Free agency: long list, little value
11:09 PM CST on Saturday, February 17, 2007
By TODD ARCHER / The Dallas Morning News
IRVING – Free agency begins March 2, and the Cowboys will have all the salary cap room they need to fill needs at offensive line, safety or any other position.
The Cowboys have roughly $20 million of room under the $109 million salary cap and will create more room if they cut ties with quarterback Drew Bledsoe, who is not expected back.
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But the Cowboys aren't the only team with a ton of cap room. Just about every team has room to do what it wants, which is good news for free agents.
The bad news for teams is that this year's free-agent class is not strong. The Cowboys did their part in reducing the inventory by re-signing tight end Jason Witten, safety Roy Williams and linebacker Bradie James last summer before they could hit the open market. The club has been in talks with the agents for center Andre Gurode and right tackle Marc Colombo about multi-year deals.
But free agency has not been the cure-all. Last year, the Cowboys gave kicker Mike Vanderjagt a $2.5 million signing bonus, and he didn't last the season. Linebacker Rocky Boiman received $1 million to sign and didn't make the team. Tight end Ryan Hannam ($1.1 million) and tackle Jason Fabini ($1.8 million) contributed little.
The misses caused owner and general manager Jerry Jones to wonder if the team's approach to free agency was the right one.
Even with the available money, Jones might choose to be more prudent with his spending.
AREAS OF NEED
Offensive line
Top three:
1. Eric Steinbach, Cincinnati: Highly unlikely Bengals allow him to leave.
2. Andre Gurode, Cowboys: Played in his first Pro Bowl after being called up as alternate.
3. Kris Dielman, San Diego: More solid than gifted but figures to get paid.
In 2005, the Cowboys gave Marco Rivera an $8 million signing bonus to shore up the right side of the offensive line. In 2006, the Cowboys gave Kyle Kosier a $5 million signing bonus to replace Larry Allen.
Potential free agents (left to right) Jeff Garcia, Drew Bennett and Dwight Freeney would be courted by the Cowboys.
File photos
Potential free agents (left to right) Jeff Garcia, Drew Bennett and Dwight Freeney would be courted by the Cowboys.
Can they dip into the high-priced offensive line market again?
Rivera was limited his first year because of back surgery, and his future is in doubt because of a second surgery on the same disk. Kosier did a serviceable job in starting every game in 2006.
Now the Cowboys have to deal with the possibility of losing two starters (Andre Gurode and Marc Colombo) and top backup (Al Johnson) should they not re-sign. San Diego's Kris Dielman is the top prize at guard, and former No. 2 overall pick Leonard Davis, after some unspectacular years at Arizona, also is available.
Safety
Top three:
1. Ken Hamlin, Seattle: Teams might shy away because of head injury suffered in '05.
2. Kevin Kaesviharn, Cincinnati: Finds himself around the ball a lot.
3. Michael Lewis, Philadelphia: Bumped from starting lineup in '06 and could use fresh start.
Keith Davis and Pat Watkins split the job last year, but neither created much confidence. Watkins has an upside to be a true free safety because of his range, and Davis is the team's best special teams player.
With strong safety Roy Williams expected to be used closer to the line of scrimmage instead of in coverage, the Cowboys need a center fielder-type player. The best prospects are restricted free agents Jordan Babineaux (Seattle) and Gibril Wilson (New York Giants).
Among unrestricted free agents, Cincinnati's Kevin Kaesviharn had six interceptions. Philadelphia's Michael Lewis has the best pedigree.
The draft is loaded with safety prospects, so the Cowboys might look for help there.
Quarterback
Top three:
1. Jeff Garcia, Philadelphia: Helped himself tremendously by getting Eagles to the playoffs, but he's getting old.
2. Damon Huard, Kansas City: Proved last year he can win games when called upon.
3. Matt Schaub, Atlanta: Restricted free agent will cost for Falcons to let him go.
Tony Romo is the no-doubt starter for 2007, and the team would like to sign him to an extension, but with Drew Bledsoe expected to be cut, only practice-squadder Matt Baker remains.
Cincinnati's Anthony Wright, who played for the Cowboys, is available, but the best option is Kansas City's Damon Huard, who did a solid job in replacing Trent Green in 2006. Huard, however, might have played too well and could earn a bigger contract than the Cowboys want to commit to a backup.
Wide receiver
Top three:
1. Drew Bennett, Tennessee: Solid No. 2 receiver but never going to be the top guy.
2. Bobby Engram, Seattle: Dependable and can play many spots, but he's not special.
3. Kevin Curtis, St. Louis: Like the rest, not a lead receiver but can make plays.
Owner and general manager Jerry Jones continues to say Terrell Owens, who is due a $3 million bonus in June, will be back. Terry Glenn is due $5 million next month and is expected back.
But they are on the north side of 30. The Cowboys like younger prospects Patrick Crayton, Miles Austin and Sam Hurd. If they choose to cut Owens or Glenn for cap purposes, then they would need help.
The receiver market, however, is filled with No. 2-type receivers, not lead receivers. Philadelphia's Donte Stallworth could opt out of his contract to make himself a free agent, and Tennessee's Drew Bennett is a move-the-chains receiver. An early-round selection in the draft, however, might be the best option.
Pass rusher
Top three:
1. Dwight Freeney, Indianapolis: The Colts finally have to spend big-time money on defense to keep sack specialist.
2. Cory Redding, Detroit: Picked the right time to have his best season with eight sacks.
3. Juqua Thomas, Philadelphia: Can be a hybrid between end and outside LB.
Of the Chargers' league-high 61 sacks last year, 42.5 came from linebackers. The Cowboys got 20.5 sacks from their linebackers in 2006.
DeMarcus Ware had 11.5 sacks in 2006 and made his first Pro Bowl. Under Wade Phillips, Ware will be put in more positions to rush the passer, just as San Diego's Shawne Merriman was. Greg Ellis is coming off Achilles' tendon surgery and remains the team's next best pass rush threat.
Having spent big money on linebackers and defensive line in the draft and free agency, the Cowboys might be reluctant to go after a top-end rusher such as Indianapolis' Dwight Freeney, preferring to hope for improvement from within.
OTHER POSITIONS
Running backs
Cowboys need: Maybe they look for a fullback, but even that's iffy.
1. Dominic Rhodes, Indianapolis: Shined in the playoffs but not an every-down back.
2. Correll Buckhalter, Philadelphia: Injuries will always be a concern.
3. Ahman Green, Green Bay: Six 1,000-yard seasons.
Tight ends
Cowboys need: With Jason Witten and Anthony Fasano, they only need depth.
1. Daniel Graham, New England: First-round pick has all the tools.
2. Reggie Kelly, Cincinnati: Solid two-way player.
3. Eric Johnson, San Francisco: Dependable receiver but does not bring much to run game.
Defensive tackle
Cowboys need: Jason Ferguson is aging but remains effective. Depth, however, is an issue.
1. Ian Scott, Chicago: Became starter after Tank Johnson's league issues and did well.
2. Robaire Smith, Tennessee: Helped his cause in return to Titans but flopped as free agent pickup in Houston.
3. Alphonso Boone, Chicago: Missed four games but still had 35 tackles and two sacks
Linebacker
Cowboys need: They spent megabucks here the last two years. Would be hard-pressed to spend there again.
1. Adalius Thomas, Baltimore: Can play defensive end, but most important, can rush the quarterback.
2. London Fletcher-Baker, Buffalo: Had 157 tackles and four interceptions last year and is a solid leader.
3. Cato June, Indianapolis: He needs the right system to succeed.
Cornerbacks
Cowboys need: If they move Anthony Henry to safety, they would need help but could go after that in the draft.
1. Nate Clements, Buffalo: A complete package with ability to cover and help defend the run.
2. Travis Fisher, St. Louis: Has never played a full season, so injuries are a concern.
3. Tory James, Cincinnati: Has played 11 seasons but has 21 interceptions in his last four.
Specialists
Cowboys need: Kicker Martin Gramatica acquitted himself nicely, and the Cowboys will not spend huge money on the position again.
1. Mat McBriar, Cowboys: Punter is a restricted free agent but depending on his qualifying offer, teams could make a run for him.
2. Josh Brown, Seattle: One of the best clutch kickers, but Seahawks will do what they can to keep him.
3. Todd Sauerbrun, New England: A steroid suspension might scare teams, but punter has a powerful leg.
By TODD ARCHER / The Dallas Morning News
IRVING – Free agency begins March 2, and the Cowboys will have all the salary cap room they need to fill needs at offensive line, safety or any other position.
The Cowboys have roughly $20 million of room under the $109 million salary cap and will create more room if they cut ties with quarterback Drew Bledsoe, who is not expected back.
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But the Cowboys aren't the only team with a ton of cap room. Just about every team has room to do what it wants, which is good news for free agents.
The bad news for teams is that this year's free-agent class is not strong. The Cowboys did their part in reducing the inventory by re-signing tight end Jason Witten, safety Roy Williams and linebacker Bradie James last summer before they could hit the open market. The club has been in talks with the agents for center Andre Gurode and right tackle Marc Colombo about multi-year deals.
But free agency has not been the cure-all. Last year, the Cowboys gave kicker Mike Vanderjagt a $2.5 million signing bonus, and he didn't last the season. Linebacker Rocky Boiman received $1 million to sign and didn't make the team. Tight end Ryan Hannam ($1.1 million) and tackle Jason Fabini ($1.8 million) contributed little.
The misses caused owner and general manager Jerry Jones to wonder if the team's approach to free agency was the right one.
Even with the available money, Jones might choose to be more prudent with his spending.
AREAS OF NEED
Offensive line
Top three:
1. Eric Steinbach, Cincinnati: Highly unlikely Bengals allow him to leave.
2. Andre Gurode, Cowboys: Played in his first Pro Bowl after being called up as alternate.
3. Kris Dielman, San Diego: More solid than gifted but figures to get paid.
In 2005, the Cowboys gave Marco Rivera an $8 million signing bonus to shore up the right side of the offensive line. In 2006, the Cowboys gave Kyle Kosier a $5 million signing bonus to replace Larry Allen.
Potential free agents (left to right) Jeff Garcia, Drew Bennett and Dwight Freeney would be courted by the Cowboys.
File photos
Potential free agents (left to right) Jeff Garcia, Drew Bennett and Dwight Freeney would be courted by the Cowboys.
Can they dip into the high-priced offensive line market again?
Rivera was limited his first year because of back surgery, and his future is in doubt because of a second surgery on the same disk. Kosier did a serviceable job in starting every game in 2006.
Now the Cowboys have to deal with the possibility of losing two starters (Andre Gurode and Marc Colombo) and top backup (Al Johnson) should they not re-sign. San Diego's Kris Dielman is the top prize at guard, and former No. 2 overall pick Leonard Davis, after some unspectacular years at Arizona, also is available.
Safety
Top three:
1. Ken Hamlin, Seattle: Teams might shy away because of head injury suffered in '05.
2. Kevin Kaesviharn, Cincinnati: Finds himself around the ball a lot.
3. Michael Lewis, Philadelphia: Bumped from starting lineup in '06 and could use fresh start.
Keith Davis and Pat Watkins split the job last year, but neither created much confidence. Watkins has an upside to be a true free safety because of his range, and Davis is the team's best special teams player.
With strong safety Roy Williams expected to be used closer to the line of scrimmage instead of in coverage, the Cowboys need a center fielder-type player. The best prospects are restricted free agents Jordan Babineaux (Seattle) and Gibril Wilson (New York Giants).
Among unrestricted free agents, Cincinnati's Kevin Kaesviharn had six interceptions. Philadelphia's Michael Lewis has the best pedigree.
The draft is loaded with safety prospects, so the Cowboys might look for help there.
Quarterback
Top three:
1. Jeff Garcia, Philadelphia: Helped himself tremendously by getting Eagles to the playoffs, but he's getting old.
2. Damon Huard, Kansas City: Proved last year he can win games when called upon.
3. Matt Schaub, Atlanta: Restricted free agent will cost for Falcons to let him go.
Tony Romo is the no-doubt starter for 2007, and the team would like to sign him to an extension, but with Drew Bledsoe expected to be cut, only practice-squadder Matt Baker remains.
Cincinnati's Anthony Wright, who played for the Cowboys, is available, but the best option is Kansas City's Damon Huard, who did a solid job in replacing Trent Green in 2006. Huard, however, might have played too well and could earn a bigger contract than the Cowboys want to commit to a backup.
Wide receiver
Top three:
1. Drew Bennett, Tennessee: Solid No. 2 receiver but never going to be the top guy.
2. Bobby Engram, Seattle: Dependable and can play many spots, but he's not special.
3. Kevin Curtis, St. Louis: Like the rest, not a lead receiver but can make plays.
Owner and general manager Jerry Jones continues to say Terrell Owens, who is due a $3 million bonus in June, will be back. Terry Glenn is due $5 million next month and is expected back.
But they are on the north side of 30. The Cowboys like younger prospects Patrick Crayton, Miles Austin and Sam Hurd. If they choose to cut Owens or Glenn for cap purposes, then they would need help.
The receiver market, however, is filled with No. 2-type receivers, not lead receivers. Philadelphia's Donte Stallworth could opt out of his contract to make himself a free agent, and Tennessee's Drew Bennett is a move-the-chains receiver. An early-round selection in the draft, however, might be the best option.
Pass rusher
Top three:
1. Dwight Freeney, Indianapolis: The Colts finally have to spend big-time money on defense to keep sack specialist.
2. Cory Redding, Detroit: Picked the right time to have his best season with eight sacks.
3. Juqua Thomas, Philadelphia: Can be a hybrid between end and outside LB.
Of the Chargers' league-high 61 sacks last year, 42.5 came from linebackers. The Cowboys got 20.5 sacks from their linebackers in 2006.
DeMarcus Ware had 11.5 sacks in 2006 and made his first Pro Bowl. Under Wade Phillips, Ware will be put in more positions to rush the passer, just as San Diego's Shawne Merriman was. Greg Ellis is coming off Achilles' tendon surgery and remains the team's next best pass rush threat.
Having spent big money on linebackers and defensive line in the draft and free agency, the Cowboys might be reluctant to go after a top-end rusher such as Indianapolis' Dwight Freeney, preferring to hope for improvement from within.
OTHER POSITIONS
Running backs
Cowboys need: Maybe they look for a fullback, but even that's iffy.
1. Dominic Rhodes, Indianapolis: Shined in the playoffs but not an every-down back.
2. Correll Buckhalter, Philadelphia: Injuries will always be a concern.
3. Ahman Green, Green Bay: Six 1,000-yard seasons.
Tight ends
Cowboys need: With Jason Witten and Anthony Fasano, they only need depth.
1. Daniel Graham, New England: First-round pick has all the tools.
2. Reggie Kelly, Cincinnati: Solid two-way player.
3. Eric Johnson, San Francisco: Dependable receiver but does not bring much to run game.
Defensive tackle
Cowboys need: Jason Ferguson is aging but remains effective. Depth, however, is an issue.
1. Ian Scott, Chicago: Became starter after Tank Johnson's league issues and did well.
2. Robaire Smith, Tennessee: Helped his cause in return to Titans but flopped as free agent pickup in Houston.
3. Alphonso Boone, Chicago: Missed four games but still had 35 tackles and two sacks
Linebacker
Cowboys need: They spent megabucks here the last two years. Would be hard-pressed to spend there again.
1. Adalius Thomas, Baltimore: Can play defensive end, but most important, can rush the quarterback.
2. London Fletcher-Baker, Buffalo: Had 157 tackles and four interceptions last year and is a solid leader.
3. Cato June, Indianapolis: He needs the right system to succeed.
Cornerbacks
Cowboys need: If they move Anthony Henry to safety, they would need help but could go after that in the draft.
1. Nate Clements, Buffalo: A complete package with ability to cover and help defend the run.
2. Travis Fisher, St. Louis: Has never played a full season, so injuries are a concern.
3. Tory James, Cincinnati: Has played 11 seasons but has 21 interceptions in his last four.
Specialists
Cowboys need: Kicker Martin Gramatica acquitted himself nicely, and the Cowboys will not spend huge money on the position again.
1. Mat McBriar, Cowboys: Punter is a restricted free agent but depending on his qualifying offer, teams could make a run for him.
2. Josh Brown, Seattle: One of the best clutch kickers, but Seahawks will do what they can to keep him.
3. Todd Sauerbrun, New England: A steroid suspension might scare teams, but punter has a powerful leg.
posted by The Gryphon at 9:12 AM
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