DMN Archer : Cowboys linebacker needs
Cowboys' free-agent needs: Linebacker
12:40 AM CST on Tuesday, February 21, 2006
By TODD ARCHER / The Dallas Morning News
Staff Writer Todd Archer examines the Cowboys' free-agent needs each Tuesday through February. The free-agent signing period begins March 3.
What they have
DeMarcus Ware finished his rookie year with eight sacks and became a better player as the year went on. He should make a big jump in his second season with the transformation from rush end to linebacker over.
Dat Nguyen is expected to retire, but Bradie James had a breakout season at inside linebacker, fitting much better in the 3-4 than he did his first two years in the 4-3. Scott Shanle, a restricted free agent, and Ryan Fowler are the other inside linebacker candidates, but both have limitations. Shanle is effective in coverage, whereas Fowler is better against the run.
Al Singleton is steady, but he will count $2.75 million against the cap and is coming off a shoulder injury. His roster spot could be in jeopardy. Scott Fujita filled in for Singleton and progressed nicely down the stretch, but he is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent.
The wild card is Kevin Burnett. The second-round pick did not see much action last year and tore his anterior cruciate ligament late in the season. He could be moved to inside linebacker this off-season. Kalen Thornton, who is coming off a knee injury, flashed some pass-rush abilities and can play special teams.
What they need
They need help, and re-signing Fujita would help. He fits as the strong-side linebacker and showed flashes as a pass rusher. The question is whether the Cowboys want to go with a free agent they don't know or a player they do know. Fujita's improved play late last year opened some eyes.
The market could be a good one. San Francisco's Julian Peterson has 3-4 experience and is versatile. He can rush the passer and cover but hasn't reached his full potential. With solid tight ends in the NFC East, Peterson would be a big help to the Cowboys.
Irving's Akin Ayodele, who attended Irving MacArthur High School, is intriguing because he can play on both sides and rush the passer, compared to Carolina's Will Witherspoon, who appears to be a better fit for a 4-3 defense. Ayodele was an end in college and has a nose for the ball. The Cowboys desire size at linebacker, so Indianapolis' David Thornton or restricted free agents Cato June and Gary Brackett don't look like fits.
E-mail tarcher@dallasnews.com
TOP FIVE FREE-AGENT LINEBACKERS
Linebacker need meter: 9 out of 10
1. Julian Peterson, San Francisco, 6-3, 235: Would be a good fit in the Cowboys' scheme if he puts it all together.
2. Will Witherspoon, Carolina, 6-1, 231: Undersized but makes a lot of plays, although he fits better in a 4-3.
3. David Thornton, Indianapolis, 6-2, 230: Smallish, but he could be another Marcus Washington type.
4. Derek Smith, San Francisco, 6-2, 245: Solid veteran who knows how to play the game.
5. Akin Ayodele, Jacksonville, 6-2, 251: Converted college defensive end can rush the passer.
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12:40 AM CST on Tuesday, February 21, 2006
By TODD ARCHER / The Dallas Morning News
Staff Writer Todd Archer examines the Cowboys' free-agent needs each Tuesday through February. The free-agent signing period begins March 3.
What they have
DeMarcus Ware finished his rookie year with eight sacks and became a better player as the year went on. He should make a big jump in his second season with the transformation from rush end to linebacker over.
Dat Nguyen is expected to retire, but Bradie James had a breakout season at inside linebacker, fitting much better in the 3-4 than he did his first two years in the 4-3. Scott Shanle, a restricted free agent, and Ryan Fowler are the other inside linebacker candidates, but both have limitations. Shanle is effective in coverage, whereas Fowler is better against the run.
Al Singleton is steady, but he will count $2.75 million against the cap and is coming off a shoulder injury. His roster spot could be in jeopardy. Scott Fujita filled in for Singleton and progressed nicely down the stretch, but he is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent.
The wild card is Kevin Burnett. The second-round pick did not see much action last year and tore his anterior cruciate ligament late in the season. He could be moved to inside linebacker this off-season. Kalen Thornton, who is coming off a knee injury, flashed some pass-rush abilities and can play special teams.
What they need
They need help, and re-signing Fujita would help. He fits as the strong-side linebacker and showed flashes as a pass rusher. The question is whether the Cowboys want to go with a free agent they don't know or a player they do know. Fujita's improved play late last year opened some eyes.
The market could be a good one. San Francisco's Julian Peterson has 3-4 experience and is versatile. He can rush the passer and cover but hasn't reached his full potential. With solid tight ends in the NFC East, Peterson would be a big help to the Cowboys.
Irving's Akin Ayodele, who attended Irving MacArthur High School, is intriguing because he can play on both sides and rush the passer, compared to Carolina's Will Witherspoon, who appears to be a better fit for a 4-3 defense. Ayodele was an end in college and has a nose for the ball. The Cowboys desire size at linebacker, so Indianapolis' David Thornton or restricted free agents Cato June and Gary Brackett don't look like fits.
E-mail tarcher@dallasnews.com
TOP FIVE FREE-AGENT LINEBACKERS
Linebacker need meter: 9 out of 10
1. Julian Peterson, San Francisco, 6-3, 235: Would be a good fit in the Cowboys' scheme if he puts it all together.
2. Will Witherspoon, Carolina, 6-1, 231: Undersized but makes a lot of plays, although he fits better in a 4-3.
3. David Thornton, Indianapolis, 6-2, 230: Smallish, but he could be another Marcus Washington type.
4. Derek Smith, San Francisco, 6-2, 245: Solid veteran who knows how to play the game.
5. Akin Ayodele, Jacksonville, 6-2, 251: Converted college defensive end can rush the passer.
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posted by The Gryphon at 6:53 PM
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