Football: Cowboys free agency targets
Web Posted: 03/02/2007 01:53 AM CST
San Antonio Express-News
Free agency in the NFL begins today, and the Dallas Cowboys aren't expected to make a big splash. But with about $20 million of room under the $109 million salary cap, they could easily fill needs at backup quarterback, offensive line, free safety and possibly speed rusher. Express-News Cowboys beat writer Tom Orsborn takes a look at who owner Jerry Jones is expected to target.
BACKUP QUARTERBACK
The skinny: The only quarterback on the roster other than Tony Romo is practice-squad holdover Matt Baker.
Waiting for a call: Joey Harrington, Miami; Kerry Collins, Tennessee; Brad Johnson, Minnesota; Patrick Ramsey, New York Jets.
Who gets an offer: Forget Jeff Garcia. He's better suited for the West Coast offense and probably wouldn't want to work with Terrell Owens again. Harrington is an obvious choice because of his history with offensive coordinator Jason Garrett, but Collins and Johnson are better suited to tutor Romo.
OFFENSIVE LINE
The skinny: After undergoing his second back surgery in three years, right guard Marco Rivera's career is in jeopardy. Highly regarded Cory Proctor is the backup, but he hasn't played in his two seasons.
Waiting for a call: Leonard Davis, Arizona; Derrick Dockery, Washington; Eric Steinbach, Cincinnati; Kris Dielman, San Diego
Who gets an offer: Davis, the mammoth former Texas standout, underachieved as a tackle but could have Pro Bowl potential as a guard. And at 28, he's young enough to eventually take over for left tackle Flozell Adams, who is entering the last year of his contract.
FREE SAFETY
The skinny: Jones has hinted he's cooled to the idea of filling the spot with corner Anthony Henry. If that's the case, candidates for the job abound in free agency.
Waiting for a call: Ken Hamlin, Seattle; Kevin Kaesviharn, Cincinnati; Deon Grant, Jacksonville
Who gets an offer: Hamlin is a hard hitter who can also cover, a combination that's been missing in Dallas' secondary since Darren Woodson retired. Grant also is a solid two-way defender.
OUTSIDE LINEBACKER/DEFENSIVE END
The skinny: Pro Bowler DeMarcus Ware, who had a team-high 11.5 sacks in 2006, should be even better with Wade Phillips running the defense. But the future of Greg Ellis, the team's second-best pass rusher, is in doubt after Achilles' tendon surgery.
Waiting for a call: Adalius Thomas, Baltimore; Dewayne White, Tampa Bay; Patrick Kerney, Atlanta
Who gets an offer: Probably nobody. Team officials say Phillips is confident second-year player Bobby Carpenter and third-year man Kevin Burnett can do the job if Ellis can't go.
San Antonio Express-News
Free agency in the NFL begins today, and the Dallas Cowboys aren't expected to make a big splash. But with about $20 million of room under the $109 million salary cap, they could easily fill needs at backup quarterback, offensive line, free safety and possibly speed rusher. Express-News Cowboys beat writer Tom Orsborn takes a look at who owner Jerry Jones is expected to target.
BACKUP QUARTERBACK
The skinny: The only quarterback on the roster other than Tony Romo is practice-squad holdover Matt Baker.
Waiting for a call: Joey Harrington, Miami; Kerry Collins, Tennessee; Brad Johnson, Minnesota; Patrick Ramsey, New York Jets.
Who gets an offer: Forget Jeff Garcia. He's better suited for the West Coast offense and probably wouldn't want to work with Terrell Owens again. Harrington is an obvious choice because of his history with offensive coordinator Jason Garrett, but Collins and Johnson are better suited to tutor Romo.
OFFENSIVE LINE
The skinny: After undergoing his second back surgery in three years, right guard Marco Rivera's career is in jeopardy. Highly regarded Cory Proctor is the backup, but he hasn't played in his two seasons.
Waiting for a call: Leonard Davis, Arizona; Derrick Dockery, Washington; Eric Steinbach, Cincinnati; Kris Dielman, San Diego
Who gets an offer: Davis, the mammoth former Texas standout, underachieved as a tackle but could have Pro Bowl potential as a guard. And at 28, he's young enough to eventually take over for left tackle Flozell Adams, who is entering the last year of his contract.
FREE SAFETY
The skinny: Jones has hinted he's cooled to the idea of filling the spot with corner Anthony Henry. If that's the case, candidates for the job abound in free agency.
Waiting for a call: Ken Hamlin, Seattle; Kevin Kaesviharn, Cincinnati; Deon Grant, Jacksonville
Who gets an offer: Hamlin is a hard hitter who can also cover, a combination that's been missing in Dallas' secondary since Darren Woodson retired. Grant also is a solid two-way defender.
OUTSIDE LINEBACKER/DEFENSIVE END
The skinny: Pro Bowler DeMarcus Ware, who had a team-high 11.5 sacks in 2006, should be even better with Wade Phillips running the defense. But the future of Greg Ellis, the team's second-best pass rusher, is in doubt after Achilles' tendon surgery.
Waiting for a call: Adalius Thomas, Baltimore; Dewayne White, Tampa Bay; Patrick Kerney, Atlanta
Who gets an offer: Probably nobody. Team officials say Phillips is confident second-year player Bobby Carpenter and third-year man Kevin Burnett can do the job if Ellis can't go.
posted by The Gryphon at 9:40 AM
<< Home