Archer: Cowboys free-agent debates

Cowboysrock55 said:
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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Well, he sucks.

Sometimes I do think that players suck up to certain media members so they get an inflated rep.

The only sad thing is that Dunbar was not getting exclusive props from the media. But the team and their mouthpieces as well.
 
Cowboys free agent debate: Henry Melton

February, 13, 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:

Defensive tackle Henry Melton
Type: Unrestricted

What he did: After playing in just three games in 2013 for the Chicago Bearsbecause of a torn anterior cruciate ligament, the Cowboys signed Melton to a one-year deal with a three-year option. They have to let Melton know by Sunday if they pick up the final three years, which would guarantee him $9 million in 2015. When they don’t, he will be a free agent for the second straight offseason. Melton played in every game with three starts and finished second on the defense with five sacks. The coaches credited him with just 10 tackles, but he did have 17 quarterback pressures, a forced fumble and fumble recovery. He suffered a bone bruise in his knee in the final regular-season game and was put on injured reserve, missing the playoffs. He said he never felt completely confident in his knee.

What he could do: He was a Pro Bowl selection for the Bears in 2012 and the Cowboys hoped reuniting him with Rod Marinelli would bring that form. It never happened in part because of his health. He was never a 60-snap-a-game player even in his best years in Chicago, when he had 13 sacks in 2011 and 2012. Marinelli wants to run his defensive line with a deep rotation, so if Melton comes back, he would be viewed as a backup to Tyrone Crawford as the three-technique.

What it should cost: Crawford’s ascension limited Melton’s snaps to some degree. He might be able to command more money elsewhere than the Cowboys want to give him, with other teams believing he will be better a second year since the ACL injury. There was a tension among the coaches with Melton at different times during the season that almost led to him being deactivated twice. If he comes back, it would likely be on a one-year deal with incentives, perhaps similar to the contract Anthony Spencer signed in 2014.
 
Cowboys free-agent debate: Dwayne Harris

February, 13, 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:

Wide receiver Dwayne Harris
Type: Unrestricted

What he did: The statistics don't tell Harris' full value to the Cowboys. He caught just seven passes for 116 yards and had four carries for 7 yards. He has the ability to be an elite returner but his numbers were down in part because teams kicked away from him and the blocking was not as good. He averaged 24.7 yards per kick return and 9.2 yards per punt return. In 2013, he averaged 30.6 yards per kick return and 12.8 yards per punt return. He also led the Cowboys with 18 special teams tackles.

What he could do: With Dez Bryant, Terrance Williams and Cole Beasley, who is a restricted free agent, ahead of him at wide receiver, and the Cowboys liking the future of fifth-round pickDevin Street, the opportunities will remain the same for Harris should he re-sign. He can play the slot, like Beasley, but he is a better blocker. He can play outside, like Street. If there are injuries, the Cowboys would be able to breathe a little easier knowing they have Harris.

What it should cost: With only 33 catches in his first four seasons, there won't be much of a market for Harris. The Cowboys might view him as more valuable than other teams, but he would be wise to see what other teams have to offer in terms of larger roles. With Beasley a restricted free agent and Bryant likely to get the franchise tag, the Cowboys will need receivers. To get one with Harris' experience and special teams' ability would be a plus when it comes to roster spots. He is looking at a two- or three-year deal with a small signing bonus wherever he goes.
 
Cowboys free-agent debate: Doug Free

February, 16, 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:

What he did: He started 11 games in the regular season at right tackle, missing five with foot and ankle injuries. He also missed the playoff games and needed surgery after the season on his ankle but will be ready to go for the offseason program. He was a stabilizing influence on a young and talented offensive line. Two of the Cowboys’ three lowest scoring games came in his absence. Two of the four times DeMarco Murray did not run for 100 yards came with Free on the sideline.

What he could do: He turned 31 in January, but tackles have the ability to play longer. He has been a player that has relied more on athleticism and feel than strength so the ability to adapt to the effects of a longer career should be fine. His impact in the offensive line room should not be underrated. The younger players look to him for guidance in situations on and off the field. This was the first year he missed games due to injury since becoming a full-time starter in 2010.

What it should cost: Whether he re-signs with the Cowboys or not he will count $3.98 million in dead money against the salary cap with the final two years of his contract voiding. He accepted a paycut over the last two seasons, earning $3.5 million in 2013 and ’14. The New York Jets signed Breno Giacomini to a four-year, $18 million deal last year that included $7 million guaranteed and a $2.6 million cap figure in the first year. He is one year younger than Free. He’s not in the $7 million a year neighborhood that he got in 2011, but he remains a solid option and $4.5 million per year seems reasonable.
 
Cowboys free-agent debate: Nick Hayden

February, 17, 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:

Defensive tackle Nick Hayden

Type: Unrestricted

What he did: Considering he signed a "futures" deal after the 2012 season with no signing bonus or guaranteed money, Hayden was a productive signing. He started 32 games the past two years. In 2014, he led the Cowboys' defensive line in tackles with 52, according to the coaches. He had four tackles for loss, eight quarterback pressures and two pass deflections. He is not a world-beater, but in a scheme that values effort and being in the right place and doing your job, Hayden was a productive player.

What he could do: In a perfect world, Hayden is probably a useful backup. He turned 29 earlier this month and has had some nagging injuries, like a hurt shoulder that limited some of his practice work. He will not be a pass rushing threat. He has one sack in his career, but that's not what he's asked to do. He's asked to chew up some blockers, make the occasional play and help stop the run.

What it should cost: The analytics folks don't care much for Hayden's game but the coaches, especially Rod Marinelli. But it shouldn't cost much. Hayden is a rotation player, a good locker guy and will do everything the coaches ask him to do. We're talking a small signing bonus on a two-year deal that keeps his salary-cap figure low.
 
boozeman said:
What he could do: He turned 31 in January, but tackles have the ability to play longer. He has been a player that has relied more on athleticism and feel than strength so the ability to adapt to the effects of a longer career should be fine. His impact in the offensive line room should not be underrated. The younger players look to him for guidance in situations on and off the field. This was the first year he missed games due to injury since becoming a full-time starter in 2010.

What it should cost: Whether he re-signs with the Cowboys or not he will count $3.98 million in dead money against the salary cap with the final two years of his contract voiding. He accepted a paycut over the last two seasons, earning $3.5 million in 2013 and ’14. The New York Jets signed Breno Giacomini to a four-year, $18 million deal last year that included $7 million guaranteed and a $2.6 million cap figure in the first year. He is one year younger than Free. He’s not in the $7 million a year neighborhood that he got in 2011, but he remains a solid option and $4.5 million per year seems reasonable.
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I want Doug Free back but I also don't want to spend a lot of money doing so. We have a studly young O-line and Free is kind of the one veteran presence there. We absolutely need to either bring Free or Parnell back. Free is my preference but I'll take either. Both guys while acceptable at RT certainly wouldn't preclude me from drafting a guy either.

We absolutely have to lock up Dez but after that I'd like to use our free cap space mostly on the defensive side of the ball. Bring in some talent on the D-line as opposed to hoping the right guys fall in the draft.
 
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The way I look at it with Free...I would not give him more than 3 mil per year, particularly for this year. That would put cap charges at close to 7 mil for the year. I don't want to skimp on the position, but I want to keep as much payroll flexibility as possible.
 
Clay_Allison said:
Why can't we give him a second round tender as an unrestricted free agent? That's a head scratcher.
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And why give him a $1.5 million tender if we don't get compensation if he leaves? Does that give you the right to match another offer?
 
Cowboysrock55 said:
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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I think the reason we didn't play him much in preseason is because he isn't very good and we wanted to check out Williams
 
dallen said:
And why give him a $1.5 million tender if we don't get compensation if he leaves? Does that give you the right to match another offer?
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Yes.
 
Cowboys free-agent debate: Jermey Parnell

February, 17, 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:

Right tackle Jermey Parnell
Type: Unrestricted

What he did: When the Cowboys lost Doug Free to foot and ankle injuries during the season, they were fortunate to have Parnell step in. He started five games plus both playoff games. He did a solid job but he also had some struggles with diagnosing different defensive looks and pressures. The Cowboys put a lot of time in developing Parnell after signing him off the New Orleans Saints' practice squad in 2010. They were patient with him, gave him an extension in 2012 despite having just played in six games. He started one game apiece in 2012 and '13 before getting the five starts in 2014.

What he could do: If he signs with the Cowboys, then he would be the starter. Free is also a free agent, and the Cowboys will not be able to keep both. If Free remains, then Parnell would look elsewhere for starter's playing time and perhaps he could follow Bill Callahan to theWashington Redskins. Parnell turns 29 in July, so he has the age advantage on Free (31), but he is not as good a tackle. He could be solid, but the Cowboys would need to make sure they are covered with a good backup.

What it should cost: On Monday, I put Free in the $4.5 million neighborhood with Breno Giacomini's deal as the comparison. I wouldn’t put Parnell in the same neighborhood. If another team wants to pay him that kind of money, let them and draft a guy. If the Cowboys lose Free, they need to hold to what they think Parnell is worth and not overpay because of need. And they could always draft an offensive tackle in the first round for the fourth time in four years if necessary.
 
Iamtdg said:

What it should cost: On Monday, I put Free in the $4.5 million neighborhood with Breno Giacomini's deal as the comparison. I wouldn’t put Parnell in the same neighborhood. If another team wants to pay him that kind of money, let them and draft a guy.
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Effing A.
 
Cowboys free-agent debate: Dez Bryant

February, 18, 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:

Wide receiver Dez Bryant
Type: Unrestricted

What he did: What didn't he do? He led the Cowboys with 88 catches for 1,320 yards and set the team's season record with 16 touchdowns. (He also made a catch in the fourth quarter against the Green Bay Packers in the divisional round, but that's another story). It was Bryant's third straight 1,000-yard season and the third straight year he had 1,000 yards and double-digit touchdowns. Only Bob Hayes has more seasons with at least 10 touchdown catches (four) in team history than Bryant. He was named to the Pro Bowl for the second straight season but didn't play in the game because of a lingering groin injury.

What he could do: He is one of the most dominant receivers in the NFL. He is a mismatch in the red zone because of his ability to go after the high pass and his strength. He has some of the strongest hands in the NFL and his route running has improved greatly and should improve the more he plays. He needs to do a better job against press coverage and not give corners so much of his upper body to lock onto. When he was drafted he was quickly anointed the next great No. 88 in team history with Drew Pearson and Michael Irvin. It took some time but he has earned that reputation and if he remains he might turn out to be the best of the bunch.

What it should cost: This is where it gets tricky. The Cowboys are likely to put the franchise tag on Bryant, which should be roughly $13 million, if they are unable to find agreement on a long-term deal. That it hasn't happened yet tells you there is a divide in what Bryant wants and what the Cowboys want to give that goes beyond just the structure of the deal. It is quite possible the Cowboys could use the franchise tag on him in 2016 if they don't get a deal done.Calvin Johnson and Larry Fitzgerald average $16 million per season. Johnson was guaranteed $48.75 million in his deal. There is a gulf in the remaining receiver deals in guaranteed money and that has held back the talks. The Cowboys guaranteed Tyron Smith $40 million in his deal last summer, but that didn't do the trick for Bryant. The Cowboys appear more than comfortable to roll with the franchise tag at this point.
 
Cowboys free-agent debate: George Selvie

February, 18, 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.

Defensive end George Selvie
Type: Unrestricted

What he did: Like Nick Hayden, Selvie’s two-year run has exceeded expectations. He was signed as a training camp body in 2013 and has started 29 of the last 32 games. He had seven sacks two seasons ago, which looks like the career anomaly after putting up three in 2014. He came to the Cowboys with three sacks in his first three seasons. He finished last season with 31 tackle, according to the coaches, and had 20 quarterback pressures to go with two tackles for loss, a forced fumble and fumble recovery.

What he could do: Like Hayden, he would be best served in a backup role. With the wayDeMarcus Lawrence played at the end of 2014, Jeremy Mincey could move to left defensive end with Lawrence playing on the right side. Selvie would be a serviceable option in a rotation, but the Cowboys don’t want to overextend him on snaps. He is a solid run defender and can get after the quarterback well enough but has limitations.

What it should cost: If you’re looking at 10 sacks over the last two years, then you would feel pretty good about what he has contributed, but there is a difference between what he was in 2013 and what he has been the other years of his career. If the right tackle situation betweenDoug Free and Jermey Parnell is an either/or deal, so too could be the situation between Selvie and Anthony Spencer. The better play might be for Spencer, despite the fact he has knee concerns to worry about and had just a half sack last season. If Selvie is back, it should be at minimum-level money with a small signing bonus.
 
I like Selvie...not great, but he has been solid since he has been here. I'd feel good about him, Mincey, Lawrence, and a FA/high pick at DE. Crawford can kick out from time to time if needed too.
 
Cowboys free-agent debate: DeMarco Murray

February, 19, 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 DeMarco Murray
Type: Unrestricted

What he did: He set the team record for yards in a season with 1,845, which also led the league. He also led the NFL in carries with 392. He scored 13 rushing touchdowns. He opened the year with eight straight 100-yard games, which is an NFL record, and he had 12 100-yard games for the season, which was a team record. His start to the season was so incredible it was almost impossible to keep up that level of play for a 16-game season. He also caught a career-high 57 passes for 416 yards. For the first time in his career he played in every game, playing through a surgically repaired left hand. Jason Garrett said Murray became the heartbeat of the team.

What he could do: There is a ton of analysis on what running backs haven’t done after similar seasons to Murray’s, but expecting him to continue to rush for 1,845 yards is folly. It’s something that has been done once in franchise history and that franchise has two Hall of Fame runners in Emmitt Smith and Tony Dorsett. A drop-off should be viewed as natural. But Murray ran for 1,121 yards in 14 games in 2013. Expecting 392 carries is also folly. If the Cowboys re-sign him, then they would have to manage him differently than they did in 2014. But there is no reason to think he can’t be a 300-carry, 1,300-yard rusher for the next three years. He has a young and talented offensive line. He has weapons in the passing game that will make it difficult for teams to always stack the box.

What it should cost: This is a trick question in a part because nobody really knows. Teams have devalued runners in recent years, but a back of Murray’s talent has not hit the open market recently. The draft class is strong too, so teams might be more willing to go after a younger runner with less mileage than Murray. There is no doubt a runner’s production dips as he closes in on 30. Murray just turned 27. Regardless of the length of deal Murray receives from the Cowboys or another team, the most important numbers will be the first three years of the deal. The final two or three years will simply be window dressing in a bid to keep the cap figures lower than expected the first three years. If you want to call it a six-year deal or a five-year deal or a seven-year deal, it doesn’t matter. In the first three years, Murray could be in the neighborhood of $20 million to $21 million in terms of guaranteed money. Of course, it could be higher than that if one team believes Murray is the final piece. If the price gets too high, the Cowboys will walk away and find a cheaper replacement (or replacements).
 
Cowboys free-agent debate: Anthony Spencer

February, 20, 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 whom to keep and whom to let go.

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

Defensive end Anthony Spencer
Type: Unrestricted

What he did: He missed the first three games as he worked his way back from microfracture surgery that limited him to one game in 2013. The coaches credited him with 25 tackles, a half sack, one tackle for loss, 17 quarterback pressures, one pass deflection, a forced fumble and fumble recovery in 13 games.

What he could do: As the season wore on and the more confident Spencer became in his knee, the better he played. Is he a 16-game starter these days? Perhaps not, but as the Cowboys look to rebuild their defensive line he would be a good piece for a year or two. Although he has outside linebacker experience in a 3-4 scheme, the knee injury might force him to remain as a 4-3 defensive end, which helps the Cowboys. He is Jason Garrett's kind of guy: He will do his work, do what is asked and not complain.

What it should cost: He made $1.25 million in base salary and had roster bonuses of $46,875 per game as he worked his way back. Since he has not recorded a full sack since 2012 and teams will be concerned about the knee, he is looking at a similar make-good contract as he enters his ninth season.
 
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