Who's left for the Cowboys in free agency? (WR/RB edition)
by Dave Halprin on Mar 3, 2008 9:12 PM CST
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It looks like the dust is starting to settle on the free agency frenzy that was the last few days. The Cowboys sat out the top-tier rush and are probably waiting for some talent to get passed over and make a Ken Hamlin-type signing in the next week or two. I was reading Tom Orsborn’s mailbag over at the SA E-N when I came across this answer to a question about the Cowboys pursuing Javon Walker.
Walker, who turns 30 in October, is at the top of the list of the remaining unrestricted free agent receivers, a group that includes Miami’s Marty Booker, Carolina’s Drew Carter, New England’s Jabar Gaffney, Arizona’s Bryant Johnson and Seattle’s D.J. Hackett.
So that got me thinking what is going on with the guys on that list. We know about the Cowboys interest in Javon Walker, but could any of these other guys be hanging around looking for a call? Are the Cowboys considering a free agent WR besides Walker? Anyway, here’s what I found.
After an active weekend of shopping in the NFL's free agent market, the Bufffalo Bills target wide receiver Bryant Johnson next.
Johnson wrapped up talks with the Bills Monday. He has plans to visit other NFL teams but claims he wouldn't mind canceling them for a contract with Buffalo.
Johnson is definitely interested in the Bills as a potential employer. Advantages for the Bills, they have a #2 WR role open for the taking. Receivers coach Tyke Tolbert was his receivers coach in Arizona his rookie year so there's some familiarity there.
The only negative is Johnson does have another visit scheduled and it's with the Redskins.
Drew Carter, is getting looks. He’s scheduled to visit the Raiders and Buccaneers.
Both teams make sense. Carter has excellent deep speed and Raiders owner Al Davis has always loved to stretch the field with the passing game.
Word is the {Vikings} have interest in one of New England’s free-agent receivers. No, it’s not Randy Moss. It’s Jabar Gaffney, who had 36 receptions for 449 yards and five touchdowns this season. Don’t know yet whether a visit is being set up for Gaffney.
Did Seahawks wide receiver D.J. Hackett overestimate his value on the open market? So far the oft-injured wide receiver has yet to make a free-agent visit, though his agent told a Web site that he expects the Buccaneers and Redskins to come calling this week.
I found nothing on Marty Booker, and for good reason.
After that, I thought about the other position where it’s at least been mention that the Cowboys are looking at free agents - running back. So I plucked some names off a list – there might be others, add them in the comments if you want – and decided to see what kind of action they were getting.
We know about Warrick Dunn and Tatum Bell, but here are some others still out there.
Running back Derrick Ward has gotten a "lot of interest" in the first two days of free agency, according to his agent, Peter Schaffer. He did not say which teams he was talking to, though he did say he was already working on setting up visits.
Free-agent running back Jesse Chatman, who had a career-high 515 rushing yards and 27 catches for 161 yards with the Dolphins in 2007, will meet with the Jets on Wednesday.
Running back T.J. Duckett is in Seattle for a free-agent visit. The Seahawks expressed interest in signing Duckett last year, but he ended up signing in Detroit. Duckett's size and success in goal-line situations three seasons ago when he scored eight touchdowns for Atlanta in 2005 point to the fact the Seahawks may see him as a solution to short-yardage struggles of the past two seasons.
And our own – err, ex-own – Julius Jones:
Julius Jones (Dallas Cowboys) will take a physical and visit with Lions officials but there's still no word if the Lions are interested in pursuing Falcons running back Warrick Dunn, who was released on Monday.
Others I looked up but couldn’t find any info on included the Titans Chris Brown and the Ravens Musa Smith.
Any of that interest any of you guys? Anybody not on my lists that should be? Let me know.
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Johnson is the guy I'd like to sign
but he's probably looking for too much money.
I think Cowboys will make a strong play at Walker if he passes his physical.
As far as any RBs or CBs, only if the price is right. Any player looking for more than a million, forget about it, target those positions in the draft.
by Terry on Mar 3, 2008 9:28 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Dunn about done....Tampa next stop.
As reported on http://www.Fanball.com
03/03 Buccaneers: Dunn visits Tampa
The News
The Tampa Tribune reports that Warrick Dunn could be a Buccaneer again very soon, maybe as soon as Monday night. Just hours after being released by the Atlanta Falcons Monday, Dunn began his official visit with the Bucs, according to agent Jim Steiner.
by BoyzRback07 on Mar 3, 2008 9:35 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
good
I really don't want any part of him.
by Cowboys81 on Mar 3, 2008 9:38 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Here's a guy that comes dirt cheap...
I liked him back in the day, actually was hoping Dallas would've took a look at him back in '03...too bad he got lost on the Bronco's 6 RB commitee.but he's been leading the way for 1,000 yard backs ever since.
He's a hybrid..big, solid, skilled, and can be a lead blocker, or situational spot duty 3rd string RB..would allow us to carry only one FB, and more than likely would come here bare minimum...which is about all we need out of a 3rd back. here:
http://www.nfl.com/players/cecilsapp...
by BoyzRback07 on Mar 3, 2008 9:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Cecil Sapp
by Dave Halprin on Mar 3, 2008 9:49 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
That makes sense
but I can't find anything that says he is about to sign with them even though he did visit with the Bucs.
by Dave Halprin on Mar 3, 2008 9:48 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Chris Brown
I've always liked this Big 12 player.
He's often injured, but he's still explosive and productive (when healthy). He was somewhat lost in the shuffle at Tennessee (Trav Henry, then LenDale White).
I guess the Bucs are talking to him, so he could be off the market soon.
We'll be looking for scraps. I do like the Cecil Sapp consideration. I agree that a #3 RB that can also serve as the #2 fullback great sense (if you can find the right guy).
by Fargo Cowboys on Mar 3, 2008 10:06 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I've always liked Brown too
He was a plow in college. He's fast for his size, and I think he could be a decent spell for MB3. Not exactly a scatback, though.
by grapejoos on Mar 4, 2008 9:58 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Ward and Hackett were productive...when healthy
Both of them probably want more than we're willing to pay, unless the Hamlin effect comes into play.
by Jamie on Mar 4, 2008 6:15 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Not much interest left
Walker would be worth a contract if he is not asking for to much. Seems like there are quite a few teams that have expressed some interest in him though........His price will most likely go past what we will be able to pay unless we restructure some contracts. IMO Johnson is not much better than Crayton and will cost to much anyway.
Dunn would be ok for a very low salary cap number but I would rather go after one of the top runnning backs in the draft. (preferably Charles).
Nothing in the free agent market interests me at corner.
by rlgiv on Mar 4, 2008 6:44 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
I see Walker in the same shoes as Hamlin
was in last season. Teams having questions about his health, having to prove himself again.
I say we sign him to 1 or 2 mil for just this season to see if he can go through a season completely healthy, just like we did with Ham.
by Terry on Mar 4, 2008 7:42 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
If he passes his physical
thats a no brainer for pro bowl receiver. I'll cross my fingers.
by BigE on Mar 4, 2008 7:54 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Pretty good comparison, Terry...
Taking a flier on him could prove to be a great move.
He's also in a situation, much like Hamlin's, where he just needs a change of scenery to get away from everything that happened in Denver. He needed to get out of Denver... Badly. After Darrent Williams died in his arms, he just wasn't going to get his head right in that city. With all the whispers of him driving around fearing for his life at times in Denver, that's just not something anybody is going to shake and overcome. Getting out of Denver and having a fresh start should be good for him.
If the knee is right, I'd much rather take a chance on him than draft one of the mediocre WR prospects in this draft... WR is pretty deep with decent talent (2 and 3 types), but there's not a guy in this class that screams high ceiling. The Cowboys need a guy that could develop into a top-flight threat. I'd rather sign a vet for now, especially a potential #1 at a serious discount...
by N41D on Mar 4, 2008 10:40 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
BREAKING NEWS
by xtremeyouth1 on Mar 4, 2008 8:46 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Apparently, he was pushing for GB to sign R. Moss
According to BSPN's Chris Mortenson, the paragraph below seemed to be the "clincher" for #4:
Mortensen reported that Favre, who wanted the Packers to obtain Randy Moss when he was a free agent last season, had once again pushed for Moss to join the Packers. Favre had spoken to Moss late last week and was willing to commit to more than just this season if Moss and the Packers could come to an agreement. But the Packers did not pursue Moss, who re-signed with the Patriots on Monday.
Source - http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/s...
by kcbrett5 on Mar 4, 2008 9:26 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Ouch
I see why the Packers didn't do it, but if that's true, I'm amazed he would go from coming back for several years to retiring.
by grapejoos on Mar 4, 2008 9:59 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
True, Grape...
The Packers don't need Randy Moss. They could've easily won it all last season without him. With their receiving corps of Donald Driver, Greg Jennings, James Jones, Ruvell Martin, and Koren Robinson... Moss is not essential.
Driver, Jennings and Jones are dangerous receivers who can catch the ball in stride and take it long distances to da house. That's part of how the West Coast Offense operates.
Moss has never played in the WCO. Minnesota, Oakland, and New England were/are teams that liked/like to throw the ball downfield as part of a more vertical passing attack.
I'm so glad that both Green Bay and Philly DID NOT LAND MOSS!!!
by kcbrett5 on Mar 4, 2008 10:27 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
If jones doesn't sign a veteran RB
I think they should draft a back that can block and catch. Someone like Hart from Michigan.
I am not necessariily saying give up on a first day back, but if we get a first day back who can't block well, we better get someone like Hart who can.
by BigE on Mar 4, 2008 10:46 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
I wouldn't touch hart with a ten foot pole
He's a very average slow back, one of my two players I dont want to hear associated with Dallas, Hart and Doucet.
by Deke on Mar 4, 2008 11:09 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I knew someone would say he's too slow
I am sure you agree RB's are more than just their 40 time. I won't bother listing the obvious examples. Just ask Tyson Thompson and Jackie Battle if you don't believe me.
by BigE on Mar 4, 2008 11:49 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I agree with you
I'd like to sign a veteran running back, just not an aging veteran in warrick Dunn.
Forty times dont really mean alot to me, its just the combine WOW factor to promote. Regardless how hart ran at the combine, I've watched him in real games and I'm just not really impressed with him, just a plugger to me. The two players that will probably get drafted in the second or third rounds which I'm not high on is hart and Doucet, time will tell. I was actually high on Williamson a few years back, and he's proved he couldn't catch a cold, let alone a football.
by Deke on Mar 4, 2008 12:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
it looks like the draft..
is the way to go, we had a good team last year so adding 2 first rounders and a 2nd or a 1st and 2 2nds (if we trade down ) should help out alot...i think spencer will make a big jump this year,besides that i dont think we our in too bad of a spot...
by hashishkabob on Mar 4, 2008 2:57 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Not sure I get it.
Why would anyone want the Cowboys to go after a RB or WR that is either washed up or not good enough to play on average team? Taking a chance on a potential player that is stuck behind superstars is one thing but who wants a RB that could not cut in Detroit or Atlanta? Come on now. Draft one...this is league for young men. And for WR, Drew Carter?
by JMan on Mar 4, 2008 7:03 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I agree JMan on RB
Mendenhall is my guy, but we probably have no shot at him. If we want a speed guy to compliment MB3 than Felix Jones is that player. He will add something to the return game also.
As far as WR. We may need to make a trade for one if the Walker scenerio doesn't work out.
by Cowboys81 on Mar 4, 2008 7:13 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
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