Questions about if and when the current CBA’s tag structure will change have kickstarted talks between the Cowboys and two of their high-profile free agents. But Jerry Jones still found an hour-plus to spill the tea on a variety of topics- including his recent shower thoughts- to the media assembled in Indianapolis. Mike McCarthy also held court at the combine and provided a sneak peek at what the 2020 Cowboys may look like.
All that plus news on Leighton Vander Esch’s injury recovery, David Irving’s possible reinstatement, and Dak Prescott’s self-appointed advisory committee. There’s also linkage to elite pass rushing options, the Great Dallas Interception Drought, the ratings bonanza that is America’s Team… and a punter showing off his guns. Here’s the News and Notes.
Cowboys ready to intensify Amari Cooper talks amid CBA setback :: Dallas Morning News
Now that the Cowboys know that using a transition tag on Amari Cooper will likely only result in them having to rescind it if a new collective bargaining agreement is approved, contract talks with wideout Amari Cooper’s camp have taken on a new sense of urgency. The two sides met Thursday evening in Indianapolis; a Byron Jones conversation is also on the immediate itinerary.
10 biggest things Jerry Jones said from Indy :: The Mothership
In a wide-ranging 80-minute sit-down aboard the team bus, the big boss dished on Byron Jones’s status, Jason Witten’s future, Robert Quinn’s “real deal”-ness, Dak Prescott’s familial standing with him and Jimmy Johnson in the Ring of Honor.
Mike McCarthy’s 1st big test, can he outrank Jerry Jones :: Cowboys Wire
McCarthy thinks he has more say over the roster than he did in Green Bay. He’s going to have to outweigh the most powerful man in all of sports.
What’s going on with LB Leighton Vander Esch? :: Inside The Star
With neck issues dating back to his college days, will this be a permanent concern going forward?
Cowboys Draft Digest No. 5: Top pass-rushers are safe picks. Can Dallas find one? :: The Athletic
Historically speaking, collegiate pass rushers who earn “elite” status end up being studs on Sundays.
Irving reinstatement journey comes with side-eye, but Cowboys watching :: Cowboys Wire
The David Irving saga may have another chapter left to be written after all.
Mailbag: Why the continual lack of INT’s?:: The Mothership
One notable thing the Cowboys defense has lacked is turnovers. It’s a mystery that has seemed to plague this unit for years, and one that needs to change in 2020.
America’s Team: Cowboys still winning in TV ratings :: Front Office Sports
Last season’s 8-8 record notwithstanding, the Cowboys are anything but mediocre in the Nielsen numbers. One industry insider theorizes that a Super Bowl appearance would be an absolute record-breaker.
Why are the Cowboys called "America's Team?"
Because in 2019, 32% of the 25 highest rated TV Programs in America featured The Dallas Cowboys.
They're what America cares about.
— The Big D Rusty Shackleford アダム (@TwoBitWhackJob) February 25, 2020
Punter Michael Turk steals show at combine on bench press :: ESPN
The Arizona State punter, who recently made a list of punters the Cowboys should consider drafting, may have improved his stock Thursday night when he absolutely smoked the 225-pound bench press in Indianapolis. Michael Turk’s 25 reps were better than all 33 wide receivers and all but one tight end who participated.
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