Loss of Hatcher could lead to pick in 2015
March, 17, 2014
By Todd Archer | ESPNDallas.com
IRVING, Texas -- The Dallas Cowboys lost Jason Hatcher to the Washington Redskins on Friday to a four-year, $27.5 million deal, but there could be a silver lining in the future.
Depending on how free agency plays out, the Cowboys could end up receiving a compensatory pick for Hatcher in 2015.
In 2011, the Cowboys lost Stephen Bowen via free agency to the Redskins and were able to gain a fourth-round compensatory pick. They are still waiting for that pick to pay off in safety Matt Johnson, who was taken No. 135 overall.
Johnson did not play in a game in 2012 because of hamstring and back injuries and he was on injured reserve last year with an ankle injury. When the offseason program starts next month, Johnson will be ready to go, but the Cowboys cannot bank on him being a contributor, even at a position of need like safety.
For those wondering if the Cowboys can recover a pick from the loss of DeMarcus Ware, the answer is no. Ware was technically not an unrestricted free agent because he was cut.