Archer: Cowboys free-agent debates

boozeman

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Cowboys free-agent debate: Sterling Moore

February, 10, 2015



By Todd Archer | ESPNDallas.com


What he did: Moore shored up the third cornerback role for most of the year, starting when Orlando Scandrick was suspended for the first two games and continuing when Morris Claiborne suffered a season-ending knee injury. While he did not have an interception, he did lead the Cowboys with 14 pass deflections in the regular season to go with 49 tackles, according to the coaches’ breakdown, a tackle for loss, a forced fumble and two fumble recoveries. The Cowboys righted their wrong of cutting him in 2013 in favor of B.W. Webb by bringing him back later that season, and he rewarded their move with a solid 2014.

What he could do: Because Moore has shown the ability to play outside and inside, he brings a lot of versatility to the defense and allows the coaches to match up their top corners, like Scandrick, on top receivers all over the field. A nickel corner is like a 12th starter because of how many snaps he plays during the course of a game. Moore might get overexposed if he were to play every down, but he competes well and knows how to keep himself in good positions. He will not take unnecessary risks.

What it should cost: The Cowboys can tender Moore a deal worth $1.5 million as a restricted free agent or attempt to get him to re-sign at a lower price. In all likelihood, they will give him the $1.5 million tender because of the importance of a third (or even fourth) cornerback in any defense. Because he was an undrafted free agent, the Cowboys would not receive any compensation in return if he signed an offer sheet elsewhere.

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This is a no brainer to me for $1.5 million. It eliminates the need to draft a CB at all if we don't find value. He's a decent player who you can win with if there is a pass rush. You will spend a lot more on a FA, without question.
 

Clay_Allison

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Bring him back. Cut Carr. Bring in another cheap FA. Roll with that guy, Scandrick, Moore, and Patmon.
 

ravidubey

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Bring him back. Cut Carr. Bring in another cheap FA. Roll with that guy, Scandrick, Moore, and Patmon.
If they can get Carr to take a paycut I think we would be set with Moore and Patmon returning and Claiborne playing in a contract year.

That simple approach leaves us set to go after help on the front seven and at safety.
 

Newt

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I would be fine rolling with the corners we have if we can upgrade the pass rush. Scandrick, Carr, Moore, Patmon, Claiborne, its not an outstanding group, but is serviceable with a pass rush. I do wish we had a playmaker in the secondary, just one stand out guy, but I wouldn't want to break the bank on anyone yet.
 

Angrymesscan

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He played well enough that he could get an offer from another team...
 

Clay_Allison

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Why can't we give him a second round tender as an unrestricted free agent? That's a head scratcher.
 

Cotton

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Archer: Cowboys free-agent debates

Cowboys free-agent debate: Bruce Carter

February, 10, 2015

By Todd Archer | ESPNDallas.com

With 20 players set to be restricted or unrestricted free agents, the Dallas Cowboys will have plenty of decisions to make on who to keep and who to let go.

Let’s take a look at the free agents to be and how they could fit into the Cowboys' future:


Linebacker Bruce Carter
Type: Unrestricted

What he did: Carter led the Cowboys with five interceptions, with three coming in the last three games. Three of his four tackles for loss in the regular season came in the final three games. Three of his eight pass deflections came in the last three games. He had 12 tackles in the regular-season finale to finish with 75, according to the coaches’ breakdown. He also had a sack and three quarterback pressures. He missed three games with a quadriceps injury, and started eight of the 13 games he played. He played all three linebacker spots, but seemed to find a home at strongside linebacker.

What he could do: The Cowboys have to figure out if the Carter who closed the season can play that way for an entire season. A second-round pick in 2011, Carter has battled consistency issues his entire career with the Cowboys. For every good game or play, he would revert back to head-scratching ways that confounded his coaches. In the past 11 drafts, the Cowboys have kept two second-round picks on second contracts: Andre Gurode and Sean Lee. They did not have second-round picks in 2007 or 2009 because of trades. Carter would be able to fill multiple holes depending on how the Cowboys handle their other free-agent linebackers -- Justin Durantand Rolando McClain.

What it should cost: The Washington Redskins paid Perry Riley a three-year deal worth $12 million last year that included $5 million in guaranteed money. Different schemes and different positions, but could that be Carter’s market? He has not played a full season in his career, but he showed the ability to make some plays last season. Consistency, however, is the key. Can he be counted on every week?

The series:
Click here to see other posts in this series.
 

Cotton

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Cowboys free agent debate: Chris Jones

February, 9, 2015

By Todd Archer | ESPNDallas.com

With 20 players set to be restricted or unrestricted free agents, the Dallas Cowboys will have plenty of decisions to make on who to keep and who to let go.

Let’s take a look at the free agents to be and how they could fit into the Cowboys’ future:

Punter Chris Jones
Type: Restricted

What he did: In his second full season, Jones averaged 45.4 yards per punt to go with a 39.8-yard net average. He had one punt blocked that was returned for a touchdown by the Seattle Seahawks. Twenty-one of Jones’ 54 punts ended up inside the opponents’ 20 and he had just two touchbacks.

What he could do: He needs to improve as a situational punter in pinning teams deep, but he possesses a strong leg and is a solid holder for Dan Bailey. The latter should not be overlooked because of how many close games the Cowboys generally play and how important Bailey is to their success.

What it should cost: As a restricted free agent, the Cowboys can hold on to his rights by tendering him a contract worth $1.5 million for 2015. Because he was an undrafted free agent, the Cowboys would not receive any compensation in return if he signed elsewhere. However, it is extremely unlikely another team will make a run at him. Because the money is not guaranteed, the Cowboys can still look at younger punters as competition for Jones in camp or an upgrade, if necessary.
 

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Cowboys free-agent debate: Tyler Clutts

February, 11, 2015

By Todd Archer | ESPNDallas.com

With 20 players set to be restricted or unrestricted free agents, the Dallas Cowboys will have plenty of decisions to make on who to keep and who to let go.

Let’s take a look at the free agents to be and how they could fit into the Cowboys’ future:

Fullback Tyler Clutts
Type: Unrestricted

What he did: In the regular season he did not have a carry and he caught just one pass for 1 yard. He added a touchdown catch in the divisional round loss to the Green Bay Packers. But a fullback’s game is hardly ever about statistics these days, especially with the Cowboys, who rely more on their tight ends in the running game.

What he could do: He has played solidly since coming to the Cowboys in 2013. There is debate as to whether DeMarco Murray runs better without a fullback, but there have been times where Clutts has made a nice block – either on his man or on somebody’s who missed – to help Murray gain more yards. He is also a solid contributor on special teams. While the Cowboys have had some top fullbacks in their history, the position is dying these days. Over the last few years the Cowboys have leaned toward keeping four tight ends on the active roster over a fullback. If he re-signs, a roster spot would not be guaranteed.

What it should cost: The fifth-year minimum salary is $745,000. It’s possible the Cowboys give him a small signing bonus or sign him to a veteran minimum salary benefit deal. The competition for his services, however, shouldn’t be big. It’s not Clutts’ ability or lack of it. It’s the nature of his position.
 

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Cowboys free-agent debate: Rolando McClain

February, 12, 2015

By Todd Archer | ESPNDallas.com

With 20 players set to be restricted or unrestricted free agents, the Dallas Cowboys will have plenty of decisions to make on who to keep and who to let go.

Let's take a look at the free agents to be and how they could fit into the Cowboys' future:


Linebacker Rolando McClain
Type: Unrestricted

What he did: He came off the couch, so to speak, to be the Cowboys' best defender for most of the season. He started 12 games and was active for 13 but did not play against Jacksonville due to an injury. He finished second on the team in tackles with 108, according to the coaches, and had a sack, nine tackles for loss -- which led the team -- five quarterback pressures, two interceptions, five pass deflections and one forced fumble. He did all this after not playing since 2012 with the Oakland Raiders and retired twice. The Cowboys acquired him in a trade with the Baltimore Ravens and will have to give up their sixth-rounder this year, but will also get the Ravens' seventh-rounder in return.

What he could do: With the return of Sean Lee from a torn anterior cruciate ligament, the Cowboys would feature two playmaking linebackers. He would benefit from an offseason program as well. He was limited in training camp due to nagging injuries and missed three games with groin and knee injuries as well as an illness. He suffered concussions in the Cowboys' playoff games as well. But his presence helped the Cowboys' defense in 2014 and would help it again in 2015. The opposition feels his tackles.

What it should cost: It is difficult to come up with a comparison for McClain to figure out the right price because of his time away from the game. As good as he was in 2014, he did not play well in his time with the Raiders. Would a team be willing to pay a huge price for him based on the 12 starts in 2014 or be wary of doing it based on the full body of work? There are quirks that come with McClain that should help the Cowboys keep him because they know him best and Jason Garrett has the Nick Saban seal of approval. Committing big money is dicey. A shorter-term deal with incentives to give the club some protection might be the best way to go.
 

Cowboysrock55

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Washington Redskins paid Perry Riley a three-year deal worth $12 million last year that included $5 million in guaranteed money. Different schemes and different positions, but could that be Carter’s market? He has not played a full season in his career, but he showed the ability to make some plays last season. Consistency, however, is the key. Can he be counted on every week?
If that's the money we are talking about, it's an easy no for me.
 

Cotton

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Cowboys free-agent debate: Lance Dunbar

February, 12, 2015

By Todd Archer | ESPNDallas.com

With 20 players set to be restricted or unrestricted free agents, the Dallas Cowboys will have plenty of decisions to make on who to keep and who to let go.

Let’s take a look at the free agents to be and how they could fit into the Cowboys’ future:

Running back Lance Dunbar
Type: Restricted

What he did: He played in every game and had 29 carries for 99 yards. He also caught 18 passes for 217 yards. He was never able to be a big part of the offense because DeMarco Murray wasn’t going to come off the field, and if the Cowboys did want to give him a breather with some carries those went mostly to Joseph Randle. Dunbar had moments during the season with three catches for more than 20 yards. He has a good feel in the screen game, and he is a willing pass blocker.

What he could do: Dunbar will always be a niche player. The Cowboys have two of those inCole Beasley and, to a degree, tight end Gavin Escobar. He remains a solid third-down, change-of-pace option, but he is not a guy who can get you 15 to 20 carries a game on a weekly basis. If something were to happen to the Cowboys’ lead back, whoever that is in 2015, then Dunbar would be part of the group that takes over the carries, not the main guy. He can help on special teams as a returner and on coverage.

What it should cost: As an undrafted free agent, he is looking at the low tender worth $1.5 million, which would not net the Cowboys any compensation if he were to leave, but why would a team come after him? There is a thought that the Cowboys might not tender him at all and give him a smaller one-year deal. They didn’t tender Phillip Tanner as a restricted free agent last year. But with the uncertainty at the position with Murray’s impending free agency and Randle’s off-field troubles, they might want to make sure they keep Randle around for another year as insurance.
 

Cowboysrock55

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5 million isn't a lot of guaranteed money.
4 mil per year for a guy who should be a backup is too much. 5 mil isn't a lot of guaranteed money but I don't think Carter is the type of player you invest money in.
 

boozeman

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Cowboys free-agent debate: Lance Dunbar

February, 12, 2015

By Todd Archer | ESPNDallas.com

With 20 players set to be restricted or unrestricted free agents, the Dallas Cowboys will have plenty of decisions to make on who to keep and who to let go.

Let’s take a look at the free agents to be and how they could fit into the Cowboys’ future:

Running back Lance Dunbar
Type: Restricted

What he did: He played in every game and had 29 carries for 99 yards. He also caught 18 passes for 217 yards. He was never able to be a big part of the offense because DeMarco Murray wasn’t going to come off the field, and if the Cowboys did want to give him a breather with some carries those went mostly to Joseph Randle. Dunbar had moments during the season with three catches for more than 20 yards. He has a good feel in the screen game, and he is a willing pass blocker.

What he could do: Dunbar will always be a niche player. The Cowboys have two of those inCole Beasley and, to a degree, tight end Gavin Escobar. He remains a solid third-down, change-of-pace option, but he is not a guy who can get you 15 to 20 carries a game on a weekly basis. If something were to happen to the Cowboys’ lead back, whoever that is in 2015, then Dunbar would be part of the group that takes over the carries, not the main guy. He can help on special teams as a returner and on coverage.

What it should cost: As an undrafted free agent, he is looking at the low tender worth $1.5 million, which would not net the Cowboys any compensation if he were to leave, but why would a team come after him? There is a thought that the Cowboys might not tender him at all and give him a smaller one-year deal. They didn’t tender Phillip Tanner as a restricted free agent last year. But with the uncertainty at the position with Murray’s impending free agency and Randle’s off-field troubles, they might want to make sure they keep Randle around for another year as insurance.
I would hope we just simply pass on this guy.

Even $1.5 is rich for guy who touched the ball 40 times and no scores.

We paid "niche players" like Corey Procter, Kevin Ogletree and Sam Hurd similar tenders and got nothing out of it...please stop it.
 

ravidubey

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I would hope we just simply pass on this guy.

Even $1.5 is rich for guy who touched the ball 40 times and no scores.

We paid "niche players" like Corey Procter, Kevin Ogletree and Sam Hurd similar tenders and got nothing out of it...please stop it.
He needs to be gone.
 

boozeman

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He is the guy you don't tender at 1.5 mil and can always offer a smaller deal down the road if you want him there for training camp.
Huh?

He is the home run artist that for just some gosh darn dagnabbit reason we never got him the ball.

Pay the man!
 

Cowboysrock55

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Huh?

He is the home run artist that for just some gosh darn dagnabbit reason we never got him the ball.

Pay the man!
It still baffles me that we thought so highly of him that we wouldn't even let him play in preseason. Then we don't use him at all during the regular season.
 
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