CowboysBlog.Net

Broaching THE Backup Issue

Joe Rodriguez — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 01:23:26 +0000

The prodigal son has returned, sorry for my brief absence, it’s been busy around here this month, but with camp drawing closer I’m back despite it all. A lot of the talk has been around Terry Glenn and Adam Jones in recent weeks, but I’d like to broach the issue of THE backup. THE, being the most important backup spot on the roster, the #2 QB.

Last season we managed to keep Romo safe, but at one point Romo has dinged his finger, and we all saw the effects even if they were ever so slight. Should Romo be out for any amount of time, this high octane offense would be in Brad Johnson’s hands.

I’ll be the first to admit, I was all for signing Brad Johnson, I liked the idea, but after watching him in camp last year and in the preseason, he looked marginally average at best. Add another year, and the results surely aren’t going to be better. I think the Cowboys would be wise to look at some other options, Mainly that of picking up a free agent or trading a late pick to acquire Chris Simms.

What do you guys think, is Brad Johnson the answer this year?

Its Adam Jones Now

Joe Rodriguez — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 01:03:58 +0000

Adam Jones no longer wishes to be known as “Pacman” and has basically disavowed himself from his past. Hence forth, he shall be known as Adam Jones, and we’ll do the same on this blog.
So, here’s to you Adam! Dominate in 2008 and beyond. We all look forward to seeing you step it up on and off the field.

Owens New Deal Clears Way For Hamlin

Joe Rodriguez — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 18:31:34 +0000

Jerry Jones continued his offseason magic last week when he signed up Terrell Owens for 3 additional years, he’ll retire a Cowboy. In addition to locking up Owens, Jones has cleared up some cap space which will be used to lock up Ken Hamlin. Expect Hamlin to receive a lucrative deal in the coming days, definitely before July 15th.

Millionarion Barber III

Joe Rodriguez — Tue, 20 May 2008 23:56:50 +0000

I coined it here a long time, now I can finally use it in this post! I’m loving all the news today. Last season I predicted Barber could land a deal ranging from $35-$45 million dollars and a few disagreed. Looks MB3 and the Cowboys agreed with me too. I’m not taking credit, but I’m happy Barber got the deal he received! The DMN Blog reported that Barber has signed a new deal at 7yrs for $45million dollars with $16million guaranteed.

The Cowboys and running back Marion Barber have come to terms on a seven-year, $45 million deal, with $16 million guaranteed, according to agent Drew Rosenhaus. Barber will earn $21 million over first three years of the deal.

“I gotta credit the Cowboys, they do a great job of getting players signed,” Rosenhaus said. “Representing Marion’s been a pleasure, on and off the field, he’s a champ.” (DMNBlog)

Newman Gets New Deal 6yrs for $50.2 million

Joe Rodriguez — Tue, 20 May 2008 19:11:56 +0000

From DMNBlog:

From Todd Archer:

The Cowboys and Terence Newman agreed to a six-year extension worth $50.2 million on Tuesday, beating a deadline in which the salary-cap rules will change after NFL owners decided to opt out of the final three years of the collective bargaining agreement.

He will receive $22.5 million guaranteed over the first three years of the contract.

More to come.

Lay off Marion Barber

Joe Rodriguez — Fri, 16 May 2008 04:43:18 +0000

Its the offseason, and here come the people that want to rip Marion Barber for not working with the team. Just real quick, layoff Marion Barber, say what you want, but Barber has earned his keep. To me this is the Emmitt Smith holdout all over again. You have a very qualified and proven player, and his contract is due for an extension with a raise. Emmitt held out, he got ripped by the media, the team lost 3 straight games without him in the game. The Cowboys will not let this get out of hand, Jerry learned his lesson the last time his star running back was out.

I’m not at all worried about Barber working out on his own. He’s a beast in the gym, probably one of the best conditioned players on the team, he’s not slacking off. Barber deserves to get paid big money, he’s well worth it in my book. Lay off the player, he’s solid. Done with the rant for now…

Would Roy Re-do his contract to get traded?

Joe Rodriguez — Fri, 09 May 2008 05:32:17 +0000

If you thought the rest of the offseason would be quiet, you didn’t count on this lingering story surronding Roy Williams. First came his interview on the Michael Irvin show where he admitted there were times he wished the ball did not get thrown in his direction, and all that. Roy just seemed dissolutioned, lost, and not confident.

Now this week, we have Greg Ellis coming forth with some more information indicating Roy Williams is not fitting in Wade’s 3-4, and Ellis also stated Roy has began to isolate himself from his team mates. Just sounds like a situation that could end with Roy Williams in another city, either by release or trade.

The DMN Blog laid out the financial impact in letting Roy Williams go:

According to NFLPA figures, Williams is scheduled to count $6.667 million against the cap in 2008. If the Cowboys chose to cut him, they would have to take on $7.387 million of proration from his $11.1 million signing bonus, so the move would cost them $720,000 against the cap.

Now, they could choose to designate Williams a June 1 cap casualty and spread the hit over two years. If they were to do that - and remember this is IF - then they would take a proration hit of $2.947 million this year, saving them $3.7 million against the cap in 2008. Here’s the rub: the remaining $4.4 million of the proration would hit the cap in 2009. (DMN)

I just read another interesting rumor, whether true or not brought up an interesting point. Basically, the rumor says Roy is not playing football for the money, and he (Roy) would make “monetary sacrifices” to stay in Dallas or go elsewhere. If true, this sounds like Roy would be willing to redo his contract to help facilitate a trade to a team with a new cap friendly-type contract. Who knows, we’ll see how this drama turns out. There’s never a dull moment in Cowboys Nation!

Signs Point to Garrett in 2009

Joe Rodriguez — Wed, 07 May 2008 16:50:13 +0000

The Cowboys have just signed Judd Garrett as their Assistant Director of Pro Scouting. The Cowboys now have three Garrett’s spread throughout the organization. Jason Garrett leads the way as Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Coordination, John Garrett as Tight Ends Coach, and now Judd Garrett. Putting Judd in Pro Scouting will spark speculation that this team is being groomed for Garrett in 2009. Everyone can say what they want to be politically correct, but c’mon, if this is not a sign, then I don’t what else is… Plugging in Judd in the Pro Scouting Department is good news for Jason Garrett, he’ll have more say in which type of players he’ll want scouted.

From DMNBlog:

Judd Garrett will be named the Cowboys’ assistant director of pro scouting, according to multiple sources. Judd Garrett is the younger brother of Cowboys offensive coordinator Jason Garrett and tight ends coach John Garrett. For the last two seasons, Judd Garrett was the St. Louis Rams’ tight end coach but asked for a leave of absence due to family matters. Judd Garrett’s wife passed away last year.

Judd Garrett replaces Brian Gaine, who left to work as the Miami Dolphins assistant player personnel. (DMN)

Dolphins Wanted Carpenter

Joe Rodriguez — Sat, 03 May 2008 15:47:45 +0000

Looks the the Dolphins wanted Fasano and Carpenter, but the Cowboys refused, and opted to trade Akin Ayodele instead. This was the right move in my opinion. Ayodele was “just there” occupying space and not making much impact on defense.

From Star-Telegram:

According to an NFL source, the Dolphins wanted Bobby Carpenter, but the Cowboys weren’t willing to part with the 2006 first-round draft pick. So Dallas included Ayodele in the deal.

Carpenter is glad to stay in Dallas, and sees more opportunity to play this year. I don’t blame him, I’m sure Carpenter will see significant playing time either way. Parcells stunted his growth, and he’s getting a fresh start this year.

“This is still a great opportunity for me, and [inside linebacker] is a place where I think I can use my athletic ability to make plays,” Carpenter said. “If I’m going to have a shot to play, I want it to be here.” (Star-Telegram)

Rookie Minicamp Dates

Joe Rodriguez — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 14:08:59 +0000

Rookie Minicamp will be this weekend, rookies and 1st year players will be in attendance.

Friday, May 2, 2008
10:30 A.M. - 12:00 P.M. (Practice)
12:15 P.M. - 1:30 P.M. (Media in locker room)
2:45 P.M. - 3:45 P.M. (Practice)

Saturday, May 3, 2008
10:30 A.M. - 12:00 P.M. (Practice)
12:15 P.M. - 1:30 P.M. (Media in locker room)
1:30 P.M. - 2:00 P.M. (Wade Phillips press conference)
2:45 P.M. - 3:45 P.M. (Practice)

Sunday, May 4, 2008
Weightlifting and meetings only; No practice and no media