2017 Cowboys Free Agency Thread...

UncleMilti

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I don't think Hardy had that big of an impact. Our pass rush overall was better this year.
Oh I definitely think Hardy did in the beginning. In the end though no matter what Hardy brought, its not like we added 15 sacks from last year. Even with the addition of supposedly more solid players.

I think the pass rush this year was more consistent, but it still faded towards the end of games. Atlanta didn't have a monstrous pass rush, but they consistently got to Rodgers and knocked him around. He was not nearly as comfortable against Atlanta like he was against Dallas.
 

fortsbest

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I think we resign Leary and let Chaz or Collins battle Free for RT. Sign Carr and let Claiborne go. Sign Church and McClain if the price is right. Open the bank for Berry if he is available, sign someone like JPP if they are reasonable. Williams can go away as far as I'm concerned. He is so up and down it's hard to rely on him. One time he is making an amazing toe touch catch the next he has hands of stone.

3 targets in draft are DL, CB and WR if it fits the way the draft falls.
 

Cowboysrock55

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Oh I definitely think Hardy did in the beginning. In the end though no matter what Hardy brought, its not like we added 15 sacks from last year. Even with the addition of supposedly more solid players.

I think the pass rush this year was more consistent, but it still faded towards the end of games. Atlanta didn't have a monstrous pass rush, but they consistently got to Rodgers and knocked him around. He was not nearly as comfortable against Atlanta like he was against Dallas.
No but for losing an "elite" talent like Hardy our pass rush got better this year. If Hardy had this massive impact that led to Lawrence getting 8 sacks, then why wasn't our pass rush better? I mean shit, Mayowa had basically the same impact as a pass rusher as Hardy. It's not like this year teams came out and doubled Lawrence and weren't able to last year because of Hardy.
 

UncleMilti

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No but for losing an "elite" talent like Hardy our pass rush got better this year. If Hardy had this massive impact that led to Lawrence getting 8 sacks, then why wasn't our pass rush better? I mean shit, Mayowa had basically the same impact as a pass rusher as Hardy. It's not like this year teams came out and doubled Lawrence and weren't able to last year because of Hardy.
The stats don't bear that out though, and thats where my issue is.

Hardy faded halfway thru the season then had the bombshell pics come out. He didn't want to be out there, and it showed. This year we added better players along the DL, and lost Hardy. Yet we only picked up a few more sacks and maybe a bit more pressures, but the pass rush still faded towards the end of most of the games played against solid OL's, and Marinelli still had to dial up corner, safety and LB blitzes to get to the QB. The DL was exposed quite a few times during the season, and it shit the bed when it mattered most, just as I (and many others) openly worried about.

We still need that stud DE that can get 12-15 sacks a year, and hope that either Dallas finds another DE that can put up 4-6 sacks a year, or hope that Lawrence somehow gets thru the back issue and can put up those same numbers or better.
 

Cowboysrock55

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The stats don't bear that out though, and thats where my issue is.

Hardy faded halfway thru the season then had the bombshell pics come out. He didn't want to be out there, and it showed. This year we added better players along the DL, and lost Hardy. Yet we only picked up a few more sacks and maybe a bit more pressures, but the pass rush still faded towards the end of most of the games played against solid OL's, and Marinelli still had to dial up corner, safety and LB blitzes to get to the QB. The DL was exposed quite a few times during the season, and it shit the bed when it mattered most, just as I (and many others) openly worried about.

We still need that stud DE that can get 12-15 sacks a year, and hope that either Dallas finds another DE that can put up 4-6 sacks a year, or hope that Lawrence somehow gets thru the back issue and can put up those same numbers or better.
We have plenty of 4-6 sack a year guys. Hell Irving will get you that. And I agree, we need that elite DE type. Gregory is really the only guy on our roster with that type of physical ability in my opinion and well he can't get on the field to develop it.

Luckily this draft looks pretty good for DEs. I'm rooting for Barnett.
 

Rev

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We have plenty of 4-6 sack a year guys. Hell Irving will get you that. And I agree, we need that elite DE type. Gregory is really the only guy on our roster with that type of physical ability in my opinion and well he can't get on the field to develop it.

Luckily this draft looks pretty good for DEs. I'm rooting for Barnett.
You misspelled Taco.
 

Cotton

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Cowboys corners were solid but there could be changes in 2017
12:00 PM CT
Todd Archer
ESPN Staff Writer

NFL Nation reporter Todd Archer breaks down the Dallas Cowboys, position by position, analyzing what the players did in 2016, what they can do in the future, and what the team can do to improve the position in 2017.

CORNERBACK

Under contract: Orlando Scandrick, Anthony Brown, Leon McFadden, Sammy Seamster

Free agents: Brandon Carr, Morris Claiborne

A look back: The Cowboys opened the year with Carr taking a pay cut and Scandrick rebounding from torn anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments that cost him the 2015 season. They also had Claiborne back on a one-year, make-good deal. They also had a new coach in Joe Baker, who moved over from safety room to take over the entire secondary.

Carr had his best season, following some of the best receivers in the game, including Odell Beckham Jr. Hamstring and foot injuries slowed Scandrick early but he was better later in the season. Claiborne had his best start to his career but missed the final nine games because of a groin injury.

They combined for three interceptions on the season. That’s the knock. They don’t take the ball away enough, and in Claiborne’s case he can’t stay healthy.

Carr, however, never misses a game. He was strong against Beckham, save for one play. He did a good job on Tampa Bay’s Mike Evans, too. Scandrick remained effective in the slot and was able to record two sacks.

With the injuries to Scandrick and Claiborne, Brown, a sixth-round pick, was able to secure a lot of playing time and show he might be ready for a full-time role in 2017. He had one interception, broke up eight passes and also forced a fumble. He was able to play inside and outside, much like Scandrick and showed he was a willing tackler.

McFadden was signed in the middle of the season and pressed into service at Pittsburgh because of injury.

A look ahead: With Carr and Claiborne set to be free agents, this group could have big changeover. Carr was signed to a five-year, $50 million deal in 2012. The Cowboys traded up to the sixth overall pick in 2012 to take Claiborne.

Carr’s availability makes him a better bet to return, but Claiborne’s price tag won’t be too high because of his injury history. Do the Cowboys make another run to keep him, knowing he will likely miss at least a month of the season with an injury?

A full year off his major knee injury, Scandrick, who turns 30 next month, should be better in 2017. He remains one of the more feisty defenders, and his play brings an attitude to the defense. Brown’s growth as a rookie gives the Cowboys a lot of hope for what he can be but when Claiborne was ready to return for the playoffs, Brown went back to the bench even with Claiborne’s long layoff.

Seamster spent most of the year on the practice squad.

A look out: Some of the early mock drafts, like that of ESPN’s Mel Kiper, have the Cowboys taking a cornerback with their first-round pick.

The best way to affect the opposing quarterback is with a pass rush, but in picking No. 28 overall in the first round there could be more cornerback options available than pass-rushers.

Last year the Cowboys looked into veterans in free agency, including Leon Hall, Patrick Robinson and Nolan Carroll. They thought they had a deal with Robinson, but he opted to sign with the Indianapolis Colts. There could be some big-name corners available, but the Cowboys won’t get into the game the way they did with Carr in 2012.

Carr has more value to the Cowboys than perhaps to other teams, so a deal could be struck. He is a solid presence in the locker room and he doesn’t miss games.

But the Cowboys have to think about the future. Carr turns 31 in April. Scandrick turns 30. They showed last year they can find a cornerback in the draft with Brown. This year they might have to find two corners.
 

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Cowboys receivers group could see change in 2017
10:00 AM CT
Todd Archer
ESPN Staff Writer

NFL Nation reporter Todd Archer breaks down the Dallas Cowboys, position by position, analyzing what the players did in 2016, what they can do in the future, and what the team can do to improve the position in 2017.

WIDE RECEIVER

Under contract
: Dez Bryant, Cole Beasley, Lucky Whitehead, Andy Jones, Shaquelle Evans

Free agents: Terrance Williams, Brice Butler

A look back: After missing seven games in 2015 because of foot and knee injuries, the Cowboys made sure Bryant would be 100 percent ready for the season and limited his work at times in the offseason. He suffered a tibial plateau fracture in his knee in the third game of the year and missed three games.

Bryant was named as an injury replacement for the Pro Bowl this week but this was not his best statistical season. He finished with 50 catches for 796 yards and led the Cowboys with eight touchdown catches. But he had three games with one catch and was held without a catch for one game mostly because the coaches held him out after three series in the meaningless season finale.

Williams had his typical season: some good, some not so good. He never had more than five catches or more than 88 yards in a game. He opened the year by failing to get out of bounds on a potential game-winning drive against the New York Giants but made a terrific toe-tapping TD catch on the sideline against the Washington Redskins.

Beasley became the first Cowboy not named Bryant or Jason Witten to lead the Cowboys in catches since Terrell Owens in 2006. He finished with 75 catches for 833 yards and five touchdowns, quickly becoming a favorite of Dak Prescott. His ability to win quickly on routes gave Prescott an outlet to get rid of the ball.

Three of Butler’s 16 catches went for touchdowns. He was able to make some big plays, like a 20-yard touchdown against the Green Bay Packers at the end of the first half in the regular-season meeting, but he missed a sure touchdown in the playoff rematch.

Whitehead was mostly used on jet sweeps but caught three passes for 48 yards and did a decent enough job as a blocker despite his 180-pound frame.

As a group, they did a decent job on the edges, blocking for Ezekiel Elliott. Williams was asked to do more interior work as the year went on. Drops were not an issue either. The Cowboys had a league-low eight on the season.

A look ahead: Bryant showed in the playoffs he can be the same difference-maker he has been, finishing with nine catches for 132 yards, but leg injuries the last two seasons have to be a concern. He makes his way through being dominant athletically. While he has improved as a route runner, Bryant’s physical play makes him a matchup nightmare.

With how the Cowboys use the running game, the days of 85-plus catch seasons might be over for any receiver or tight end.

Beasley is a matchup nightmare. His quickness gives him an edge on cornerbacks, safeties or linebackers in the slot. He is physically tough, too, unafraid to take chances to make a catch. Prescott will continue to look his way in third-down situations.

Whitehead remains a situational player. The Cowboys viewed running back Lance Dunbar as the backup to Beasley in the slot. He can help in the return game, but he will be under pressure this season after some off-field moments that drew consternation from the coaches.

Jones had a good start to his first training camp and had some moments in the preseason but wasn’t able to crack the top five. He will have that chance this summer. He almost always stayed late after practices to work on routes and catch passes.

A look out: Stephen Jones told reporters at the Senior Bowl that the club would like to re-sign Williams and Butler. If they come back on team-friendly deals, it could happen. Williams could command a bigger contract from other teams considering the amount of cap space that will be available. He doesn’t miss games or practices. You will always wish he was more consistent catching the ball, but just as you get down on him he will make a play.

Butler is something of an enigma. He has a wide catch radius but doesn’t always come down with the ball. He should be cheaper than Williams on the open market and might be open to a one-year deal to remain if Williams goes elsewhere.

The draft remains the most likely option for the Cowboys to find help. Bryant turns 29 in November and has missed 12 games the last two seasons. If Williams leaves, then the Cowboys will have to find a No. 2 receiver that one day could become a No. 1 receiver.

While the Cowboys want to focus on improving their defense through the draft, they could find themselves at the end of the first two rounds looking at receivers as their best options.
 

Cotton

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Cowboys set with Dak Prescott, but Tony Romo's future a big question
Todd Archer
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NFL Nation reporter Todd Archer breaks down the Dallas Cowboys, position by position, analyzing what the players did in 2016, what they can do in the future and what the team can do to improve the position in 2017.

QUARTERBACK

Under contract: Dak Prescott, Tony Romo

Free agents: Mark Sanchez, Kellen Moore

A look back: Nobody thought Prescott could do what he did in 2016. Maybe he did. Maybe his family did. But that’s it.

When he took over for an injured Romo, the Tom Brady-Drew Bledsoe comparisons made in late August were mostly viewed as a joke. A fourth-round pick can have moments of success, but nothing sustained.

Prescott finished his rookie season with 23 touchdown passes and four interceptions. He completed 67.8 percent of his passes. He ran for six touchdowns, a team record by a quarterback. He had four games with three touchdown passes. He became the ninth rookie in NFL history with at least 3,000 yards passing and 20 touchdowns. His 13 wins tied Ben Roethlisberger for the most in NFL history by a rookie.

He beat Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks in Roethlisberger, Aaron Rodgers and Joe Flacco. He became the Cowboys' first rookie quarterback to be named to the Pro Bowl.

What the coaches talked about most was his poise and leadership skills on an offense filled with talent. He was not afraid to speak up when it was needed and he delivered in big moments.

He played so well, helping the Cowboys to a franchise record 11 straight wins, that he took the coaches and front office off the hook when Romo was healthy. They never had to make a decision. Prescott made it for them.

And Romo, who suffered a compression fracture in his back on Aug. 25, also took the coaches and front office off the hook with his concession statement, saying Prescott earned the job. Romo played as the No. 2 quarterback for the final seven games of the season, a role he had not been in since early in the 2006 season.

Coaches and teammates praised Romo's preparedness and work in practice. He played in only one series all season, completing 3-of-4 passes for 29 yards and a touchdown to Terrance Williams against Philadelphia.

Moore opened training camp as the No. 2 quarterback, but suffered a broken ankle on Aug. 2 and spent the season on injured reserve. With Romo not ready at the start of the season, Sanchez was signed after he was cut by Denver. He played in two games, completing 10 of 18 passes for 93 yards with no touchdowns and two interceptions. His main contribution was as a mentor of sorts to Prescott, helping managing the highs and lows of a rookie season.

A look ahead: There is plenty of room for Prescott to grow, even with the statistics he put up in 2017.

Experience is always the greatest teacher. The more he plays, the better he should become because of the approach he takes. He needs to continue to work on his footwork, which was sloppy on occasion. He needs to read defenses quicker and move defenders with his eyes. They are the same fine-tuning measures all young quarterbacks have to go through. Romo made them in his first full season as a starter in 2007 after bursting onto the scene in 2006.

Romo’s future is not only the biggest question the Cowboys face, but perhaps the biggest in the NFL. With a cap figure of $24.7 million, it’s just not practical for the Cowboys to keep him, despite what owner and general manager Jerry Jones has said.

Romo has played in parts of only five games the past two seasons. He turns 37 in April. Recouping fair value will be difficult in a trade, because teams will use age, injury and salary as reasons to keep the compensation down.

If the Cowboys cut or trade Romo, he will count $19.6 million against the cap, saving them $5.1 million. They can save $14 million by designating him a post-June 1 cut, but then he would count nearly $9 million against the cap in 2018. The Cowboys will have to decide whether it is better to take the Band-Aid off with one quick pull and deal with the consequences.

A look out:
It remains entirely possibly the Cowboys re-sign Sanchez, who as a close relationship with Prescott, and Moore, who is a favorite of offensive coordinator Scott Linehan. Neither will cost a lot.

Using history as a guide, the Cowboys added Brad Johnson as a free agent in 2007 to serve as Romo’s backup. There was never a doubt about Johnson's role and there would not be a doubt about the role of Sanchez or Moore either. Prescott will be the guy.

If the Cowboys don’t go the June 1 route with Romo or if they don’t re-work the contract to help them against the cap, then it would be hard to see the Cowboys getting into the high-end of the backup quarterback market (say, $5 million a year).

What about the draft?

Again using history as a guide, the Cowboys selected a quarterback just once in the draft before taking Prescott in the fourth round when Romo was the starter. They took Stephen McGee in the fourth round in 2009, and he was unable to move into a No. 2 role. The Cowboys can use a mid to late pick on a quarterback, but they have too many other needs to take one early. Many cite Green Bay as an example to all for drafting quarterbacks almost every year, but they also seemingly forget that was a few generations ago in NFL parlance.
 

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Byron Jones a cornerstone but Cowboys need to keep Barry Church
Jan 25, 2017
Todd Archer
ESPN Staff Writer

NFL Nation reporter Todd Archer breaks down the Dallas Cowboys, position by position, analyzing what the players did in 2016, what they can do in the future and what the team can do to improve the position in 2017.

SAFETY

Under contract: Byron Jones, Jeff Heath, Kavon Frazier, Jameill Showers

Free agents: Barry Church, J.J. Wilcox

A look back: Jones made the full-time move to safety in the offseason and started every game with the coaches crediting him with 102 tackles, three tackles for loss, 10 pass deflections, a forced fumble and the first interception of his career.

Too many people will boil his season down to Jared Cook's 35-yard catch that led to the Green Bay Packers' win in the divisional round of the playoffs. He showed the ability to make plays in space, although you want more, and also showed a willingness to tackle.

Church missed four games with a fractured forearm but managed to finish second on the defense in tackles (109 according to the coaches’ breakdown) to go along with two tackles for loss, six pass deflections and a forced fumble. He led the Cowboys with two interceptions and had the chance for at least two more.

He brought a calming presence to the secondary, which was missed in his four-game absence, and is a sure tackler. He can also move down in the box and play a linebacker-type role in sub packages and has a knack for finding the ball.

Wilcox improved in his coverage and his angles while still displaying the ability to make big hits. He showed he might be better in smaller doses than in full-time action but there were signs that he did not show in his previous seasons.

The Cowboys signed Heath to a four-year, $7.6 million in the offseason in part because he is their best special-teams player but he also showed the ability to be more than just a fill-in on sub-package defenses. He had an interception in the regular season and turned the momentum of the playoff game with an interception of Aaron Rodgers. He had a sack of Rodgers and a second interception of Rodgers wiped out because of a penalty.

Frazier played mostly a special-teams role in his nine games. Showers was a quarterback at the start of the season but moved to safety. He has the athleticism necessary but he’s a project.

A look ahead
: Jones demonstrated the ability to be a cornerstone player for this defense. He needs work, like reading route combinations and down-and-distance situations but there is a lot to work with because of his athleticism.

He can still play cornerback in a pinch, which the Cowboys needed because of injuries to Orlando Scandrick and Morris Claiborne.

Heath is entering his fifth season. While he mostly has played a special-teams role, there is athleticism to work with. He is not afraid to tackle and has a knack for the ball. But just as we don’t want to make too much of one play in Jones’ season, you don’t want to get too carried away with Heath’s interception of Rodgers.

Frazier did not jump out at training camp or in the preseason last year, but a second year in the scheme and more playing time will benefit him to see if he can do more than just play on special teams.

A look out: While the Cowboys know what they have in Jones, keeping Church needs to be one of their priorities. He has served as a defensive captain. He can play multiple roles. He can find the ball. He is a glue guy to a defense that will enter 2017 with enough questions.

Wilcox might be cheaper but the Cowboys should hope Frazier can grow into a larger defensive role in his second season.

A year ago, the Cowboys showed interest in Eric Weddle, but they weren’t willing to pay him the way the Baltimore Ravens paid him. The Cowboys will not get into bidding wars for free agents. They will study the draft and depending on what they do in free agency, they could look at the spot rather early.
 

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Only one reason why Ezekiel Elliott can't repeat success in 2017
Jan 24, 2017
Todd Archer
ESPN Staff Writer

NFL Nation reporter Todd Archer breaks down the Dallas Cowboys, position by position, analyzing what the players did in 2016, what they can do in the future and what the team can do to improve the position in 2017.

RUNNING BACK

Under contract: Ezekiel Elliott, Alfred Morris, Keith Smith, Rod Smith

Free agents
: Darren McFadden, Lance Dunbar

A look back: Elliott had the best year by a Cowboys’ rookie running back in their history. Better than Tony Dorsett. Better than Emmitt Smith.

Only Eric Dickerson (1,808 yards, 1984) and George Rogers (1,674 yards, 1981) had more yards than Elliott (1,631) as rookies in NFL history. He led the NFL in rushing. The last rookie to do that was Edgerrin James in 1999. He had seven 100-yard rushing games and five of more than 130 yards.

Elliott became the heartbeat of the Cowboys’ offense the way DeMarco Murray was in 2014. He also caught 32 passes for 363 yards and a touchdown (an 83-yard screen against the Pittsburgh Steelers).

Much was expected of Elliott when the Cowboys took him with the fourth overall pick and he delivered while seeing action in 15 games.

Morris was signed as a free agent before the Cowboys drafted Elliott and he did not pout once the move was made even though he knew it would drastically cut down his carries. After rushing for more than 1,000 yards in three of his four seasons with the Washington Redskins, Morris finished with career lows in yards (243) and carries (69) and touchdowns (two), however, one was the difference maker in a Week 2 win against his former team after Elliott was pulled by the coaches for fumbling twice. When McFadden returned to health, Morris was deactivated twice.

Dunbar made a quick and tremendous recovery from a torn patellar tendon and anterior cruciate ligament to play in 13 games and produce 16 catches for 122 yards and nine carries for 31 yards and a touchdown mostly in a third-down role.

A broken elbow in the offseason meant the Cowboys’ leading rusher in 2015, McFadden, spent most of the year on the non-football injury list. He played in the final three games, finishing with 24 carries for 87 yards. He also caught three passes for 17 yards.

Smith made the move from linebacker – yes, linebacker – to fullback and did a solid job. He had two carries for 5 yards and caught three passes for 20 yards. The offense does not feature a fullback, but in the playoff loss to the Green Bay Packers, Smith did some good work as a lead blocker. He also was one of the top special teams performers.

A look ahead: Can Elliott repeat his rookie season? There’s no reason to think he can’t. The offensive line will still be considered one of the league’s best, if not the best. The philosophy is not going to change either.

He never appeared to be worn down by the workload (322 carries).

About the only thing that might slow him down is the NFL. The league is still investigating domestic violence charges that were made by a former girlfriend but not pursued legally.

Much was made of Elliott’s chase of Dickerson’s rookie record. More will be made of his chase for Dickerson’s single-season mark of 2,105 yards.

McFadden and Dunbar are set to hit the market and might find better opportunities elsewhere. Morris appears safe, but the Cowboys could save $1.7 million in cap space if they let him go. Keith Smith and Rod Smith opened the year splitting the fullback duties before Rod Smith was moved to the practice squad.

Rod Smith could become part of the tailback plan in 2017 and can also play on every special teams’ unit, which is normally a must for a backup running back.

A look out: Late in the season the Cowboys had to release Darius Jackson when they activated McFadden from the non-football injury list. The sixth-round pick was inactive for every game but showed in the preseason he could handle a role going forward.

Now he is with the Cleveland Browns and the Cowboys could look to this year’s draft to find a runner to back up Elliott. Finding one in free agency will be difficult because of the work Elliott is expected to receive. Why would a free agent want to come to Dallas for 65 to 70 carries?

Morris can handle that role, but he still needs work in pass protection and receiving skills. McFadden could return as the third-down back and would be a good option to have in reserve in case something happens to Elliott. But other teams could view him as a real help to a running game after picking up 1,089 yards in 2015. His age and injury history could scare off teams, but he proved to be a valuable asset in 2015.

Teams can find running backs every year. Morris was a sixth-round pick in 2012 and was a Pro Bowler as a rookie. The Cowboys could find an all-purpose back in the middle to late rounds to play a role behind Elliott and/or Morris.
 

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Cowboys offensive line poised for success but has questions
Jan 23, 2017
Todd Archer
ESPN Staff Writer

NFL Nation reporter Todd Archer breaks down the Dallas Cowboys, position by position, analyzing what the players did in 2016, what they can do in the future and what the team can do to improve the position in 2017.

OFFENSIVE LINE

Under contract: Tyron Smith, La’el Collins, Travis Frederick, Zack Martin, Doug Free, Chaz Green, Joe Looney, Emmett Cleary, Clay DeBord, Kadeem Edwards

Free agents: Ronald Leary, Jonathan Cooper

A look back: When you examine where the success of the Cowboys started in 2016, start with this group. Smith, Frederick and Martin, the Cowboys’ first-round picks in 2011, ’13 and ’14 were named first-team All-Pros for their work in 2016.

They protected rookie quarterback Dak Prescott and opened holes for the NFL’s leading rusher, Ezekiel Elliott. The line wasn’t perfect but it was better than just about any other line in football.

Smith is the prototype tackle, but he showed some wear in 2016 with injuries to his back and knee that cost him three regular-season games and practice time. Frederick and Martin had their best seasons.

Collins opened the year as the starter but suffered a toe injury, which allowed Leary to step in. He played better than Collins in what was a contract year for him. Free started every game at right tackle, and while he had some down moments, particularly late in the year, he was still solid.

Much was expected of this group when the season started and it delivered.

The Cowboys’ plan entering 2016 was to rely on the line to keep Tony Romo healthy and open holes for Elliott. Romo was hurt in the preseason, but the Cowboys were able to roll with Prescott without any issues in large part because of how the line played.

A look ahead: With Smith, Frederick and Martin either in or about to enter the primes of their careers, there is no reason to think the line will be anything but one of the best -- if not the best -- in the NFL.

At some point in the spring, the Cowboys will announce they have picked up the fifth-year option on Martin’s deal but their desire will be to sign him to a long-term extension later in the summer, like they did with Smith and Fredrick.

Leary will be one of the more sought after free agents on the market and could command a contract that averages $8 million a year. That’s how well he has played and that’s a product of the money that will be available to teams looking to upgrade the interior of their lines. The Cowboys would like to keep him, but short of moving Collins to tackle, it won’t happen. They can pay only so many offensive linemen big-time dollars.

Collins was nearing 100 percent as the playoffs began after undergoing toe surgery in the fall. He will also be entering the final year of his deal in 2017 but will be a restricted free agent. He needs to show more consistency as he grows into his third season.

Free started every game for the second straight year despite leg troubles. He is entering his 11th season and the final year of his contract. It is possible the Cowboys could look to move on from him, but before they can move on, they need to have a replacement in place. Green’s injury history makes it a difficult bet to just hand him the right tackle job.

A look out
: If Leary is as good as gone, perhaps the Cowboys can keep Cooper, who was signed only for the playoff run. He will have suitors on the open market, but does the opportunity to play with the best line supersede his chances of going elsewhere? The belief is he will need a legitimate chance for a starting spot to stay and he might get that chance elsewhere.

The Cowboys rebuilt their line through the draft and will begin the reap the benefits of keeping Smith, Frederick and Martin together for years to come, but that doesn’t mean they can ignore the position in the draft.

Free’s age and contract, as well as Green’s injury history, mean the Cowboys could look for a right tackle of the future if not present. Also Smith’s injuries should give at least a little pause to consider taking a tackle early in the draft.

If they go to free agency, it will be for backup help in stopgap measures, but not a long-term deal for a big-time starter.
 

Rev

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Can't argue with team friendly deals for both of them. I think some team will try for Williams, though. I just don't want to be stuck with Butler starting. Yuck.
 

Cowboysrock55

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Can't argue with team friendly deals for both of them. I think some team will try for Williams, though. I just don't want to be stuck with Butler starting. Yuck.
I'm not against having Butler as the number 2 and drafting someone. Butler has his moments where he looks great. He is a more natural hand catcher then Williams for example. But he still seems to drop balls. He similarly has that deep threat ability with size and speed. I'm ok with a guy like that being the bridge for a young WR that we are developing. The problem is we don't have that young WR yet.

I wouldn't keep Butler and Williams though. It's time to start developing some young talent at that position and we need the room on the roster in order to do that.
 

boozeman

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I'm not against having Butler as the number 2 and drafting someone.
You must want to lose a bunch of games then.

He is not capable of being a viable 2nd perimeter receiver. Too unreliable and well, stupid.
 

Cowboysrock55

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You must want to lose a bunch of games then.

He is not capable of being a viable 2nd perimeter receiver. Too unreliable and well, stupid.
44 catches and 594 yards is what we are talking about. That's really all we need out of our second WR. You don't think Butler can handle that with more targets? We aren't exactly talking about big shoes to fill here. The majority of balls are going to Dez, Witten and Beasley. We need a big guy who can stretch the field occasionally and make a few big plays. That's exactly what Butler is.

My preference is to keep Williams on the cheap and kick Butler to the curb but if Williams wants more then that I'd go with Butler and a second/third round receiver.
 

boozeman

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Agreed. How the fuck did he miss that perfect TD throw against GB?
Because he sucks.

What pisses me off so bad is that early in that game, he was key.

They threw him the ball several times. And he failed. I am not even counting the dumb shit huddle thing.

He is a loser. There is no reason, at all, to sign him again.
 

boozeman

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44 catches and 594 yards is what we are talking about.
If you honestly view things like that...it's sad.

If our offense is so compartmentalized that we have this for this, this for this and this for this, it is no wonder we are accused of being simplistic.

Simply stated, the number two WR in our offense needs to be capable of taking up more responsibility when Dez Bryant faces a good physical corner.

If I am Dallas, I have WR as a huge need going into this draft.
 
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