2018 Cowboys Free Agency Thread

boozeman

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From the DMN...kind of sloppy and nonsensical, but a starting point to discuss.

Future Cowboys? The top 25 free agents that Dallas could pursue

By SportsDayDFW.com
Contact SportsDayDFW.com
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@SportsDayDFW

Time to get a head start on the offseason. Below are 25 free agents that the Cowboys could look to add to the 2018 squad.


Some notes:

-- There are some big-name free agents listed under "Others." While it might be nice to sign a player like Dontari Poe, Bennie Logan, Trumaine Johnson or Drew Brees, the Cowboys likely do not have enough cap space to make those huge signings.

-- While picking players for each position, we tried to take into account what could fit best with the team's current roster. For example: a pass-catching running back to complement Ezekiel Elliott, a speedy wide receiver to open up the field, or a veteran linebacker who could sign for cheap in case Dallas loses Anthony Hitchens.

-- Players Dallas has been linked to in the past (like Chase Daniel or Sheldon Richardson) have also been included.

-- Stats are via Pro Football Reference. Cap hits and FA status are via Spotrac.

QB (2)

With Dak Prescott and Cooper Rush on the roster, the Cowboys might look to add one veteran that can fill a mentor role.

Teddy Bridgewater (UFA)
Last team: Vikings
Career stats: 30 games played / 551-851 / 6,150 yards / 28 TDs, 22 INTs
Last season’s stats: 1 game played / 0-2 / 0 yards / 1 INT
2017 cap hit: $2.18 million

Chase Daniel (UFA)
Last team: Saints
Career stats: 57 games played / 51-78 / 480 yards / 1 TD, 1 INT
Last season’s stats: 0 games played / 0-0 / 0 yards
2017 cap hit: $900,000

Others: Josh McCown, Derek Anderson, Matt Moore, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Sam Bradford.
RB (3)

The Cowboys are set with Ezekiel Elliott as their No. 1 back, and Rod Smith appears to have the backup role locked up. Dallas could add a veteran presence to shore up the group.

Rex Burkhead (UFA)
Last team: Patriots
Career stats: 52 games played / 151 attempts / 639 yards / 8 TDs
Last season’s stats: 10 games played / 64 attempts / 264 yards / 5 TDs
2017 cap hit: $3.15 million

Lance Dunbar (UFA):skurred
Last team: Rams
Career stats: 58 games played / 105 attempts / 473 yards / 2 TDs
Last season’s stats: 4 games played / 11 attempts / 51 yards / 1 TD
2017 cap hit: $1.48 million

Darren Sproles (UFA)
Last team: Eagles
Career stats: 171 games played / 3,366 rushing yards / 4,656 receiving yards / 52 total TDs
Last season's stats: 3 games played / 61 rushing yards / 73 yards / 0 total TDs
2017 cap hit: $4 million

Others: Alfred Morris, Dion Lewis, Jeremy Hill, Carlos Hyde, Andre Ellington, C.J. Spiller, LeGarrette Blount, Jamaal Charles, Eddie Lacy.
WR (6)

Dez Bryant seems to be the talk of the offseason. Will the Cowboys add someone to supplement him on the field or someone to take over for him altogether? Either way, the Cowboys need some speed on the outside to help open up Dallas' offense.

Jarvis Landry (UFA)
Last team: Dolphins
Career stats: 64 games played / 400 receptions / 4,038 yards / 22 TDs
Last season's stats: 16 games played / 112 receptions / 987 yards / 9 TDs
2017 cap hit: $1.11 million

Sammy Watkins (UFA)
Last team: Bills
Career stats: 52 games played / 192 receptions / 3,052 yards / 25 TDs
Last season's stats: 15 games payed / 39 receptions / 593 yards / 8 TDs
2017 cap hit: $690,000

Josh Gordon (Exclusive restricted free agent)
Last team: Browns
Career stats: 40 games played / 179 receptions / 3,089 yards / 15 TDs
Last season's stats: 5 games played / 18 receptions / 335 yards / 1 TD
2017 cap hit: $377,084

Eric Decker (UFA)
Last team: Titans
Career stats: 111 games played / 439 receptions / 5,816 yards / 53 TDs
Last season's stats: 16 games played / 54 receptions / 563 yards / 1 TD
2017 cap hit: $3.88 million

Mike Wallace (UFA)
Last team: Ravens
Career stats: 142 games played / 538 receptions / 8,072 yards / 57 TDs
Last season's stats: 15 games played / 52 receptions / 748 yards / 4 TDs
2017 cap hit: $8 million

Terrelle Pryor (UFA)
Last team: Redskins
Career stats: 43 games played / 99 receptions / 1,311 yards / 5 TDs
Last season's stats: 9 games played / 20 receptions / 240 yards / 1 TD
2017 cap hit: $6 million

Others: Kamar Aiken, Kendall Wright, Danny Amendola, Marqise Lee, Brice Butler, Allen Robinson.

TE (2)

Even thought it looks like it, Jason Witten is not going to be able to play forever. The Cowboys have some young tight ends on the roster already, but could they look at adding a veteran through free agency?

Jimmy Graham (UFA)
Last team: Seahawks
Career stats: 121 games played / 556 receptions / 6,800 yards / 69 TDs
Last season's stats: 16 games played / 57 receptions / 520 yards / 10 TDs
2017 cap hit: $10 million

Tyler Eifert (UFA)
Last team: Bengals
Career stats: 39 games played / 127 receptions / 1,537 yards / 20 TDs
Last season's stats: 2 games played / 4 receptions / 46 yards / 0 TDs
2017 cap hit: $4.78 million

Others: Zach Miller, Antonio Gates, Niles Paul, Benjamin Watson, Trey Burton, Austin Seferian-Jenkins.
OL (1)

According to spotrac.com, the Cowboys are currently spending the second most money on an offensive line in the entire league. The $47.39 million they have allotted to the line is 28.48 percent of their total cap. And they still have a long-term extension for Zack Martin to discuss. If they do end up signing a free-agent lineman, it's going to have to be someone cheap.

Justin Pugh (UFA)
Last team: Giants
Career stats: 63 games played
Last season's stats: 8 games played
2017 cap hit: $8.82 million

Others: Jahri Evans, Andrew Norwell, Andre Smith, Matt Slauson, Luke Joeckel, D.J. Fluker.

DL (4)

Dallas will surely prioritize re-signing DeMarcus Lawrence, who had a career year last season. With Tyrone Crawford’s $9.1 million cap hit for the 2018 season, will Dallas try to add ot the line through free agent veterans who could sign for cheap for a shot at a title (like Haloti Ngata) or through the draft?

DeMarcus Lawrence (UFA)
Last team: Cowboys
Career stats: 48 games played / 23.5 sacks / 88 tackles / 7 forced fumbles
Last season’s stats: 16 games played / 14.5 sacks / 36 tackles / 4 forced fumbles
2017 cap hit: $1.75 million

Sheldon Richardson (UFA)
Last team: Seahawks
Career stats: 73 games played / 19 sacks / 169 tackles / 6 forced fumbles
Last season’s stats: 15 games played / 1 sack / 27 tackles / 1 forced fumble
2017 cap hit: $8.01 million

Haloti Ngata (UFA)
Last team: Lions
Career stats: 167 games played / 31.5 sacks / 315 tackles / 39 passes defended
Last season’s stats: 5 games played / 2 sacks / 7 tackles / 1 pass defended
2017 cap hit: $7.70 million

Adrian Clayborn (UFA)
Last team: Falcons
Career stats: 81 games played / 30 sacks / 124 tackles / 7 forced fumbles
Last season’s stats: 16 games played / 9.5 sacks / 17 tackles / 2 forced fumbles
2017 cap hit: $5.41 million

Others: Dontari Poe, Bennie Logan, Star Lotulelei, Ezekiel Ansah.

LB (2)

Sean Lee is Dallas’ unquestioned leader on defense. Jaylon Smith, the Cowboys believe, is going to be much better in Year 2 of his career following a major injury. Anthony Hitchens was also a very valuable contributor to the LB corps. If he leaves in free agency, executive vice president Stephen Jones’ strategy of having three high-impact linebackers will take a hit and Dallas will have to look at adding a LB through free agency or through the draft.

Ahmad Brooks (UFA)
Last team: Packers
Career stats: 145 games played / 303 tackles / 55 sacks / 3 INTs
Last season’s stats: 12 games played / 13 tackles / 1.5 sacks / 0 INTs
2017 cap hit: $3.5 million

NaVorro Bowman (UFA)
Last team: Raiders
Career stats: 99 games played / 585 tackles / 30 passes defended / 5 INTs
Last season’s stats: 15 games played / 22 tackles / 3 passes defended / 1 INT
2017 cap hit: $1 million

Others: Paul Posluszny, Nigel Bradham, Erik Walden, Keenan Robinson, Zach Brown, Demario Davis, Karlos Dansby, Barkevious Mingo

DB (5)

The defensive line (at least, right now) has a bona fide star in DeMarcus Lawrence. The linebackers have Sean Lee. While the 2017 draft class has some promising prospects (Chidobe Awuzie, Jordan Lewis and Xavier Woods), could Dallas look to add to its secondary through free agency? And how confident is the team in Jeff Heath and Byron Jones on the back end?

Nate Allen (UFA)
Last team: Dolphins
Career stats: 100 games played / 299 tackles / 37 passes defended / 13 INTs|
Last season’s stats: 7 games played (place on IR with calf injury) / 14 tackles / 1 pass defended / 0 INTs
2017 cap hit: $3.4 million

T.J. Ward (UFA)
Last team: Buccaneers
Career stats: 107 games played / 433 tackles / 8 INTs / 10 forced fumbles
Last season’s stats: 12 games played / 30 tackles / 0 INTs / 0 forced fumbles
2017 cap hit: $4.63 million

Mo Claiborne (UFA)
Last team: Jets
Career stats: 62 games played / 160 tackles / 34 passes defended / 5 INTs
Last season’s stats: 15 games played / 34 tackles / 8 passes defended / 1 INT
2017 cap hit: $4.72 million

Prince Amukamara (UFA)
Last team: Bears
Career stats: 83 games played / 316 tackles / 58 passes defended / 7 INTs
Last season’s stats: 14 games played / 45 tackles / 7 passes defended / 0 INTs
2017 cap hit: $7 million

Eric Reid (UFA)
Last team: 49ers
Career stats: 70 games played / 264 tackles / 36 passes defended / 10 INTs
Last season’s stats: 13 games played / 52 tackles / 4 passes defended / 2 INTs
2017 cap hit: $5.68 million

Others: Reggie Nelson, Trumaine Johnson, Malcolm Butler, Morgan Burnett, DeAngelo Hall, Terence Newman, Davon House, Kyle Fuller, Kenny Vaccaro, Tramon Williams, Deshawn Shead.
 

1bigfan13

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I like Jarvis Landry. He's the rare black "possession" receiver. Not exactly the speedy WR that most of us have been asking for but he knows how to get open on those underneath and intermediate routes. Which would mesh nicely with Dak's skill set as a passer.

All that being said, with Dez's money on the books I can't see them signing another high-priced WR. So we'll probably have to rely on the draft to upgrade the WR group.
 

Cotton

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I like Jarvis Landry. He's the rare black "possession" receiver. Not exactly the speedy WR that most of us have been asking for but he knows how to get open on those underneath and intermediate routes. Which would mesh nicely with Dak's skill set as a passer.

All that being said, with Dez's money on the books I can't see them signing another high-priced WR. So we'll probably have to rely on the draft to upgrade the WR group.
He does have a knack for getting open. And he is very consistent in doing so. Unlike Dez, who has to be thrown open or have a DB fall down to get open only to have it clank off his over-rated hands.
 

1bigfan13

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He does have a knack for getting open. And he is very consistent in doing so. Unlike Dez, who has to be thrown open or have a DB fall down to get open only to have it clank off his over-rated hands.
His numbers are even more impressive when you consider the QBs and offensive system that he's played in throughout his career. So you know he's going to produce with or without great QB play.....like Larry Fitzgerald but obviously to a lesser degree.

For fun I just looked at the catch percentages for Dez and Landry over the last 4 seasons.

Dez: Over the 4-year span he caught an average of 53% of the passes thrown his way. Greatly aided by that 2014 season where Romo played at an MVP level. He caught 65% of passes thrown his way that year. Which was actually right in line with his average seasons with Romo.

Landry: Caught an average of 71% of the passes thrown his way. His career low (66%) is tied with Dez's best year.

Obviously part of the reason why Dez's numbers are so low is how the Cowboys are using him. But it also helps support the point that he's not creating enough separation when he's running routes. Again some of it falls on the coaching staff and some of it is on Dez; even though he refuses to acknowledge it. When I look at Terrance Williams numbers he's catching close to 70% of the passes thrown his way with Dak at QB. He's not running the fades and long go routes that Dez is being asked to run, but on those intermediate routes where Dez always seems to be blanketed by JAG CBs, Terrance Williams is managing to thrive. So I can't just put all the blame on Linehan and Garrett's schemes to excuse Dez's lack of production.

Alright back on track now....other than Landry I would also be interested in Sammy Watkins. Not as a lead WR obviously but someone who can maybe serve as the 3rd WR. Despite his lackluster career thus far, he probably still has just enough ego left him to scoff at the idea of moving inside. I like Beasley but I think we'd be better in the long run if we had a slot WR who could actually pose a threat down field as well. Defenses pretty much know that all they have to do is guard the 10-yard and under routes with our current group of slot WRs. The coaching staff needs to entertain the idea of expanding the roles of that position otherwise I think we're in for a repeat of 2017 where opponents were practically running Beasley's routes for him because they knew exactly where he was going.
 

Rev

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LoL. You all know Dunbar is coming back.

Well Garrett can finally get Eifert and Pugh.
 

Cowboysrock55

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I'd cut Dez, sign Allen Robinson to a prove it deal and draft someone. But Dallas will never do that. It would take too much balls.
 

1bigfan13

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I'd cut Dez, sign Allen Robinson to a prove it deal and draft someone. But Dallas will never do that. It would take too much balls.
I know this shouldn't matter but you know it factors into the decision making of the Arkansas hillbillies, but you also have to factor in that Dez is still very marketable. Even though his performance has been underwhelming the better part of the last 3 seasons, Dez still carries a considerable amount of star power.
 

Cotton

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I know this shouldn't matter but you know it factors into the decision making of the Arkansas hillbillies, but you also have to factor in that Dez is still very marketable. Even though his performance has been underwhelming the better part of the last 3 seasons, Dez still carries a considerable amount of star power.
Yeah, I have been on the cut Dez train myself, but if you think about it, they should redo his contract and try to trade him and get something out of it.
 

Genghis Khan

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If you put Dez with a top flight passing QB, Dez's number would return to his prime.

People focusing on Dez are focused on the wrong thing.

Get the QB better and everything will take care of itself.
 

1bigfan13

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If you put Dez with a top flight passing QB, Dez's number would return to his prime.

People focusing on Dez are focused on the wrong thing.

Get the QB better and everything will take care of itself.
That's only part of the problem. As I pointed out in one of my earlier posts above, even when Dez was paired with Tony Romo he didn't pull in a particularly high percent of passes thrown his way. By contrast our other two top receivers, Terrance Williams and Jason Witten, are pulling in 70% of the passes thrown their way with Dak as the starting QB. Right on par with the numbers they had with Romo.

So getting better play at QB won't fix our Dez problem.
 

Cotton

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If you put Dez with a top flight passing QB, Dez's number would return to his prime.

People focusing on Dez are focused on the wrong thing.

Get the QB better and everything will take care of itself.
So, you're saying we are an elite QB away from making Garrett a good coach?
 

Cotton

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That's only part of the problem. As I pointed out in one of my earlier posts above, even when Dez was paired with Tony Romo he didn't pull in a particularly high percent of passes thrown his way. By contrast our other two top receivers, Terrance Williams and Jason Witten, are pulling in 70% of the passes thrown their way with Dak as the starting QB. Right on par with the numbers with the numbers they had with Romo.

So getting better play at QB won't fix our Dez problem.
But, getting better play at WR1 will fix our Dak problem.
 

Cowboysrock55

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If you put Dez with a top flight passing QB, Dez's number would return to his prime.
I seriously doubt this. Nothing about Dez screams that he is the same receiver that he was before his injuries. Maybe it's those career high in drops that inspire such confidence.
 

Cowboysrock55

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That's only part of the problem. As I pointed out in one of my earlier posts above, even when Dez was paired with Tony Romo he didn't pull in a particularly high percent of passes thrown his way. By contrast our other two top receivers, Terrance Williams and Jason Witten, are pulling in 70% of the passes thrown their way with Dak as the starting QB. Right on par with the numbers they had with Romo.

So getting better play at QB won't fix our Dez problem.
Dez's career percentage prior to Dak was actually only 60%. He's never been a high percentage guy. And I hope people aren't still pretending that Dez is the same guy he was in his prime. That's silly.
 

1bigfan13

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But, getting better play at WR1 will fix our Dak problem.
Even with Romo at QB it seemed like the bulk of Dez's catches came from him having to outjump or outmuscle the DB for a tough catch. You don't see him create separation that often.

Overall I'd say it's a 3-part problem, IMO.

1. What I think is happening is Dez has lost some athleticism due to age and injury so he's not winning as many of those jump balls anymore. He lacks the speed and route running ability to beat coverages with underneath routes

2. Dak doesn't have the passing skills to consistently place the ball in the ideal spot for Dez.

3. The coaching staff is incapable of creating mismatches to place their receivers in the best position to succeed.
 
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Cowboysrock55

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I know this shouldn't matter but you know it factors into the decision making of the Arkansas hillbillies, but you also have to factor in that Dez is still very marketable. Even though his performance has been underwhelming the better part of the last 3 seasons, Dez still carries a considerable amount of star power.
That is absolutely true. Someone like Allen Robinson will never have the jersey sales of Dez Bryant. Even if Dez isn't a stud WR anymore.
 

Cotton

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Even with Romo at QB it seemed like the bulk of Dez's catches came from him having to outjump or outmuscle the DB for a tough catch. You don't see him create separation that often.

Overall I'd say it's a 3-part problem, IMO.

1. What I think is happening is Dez has lost a some athleticism due to age and injury so he's not winning as many of those jump balls anymore. He lacks the speed and route running ability to create beat coverages with underneath routes

2. Dak doesn't have the passing skills to consistently place the ball in the ideal spot for Dez.

3. The coaching staff is incapable of creating mismatches to place their receivers in the best position to succeed.
I think that's probably pretty accurate.
 

BipolarFuk

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Yeah, everything has to be PERFECT with fucking Dez.

I guess getting in a time machine and pulling a young Tom Brady onto the 2018 Cowboys will magically make the football quit clanging off his hands.

Ball placement has to be fucking GOAT level with this guy to make any plays because he gets fucking ZERO separation.

Hell, let's go get Paul Blake so he can fire the ball into Dez's fucking facemask so he can actually catch it.
 

Simpleton

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Aside from our own guys (Hitchens, etc.) here's a list of guys we should be interested in, since we're almost certainly not going to hand out any $10+ million contracts so I went ahead and listed value guys also with my favorites in bold. Some of these guys are older but someone like Ngata could come in and be a nice player if he is only out there for about 40% of the snaps.

This should probably just get posted on the first page instead of whatever gump lists these writers come up with.

WR: Jarvis Landry, Sammy Watkins
Value: Paul Richardson, Marqise Lee, Taylor Gabriel, Albert Wilson, John Brown

RB (only interested in change of pace receiving backs, if cheap of course): Dion Lewis, Jerick McKinnon

DT: Donati Poe, Bennie Logan, Star Lotulelei, Sheldon Richardson
Value: DaQuan Jones, Shamar Stephen, Clinton McDonald, Haloti Ngata, Tom Johnson

DE: Ezekiel Ansah, Adrian Clayborn
Value: Denico Autry, Alex Okafor, Kony Ealy, Jerry Attaochu

LB (none should be especially expensive): Tahir Whitehead, Demario Davis, Nigel Bradham, Preston Brown, Navorro Bowman

As far as safety I don't think there is much out there that represents a sizable upgrade and most would just be progress-stoppers. TJ Ward would be a nice box safety/nickel LB type if he comes on the cheap but Frazier has been good in that role so it's not really necessary. Kenny Vaccaro could be a name but I'd be hesitant to give him the big deal I'm sure he'll want but he would definitely be an upgrade as far as a box safety goes. Tre Boston will want too much money for being a 1-year wonder, LaMarcus Joyner is good but kind of duplicative with Woods. Bradley McDougald could be a nice, cheap option who brings some range in the back but again, I'm not sure how much of an upgrade he is even over a guy like Heath.

Long story short, while some of these guys are better than what we have in safety I don't like the value there assuming guys like Vaccaro and Boston will want 7-10 a year, and I'd rather draft someone/keep developing guys like Woods and Frazier.
 
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