Cowboys release preseason schedule

By CLARENCE E. HILL JR.
chill@star-telegram.com

IRVING — The Dallas Cowboys announced their full preseason schedule on Wednesday with the possible highlight being the return of Bill Parcells.

Parcells, the former Cowboys coach and now the president of football operations in Miami, will bring his Dolphins to the new Cowboys Stadium in Arlington to close the preseason at a still determined date and time.

As reported earlier, the Cowboys will kick off the 2010 NFL preseason by facing the Cincinnati Bengals in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio on Sunday, August 8 at 7 p.m.

Dallas will then host the Oakland Raiders at Cowboys Stadium before moving training camp to Oxnard, Ca. after spending the first two weeks in San Antonio.

The third preseason game will be against the Chargers in San Diego. After breaking training camp in Oxnard the Cowboys will then travel to Houston to take on the Texans in the battle for the Governor’s Cup on August 28. The game will be nationally televised game on CBS at 7:00 p.m.

Dallas will close out the preseason at Cowboys Stadium against Miami.

Dallas Cowboys preseason schedule

Sunday, Aug. 8=vs. Cincinnati @ Canton (NBC National)=7 p.m.

Week 1=vs. Oakland (KTVT/CBS 11)=TBA

Week 2=@ San Diego (KTVT/CBS 11)=TBA

Saturday, Aug. 28=@ Houston (CBS National)=7 p.m.

Week 4=vs. Miami (KTVT/CBS 11)=TBA

The State of the Cowboys Union

March 29th, 2010
by donpotts21

As April creeps upon us, we will start seeing teams hold their voluntary offseason workouts. The Cowboys program begins today, which is run by strength and conditioning coach Joe Juraszek and will span two weeks. The buzz around the workouts will be who decides not to attend. Calvin Watkins from ESPNDALLAS thinks restricted free agents Marcus Spears, Gerald Sensabaugh and Miles Austin will all attend. I think that might be wishful thinking. I can see both Spears and Sensabaugh being no-shows.

Considering the state of the other teams in the NFC East, the lack of news worthy material surfacing in Valley Ranch has to bring calmness to Cowboys fans. For the first time since I can remember, the Cowboys are not creating headlines in the offseason. I understand that the offseason is still in its beginning stages, but I get the sense that the Cowboys are a team who understands the 2010/11 season can be a special one.

Could Cowboys trade Barber?

3/28/2010 8:49:27 PM

Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports reports via Twitter that he is hearing a former Pro Bowl running back could be dealt to another team within his division before or during the draft. Could be Marion Barber.

Robinson says his initial thought was Clinton Portis, but his trade value just isn't very strong. But factors around Barber (contract, split carries, etc.) make sense.

Recently, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones told reporters at the NFL owners meetings in Orlando, Fla., that the club has thought about starting Felix Jones rather than Marion Barber.

While it isn't hard to believe that the Cowboys would consider trading Barber, it's doubtful they would want to trade him within their own division.

Cowboys' WR options

by Calvin Watkins

We've already told you about the Cowboys' potential pursuit of Denver Broncos WR Brandon Marshall and former Oklahoma State receiver Dez Bryant. But who else could the 'Boys be targeting if they choose to address the wideout position with their first round pick (no. 27 overall)?

ESPN NFL analyst Trent Dilfer said in the Cowboys' "On the Clock" segment that the player they "need to get" is Texas' Jordan Shipley, who Mel Kiper, Jr. points out will almost certainly be available at no. 27.

Calvin Watkins of ESPNDallas.com lists Illinois' Arrelious Benn, Georgia Tech's Demaryius Thomas and South Florida's Carlton Mitchell as players the Cowboys might be interested in. But, as Watkins notes, the Cowboys haven't drafted a receiver in the first round in almost 20 years, so none of these options is a slam dunk:

Calvin Watkins

"Jerry Jones doesn't like to do it for financial reasons, we understand that. Why kick out big money to a wide receiver when you can't get a return on it until three or maybe four years down the line?"

University of Kentucky FB John Conner to meet with Cowboys

Joe Fortenbaugh, of the National Football Post, reports the Dallas Cowboys are scheduled to meet with University of Kentucky FB John Conner Wednesday, March 31, according to a source.

Lee scheduled to work out for several teams

Bob Flounders, of The Patriot-News, reports Penn State LB Sean Lee has private workouts scheduled with the Atlanta Falcons, Dallas Cowboys, Arizona Cardinals, New York Giants and Indianapolis Colts.

The Big Question: Safety for the Cowboys?

By Matt Mosley

Should the Cowboys replace Ken Hamlin at safety?

Ken Hamlin has recorded just one interception in the past two seasons.It's hard to believe it has already come to this point with Hamlin, but it has. He played himself into a lucrative contract extension with a Pro Bowl season in '07. Now, he appears to be the only weak link on the Cowboys' defense. Quite simply, he doesn't make enough plays to warrant the money (six years, $38 million). And the Cowboys also have to make up their minds about Gerald Sensabaugh, a restricted free agent with a second-round tender. There are a lot of teams needing a safety (see the Eagles), but I think Jerry Jones will likely match an offer unless it's for ridiculous money. He's not going to let Sensabaugh join an NFC East rival.

I'm hearing that the Cowboys believe that safeties Nate Allen (South Florida) and Taylor Mays (USC) aren't that far apart in terms of talent. It seems like Allen has a lot more range from what I've seen, but starting a rookie at safety is a risky proposition. I think a better option might be Oshiomogho Atogwe of the St. Louis Rams. He's a restricted free agent who received the lowest-possible tender. The 29-year-old Atogwe is coming off a right shoulder injury, but he's been much more productive than Hamlin since '06 with 18 interceptions and 14 forced fumbles. Over that same period of time, Hamlin has nine interceptions and two forced fumbles.

When I talk to secondary coaches, they tell me that safety is the toughest position for a rookie to learn in the NFL. The Cowboys know what it's like to play without a reliable starting safety and it's not something they want to revisit. If you can't get a significant upgrade over Hamlin, you might be better off giving him one more season.

NFL Free Agency Rumor: Jared Gaither on the Move, 49ers Leading Candidate?

by Matt Miselis
http://bleacherreport.com

The Baltimore Ravens were arguably the biggest winner in what was a very active day in this NFL offseason.

After years of lacking a go-to receiver, one was found in Anquan Boldin to go alongside young quarterback Joe Flacco.

After landing the big receiver they wanted, the Ravens' front office will shift their attention to re-signing Derrick Mason to complete this receiver upgrade.

However, new rumors have emerged regarding Ravens left tackle Jared Gaither, who was tagged with a first-round tender.

According to espn.com and NFL Network, the 49ers, Seahawks, and Cowboys have contacted the Ravens on a possible trade.

The 49ers have emerged as the leading candidate, offering their 17th overall pick. However, the Ravens certainly know the 49ers have the 13th overall selection, and may force the 49ers to give Gaither a large contract, along with giving up their top selection.

What could this mean? A few possible options. Would the Ravens consider trading up to get Dez Bryant, or cornerback Joe Haden?

Or would they go offensive or defensive line?

It is uncertain whether or not the Ravens will retain the young tackle, who has made a name for himself after being drafted pretty low by Baltimore.

If Gaither does leave, Michael Oher would shift to the left side, while the right tackle may be up for competition.

For the 49ers' sake, this would be one good deal. They get a young, proven left tackle whom they were likely to draft with either of their first-round selections.

With the Cardinals going through a lot of changes this off-season, this may not be an opportunity San Francisco can not pass up.

Expect to here more news on this story within the next 24 hours.

Cowboys face competition for Holland — 11:48 a.m.

by Ed Thompson
Scout.com

The Dallas Cowboys are showing some interest in re-signing offensive lineman Montrae Holland, but the Washington Redskins and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are also in the mix, according to an NFL source.

The eighth-year veteran, who is an unrestricted free agent, was traded to the Cowboys from the Denver Broncos back in 2008 for a fifth-round pick in this year's NFL Draft. Since joining the Cowboys, he has started in just two games and appeared in seven as a reserve after being a 16-game starter for the Broncos in 2007, so a fresh start with another team might benefit the -6-foot-2, 326-pound lineman.

A fourth-round pick in the 2003 NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints, Holland has appeared in 75 games and started 48, including all 16 during the 2007 season with the Broncos.

Sensabaugh has visits lined up — 3:30 p.m.

by Ed Thompson
Scout.com

The Dallas Cowboys’ second-round tender offer to restricted free agent Gerald Sensabaugh may not have been high enough to discourage other teams from attempting to sign the talented young safety to an offer sheet.

An NFL source has told Scout.com that the sixth-year safety, who finished fourth on the team in tackles in 2009, has three visits in the planning stage with teams that have an immediate need for starter-quality talent at the position.

Sensabaugh was originally a fifth-round pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars during the 2005 NFL Draft. After four seasons with the Jaguars, he signed with the Cowboys prior to the 2009 season. He’s started 39 games, including 15 for Dallas last year, and has appeared in 65.

RUMOR: Cowboys showing interest in RFA FS Antoine Bethea (Colts)

Antoine Bethea-DB- Colts Mar. 5 - 3:41 pm et

Scout.com reports that the Giants, Redskins, and Cowboys are showing interest in restricted free agent FS Antoine Bethea.

The Colts gave Bethea a first-round tender, making the cost prohibitive for Washington in particular if it planned to sign him to an offer sheet. The sides could potentially work out a deal for less than the round-one compensation level, but Indianapolis certainly won't give up Bethea on the cheap.

Source: scout.com
Related: Cowboys, Giants, Redskins

Jones: "We Weren't Close Enough"

By Scott Crisp

When the Dallas Cowboys were unceremoniously whipped out of playoff contention by the Minnesota Vikings in January, ending a promising late run by the team, Jerry Jones wasn't pleased; and he wants his players to know it.

Speaking to reporters in Indianapolis, at the NFL Scouting Combine, Jones hinted that the 34-3 beat-down might precipitate some change in Dallas.

"After the Minnesota game, we weren't close enough and good enough for anybody to get comfortable about where we are," Jones said, per the Dallas Morning News. "If that thing had been taken away from us at the last second or we had played at a high level there, but we didn't. We've got to do something to change that.

"Again, we feel good about the system we're in right now and have got some guys under contract. But it wouldn't surprise me to have 10 or 11 new faces on our team."

Whether this dramatic figure will materialize on the roster, or if the comments were merely a sort of management tool, is unclear; what is exceedingly clear is Jones' message: a first round playoff win is simply not enough to keep him happy. And since Jones signs the checks in Valley Ranch, this should stand as cause for concern on the part of players.

"I want some people nervous," Jones said. "I want our players nervous."

Interestingly, Jones would go on to all but guarantee Roy Williams a starting job next season. We'll explore this achievement in the field of contradiction a little later.

Jones' "Get Tough" Plan Doesn't Extend To Roy Williams

By Scott Crisp

Many fans were full of rare praise for Jerry Jones over the weekend, when, aboard his (probably palatial) bus at the Combine in Indy, the owner delivered a screed against complacency. "I want our players to be nervous," Jones said. Like most fans and observers, we liked the din of the remarks. A first round playoff win isn't enough--not in Dallas, and certainly not after a 34-3 whipping in the second round--and Jerry seemed to have a firm grasp on the sort of climate that would precipitate further success.

It is a climate of furious internal competition, where essentially no one can take their role for granted; it is a climate of perpetual evolution beginning this off-season, after which, Jones says, he wouldn't be surprised to see "10 or 11" new faces in Dallas; it is a climate, apparently, that doesn't apply to Roy Williams.

When asked if the impending "changes" might affect Roy Williams' role as a starter, Jones said, "a big no."

"I'm optimistic about Roy Williams," Jones said, per the Dallas Morning News. "We've got to do some things to help Roy, to help his game. We've got to do some things with the way we get him the ball to enhance his game. We're going to do that."

What's remarkable is not that this statement is contradictory of Wade Phillips' remarks last week--Wade said, "We are going to play the best player, no matter what," in response to a question about Williams on Friday--but that it seems painfully contradictory of his own, earlier statement.

So, judging by the two differing remarks, we can gather this: If you are a Dallas Cowboy, you'll have to earn your playing time in 2010; that is, unless Mr. Jones overpaid for you, in which case you'll be suited up and starting, as said owner crosses his fingers and hopes against hope that he'll see some sort of return on his ill-advised investment.

Now if only we could fit that onto a motivational poster.

Cowboys Considering Partial Return To Oxnard

BY Scott Crisp

According to reports, the Dallas Cowboys are considering moving at least a portion of training camp to Oxnard, California this summer.

When Dallas held camp in Oxnard in 2008 due to a scheduling conflict with the Alamodome in San Antonio--documented dutifully by HBO for Hard Knocks--owner Jerry Jones said he wouldn't mind splitting time between California and Texas in the future. According to reports, talks have begun between the team and the city, though they remain in the preliminary stages.

A full-time move is not an option due to Dallas's contract with the Alamodome, a five-year deal which doesn't expire until 2011. But a split-camp is a possibility.

"I got a message from our city manager who said the Cowboys called and were interested in coming back for a 14-day stint," said Andres Herrera, an Oxnard city councilman, per the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. "We are very excited about the prospects of having them back. We prospered by their presence. It was a great boost to our regional economy. We are looking forward to more extended discussions."