NFL
By: Greg Rector
Yes, here we are again. The two finalists are set for the Super Bowl, the sportswriters, pundits, “The Fanatics,” (The Silly Ones) and fans of the Cowboys are in full rumor-central mode since our franchise isn’t involved yet again. So let’s go ahead and address some of the annual stupidity that comes with not being a contender for the ultimate prize.
DAK’S CONTRACT;
Folks here’s the facts, by league rules the negotiating window for free agents begins 48 hours before the beginning of the new league year. That date is MARCH 15TH, not January 27th. We can only speculate on what will or won’t happen. Here are some factors concerning the DEAL OR NO DEAL, for Dak Prescott, and the Dallas Cowboys.
Other pending free-agent quarterbacks. This includes Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson. Do both wait to see what Dak gets, or do they set a new market rate for Dak? We won’t know until the signing period begins.
Other available options. Yes, any management group will look at all options, this means somewhere in the Frisco headquarters meetings are taking place for all possible signings and trades (Deshaun Watson/Matthew Stafford) week 5 and the moment Dak’s ankle was broken and fractured is reason enough to always have a contingency plan (Why signing Andy Dalton mattered) does this mean anything like that will happen? I don’t believe so at this point. Searching these options out does not mean that the priority of signing Dak to an extension isn’t the number one goal for the Cowboys.
The mind of Jerry Jones, as we have all been frustrated for decades the final decision is in his hands. Publicly both he and heir to the throne Stephen Jones have made Dak’s signing their priority. The issue boils down to a willingness to compromise on their stance on the length of the contract and the final dollars. We simply waste our time trying to figure out his mindset. They as well await word on the final salary cap number for this upcoming season. As of now, it looks as though the team will only have $22 million in cap space, and there are holes to fill as we all know.
FREE AGENCY:
The simple fact is that there may not be cap space to see the Cowboys make any impactful free-agent signings. Plenty of talk surrounding maybe bringing Gerald McCoy, especially since his injury derailed any chance of helping in 2020. It will have to a team-friendly contract. The other position that might not see much help via free agency is the “swing tackle,” spot for the offensive line. All dependent on the numbers. Do not expect any help at linebacker or the secondary from free agency either.
THE DRAFT:
With no combine to speak of the Senior Bowl was a very small sample size for prospective draftees. The East-West Shrine Bowl was canceled due to our nemesis the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore there’s only going to a whole ton of virtual scouting going on prior to April’s draft. The normal questions remain as in every draft. With a new defensive coaching staff in place will the team address defense early on? Will they look to Trevon Diggs former Alabama fellow cornerback in Patrick Surtain? Or do they see addressing the linebacker position as more urgent? With the 10th pick do the Cowboys trade down and stock up an extra pick in the second round? For the last question, my answer would be no at this point. Had the team tanked and stayed at the number 3 spot where they once sat, then I could see auctioning off the pick. Just don’t see enough return, especially if an impact player can be taken at number 10. There’s no Ceedee Lamb falling into our laps. The only way I don’t see the Cowboys drafting defense is if there’s a very highly rated OL that falls to them.
COACHING CHANGES :
With the hiring of Dan Quinn and his assistants my very long-held wish of a focus on the defensive side of the football just might finally come through. As much as I love seeing touchdowns, my passion has always been for this side of football. With Quinn’s hiring hopefully, the Cowboys will have two things happen. First the “Legion of Boom,” mentality. Making receivers and backs pay a price for every yard, and looking to take the football away from offenses at every opportunity. This leads to another hiring on defense that is noteworthy. Joe Whitt Jr, who worked with Mike McCarthy in Green Bay. See where I just talked about the importance of takeaways? Well under Whitt Jr, the Packers led the league in takeaways over several seasons. I am definitely on board with the emphasis on defense.
That’s just a bit off the off-season news and notes. Next week I will deal with the upcoming free agents as in who stays and who goes and why. In a couple of weeks, I will also do my first 7 round Cowboys mock draft. Yes, that means I am scouring YouTube and other sources for film and running mock draft simulations.
As always you can find me on Twitter @GregCowboys
