Cowboys Mailbag - June 3

It seems like a very poor idea to go 4 weeks between mailbags, but for some reason it happened.  In the meantime, I did game-film breakdowns of the 7 new Cowboys draft picks, and if you haven't read all of them, here are the links for each one while we proceed with your actual emails.

Round 1: Travis Frederick, C, Wisconsin

Round 2: Gavin Escobar, TE, San Diego State

Round 3: Terrance Williams, WR, Baylor

Round 3: JJ Wilcox, S, Georgia Southern

Round 4: BW Webb, CB, William And Mary

Round 5: Joseph Randle, RB, Oklahoma State

Round 6: DeVonte Holloman, LB, South Carolina

Just click on any name from above, and you will be taken directly to his profile and you will get the full breakdown of each player.  It is something I like to do far more than looking at guys in OTA's, because I have certainly learned over the years that there is no greater deceiver in this game than the abilities of a player in shorts and no contact.  Only when the bullets are truly flying will we know what these guys can do.  And that won't be revealed until September, unless we look backward to the games that they have already starred in.

Now, with that project done, it is time to move on to strategic studies of the squad as we review 2012 in depth and prepare for 2013 and the new things we will see this fall.  That will begin later this week with a long discussion about "12 Personnel" by the numbers in a few days.

But, for now, let's get some email discussions covered for today:

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Bob, 

How did you like the Cowboys draft board going public again?  Are they serious?  2 times it happens in 4 drafts?  What is more Jerry Jones Cowboys than that?

Devin

Thanks, Devin.  Hopefully, by now, everyone has had a chance to study the great work that Blogging the Boys did late last week as they took pictures released by the Cowboys themselves of Jerry standing in front of his own draft board and piecing the entire board together.  It is almost something that seems like fiction - unless you realize they did this exact same thing back in April of 2010 when DallasCowboys.com released photos of, you guessed it, Jerry Jones and Wade Phillips standing in front of their draft board in the war room.  

Now, understand that this is a big deal to the people that spend all year building these files on each player.  I am not sure what you or I can do with this information, but when the NFL has 32 teams that are running fully classified intelligence departments so that they can outwit each-other in pursuit of the best 53 players each team can assemble, it becomes a rather large obstacle if the competition knows your secrets, but you don't know theirs.

Think about the last week of camp when teams are shuffling and trying to fill out their lineups and a team wants to trade with the Cowboys a player they would otherwise cut.  Now, they know if the Cowboys really liked the player on draft day and can demand a higher price from Dallas than from another team because they have seen the information.  Again, this isn't the biggest issue ever, but if a trade costs you a 6th rounder, instead of a 7th rounder because of this act of carelessness and silliness, then it is too much.

Someone asked me this week what we are missing here.  As in, there is no way this "accidentally" happens twice in 4 drafts when we are hard pressed to find any of the other 31 teams making this same mistake even once.  His premise was that maybe Jerry is doing this on purpose.  As in, Jerry wants to prove that he followed his board and had a great draft as he nailed 3 2nd round picks.  If someone had told me that the Cowboys were going to trade back and get 3 2nd rounders in this draft, I would have said that is a great idea and that this is how you build your roster quickly and effectively.  But, is public validation really his goal these days?  He almost seems like he feels quite the opposite; that it is his team and he will do whatever he wants.

Another person asked me if this is part of his feud with his scouts.  It is clear that some in the scouting department are tired of working for 12 months to stack the players as they firmly believe, only to be over-ruled at the alter by a new assistant coach, an old friend of Jerry's, or Jerry himself.  Now, they seem to be much more likely to speak up (off the record) and defend the idea that the #5 pick on their entire board fell right to them at #18 and they still wouldn't take him.  When that is the case, you can see the scouts feel that they are filling out their reports with thorough dedication for no reason whatsoever.  

In the end, I guess I have no idea how this could have happened twice.  Could the website staff be that unaware of the pictures they are making public have important proprietary information that should be protected for the betterment of the organization?  If you don't think this is a big deal, ask someone in the personnel department and watch their pulse race.  I also have no idea what the ramifications are other than people all over the league now examining the Cowboys thinking on each player and running stories like, "Do the Cowboys think we had a good draft?"  By the way, those stories are everywhere because it is rather uncommon for this to happen - let alone, twice.

But, to answer Devin's question: What is more Jerry Jones-Cowboys than that?  Sadly, nothing.

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Sturm-

How much cap room do we have now in 2013 and what are we planning to do with it?

Steve

Basically, according to the guys at Overthecap.com, the Cowboys presently sit at almost $10m under the cap in 2013 with the Marcus Spears money now moved (since we are after June 1).  

Once you get the rookies squared away and signed - which could be done for half of that amount or less, than there is actually enough money to get one more significant piece of business done.  However, to those who dream of going to get another veteran player on the street who can really help this thing this season, we must remind you that there are some significant players coming due very soon who are going to need to get paid a lot of money.  The most imposing bills that are coming quickly will be the Dez Bryant and Tyron Smith extensions, although those can be put off for at least 1 more season.  

I don't know if you have thought those 2 deals out, but trust me, both of them will be staggering, unless something unforeseen happens.  Dez is appearing to be nearing superstar status and Tyron will be a UFA left tackle at the age of 24 who has started every game of his career and has played very well.  I don't think you need to be convinced the going rate for those types of players.  

Not on the same level of "insane cash" will be DeMarco Murray (most likely) and Sean Lee who is finishing his rookie contract for $600k this fall.  And he is the one who most expect will have a deal before training camp in August.

I will grant you that it would first be nice to see that Lee can play 16 games in a season with his style and his body, given his inability to make it through a year in Dallas so far and frankly, less than perfect health at Penn State, too.  But, his quality and his overall total package is that of a player that the Cowboys want right in the center of their plans through his prime.  

So, what would it cost to get Lee done for the next 5 or 6 years if that deal is being worked on right now?

Well, there are a few easy comparable from that same 2010 draft that netted the Cowboys Sean Lee.  At pick #47, Arizona took Daryl Washington from TCU to play linebacker out in the desert.  And, before the 2012 season, they signed Washington to a 6-year, $32 million extension that included a bonus of $5 million up front and another bonus of $10 million after 2013 that is not guaranteed, but virtually guaranteed (barring another suspension).

Then, a player that lined up next to Sean Lee at Penn State, but slid to #91 was San Francisco's Navarro Bowman.  He is also noted as another 1st round grade by the Cowboys if you go back to that leaked board from above, and has played right to the Pro Bowl.  Bowman also signed a deal before the 2012 season that dwarfed the Washington deal in guaranteed money, when he signed a 7-year, $46.3 million deal - with over $25m guaranteed.

Why is there such a difference in those two deals?  I am not positive, other than Bowman had already broken out before he signed and that Washington could have made more if he hadn't signed before his 2012 season where he was spectacular.  

So, does Sean Lee fit between those two?  That isn't actually the question.  The question is that if he put up a big 2013, how much would he make on the open market (which he would likely never get to as the Cowboys still have the protection of the franchise tag).  But, with all of the deals on the horizon for this new generation of young players, they would be wise to get Lee done to a cap friendly deal as soon as they can so they can put a little of this surplus in 2013 to work for them against the future.

Send me your questions for future mailbags at Sturm1310@me.com 

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Cowboys Mail: Thinking About the Unthinkable

In 2005, there was a controversial moment in the Cowboys war-room.  Most people who were there that day will verify that there was a disagreement with what the Cowboys would do with the first of their 2 1st Round picks.  Because of the trade in 2004 that pushed the Cowboys out of the 1st Round (Steven Jackson) and back into the 2nd (Julius Jones) so that the Bills could take JP Losman, they had an extra pick in 2005.  They would have picks #11 and picks #20 in the 1st round of 2005.

They would use these picks and many other resources to covert their defense that off-season over to a 3-4 and they needed many of the pieces that would be required to do what Bill Parcells was hoping to pull off.

The disagreement centered around #11.  With the Cowboys on the clock, we understand that Parcells was ready to take Marcus Spears or Shawne Merriman at that pick.  But, the other side of the disagreement was being handled by Jerry Jones himself.  His side, one which had the scouting department in full support, thought it was time to hop on the defensive end from Troy, DeMarcus Ware.    They had some feelings about Merriman and his agent and while Spears might not make it to #20, Ware was the best player with the least amount of question marks.

We can document and discuss the issues with Jerry Jones and his multitude of strikeouts, but let us never forget the home-run of over-ruling Parcells on the 3-pick choice of 2005.  Ware or Spears or Merriman.  The only right answer is Ware and witnesses agree that Jones made that call.

Since then, Ware has been the most dominant pass rusher in the NFL.  From 2005 to this moment, Ware has 111 sacks which ranks #1 in the NFL.  In fact, Ware and Jared Allen (108 sacks) are miles beyond anyone else in this category - Julius Peppers (81.5).  But, he is more than a simple pass rusher, because no other defensive front-7 guy has forced more fumbles than Ware over that span, too.  His 32 forced fumbles trail only CB Charles Tillman for players at any position.

He has played 16 games every year, he has been a model citizen, and he has been the dominant defensive player in the entire NFL since 2005 - a span of 8 full seasons.  In short, if ever there has been a no-brainer candidate for the Cowboys Ring of Honor and Canton, Ohio on a team that did not win Super Bowls, it would have to start with DeMarcus Ware.

Which is why answering this email in this fashion may be enough to make most people spit their coffee on their computer screens:

Hey Bob,
how would you feel about trading DeMarcus Ware this offseason.  It seems that with the cap number that is coming, his age, and the potential return, it is something that should at least be considered.  Thanks, Dave

 Wow.  Just the thing I have been thinking about.  What would be the Cowboys quickest route to rebuilding a team that is now both old and expensive, yet, nearly blasphemous to even suggest.

What is the case for trading the Cowboys most valuable asset?

Let's start with the fact that he is about to turn 31 before he plays another down for the Cowboys.  Somethings age well, football stars are generally not one of them.  There is still plenty of proof that Ware can have some fantastic seasons ahead, though.

Why?  History tells us that pass rushers can have great careers past 31.

Bruce Smith had 94 sacks after his 31st birthday.  Reggie White, who was 31 when he signed in Green Bay, still had 74 more sacks after his 31st birthday.  Kevin Greene had 87.5 sacks after that birthday, too.  Chris Doleman had 74.5 starting with the season after turning 31.  Even Michael Strahan had 57 sacks beyond age 31.  There is plenty of reason to believe, based on looking at the 5 best sackers of all-time that you can still do plenty of damage after the age of 31.  Running backs don't age well, but apparently there is still a lot of miles left for the elite guys at getting to the QB if they stay in great shape.  And Ware appears to be one of those for sure.  And if he puts up numbers like those 5 players, he will jump a few of them and make a run at the Bruce Smith's all-time number of 200.  He needs 89 more sacks.

And, if you were so inclined to trade one of the best Cowboys of all-time, that prior paragraph tells you that the haul would be pretty strong.

But, the Cowboys are never inclined to trade players off its roster.  The past 20 years, in the post-Jimmy Johnson era, have shown us that the Cowboys have gone that entire span without trading a player for a 1st, 2nd, OR 3rd round pick.  Sure, they flipped Jason Ferguson for a 6th, and Anthony Fasano with Akin Ayodele for a 4th, but they never trade premium players for premium picks all the way back to the Steve Walsh trade (and Herschel, of course).

This has led to many around the NFL feeling that the Cowboys "Fall in love with their players" as much as anyone in the sport.  That label means keeping guys around until they can no longer play in the league, while paying them top salaries and keeping the band together.  It is the opposite of letting Ronnie Lott and Joe Montana finish their careers elsewhere.  It is keeping the core of Tony Romo, Ware, Jason Witten, Jay Ratliff, and Miles Austin - the group all acquired during the Parcells-Era - together until they all have aged out of their primes.

So, each year, as these players all age, their cap numbers cause issues and the Cowboys have to restructure everyone just to become compliant with the salary cap, let alone to make room to actually sign anyone.  This is the equivalent of opening a new credit card and transferring your balances, rather than actually paying off your balance.  It delays your debt (and often, makes it grow).

DeMarcus Ware is the one guy who might be able to fix everything.  With a cap hit in 2013 of $8 million, he seems to be paid about right.  But, because of the accounting issues that always haunt this team, his number rises to an insane $16m in 2014 and $17.5m in 2015.  After that, it drops back to $14m in 2016 and 2017, neither of which carry guaranteed money - yet.  He is guaranteed about $17 million more on his current arrangement according to my information (including his money this year).

But, I think we all know how this normally goes.  Ware has a normal Ware year, and next winter, the Cowboys must extend his deal to ease up the hit in 2014, and in exchange, either add years or guarantee salary in '16 or '17, thus continuing the conveyor belt way of doing business.

Or, you could see about a trade.  (I pause for everyone to gather up their rotten vegetables to throw at the computer).

Would you trade DeMarcus Ware?  And if so, what would you get?

Let's look at some trades in recent years to examine the haul:

Percy Harvin to Seattle - for a 1st, 3rd and 7th.

Carson Palmer to Oakland - for a 1st and 2nd.

Alex Smith to Kansas City - for a 2nd and a conditional 2nd.

Robert Griffin to Washington - for 3 1st Rounders and a 2nd.

Julio Jones to Atlanta - for 2 1sts, a 2nd, and 2 4ths.

Kevin Kolb to Arizona - for a 2nd and Dominque Rodgers-Cromartie.

Richard Seymour to Oakland - for a 1st.

Jared Allen to Minnesota - for a 1st and 2 3rds.

Matt Cassel and Mike Vrabel to Chiefs - for a 2nd.

Roy Williams (and a 7th) to the Cowboys - for a 1st, 3rd, and 6th.

Some of these trades relate and some clearly don't.  Quarterbacks have to be treated in their own category as people are always willing to overpay for a QB.  Jared Allen's deal was when he was 26, but also when he had a reputation of being a bit of trouble off the field.

Could you get a 1st and a 2nd?  It seems like a fair offer that only relies on 1 team wanting to spend the picks to get a generational (Reggie White to Green Bay?) type acquisition and then sign him to a 5-year deal that would replace/restructure his current one that both parties would agree to.  Would Ware accept a 5-year, $60 million deal with $25-$30m guaranteed right now to begin his career elsewhere?

I think he would be delighted to nearly double his guaranteed money.

Would the Cowboys trade their most valuable non-QB asset for a 1st and a 2nd rounder, thus getting a return on a player who has premium value rather than letting him age to where you would simply have to cut him for nothing down the road?

I don't think they would consider it, but should they?  Well, if they were to think of it, they shouldn't have restructured his deal.  Once they did that a few weeks ago, they actually would have a bigger cap hit to trade him.  It would cost them to clear him out of here - thus even further weakening their 2013 squad.  Then, any room Romo would give them by extending his deal would just go to make a Ware trade possible.  And this fact further speaks to the corner the Cowboys continue to paint themselves into.

So, there, Dave.  It is a reasonable idea and actually one that I hope they considered.  A 1st and a 2nd Round pick to sacrifice one of your most valuable players in the name of building this team around players in their primes moving forward.  It would be forward thinking to say goodbye a year too early rather than a year too late.  You then have multiple picks in each of the first few rounds, surrounding other elite young talent like Sean Lee, Dez Bryant, Tyron Smith, and Bruce Carter, with other kids who are on rookie deals.

Could you get Chance Warmack and Sylvester Williams in the 1st?  Could you get 2 more studs in the 2nd to fill out safety and maybe more offensive line?  And how does this change your future?

Instead, Jones and his crew march bravely into the 2013 season knowing that this is the best move for today, but tomorrow might require a real bottoming-out sequence in the future to pay the debtors all of this money that is being charged up right now.

It would never happen.  But, it is worth addressing in this edition of the email bag.

To steal a phrase from Game of Thrones as it pertains to the Cowboys cap strategy, "Winter Is Coming".   They know it.  And they march on.

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Despite Indications, Anthony Spencer Is Tagged

In perfect "Dewey defeats Truman" fashion, I spent time yesterday on the idea that the Cowboys were letting Anthony Spencer walk. Instead, the Cowboys pulled another fast one on most of us by deciding at the 11th hour to franchise a guy who needs to stay with this defense moving forward. I am quite happy to have been wrong on this one.

Even for those of us who consider following the Dallas Cowboys on a day-by-day basis a passion, there is just no predicting what they are going to do next.  I suppose some of my contemporaries were totally expecting a Morris Claiborne trade up on draft day (although I heard nothing of the kind from anyone), the hiring of Monte Kiffin (which seemed to come as a surprise to everyone until he was physically at Valley Ranch), and now the decision to tighten the belt, yet again, and franchise tag Spencer with a hour before the deadline (crickets from the media), but they have pulled off all 3 maneuvers in the last 12 months - proving that some of us can follow and analyze this team on a daily basis and still not have any idea what they are about to do.  And that group clearly includes me.

But, as we know, the ability of the media to predict things is a very unimportant statistic, so let's focus on the important element in front of us: the Cowboys have retained a major piece going into a season where they have convinced themselves that they are right in the mix (due of course, to the fact that they were playing "play-in" games for the Divisional Title on each of the final 2 Sundays of the last 2 NFL seasons).

And as we looked at the offseason on numerous occasions, to allow Spencer to leave and to simply draft his replacement in the 1st round (even if that guy was at defensive tackle and everyone else was just moving around), would not improve their chances in 2013, but effectively hurt their chances.

Now, in the 1st and 2nd round, they may address other needs (there are plenty) and preferably give us reason to hope that the offensive line can be upgraded to competent heading forward by grabbing a Jonathan Cooper or Lane Johnson, perhaps, at #18 of the 1st Round.

Assuming that we now understand the Cowboys intentions requires us to leave out the possibility that he was franchised to simply trade away when March 12th arrives for compensation.  I don't think this is about to happen, but if you read me daily, I didn't think they were franchising him yesterday, so I better get a bit more conservative on things that I think.

But, it does appear that #93 is staying put - whether he is under a 1-year tag or a new extension is where we will see exactly the short-term/long-term cash implications that his move presented.  In the meantime, let's review how I saw this situation play out over the offseason, and why I am quite relieved the franchise came to its senses.

What I thought on January 11:

"But, what seems to be missing is the right 3-technique defensive tackle who can cause issues.  I don't see Warren Sapp or Tommie Harris here, and remember, the Tampa 2 works if you get to the QB with 4.  These teams have always been great at that.  Then, the "Double A-Gap" blitzes from the LBs is a great compliment which scare people half to death.  But, you have to get there with 4, and that is why I do not like this talk about the Cowboys not being able to afford Anthony Spencer.

If they use #18 on a DT, but lose Spencer, then I am not sure you have gained a whole lot.  I imagine that would mean trying to play Ware-Ratliff-New DT-Hatcher as your front 4, but I like Hatcher inside and Spencer at DE.  Then, I also think it is reckless to expect Ratliff to be a 800 snap guy anymore, so I have myself covered inside.  But, these are the problems the cap is causing."

That is the thing that many people are missing, I believe.  It is that it is reckless to assume Jay Ratliff can still be a full-time contributor in 2013.  His play has diminished greatly, as has his health (not even mentioning arguments with Jerry Jones and off-season driving decisions) has diminished, too. I am not sure we should even guarantee ourselves that Ratliff survives this offseason as he may be a candidate for a June 1 exit.  Regardless, if the decision is Ratliff vs Spencer, then in 2013, I hope everyone can see that this is not a complicated decision.

More elaboration here, as here is what I had written on February 8, making Spencer my #1 off-season priority:

"I am a big believer that the Cowboys must keep Spencer.  I thought that last year and laid out the idea of franchising him last February.  Since he went out and had a fantastic year, I think it would set this thing back a bit to lose him.  But given their cap situation, there are many believe that he will be gone.

I think you have to try to keep Spencer for the following reason:  If my free agency is almost non existent due to cap issues then I have just two premium chips to play this offseason - 1st and 2nd round picks.

Now, if I am spending my 1st round pick on a tackle to replace Free and a 2nd round pick on a defensive lineman to replace Spencer, how much better is my team?  I still have major issues at DT, G, C, and Safety.  I still have no backup for RB, no depth at WR, and I am not real sure who my 3rd LB is going to be.  Basically, I have just plugged 2 holes I just opened up, and not really fixed any of the problems I had all year!

In the words of Bono, I am merely running to stand still.

The difference between Free and Spencer is obvious - one is coming off a fantastic year and the other is playing so badly that the Cowboys are releasing him after thinking they were locking up a nice piece just 2 seasons back.  The Free contract looks bad now, but at the time it seemed like a reasonable price for a nice tackle.  It is tough to blame the Cowboys for Free, if we are to be fair on that one move.

So, the Spencer franchise tag is $10.6m (120% of last year's tag).  And, although it seems very difficult, I think I have to do it even if it eats up most of my remaining resources.  Of course, I would prefer a reasonable extension for him with a small number in 2013, but that ship sailed when he had the year he just had. Then, I take the best OL/DL in Round 1 and do it again in Round 2.  I have plenty of ideas, but my main target right now is an inside defensive tackle who can penetrate and make a difference as we look for another Warren Sapp/Tommy Harris type."

I still feel that way almost completely, but on the 1st round pick at #18, I better see what is there before I marry myself to taking OL or DL in the 1st.  I do want a big fella, but I don't want to say which specific position until we know the choices.  That is why we will spend much of the next 6 weeks building a board.

Now, on February 19th during a chat, I broke out the Mavs comparison:

"I liken it to Tyson Chandler with the Mavericks - although the circumstances are significantly different, of course.  If you have a player who you think is at a premium spot and is not close to diminishing talents, then you keep the premium player and figure out the finances.  Letting a player go because you have locked up money in players you don't feel as strongly about is a problem that might hurt, but must be addressed in the order of importance.  Anything else is backwards thinking.  In effect, you build your roster by placing your top players on a board with their projected prime as a guide.  If you are giving extensions to players who don't have much left on their primes (Jay Ratliff, Jason Witten) then you are making things way more difficult on yourself, but you better not mean that you are sacrificing guys still in their prime to do so.

This is classic life-on-a-treadmill thinking that you can never get out of.  That is why the "we can't afford to keep Spencer" logic is so frustrating.  You begin you plans with a guy like Spencer, you don't wait to see what leftovers you can offer him.  Conversely, you must draw the line somewhere where you are not beholden to players who have already played their best football eating the majority of your cap and costing you chances at upgrades.

It truly is a model that is broken and getting worse each year.  I would love some explanations on the big picture plans for this cap as huge looming cap numbers approach for DeMarcus Ware next season."

And that is where I should have stopped.  The point is that you begin your plans with your best players, you don't see what scraps you have left to offer them.  This is why I hate the franchise philosophy on player valuation as it pertains to age.  Every sport is different, but I actually have intimate information from another professional franchise - an actual binder that explains how they will work as a franchise - where it clearly shows a chart and states that we must pay for "peak performance" not "declining performance".

Ask yourself what that means.  To me, it means that you better be careful when you are paying Ratliff at age 32 for several more years.  DeMarcus Ware will be 31 this next season.  Tony Romo will be 33. Jason Witten will be 31 by training camp.  And very few people in the NFL will tell you that most positions (QB is a different animal) see peak performance on the other-side of 30.

Spencer is actually entering his season for age 29 (another Tyson Chandler parallel).  Brandon Carr is 26.  Dez Bryant (24), Tyron Smith (22), Sean Lee (27), DeMarco Murray (25), Morris Claiborne (23), and Bruce Carter (25) are all on the correct side of the peak performance chart - so that is where you hope to put your money in the big picture as you move ahead.

But, the reports were sounding pessimistic, and so even though I vehemently disagreed, I thought that they were out on Spencer over the weekend because they couldn't get an extension that met his approval, as written 24 hours ago March 4:

"Today is the final day that they can use their franchise tag on Anthony Spencer, and it seems rather clear that they are out of that bidding.  If they get an extension with him, it is both good news for the present and more stress on the cap for down the road.

Stay tuned - with this front office, anything is possible."

Yes, it is.

Spencer is staying.  That gives this defense a whole different feel.  The issues now that are presented by cutting Gerald Sensabaugh are legitimate, but the difference between Sensabaugh or Spencer is back again to quality.  They can replace Sensabaugh much more easily, as his play was generally unremarkable and ordinary.  Spencer, meanwhile, has made plays that win games on a rather regular basis the last 2 years.  They believe that they can play with a defensive line of Spencer, Ratliff, Hatcher, and Ware, with Crawford and Lissemore adding to the mix.  I agree, but would love a 22 year old stud to join them this April.

Now, on to that mess that protects Tony Romo, and the seeming imminent extension they will agree upon with their QB.

I think.

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Cowboys E-Mail Bag - 3/4

Real Emails, Real Answers:

Sturminator,
It's obvious to hope for help on the Oline, so I'm not going to ask that. 

Instead, what do you think are the chances of drafting Margus Hunt?  He was impressive at the combine and I've seen him play in person a few times.  I know he might be considered a "project", but it seems like a guy with similar metrics as DeMarcus Ware and JPP could be helpful.  

The Seahawks took Bruce Irvin last year at 15 and he was considered a situational type pass rusher/project by some. Not sure Hunt fits in to that category, but I think his addition would add an interesting potential weapon behind Ware and Spencer (if signed).   

Thanks, 
Tim

Tim,

I don't disagree with you that Hunt looks like the type of player that can be a useful piece in this league for years to come.  But, here is where we have to bring up the dysfunctional way this roster has been put together.  

When the Cowboys have drafted over the last half-dozen years, they have frequently had more needs than picks.  They have a number of holes that are open right now and must get a player who can contribute right now.  As we right this, there is a great possibility that the Cowboys would love to draft a starter at RT, LG, DT, DE, SLB, and perhaps even FS.  The trouble with all of that is that no team ever is able to find 6 starters in a draft.  In fact, no team is usually able to find 3 starters in a draft for their rookie season, so you can see that the Cowboys are never in a spot where they can sit back, relax, and take the most intriguing talent available.  They need instant impact and they need it now.  

Therefore, when projects and developmental prospects come along, they are seldom in a position to bet on them.  And Margus Hunt is the definition of developmental.  He put on a real show in his bowl game where he was a monster, but there is no question that many NFL scouts see him as a guy who may not have appropriate flexibility to be a dynamic every down NFL stud.  He obviously is an amazing athlete, but that doesn't always mean an amazing football player.

Mostly, I think the team who takes him must already consider their defensive line ready to go - with or without him - so that he can be used in situations that are ideal for him.  The issue here is that the Cowboys don't feel great about their front 4, and not only need a starter, but according to many, may need a starter at the most important position according to Monte Kiffin himself, the 3 technique.  He needs his Warren Sapp to make it all make sense.  Well, that is not going to be easy to find and will likely require pick #18.  Of course, you also might need a starting right tackle or stud guard.  That will require pick #18, too.  But, if you want Margus Hunt, most people think he will be gone before the 2nd round pick of the Cowboys arrives.  So, he would not be high on my board unless he was there at pick #47.  

If you would like a reminder, here is where the Cowboys have all of their selections:

Round	Pick	Overall
Rd 1	#18	#18
Rd 2	#17	#47
Rd 3	#18	#80
Rd 4	#17	TBD - Compensatory Picks determine spot.
Rd 5	#18	TBD - Compensatory Picks determine spot.
Rd 6	#17	TBD - Compensatory Picks determine spot.
Rd 7	-----	Traded to Miami for Ryan Cook

I guess my view on Hunt is as follows:  fantastic athlete and human.  But, limited football experience and age issues - born in July of 1987 - puts him a distinct disadvantage with his contemporaries who were mostly born in 1991 or so.  

I think he will help some team, but the Cowboys need a 800 snap guy in the 1st round and likely another one in the 2nd.  I don't see Hunt having a chance if he is being asked to play 800 snaps right away.  But, he can really make a difference for a team with depth as a 300-400 snap guy.

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Why wont we go the route of the Ravens when it comes to Romo?  I recognize he is a very good qb, but the thought of extending him for years bothers me for reasons I can't explain other than a sniff test.  And second, I'm wondering at what point do we start extending players like Dez and Sean Lee?  I hate that we wait for young players to play out deals before we can lock them up at a cheaper price. 

Best Wishes
Rashad TaylorMiami, Fl

Rashad, 

This one has really been on my mind recently, as well.  This is an issue that the Cowboys ownership and front office and I have our biggest disagreement on.  Why, when there is no performance reason to do so, do you sign up Romo for another 6-year extension?  

The answer falls in the "same as it ever was" bin.  They aren't doing it for performance at all.  The Cowboys are seemingly about to make Romo a rich, rich man (again) because they need to do it.  

Romo is already hitting the cap for approximately $16.8m in 2013 and then would be a free agent at the end of the 2013 season.  So, as you can see, you cannot restructure a player with only 1-year left on his deal, so the only way to move money out of 2013 to facilitate other moves on the roster, they have to extend him.  

Assuming you have read the news all weekend about Joe Flacco's deal (6-years, $120 million), you can see the going rate for a free agent QB of quality.  So, I am guessing, to alleviate the 2013 crush, they just lock him up for 5-years, $90 million, with I would bet $45 guaranteed and put the problem off for down the road.

And if you think that is causing discomfort for a guy who had a most unfortunate 3-interception game in a win-and-you-are-in game in Week 17 in Washington, then we have different definitions of discomfort.

So, basically, what Rashad is proposing is the same thing I have said a time or two.  

What would be so bad about not doing anything for Romo's deal and let him play out 2013?  The NFL has put the franchise tag in place for just this situation and the Saints and Ravens have just used it on their Quarterbacks.  

Why wouldn't the Cowboys even consider making Romo play for his cash with a great 2013 and to draft a QB in the 3rd round to cover themselves if he has a poor 2013?  

Because they need him to take the extension.  This will allow them to be players in free agency if they can roll his cap number back from $16.8 in year one to $6m or $7m like Flacco just did.  Get a huge bonus that is evenly pro-rated and the team has another $10m in cap space.  

Make no mistake about this.  They are not doing Romo a favor here - they are trying to once again fix their own issues.  

It is beyond backwards thinking that keeps the Cowboys in this perpetual state of salary cap credit card chaos.

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Hi Bob, 

I wanted to get your take on restructuring underachieving, overpaid players like Austin Ratliff livings bernadeu scandrick cook (cook?!?!) and increasing their cap hits down the road. 

Shouldn't these names be looked as cuts and not a "bigger" commitment.
Is this Jerry's way of saying look at how much I spend on this team, I expect results. 

Dipesh Shroff 

This is the mess that has been made.  Many teams make cuts at this time of year for underperforming players.  You might notice that this hasn't happened here in Dallas for yet another year.  

The reason this doesn't happen is because other teams structure contracts in a way where each year the player must play at a performance level that makes his contract the following year make sense.  If he does, they keep him.  If he doesn't, they either restructure or waive him.  It is the harsh economics of the NFL CBA that has been set up to benefit the team.  In the most violent sport in the world, the owners actually have most of the players on a year-to-year deal.

Dallas, in this generation, does not really work that way.

When they signed Tony Romo in 2007, they fully expected to restructure him just about every year.  And they did.  2008, 2009, 2011 each were "restructure years".  This, simply defined, is to give a guy his money by re-labeling it as "signing bonus" rather than salary.  Easy, right?

Well, no.  What happens is that when it gets converted to bonus, it is easier to handle at the moment, but becomes guaranteed in the future.  This hurts the cap for years down the road.  And you slowly lose all of your leverage as an owner over your players.  You have given up any "earn it or lose it" leverage and suddenly, they are playing with what amounts to guaranteed deals.

And that is why guys like Jay Ratliff are not even being considered to be cut, despite clear signs that their body is breaking down.  If they cut him, he still eats up $6m in bonus money that is outlayed through 2015.  If he is kept, he counts $7m.  So, 7 to keep, 6 to cut.  For a difference of $1m, you still have the player.  The team has no leverage.

Miles Austin teased his salary down from almost $7m to $2.7m.  This savings is converted to guaranteed income for a player who basically has insured that he will be a member of the roster in 2014 for sure, or they will be upside down in payments to him, too.

And on and on it goes.  You don't see guys cut because they can't be.   Jason Witten is another player who is guaranteed a spot in 2014 and likely 2015 because the fact that his remaining bonus will be higher than his base in those seasons.

But, don't worry.  That likely won't matter either, because in 2014 and 2015, they will just restructure everyone again.

At some point, the bubble will burst.  Perhaps when DeMarcus Ware counts $16.6 and $18.1 against the cap in 2014 and 2015.  But, since the cap hit for releasing Ware would be nearly $9m, look for another giant extension for him - whether he is still elite or not.

Meanwhile, Sean Lee, Dez Bryant, and Tyron Smith will all need their own elite-level contracts soon, too.  And with $100m on the books already for 2015, there is no relief in sight.

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I hear a lot of talk about Anthony Spencer's departure, how the 4-3 fits Ratliff's style, and potentially drafting another DT. How does Jason Hatcher fit in to this defensive line? He was one of the best 3-4 ends last year. Thanks! 

Matt Williams Youth MinisterRiver Hills Baptist Church

 I actually think that this might be the plan for 2013 - to gamble that they cannot afford Anthony Spencer's deal and to allow Jason Hatcher/Tyrone Crawford to attempt to fill that void at DE opposite Ware.  Then, with Ratliff and either Hatcher or Sean Lissemore inside until we see what they do at #18.

At #18, I would very much like one of these fantastic defensive tackles in the draft, but given the needs on the offensive line, too, it might make more sense to go that direction.

Hatcher was actually quite good in 2012, by my estimation.  I think they can get by with him as a player that offers versatility.  But, probably the big issue with him comes back to the idea that he is also a free agent next winter and must quickly decide his future.  As a holdover from the Bill Parcells era, he is likely looking to find some big money, too, for the first time in his career, so prepare for that.  

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There is no doubt that they need more reinforcements.  They need a big draft and they also need more young players to fill these holes with cheaper talent to get around these cap complications.

As you can see, there is no rest for the weary in this crucial Cowboys offseason.

Today is the final day that they can use their franchise tag on Anthony Spencer, and it seems rather clear that they are out of that bidding.  If they get an extension with him, it is both good news for the present and more stress on the cap for down the road.

Stay tuned - with this front office, anything is possible.

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