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Joe Haden would make sense for Cowboys if everything checks out
10:51 AM CT
Todd Archer
ESPN Staff Writer
FRISCO, Texas -- The Dallas Cowboys have some interest in free-agent cornerback Joe Haden, but if they truly make a big effort to sign him it will come down to money and health.
Haden, who was released by the Cleveland Browns on Wednesday, has played in just 18 games the past two seasons because of injuries and has played a 16-game season just once in his career, as a rookie in 2010. He made three interceptions last season, which would have led the Cowboys, and has 19 for his career.
Unlike other names often attached to the Cowboys, such as 32-year-old Darrelle Revis, Haden's age is a bonus. The Cowboys will not pay age, which always ruled out Revis. Haden, however, is 28 and his new team would get a player desperate to show he can still play at a high level.
He was set to make $11.1 million from the Browns this season and reportedly refused to take a pay cut, which played a part in his release.
The Cowboys have the need and the salary-cap space to make a run at recently released cornerback Joe Haden. Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire
This seems like the perfect reason why the Cowboys, to steal a Jerry Jones term, kept their powder dry during free agency. Their biggest signing was cornerback Nolan Carroll, who received a $3 million signing bonus.
Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones has said countless times over the past few years that the price of doing business in free agency does not match up with the production generally received from the signee. The better way to build a team is through the draft.
But Jones has always been a "never say never" guy as well.
First, the Cowboys have to determine whether Haden can play at a high level, or at least higher than some of the cornerbacks they have on the roster. That analysis includes his injury history.
Orlando Scandrick is looking like he did in 2014. Carroll has been inconsistent. Anthony Brown could become a starter but is likely the Cowboys' third corner at the moment. Second- and third-round picks Chidobe Awuzie and Jourdan Lewis have been slowed by hamstring strains, although Awuzie could play Thursday against the Houston Texans.
Second, the Cowboys have to determine the price. Haden won't come cheap and will have a number of suitors, which will up the ante. The Cowboys have the cap room needed to make a move. According to ESPN Stats & Information, they have $16.047 million in room.
That doesn't factor in upcoming injury settlements, practice squad signings and potential extensions for other players, like Zack Martin, so make sure your eyes don't bug out over the $16 million.
Can the Cowboys get a deal done financially with Haden? Absolutely. But it will be on their terms.
________________________________________________
Shit we have even more cap room than I thought. Of course it would be nice to carry some of that over into next offseason since we pushed some of Romo's money into next year.
10:51 AM CT
Todd Archer
ESPN Staff Writer
FRISCO, Texas -- The Dallas Cowboys have some interest in free-agent cornerback Joe Haden, but if they truly make a big effort to sign him it will come down to money and health.
Haden, who was released by the Cleveland Browns on Wednesday, has played in just 18 games the past two seasons because of injuries and has played a 16-game season just once in his career, as a rookie in 2010. He made three interceptions last season, which would have led the Cowboys, and has 19 for his career.
Unlike other names often attached to the Cowboys, such as 32-year-old Darrelle Revis, Haden's age is a bonus. The Cowboys will not pay age, which always ruled out Revis. Haden, however, is 28 and his new team would get a player desperate to show he can still play at a high level.
He was set to make $11.1 million from the Browns this season and reportedly refused to take a pay cut, which played a part in his release.
The Cowboys have the need and the salary-cap space to make a run at recently released cornerback Joe Haden. Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire
This seems like the perfect reason why the Cowboys, to steal a Jerry Jones term, kept their powder dry during free agency. Their biggest signing was cornerback Nolan Carroll, who received a $3 million signing bonus.
Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones has said countless times over the past few years that the price of doing business in free agency does not match up with the production generally received from the signee. The better way to build a team is through the draft.
But Jones has always been a "never say never" guy as well.
First, the Cowboys have to determine whether Haden can play at a high level, or at least higher than some of the cornerbacks they have on the roster. That analysis includes his injury history.
Orlando Scandrick is looking like he did in 2014. Carroll has been inconsistent. Anthony Brown could become a starter but is likely the Cowboys' third corner at the moment. Second- and third-round picks Chidobe Awuzie and Jourdan Lewis have been slowed by hamstring strains, although Awuzie could play Thursday against the Houston Texans.
Second, the Cowboys have to determine the price. Haden won't come cheap and will have a number of suitors, which will up the ante. The Cowboys have the cap room needed to make a move. According to ESPN Stats & Information, they have $16.047 million in room.
That doesn't factor in upcoming injury settlements, practice squad signings and potential extensions for other players, like Zack Martin, so make sure your eyes don't bug out over the $16 million.
Can the Cowboys get a deal done financially with Haden? Absolutely. But it will be on their terms.
________________________________________________
Shit we have even more cap room than I thought. Of course it would be nice to carry some of that over into next offseason since we pushed some of Romo's money into next year.