Article: Cowboys need Ty Law
Cowboys' defense could use some "Law" and order
By Connor Byrne
04/04/06
At this point, one area on the Dallas Cowboys' roster that isn't necessarily considered a weakness is the secondary. Anthony Henry, Terence Newman, Roy Williams and Keith Davis are penciled in as the Cowboys' starters in the secondary for the moment. However, the only name on that list that really strikes fear into opposing offenses is hard-hitting strong safety Roy Williams. Henry and Newman are solid corners, and Davis is adequate at best at the free safety position.
One of the NFL's elite cornerbacks, Ty Law, is currently in a state of flux as he has not signed with anyone of yet; much like last offseason, Law is an unrestricted free agent looking for some big-time money. After last season's 10 interception effort with the New York Jets, it's safe to say that the 32-year-old probably deserves close to the $10 million in guaranteed cash that he's currently requesting.
Given the fact that he loved playing for Cowboys head coach Bill Parcells in New England from 1995 to 1996, it would make nothing but sense for the two to reunite in Dallas. In fact, it was Parcells who was responsible for drafting Law 23rd overall in the '95 NFL draft. Law was a star cornerback at the University of Michigan, and he immediately made his presence felt on the NFL level. After having a trio of three-interception seasons to begin his career, Law picked off nine passes in 1999 and made his first trip to the Pro Bowl. Since his first four seasons in which he intercepted 18 passes, Law has played at least parts in seven more seasons, intercepting a grand total of 28 passes and making four more Pro Bowls. Thus, in his illustrious career, Law has come up with an impressive 46 interceptions and five Pro Bowl appearances. It's no wonder many consider him a first-ballot Hall of Famer someday.
With the numbers that he's put up combined with the fact that he still has a lot to offer, Law should be a major target for the Dallas Cowboys at this point in time. They have already proven over the last couple of offseasons that they are looking to build for a Super Bowl run with veterans over the age of 30. Quarterback Drew Bledsoe, receiver Terrell Owens, offensive guard Marco Rivera and place-kicker Mike Vanderjagt have all been brought in over the last 14 months to aid Dallas in making a run at a sixth Super Bowl title.
After gazing at that laundry-list of Cowboys veterans signed through free agency, it's baffling that they haven't really taken a legitimate look at Law yet. At the age of 64, Parcells probably won't last past his contract with Dallas, which expires at the conclusion of the 2007 season. Stocking up with proven talent to make a run at a third championship for Parcells makes a lot of sense, and so does signing Law.
In the event that the aged Law begins his declination in the next couple of years, he could be moved over to free safety a la Troy Vincent in Buffalo. When great cornerbacks begin to lose the glow of their past, they often move to the safety position and experience a great deal of success. Although he isn't anywhere near what he used to be, Vincent still co-led the Bills with four interceptions last season. In a couple of years, the same could be done with Law in Dallas.
As for the Cowboys' current secondary, perhaps the 29-year-old Henry could move over to free safety to accommodate Law for a year or two. As I stated earlier, once he begins to decline, Law could make the smooth transition over to free safety, which could pave the way for Henry's release or a move back to the cornerback position. Either way, anyone who says they'd rather have Henry over Law is probably lying or taking some bad medication.
At the moment, Law, an 11-year veteran, is being courted by the Tennessee Titans and Seattle Seahawks. Although Law would love to play in Tennessee, it might be unrealistic since he and his agent, Carl Poston, believe that an astronomically large contract is in order. Titans GM Floyd Reese is probably not looking to dole out any huge salaries for a veteran when he's trying to rebuild his team, while bringing the Titans out of the salary cap dungeon.
The Seahawks are actually a real possibility because they have the cap space and need for Law. The fact that Seattle is attempting to make a major run at a Super Bowl title also may point Law in their direction. Don't be surprised at all if Seahawks President of Football Operations Tim Ruskell, and head coach Mike Holmgren make a major play for Law's services. His acquisition would bring the defending NFC champs one step closer to fulfilling their ultimate goal in 2006.
In the event that the Titans and Seahawks elect not to make a good enough push for Law, expect the Dallas Cowboys to scoop him up because of the aforementioned history that the cornerback has with Parcells. If the Cowboys want to be serious contenders next season, Law could go a long way in fulfilling that. If Dallas would rather miss the playoffs once again or make an early postseason exit next season, then Law probably isn't for them. I get the feeling that Cowboys owner, president and GM Jerry Jones probably wants to hoist the Lombardi trophy next season for the first time in over a decade. With Law, a three-time champion, anchoring the defensive backfield, the sky could be the limit in Irving.
By Connor Byrne
04/04/06
At this point, one area on the Dallas Cowboys' roster that isn't necessarily considered a weakness is the secondary. Anthony Henry, Terence Newman, Roy Williams and Keith Davis are penciled in as the Cowboys' starters in the secondary for the moment. However, the only name on that list that really strikes fear into opposing offenses is hard-hitting strong safety Roy Williams. Henry and Newman are solid corners, and Davis is adequate at best at the free safety position.
One of the NFL's elite cornerbacks, Ty Law, is currently in a state of flux as he has not signed with anyone of yet; much like last offseason, Law is an unrestricted free agent looking for some big-time money. After last season's 10 interception effort with the New York Jets, it's safe to say that the 32-year-old probably deserves close to the $10 million in guaranteed cash that he's currently requesting.
Given the fact that he loved playing for Cowboys head coach Bill Parcells in New England from 1995 to 1996, it would make nothing but sense for the two to reunite in Dallas. In fact, it was Parcells who was responsible for drafting Law 23rd overall in the '95 NFL draft. Law was a star cornerback at the University of Michigan, and he immediately made his presence felt on the NFL level. After having a trio of three-interception seasons to begin his career, Law picked off nine passes in 1999 and made his first trip to the Pro Bowl. Since his first four seasons in which he intercepted 18 passes, Law has played at least parts in seven more seasons, intercepting a grand total of 28 passes and making four more Pro Bowls. Thus, in his illustrious career, Law has come up with an impressive 46 interceptions and five Pro Bowl appearances. It's no wonder many consider him a first-ballot Hall of Famer someday.
With the numbers that he's put up combined with the fact that he still has a lot to offer, Law should be a major target for the Dallas Cowboys at this point in time. They have already proven over the last couple of offseasons that they are looking to build for a Super Bowl run with veterans over the age of 30. Quarterback Drew Bledsoe, receiver Terrell Owens, offensive guard Marco Rivera and place-kicker Mike Vanderjagt have all been brought in over the last 14 months to aid Dallas in making a run at a sixth Super Bowl title.
After gazing at that laundry-list of Cowboys veterans signed through free agency, it's baffling that they haven't really taken a legitimate look at Law yet. At the age of 64, Parcells probably won't last past his contract with Dallas, which expires at the conclusion of the 2007 season. Stocking up with proven talent to make a run at a third championship for Parcells makes a lot of sense, and so does signing Law.
In the event that the aged Law begins his declination in the next couple of years, he could be moved over to free safety a la Troy Vincent in Buffalo. When great cornerbacks begin to lose the glow of their past, they often move to the safety position and experience a great deal of success. Although he isn't anywhere near what he used to be, Vincent still co-led the Bills with four interceptions last season. In a couple of years, the same could be done with Law in Dallas.
As for the Cowboys' current secondary, perhaps the 29-year-old Henry could move over to free safety to accommodate Law for a year or two. As I stated earlier, once he begins to decline, Law could make the smooth transition over to free safety, which could pave the way for Henry's release or a move back to the cornerback position. Either way, anyone who says they'd rather have Henry over Law is probably lying or taking some bad medication.
At the moment, Law, an 11-year veteran, is being courted by the Tennessee Titans and Seattle Seahawks. Although Law would love to play in Tennessee, it might be unrealistic since he and his agent, Carl Poston, believe that an astronomically large contract is in order. Titans GM Floyd Reese is probably not looking to dole out any huge salaries for a veteran when he's trying to rebuild his team, while bringing the Titans out of the salary cap dungeon.
The Seahawks are actually a real possibility because they have the cap space and need for Law. The fact that Seattle is attempting to make a major run at a Super Bowl title also may point Law in their direction. Don't be surprised at all if Seahawks President of Football Operations Tim Ruskell, and head coach Mike Holmgren make a major play for Law's services. His acquisition would bring the defending NFC champs one step closer to fulfilling their ultimate goal in 2006.
In the event that the Titans and Seahawks elect not to make a good enough push for Law, expect the Dallas Cowboys to scoop him up because of the aforementioned history that the cornerback has with Parcells. If the Cowboys want to be serious contenders next season, Law could go a long way in fulfilling that. If Dallas would rather miss the playoffs once again or make an early postseason exit next season, then Law probably isn't for them. I get the feeling that Cowboys owner, president and GM Jerry Jones probably wants to hoist the Lombardi trophy next season for the first time in over a decade. With Law, a three-time champion, anchoring the defensive backfield, the sky could be the limit in Irving.
posted by The Gryphon at 7:59 PM
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