The Cowboys should be ready to jump straight into free agency - whenever it officially begins
Nick Eatman - Email
DallasCowboys.com Staff Writer
March 3, 2006 7:27 PM
IRVING, Texas - At some point here in the near future, free agency is going to begin.
Now it might be 11:01 p.m. (CST) Sunday, the new deadline after NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue delayed the start of the new league year in hopes of extending the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the players union and the league owners.
However, if a new CBA is reached over the weekend, there is a good chance the start of free agency will be delayed yet again, maybe even another week, giving the NFL office and all 32 teams the opportunity to sift through any new rules and rethink free agency strategy.
But regardless of when free agency officially begins, the Cowboys are ready, and were ready to start Friday if there had been no postponement.
The big question this year, and every year at this time: Just how much money do the Cowboys have to spend in free agency?
Certainly the overall number will increase if a new CBA is reached before Sunday's deadline. Currently, the NFL is prepared to enforce a $94.5 million cap. But if a new CBA is put in place, the cap is expected to increase by at least $10 million.
So what does it all mean for the Cowboys?
If a new deal is not reached by Sunday night and another postponement is not called, the Cowboys will head into free agency with nearly $15 million to spend on free agents. Currently, they have about $5 million available to spend, and that's after already budgeting to sign draft picks, restricted and exclusive-rights free agents and even practice squad players.
But the Cowboys will pick up another $9.6 million after restructuring contracts for Jason Ferguson and Marco Rivera if operating under the current CBA.
So while many teams will be scrambling just to get under the cap under the current CBA because of significantly less cap space, the Cowboys would become one of the teams with the most cash to spend, joining the Vikings, Cardinals and Browns.
But the NFL didn't buy itself some additional negotiating time for no reason. Tagliabue and NFLPA executive director Gene Upshaw must think the two sides can conceivably get something done with another three days of negotiations.
If a new CBA is agreed upon, the Cowboys will certainly have more to spend - but then so will everyone else. A new agreement likely would give the Cowboys about $20-25 million available to spend on free agents.
Not bad for a team that just missed the playoffs at 9-7 and seems to have several positions already settled for the 2006 season.
But certainly not all positions are settled, and that's why free agency will be a valuable vehicle for the Cowboys once again this year, especially since they are going to have some money to spend. So here's a look at five priorities the Cowboys must address when free agency begins, be that late Sunday night, next week or the week after that.
1. Right Tackle:
This is a holdover from last year's position needs, though the Cowboys chose not to address the void on the right side, which became further magnified once left tackle Flozell Adams missed the final 10 games of the season with a torn ACL. Can't imagine the Cowboys will roll the dice again there. They need to acquire at least some depth and experience.
Looking at cap values for 2006, the Cowboys already have three high-priced players on the line: Adams ($7.5 million), Larry Allen ($7.55 million) and Rivera, who after his contract is adjusted, will probably count around $3.5 to $4 million against the cap. So adding another high-priced lineman might be tough to swallow. Of course, going through another season like last year when the Cowboys couldn't keep Drew Bledsoe on his feet would be rather difficult to watch.
So if the Cowboys decide to address their right-tackle needs in free agency, one of the top options has to be a former Bill Parcells player. Former Jets tackle Jason Fabini was recently cut in a salary-cap move and could provide instant relief. Fabini was drafted by Parcells in 1998 and started 114 straight games before a chest injury cut his season short this past year. The Jets technically released Fabini because he still could not pass a physical, so there is some health risk there.
Other top free-agent tackles include Philadelphia veteran Jon Runyan, 13-year veteran Brad Hopkins, who was recently cut by the Titans and Buffalo's Mike Williams, who has never lived up to his No. 4 draft status.
2. Free safety:
This position is similar to the right-tackle needs for a couple of reasons. Not only was it one of the two biggest concerns heading into last year that never got fixed, but signing a high-priced player would add to an already expensive secondary.
The Cowboys are already paying top dollar for cornerbacks Anthony Henry and Terence Newman, as well as strong safety Roy Williams. Plus, they will be charged $1.6 million for a backup cornerback (Aaron Glenn).
But getting some free safety help is a must this year.
And there are some quality options out there, starting with Pittsburgh's Chris Hope and Baltimore's Will Demps. Both are unrestricted free agents and both have experience playing alongside two of the game's elite safeties. Hope teamed up with Pittsburgh's Troy Polamalu, while Demps has played next to the Ravens' Ed Reed. So neither should have any problems lining up alongside Williams.
Other big names include St. Louis' Adam Archuleta, Minnesota's Corey Chavous and the recently-cut Lawyer Milloy.
3. Kicker
Yes, kicker. That's right, and this a new one for the Cowboys in terms of veteran free agency. But they simply can't leave this position to chance anymore. Too many close games went the other way last year, and the Cowboys are missing too many make-able field goals.
So if the money is right, and it seems to be this year for the Cowboys, it's time to address this glaring need.
After going through three kickers last year - Billy Cundiff, Jose Cortez and Shaun Suisham, the Cowboys would prefer some veteran stability.
Now it comes down to just how much they want to spend.
New England's Adam Vinatieri is not only one of the best kickers figuring to be available, but he has proven to be clutch, having hit two Super Bowl-winning field goals for the Patriots. He recently turned down the Pats' latest offer, which would have paid him more than $2 million a year after pulling in $2.5 million in 2005.
The best kickers in the game are making between $2-3 million a season. So that's where the Cowboys need to be if they want to land kickers such as Vinatieri, or even maybe Mike Vanderjagt or Green Bay's Ryan Longwell, who are headed toward free agency.
But if the Cowboys decide to go with a second-tier kicker, maybe a guy like Matt Bryant better fits their taste.
4. Linebacker
No position took more of a beating last year than linebacker, where four players ended up on injured reserve by the time the season ended. Most notably were Al Singleton (broken clavicle) and Dat Nguyen (neck), who was recently moved to reserve/retired and is expected to officially announce his retirement next week at a press conference.
So the Cowboys need some more strength at linebacker, especially heading into their second season in the 3-4 scheme. DeMarcus Ware will undoubtedly man one outside spot. Bradie James more than held his own inside. So that's two. But it's a 3-4 defense.
At this point, Singleton, Scott Shanle, Ryan Fowler and Kalen Thornton are all candidates. So might Kevin Burnett, if he ever gets healthy. But it's likely the Cowboys yearn for more experience here.
Unfortunately for the Cowboys, it's not a rather strong linebacker class in free agency. In fact, that is one reason why the Cowboys might even re-sign Scott Fujita, who is slated to be an unrestricted free agent.
Now there are some names out there, and maybe the top name would be San Francisco's Julian Peterson, a perfect outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme. The problem here is a torn Achilles he suffered a month into the 2004 season, and he never quite looked the same last year. Peterson will be the wild card of the bunch, and it will be interesting to see how much money he might command.
Several veteran linebackers have been released in the last three days, including Kansas City's Shawn Barber, St. Louis' Chris Claiborne and Carolina's Brandon Short. Carolina's Will Witherspoon also will become a free agent.
5. Guard/Center
Yes, we're well aware of how old wide receivers Keyshawn Johnson (33) and Terry Glenn (31) are. Upgrading this position would be a bonus, but not necessarily a necessity. Remember, Johnson and Glenn were rather productive last year, especially when Bledsoe had time to throw. And he'll have plenty of time to throw if the Cowboys shore up the interior offensive line.
The cupboard isn't bare, with Allen and Rivera manning the guard spots and either Al Johnson returning at center or possibly Andre Gurode, an unrestricted free agent who could be re-signed as well.
But Allen and Rivera will be 34 at the start of the season.
The Cowboys could use a versatile offensive lineman in free agency, possibly a player who can play either guard or center, or even guard and tackle.
Now, the ideal fit would be New Orleans' LeCharles Bentley, a four-year veteran the Saints chose not to franchise. Bentley has played both center and guard, and is considered the top interior offensive linemen in free agency. He would be the perfect fit. But there is a catch. He'll also command the most money.
But remember, Parcells has often talked about how the center position once held him "hostage," and that he learned a very good lesson. The Cowboys could fix that this year if Parcells has decided another year of experience won't make a big difference with Johnson. But it certainly will cost some big bucks.
***********
So there are five positions of dire need for the Cowboys. And certainly they could use some help in other areas as well.
As mentioned, wide receiver is not out of the question, especially if a receiver can return kickoffs and punts. And now that La'Roi Glover has been cut, the Cowboys might have a need for a veteran nose tackle if the price is right.
And if the right fullback comes along - maybe one who was recently let go by the Jets and has played for Parcells in the past, such as Jerald Sowell, who is a good special teams player - that could be another need as well.
The Cowboys have plenty of needs.
But the good thing is, they have money to spend, too. Now they are just waiting on the NFL to find out when they can start spending it.
DallasCowboys.com Staff Writer
March 3, 2006 7:27 PM
IRVING, Texas - At some point here in the near future, free agency is going to begin.
Now it might be 11:01 p.m. (CST) Sunday, the new deadline after NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue delayed the start of the new league year in hopes of extending the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the players union and the league owners.
However, if a new CBA is reached over the weekend, there is a good chance the start of free agency will be delayed yet again, maybe even another week, giving the NFL office and all 32 teams the opportunity to sift through any new rules and rethink free agency strategy.
But regardless of when free agency officially begins, the Cowboys are ready, and were ready to start Friday if there had been no postponement.
The big question this year, and every year at this time: Just how much money do the Cowboys have to spend in free agency?
Certainly the overall number will increase if a new CBA is reached before Sunday's deadline. Currently, the NFL is prepared to enforce a $94.5 million cap. But if a new CBA is put in place, the cap is expected to increase by at least $10 million.
So what does it all mean for the Cowboys?
If a new deal is not reached by Sunday night and another postponement is not called, the Cowboys will head into free agency with nearly $15 million to spend on free agents. Currently, they have about $5 million available to spend, and that's after already budgeting to sign draft picks, restricted and exclusive-rights free agents and even practice squad players.
But the Cowboys will pick up another $9.6 million after restructuring contracts for Jason Ferguson and Marco Rivera if operating under the current CBA.
So while many teams will be scrambling just to get under the cap under the current CBA because of significantly less cap space, the Cowboys would become one of the teams with the most cash to spend, joining the Vikings, Cardinals and Browns.
But the NFL didn't buy itself some additional negotiating time for no reason. Tagliabue and NFLPA executive director Gene Upshaw must think the two sides can conceivably get something done with another three days of negotiations.
If a new CBA is agreed upon, the Cowboys will certainly have more to spend - but then so will everyone else. A new agreement likely would give the Cowboys about $20-25 million available to spend on free agents.
Not bad for a team that just missed the playoffs at 9-7 and seems to have several positions already settled for the 2006 season.
But certainly not all positions are settled, and that's why free agency will be a valuable vehicle for the Cowboys once again this year, especially since they are going to have some money to spend. So here's a look at five priorities the Cowboys must address when free agency begins, be that late Sunday night, next week or the week after that.
1. Right Tackle:
This is a holdover from last year's position needs, though the Cowboys chose not to address the void on the right side, which became further magnified once left tackle Flozell Adams missed the final 10 games of the season with a torn ACL. Can't imagine the Cowboys will roll the dice again there. They need to acquire at least some depth and experience.
Looking at cap values for 2006, the Cowboys already have three high-priced players on the line: Adams ($7.5 million), Larry Allen ($7.55 million) and Rivera, who after his contract is adjusted, will probably count around $3.5 to $4 million against the cap. So adding another high-priced lineman might be tough to swallow. Of course, going through another season like last year when the Cowboys couldn't keep Drew Bledsoe on his feet would be rather difficult to watch.
So if the Cowboys decide to address their right-tackle needs in free agency, one of the top options has to be a former Bill Parcells player. Former Jets tackle Jason Fabini was recently cut in a salary-cap move and could provide instant relief. Fabini was drafted by Parcells in 1998 and started 114 straight games before a chest injury cut his season short this past year. The Jets technically released Fabini because he still could not pass a physical, so there is some health risk there.
Other top free-agent tackles include Philadelphia veteran Jon Runyan, 13-year veteran Brad Hopkins, who was recently cut by the Titans and Buffalo's Mike Williams, who has never lived up to his No. 4 draft status.
2. Free safety:
This position is similar to the right-tackle needs for a couple of reasons. Not only was it one of the two biggest concerns heading into last year that never got fixed, but signing a high-priced player would add to an already expensive secondary.
The Cowboys are already paying top dollar for cornerbacks Anthony Henry and Terence Newman, as well as strong safety Roy Williams. Plus, they will be charged $1.6 million for a backup cornerback (Aaron Glenn).
But getting some free safety help is a must this year.
And there are some quality options out there, starting with Pittsburgh's Chris Hope and Baltimore's Will Demps. Both are unrestricted free agents and both have experience playing alongside two of the game's elite safeties. Hope teamed up with Pittsburgh's Troy Polamalu, while Demps has played next to the Ravens' Ed Reed. So neither should have any problems lining up alongside Williams.
Other big names include St. Louis' Adam Archuleta, Minnesota's Corey Chavous and the recently-cut Lawyer Milloy.
3. Kicker
Yes, kicker. That's right, and this a new one for the Cowboys in terms of veteran free agency. But they simply can't leave this position to chance anymore. Too many close games went the other way last year, and the Cowboys are missing too many make-able field goals.
So if the money is right, and it seems to be this year for the Cowboys, it's time to address this glaring need.
After going through three kickers last year - Billy Cundiff, Jose Cortez and Shaun Suisham, the Cowboys would prefer some veteran stability.
Now it comes down to just how much they want to spend.
New England's Adam Vinatieri is not only one of the best kickers figuring to be available, but he has proven to be clutch, having hit two Super Bowl-winning field goals for the Patriots. He recently turned down the Pats' latest offer, which would have paid him more than $2 million a year after pulling in $2.5 million in 2005.
The best kickers in the game are making between $2-3 million a season. So that's where the Cowboys need to be if they want to land kickers such as Vinatieri, or even maybe Mike Vanderjagt or Green Bay's Ryan Longwell, who are headed toward free agency.
But if the Cowboys decide to go with a second-tier kicker, maybe a guy like Matt Bryant better fits their taste.
4. Linebacker
No position took more of a beating last year than linebacker, where four players ended up on injured reserve by the time the season ended. Most notably were Al Singleton (broken clavicle) and Dat Nguyen (neck), who was recently moved to reserve/retired and is expected to officially announce his retirement next week at a press conference.
So the Cowboys need some more strength at linebacker, especially heading into their second season in the 3-4 scheme. DeMarcus Ware will undoubtedly man one outside spot. Bradie James more than held his own inside. So that's two. But it's a 3-4 defense.
At this point, Singleton, Scott Shanle, Ryan Fowler and Kalen Thornton are all candidates. So might Kevin Burnett, if he ever gets healthy. But it's likely the Cowboys yearn for more experience here.
Unfortunately for the Cowboys, it's not a rather strong linebacker class in free agency. In fact, that is one reason why the Cowboys might even re-sign Scott Fujita, who is slated to be an unrestricted free agent.
Now there are some names out there, and maybe the top name would be San Francisco's Julian Peterson, a perfect outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme. The problem here is a torn Achilles he suffered a month into the 2004 season, and he never quite looked the same last year. Peterson will be the wild card of the bunch, and it will be interesting to see how much money he might command.
Several veteran linebackers have been released in the last three days, including Kansas City's Shawn Barber, St. Louis' Chris Claiborne and Carolina's Brandon Short. Carolina's Will Witherspoon also will become a free agent.
5. Guard/Center
Yes, we're well aware of how old wide receivers Keyshawn Johnson (33) and Terry Glenn (31) are. Upgrading this position would be a bonus, but not necessarily a necessity. Remember, Johnson and Glenn were rather productive last year, especially when Bledsoe had time to throw. And he'll have plenty of time to throw if the Cowboys shore up the interior offensive line.
The cupboard isn't bare, with Allen and Rivera manning the guard spots and either Al Johnson returning at center or possibly Andre Gurode, an unrestricted free agent who could be re-signed as well.
But Allen and Rivera will be 34 at the start of the season.
The Cowboys could use a versatile offensive lineman in free agency, possibly a player who can play either guard or center, or even guard and tackle.
Now, the ideal fit would be New Orleans' LeCharles Bentley, a four-year veteran the Saints chose not to franchise. Bentley has played both center and guard, and is considered the top interior offensive linemen in free agency. He would be the perfect fit. But there is a catch. He'll also command the most money.
But remember, Parcells has often talked about how the center position once held him "hostage," and that he learned a very good lesson. The Cowboys could fix that this year if Parcells has decided another year of experience won't make a big difference with Johnson. But it certainly will cost some big bucks.
***********
So there are five positions of dire need for the Cowboys. And certainly they could use some help in other areas as well.
As mentioned, wide receiver is not out of the question, especially if a receiver can return kickoffs and punts. And now that La'Roi Glover has been cut, the Cowboys might have a need for a veteran nose tackle if the price is right.
And if the right fullback comes along - maybe one who was recently let go by the Jets and has played for Parcells in the past, such as Jerald Sowell, who is a good special teams player - that could be another need as well.
The Cowboys have plenty of needs.
But the good thing is, they have money to spend, too. Now they are just waiting on the NFL to find out when they can start spending it.
posted by The Gryphon at 11:32 AM
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