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Reviewing the Cowboys' moves so far
March, 9, 2015
By Todd Archer | ESPNDallas.com
IRVING, Texas -- As we wait for what’s next for the Dallas Cowboys, let’s review the moves made in the last week.
Dez Bryant, franchise tag, $12.823 million -- Jerry Jones wants this to be a placeholder for a long-term deal for the wide receiver. It very well may be, but nothing will happen quickly there. The Cowboys have until July 15 to sign Bryant to a long-term deal or he will play the season on the tender and likely have to go through this same dance in 2016. The Cowboys are fully prepared to carry Bryant at this salary-cap figure for the season if they have to.
Doug Free, three years, $15 million -- Perhaps Free could have received more from another team had he gone on the open market, but he didn’t want to leave the only team he knows. He also has to come back from offseason surgery that might have scared away some other suitors. Free got a good deal that could carry him through the end of his career at solid cap figures. Free's return has spelled the end of Jermey Parnell's time with the Cowboys. He is expected to get a bigger-than-you-would think offer in free agency.
Cole Beasley, four years, $13.6 million -- If he hits on all of his incentives, this total package moves to $15.1 million, but to get there Beasley will have to practically double his career-high for a season. He was about to receive the second-round tender ($2.4 million) as a restricted free agent, but the Cowboys were able to lock down a big piece to their offense. This could mean Dwayne Harris does not return unless he wants to come back at the same role he has had the last two years and do so at a level close to the minimum salary.
Keith Rivers, one year, $870,000 -- The Cowboys have made a minimum commitment to the veteran in hopes that he can fill a role at strong-side linebacker. He has been slowed by injuries the last few years but the Cowboys at least have some insurance and can pair him with Kyle Wilber if needed. Bruce Carter was unlikely to return anyway, but this would seem to cement the possibility.
Chris Jones, one-year tender $1.542 million -- It’s a little surprising they will tender Jones, but the money is not guaranteed and he has a strong leg. It’s possible the Cowboys could work out a smaller multi-year deal in the future.
Lance Dunbar, one-year tender $1.542 million -- This is something of a head-scratcher but it gives them some insurance if Joseph Randle does not return. It’s a big price to pay for a third back, however. Again, the money is not guaranteed and it’s doubtful his presence will stop the Cowboys from drafting a runner.
Sterling Moore, non-tender -- This is a head-scratcher as well. He played well as the third corner and considering how much the nickel defense plays, the price tag is not too large. But the Cowboys believe they can get better and cheaper in unrestricted free agency. It’s possible Moore could be back at the minimum but it might be in his best interests to shop elsewhere.
March, 9, 2015
By Todd Archer | ESPNDallas.com
IRVING, Texas -- As we wait for what’s next for the Dallas Cowboys, let’s review the moves made in the last week.
Dez Bryant, franchise tag, $12.823 million -- Jerry Jones wants this to be a placeholder for a long-term deal for the wide receiver. It very well may be, but nothing will happen quickly there. The Cowboys have until July 15 to sign Bryant to a long-term deal or he will play the season on the tender and likely have to go through this same dance in 2016. The Cowboys are fully prepared to carry Bryant at this salary-cap figure for the season if they have to.
Doug Free, three years, $15 million -- Perhaps Free could have received more from another team had he gone on the open market, but he didn’t want to leave the only team he knows. He also has to come back from offseason surgery that might have scared away some other suitors. Free got a good deal that could carry him through the end of his career at solid cap figures. Free's return has spelled the end of Jermey Parnell's time with the Cowboys. He is expected to get a bigger-than-you-would think offer in free agency.
Cole Beasley, four years, $13.6 million -- If he hits on all of his incentives, this total package moves to $15.1 million, but to get there Beasley will have to practically double his career-high for a season. He was about to receive the second-round tender ($2.4 million) as a restricted free agent, but the Cowboys were able to lock down a big piece to their offense. This could mean Dwayne Harris does not return unless he wants to come back at the same role he has had the last two years and do so at a level close to the minimum salary.
Keith Rivers, one year, $870,000 -- The Cowboys have made a minimum commitment to the veteran in hopes that he can fill a role at strong-side linebacker. He has been slowed by injuries the last few years but the Cowboys at least have some insurance and can pair him with Kyle Wilber if needed. Bruce Carter was unlikely to return anyway, but this would seem to cement the possibility.
Chris Jones, one-year tender $1.542 million -- It’s a little surprising they will tender Jones, but the money is not guaranteed and he has a strong leg. It’s possible the Cowboys could work out a smaller multi-year deal in the future.
Lance Dunbar, one-year tender $1.542 million -- This is something of a head-scratcher but it gives them some insurance if Joseph Randle does not return. It’s a big price to pay for a third back, however. Again, the money is not guaranteed and it’s doubtful his presence will stop the Cowboys from drafting a runner.
Sterling Moore, non-tender -- This is a head-scratcher as well. He played well as the third corner and considering how much the nickel defense plays, the price tag is not too large. But the Cowboys believe they can get better and cheaper in unrestricted free agency. It’s possible Moore could be back at the minimum but it might be in his best interests to shop elsewhere.
