman.
It's the silly seasom indeed. Let's see how the rest of free agency pans out..
by BoyzRback07 on Mar 1, 2008 2:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Gotcha
Glad I understand where you're at now, I was just trying to figure out where you were coming from. Given the way these contracts are going out to D linemen, I kinda wish we had tendered Canty higher too, but it looks like money is that tight and I still don't think anyone will sign him away. I think right now the plan is probably to get everyone signed that we're going to sign and leave room on the cap for draft picks, then make cuts so that if there is any room left under the cap this year, we can take the hit more now than later.
Hopefully we can get another pick for Ayodele. I'm kind of nervous about assuming we can get decent CBs where we are right now, and I don't think we can afford to roll the dice in later rounds. Hopefully we can package some lower picks to a team to move into the 15-18 range.
by grapejoos on Mar 1, 2008 5:16 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Talk is Ratliff
is going to be moved to DE whether Fergy was moved or not.
I think Spears is going to lose his job. If we lose Canty, Ratliff will replace him.
by Cowboys81 on Mar 1, 2008 5:41 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I agree with you on that boyz
I would have felt better if he had just given Canty the high tender as well, I guess...
I agree 100%,I think a lot of people undervalue Canty because we got a STEAL for him in the 4th round.
Make no mistake,Canty was projected as a first round pick going into his senior season at UVA.
He sustained a Knee injury,then had his eye hit by a beer bottle in a bar room brawl. There was some concern about Canty regaining his sight,Plus with his sight at stake he could not rehabilitate his injured knee for fear of straining his eye and having permanent loss of vision.
For a guy as talented as Canty,who has overcome all of these challenges,he has been a great addition and an emerging talent. He was definitely worth the highest tender,I'd really hate to lose him ,as I don't think he's even close to reaching his potential yet!
by TrueBlue24 on Mar 2, 2008 9:47 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Woo Hoo!
My first hat tip! I know they are being given out like candy this time of year, with all the news and signings, but a first is a first!
by sduncan24 on Feb 29, 2008 7:10 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Does anyone know for sure
That Brad Johnson is done for in Dallas?
I've been watching the possible backup QB's disappear and it's making me a little nervous.
Quinn Gray is the only backup with recent playing time that I'd want backing up Romo. Unless somebody shakes loose in the next few days (Brian Griese, Chris Simms)
by APerfectStar on Feb 29, 2008 7:21 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Quinn Gray....another Rattler!
Very few dudes in the league that went to my school so it's good to see him doing well. Would love to get Gray.
by Tuna Helper on Feb 29, 2008 8:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
He looked pretty good for Jax
He'd be a good pick if BJ doesn't come back. But count me in the "if he has a pulse" camp in terms of how much we need to/can spend on a backup.
by grapejoos on Feb 29, 2008 8:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I like Bell but...
Tatum Bell fumbles a little too much for my taste.
If Walker is anywhere near healthy we should be all over that.
by Carl Shelton (GloryDayz88) on Feb 29, 2008 7:25 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
isn't Bell
from desoto?
I could have sworn he was a local boy, so maybe he would take a hometown discount.
by Jordan2 on Feb 29, 2008 8:29 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
yup. my nephew is going to his old high school..
says bell and crayton both come back frequently...
by Tuna Helper on Feb 29, 2008 8:34 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
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