Tag: cowboys news

Witten, Heath, Maliek Collins join Raiders as Cowboys defections mount

The Raiders have signed three former Cowboys, including Jason Witten.

The chaos of NFL free agency is in full swing even in Dallas as the Jason Garrett era is officially over. Players who have been staples of the last decade plus are moving on from the organization and are finding homes with familiar friends.

The newly-minted Las Vegas Raiders signed a trio of former Dallas Cowboys on Tuesday, including tight-end Jason Witten. DE Maliek Collins and safety Jeff Heath will join him, and reunite with former DC Rod Marinelli on Jon Gruden’s staff.

Witten agreed to a one-year deal worth up to $4.75 million.

The writing had been on the wall in recent weeks. The Cowboys never seemed too interested in re-signing Witten to another contract, and already committed to his replacement, Blake Jarwin to a 4-year extension earlier this week.

Still, losing Witten will take some time getting used to for the Cowboys faithful.

The details of the deal are not yet full disclosed on Collins’ deal. Collins was productive all four of his years in Dallas and so it makes sense that Marinelli, the new Raiders defensive line coach, would want to bring in his former pupil.

Heath joined Las Vegas for a reported two-year deal worth up to $4M annually.

 

For those counting at home, that’s now four starters from last year’s Cowboys defense that will be in different locations: Byron Jones (MIA), Robert Quinn (CHI), Maliek Collins (LVR), and Jeff Heath (LVR).

For what it’s worth, the Cowboys have started to refill the holes left on their defense. The team re-signed safety Darian Thompson to a two-year deal, according to the busy Todd Archer. Thompson, just 26 years old, started in four games last season and is necessary depth for the recently depleted Dallas secondary.

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News: Tony Romo somehow became the symbol of NFL pay issues

Byron Jones is set hit free agency. Dak Prescott to get exclusive tag if no deal is reached. Lastest on Amari Cooper deal

The Dallas Cowboys and cornerback Byron Jones seem to be headed for a divorce as he’s set to hit the open market. Now, the Cowboys will be looking to upgrade at corner, and free agent Darius Slay is a name being thrown around as a possible target in March.

A long-term deal for Dak Prescott is still trying to be worked out, however, it seems he’ll be headed for the exclusive tag if that’s not the case. The lastest on Amari Cooper’s contract situation, one of the nation’s top corners set to visit Dallas, and Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas’s comments on Tony Romo’s record-breaking new deal with CBS are all covered in the News and Notes.

Exclusivity: Prescott to get the highest tag, Cowboys avoid insulting stance:: Cowboys Wire

The Cowboys reportedly plan to place the exclusive franchise tag on the franchise quarterback which assures the team Prescott will be a Cowboy in 2020.

Dallas Cowboys Intend to Let Byron Jones Hit Free Agency:: Inside The Star

After meeting with his reps at the combine, it appears both sides are in unison Jones will test the free-agent market once the free agency period begins.

Does this potential trade for the Cowboys actually make sense?:: Blogging The Boys

With the new news about Jones bt, the Cowboys have a huge hole to fill at cornerback. Dallas can either promote from within or, make a trade for another big name cornerback, Detroit’s Darius Slay, that would probably cost a Day 2 draft pick.

Michael Thomas cites new Tony Romo deal in opposition to CBA:: Pro Football Talk

There are some within the league that will be happy for Romo to get his new deal with CBS. New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas is not one of them. “[T]hat’s why we shouldn’t sign the new CBA agreement no way the announcer should be making more than 90% of the players,”

2020 Cowboys draft prospect: Cornerback Jaylon Johnson:: Blogging The Boys

Jaylon Johnson was the top corner on a Utah Utes defense that finished second in the nation in yards allowed and sixth in scoring. David Howman breaks down how he could be a fit in Dallas.

LSU Safety Grant Delpit To Meet With The Dallas Cowboys:: Inside The Star

The safety position is still one the Dallas Cowboys are trying to get right. With the NFL Draft on the horizon, one of the nation’s top corners will he make his way to Dallas for a visit.

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Report: Cowboys Randy Gregory filing for reinstatement ahead of CBA

Former Cowboy Randy Gregory filed for reinstatement into the NFL again on Friday, February 28, 2020

Dallas Cowboys defensive end Randy Gregory, who was suspended for the entire 2019 season, has reportedly filed for reinstatement into the NFL, once again. Jean-Jacques Taylor revealed Friday morning on 103.3 that the 27-year-old was submitting the necessary paperwork for the 3rd time in his short career. Looking to take advantage of the expected lowering of marijuana testing and punishment schedules from the coming collective bargaining agreement.

During his time in Dallas, the former Cornhusker showed flashes of why he was a top prospect out of the University of Nebraska and a valued commodity for the Cowboys. In 2018 Gregory finished second on the team with six sacks while only starting one game.

Unfortunately for all parties involved, the emerging star couldn’t build on his productive season. Gregory found himself back in familiar situation in February of 2019 when he was suspended again for violating the league’s substance abuse policy and the terms of his original reinstatement.

Gregory initially fail three different drug tests in 2016, all marijuana related. The failure’s resulted in multiple suspensions, including a year-long suspension for the 2017 season. This led to the first time the Dallas defender requested reinstatement, and the request was granted in July of 2018.

Gregory has cited medical issues including anxiety for his use of the substance.

Gregory applied for reinstatement this past July, but nothing ever came of it. The NFL never publicly denied or accepted the last reinstatement effort, but the silence was an obvious rejection from Goodell and company. Players have to maintain a clean testing record and adhere to other treatment guidelines to earn reinstatement under the current policy.

Just seven months later the 2015 second-round pick is giving it another shot.

Cowboys management isn’t getting ahead of themselves, Taylor implied on ESPN Dallas radio (103.3FM) this morning. According to Taylor, team sources aren’t focused on the situation until and only if Gregory is reinstated.

With a number of defensive lineman set to become free agents, it is not ridiculous to think that if the talented Indiana native was reinstated he could make an immediate impact for the Cowboys in 2020.

Click to listen to the entire segment from Jean-Jacques Taylor on Gregory.

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Cowboys News Links: Prescott agent meets with Jones for 1st time in 6 months

The Cowboys’ coach spoke to the media and the Cowboys brass spoke with the reps of their most important asset.

As the on-field portion of scouting combine workouts begin, NFL draft season is officially in full swing. The next few days will solidify or call into question many prospects’ draft stocks, but while eyes are in Indianapolis, the Cowboys’ gaze goes in multiple directions.

For the first time in a long time, Dak Prescott’s representatives sat down face-to-face with the Cowboys’ brass. New head coach Mike McCarthy spoke to reporters and revealed some important information heading into the season, including why he’s doing something different for the first time in his career. The CBA is still unsigned by the players, and that adds a different element to how the front office can and will proceed with free agent negotiations.

After the Combine draft speculation will become increasingly accurate, but it is never too early to take a look at three potential mid round value sin the draft. Also an NFL.com writer pairs a player to Dallas that you probably wouldn’t expect.

All that and more in news and notes.

Positive news for Cowboy fans, Prescott’s agent Todd France has been in contact with the Cowboys. After Stephen Jones said recently it had been months since the two sides discussed the deal, this is a step in the right direction.

Proposed CBA goes to NFLPA body for full vote :: Cowboys Wire

The team reps approved the CBA after the executive council didn’t, and now the full compliment of NFL players have a chance to vote to ratify the proposed agreement. Only they didn’t, and they may not vote for a while.

Cowboys expected to have both franchise, transition tag options :: Cowboys Wire

With no CBA vote expected, the league has decided to still open the franchise window on Thursday, meaning the two-tag system will be in place (until it isn’t).

46 players asked to work out at second position at NFL combine :: NFL.com

2020 NFL combine: Draft needs, prospects to target for all 32 teams :: ESPN

Safety may seem the most glaring hole for many in Cowboys Nation, but ESPN’s Todd Archer says, with a pricey Robert Quinn and four other defensive linemen set to hit free agency, the club “will need pass-rushing help, and since Rod Marinelli is no longer the line coach, they could look for size on the interior.”

Film room: 3 ‘pet cats’ in the 2020 NFL Draft who fill needs for the Cowboys, including one mountain of a man :: Dallas Morning News

In John Owning’s trio of pet cats (a Bill Parcells term for a personal draft day darling) are an overachieving edge rusher from Utah, his dominating teammate at nose tackle, and a defensive back who more than held his own week after week against the SEC’s best receivers.

D4k Burger at Dallas bar benefits Prescott’s foundation

Metroplex diners may want to pop in to Happiest Hour in the Harwood District for a decent-looking burger named for the Cowboys quarterback. Every purchase also helps Dak Prescott’s organization that fights cancer and assists families affected by the disease.

Cowboys’ McCarthy talks Dak, Zeke, free-agent WRs and the whole nine from the combine :: Cowboys Wire

McCarthy sat down with reporters ahead of the NFL Combine, going over almost every Dallas offseason topic.

Mike McCarthy gave up play-calling duties to keep successful offense in place :: ProFootballTalk

Mike McCarthy did something he once said he would never do; relinquish play-calling duties. Find out more on McCarthy’s trust in Kellen Moore and why he is willing to take the step back.

Bucky Brooks 2020 NFL mock draft 2.0: CeeDee Lamb to Dallas :: NFL.com

Almost every mock draft you can find has the Cowboys going with a defensive back in the first round. Bucky Brooks for NFL.com gives a fresh prediction, and an understandable one considering Amari Cooper is a free agent.

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Cowboys News: Maybe the last links before the new world order

News and notes for the Dallas Cowboys on February 25, 2020. A few mock drafts, and the new CBA will determine a lot for the Cowboys

The 2020 NFL Scouting Combine has begun and that means mock drafts will soon look a little different. Andy Reid was very confident in speaking to the media Tuesday about what the Cowboys are getting in new head coach Mike McCarthy. Byron Jones could be on his way out and nobody seems to be bothered by it. Tight end is a position the Cowboys are already heavily involved in at the combine but another former NFC east tight end could be a good fit in Dallas.

The biggest news came overnight though, as the NFLPA player reps approved, 17-14 a barely different version of the CBA presented by the owners. It will now move to the full body, which could vote electronically, to approve by just 1 vote over 50%.

The players will get 48.5% of revenue for the 17-game season, but of course the NFL doesn’t include a large portion of actual revenue in the part the players get a piece of.

2020 NFL Draft: Cowboys Pre-Draft Tracker :: Cowboys Wire

A running tracker that keeps track of all player meetings announced during the combine. With QB, TE, WR having media availability Tuesday, three names were added to start the list.

Football Outsiders: ‘Cowboys shouldn’t overthink’, Prescott is even worth losing Cooper :: Cowboys Wire

Tying together with Stephen Jones’ words about the two top free agents, a look at the assessment of the Cowboys offense and just how integral the QB is.

Mock draft, combine special: NFL beat writers predict, college experts analyze :: The Athletic

A new challenger appears for the Cowboys No. 17 pick in the 2020 draft in the form of cornerback Trevon Diggs out of Alabama. In this scenario, Dallas decides to fix their secondary in the more traditional way. The usual suspects at safety Grant Delpit and Xavier McKinney are nowhere to be found in this one-round mock.

The Factors That Will Define the Cowboys’ Make-or-Break 2020 Offseason :: The Ringer

Robert Mays looks at the most important off-season the Dallas Cowboys have faced in many moons and believes that the contract decisions the front office made last summer will cost them at least one premier player in Byron Jones.

Bucky Brooks 2020 NFL mock draft 2.0: CeeDee Lamb to Dallas :: NFL.com

Many analysts believe Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver CeeDee Lamb is the best prospect at his position in the draft. He isn’t the first receiver off the board in this mock, but it’s safe to say the Cowboys would be delighted to see Lamb fall in their lap.

Imitating Andy Reid’s success with his second franchise is something the newest Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy should hope to emulate. After his comments at the NFL Draft Combine, count him as a believer.

Cowboys corner Byron Jones is about to get away. Why does nobody seem concerned? :: The Athletic

He is historically always healthy, he is provably “out-of-this-world good” at his position, and there is no comparable replacement for him just waiting in the wings somewhere, so why does a low tally in a single stat category- interceptions- leave Cowboys fans (and possibly the team) so nonchalant about letting Byron Jones leave Dallas?

Mailbag: Could Jordan Reed be the answer? :: The Mothership

Answering the inevitable question that pops up every time a marquee-name player hits the open market, the staff writers are skeptical about the team making a move to acquire former Washington tight end Jordan Reed.

Top 101 NFL free agents of 2020: Tom Brady fourth-ranked QB ::: NFL.com

Unfortunately for the Cowboys, they have seven players on this list with Dak Prescott and Amari Cooper at No. 1 and No. 3 respectively.

Helman: This WR Class Is Too Good To Ignore :: The Mothership

David Helman knows there is a need to draft on the defensive side of the ball but refuses not to acknowledge the very deep wide receiver class.

David Irving says he’s in reinstatement process :: Pro Football Talk

The defensive end might be having a change of heart when it comes to playing in the NFL with a new CBA in negotiation looking to lessen the restrictions on marijuana use and testing.

Stephen on XFL Kickoff, Draft Needs, Dez & More :: The Mothership

Dallas Cowboys Executive Vice President Stephen Jones addresses the future of Jason Witten and Sean Lee along with his thoughts on some of the rules of the XFL.

Cowboys in tricky spot with big names in limbo amid CBA uncertainty :: ESPN

Archer takes a look at multiple ways this whole thing can play out if the CBA is extended or not.

Report: Cowboys expected to begin talks on bringing Blake Jarwin back to team in 2020 :: Blogging The Boys

The Cowboys intend to address the tight end position by re-signing RFA Blake Jarwin. In addition, Dallas is scheduled to meet with multiple tight end prospects at the Combine.

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Cowboys News Links: The fallacy paying Prescott will hurt team

The Dallas Cowboys are going to have to pay Dak Prescott. For some reason, there’s a vocal minority of Cowboys fans who refuse to acknowledge this fact. The other choice is a rebuild, and that’s not happening with all of the investments made at …

The Dallas Cowboys are going to have to pay Dak Prescott. For some reason, there’s a vocal minority of Cowboys fans who refuse to acknowledge this fact. The other choice is a rebuild, and that’s not happening with all of the investments made at other positions.

Bob Sturm of The Athletic recently took on one of the more supported nay-sayer positions, that paying quarterbacks a large percentage of the cap dooms a team from being competitive. He cuts through the noise of comparisons that have nothing to do with today’s NFL and dives into which teams have been the most successful, making conference championships. That leads off our news roundup.

Dispelling convention: Does paying a QB top-10 money really doom a franchise? (Pay attention, Cowboys) :: The Athletic (pay wall)

A popular fan theory states that an NFL team can’t win if they pay their quarterback more than 13 or so percent of their salary cap, but reality shows the curve is likely trending upward in a hurry.

Mailbag: Jourdan Lewis’ future with Cowboys? :: The Mothership

Two team staff writers disagree on whether now is the right time to lock up the services of cornerback Jourdan Lewis, before he enters the final year of his rookie deal.

Tony Romo to compete at Korn Ferry Tour’s Veritex Bank Championship :: veritexbankchampionship.com

The former Cowboys quarterback will be one of 156 golfers chasing a $600,000 purse at the mid-April tournament in Arlington and says, “I have been working hard on my game and hope to make a little noise during the championship.”

2020 NFL Transactions Tracker :: Rotoworld

Go team-by-team to see all the hirings, firings and signings of each NFL team; a handy resource for the offseason catch up.

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Cooper & Cobb: Clock now ticking for Cowboys’ WR free agents :: Cowboys Wire

Getting into the details of the offenses double-edged decision at what they will do as far as targets for Dak Prescott in 2020.

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News: Is a big splash coming to the Cowboys draft?

Two weeks removed from the Super Bowl, the NFL calendar chugs along. While the world is waiting for the final numbers on the 2020 salary cap, the awarding of compensatory picks in the 2020 draft and the scouting combine to finalize draft rankings, …

Two weeks removed from the Super Bowl, the NFL calendar chugs along. While the world is waiting for the final numbers on the 2020 salary cap, the awarding of compensatory picks in the 2020 draft and the scouting combine to finalize draft rankings, the Cowboys are doing their due diligence as well.

Here’s a look at the latest news and notes surrounding America’s Team.

Why Jerry Jones “big splash in the draft” comments should be taken seriously, Part 1:: Blogging The Boys 

The Cowboys Owner is no stranger to the spotlight. Since purchasing the team in 1989, he’s built a reputation for being a risk-taker, reminiscent of his days in the oil business.

This piece breaks down comments from Jones during the NFL Draft process in year’s past and how it could be an indicator of what we could see in April.

–ML

2021 Compensatory Draft Picks: 14 Cowboys most likely to qualify :: Cowboys Wire

With all of the free agents ready to hit the open market, we itemize the ones on the Cowboys who could qualify for the comp pick formula and what level of draft pick they could be worth in next year’s draft.

— KD

Is Cowboys DT Antwaun Woods Really a Free Agent in 2020?:: Inside The Star 

The Cowboys have plenty of decisions to make regarding their roster for 2020. They have more than 25 free agents with 15 being of the unrestricted variety. Along the defensive line, the Cowboys have five guys under that umbrella, with one being 1-technique starter Antwaun Woods.

He’s an exclusive rights free agent. This applies to any player with fewer than three accrued seasons and an expired contract. If his original team offers him a one-year contract and the league minimum (based on his credited seasons), the player cannot negotiate with other teams.

Senior writer Jessie Haynie dives into just how “free” Woods really is when free agency begins in March.

–ML

Cowboys Have a Need at DT, Should Grab Javon Kinlaw if Available at 17:: Inside The Star

The interior of the defensive line has been an area the Dallas Cowboys have tried to get corrected for a while. Their two starters, Maliek Collins and Antwaun Woods could potentially play elsewhere. Michael Bennett, Kerry Hyder, and Christian Covington, who all played on the interior as well, could also have a different uniform next season.

With potentially a major hole to fill on the inside of the defensive line, South Carolina’s Javon Kinlaw is an interesting prospect that could play right away in Dallas. Will they take that plunge if he’s available in April?

–ML

XFL Week 2 Recap: Dallas Renegades earn first franchise win :: Cowboys Wire

Jonesing for more football? Zeke Barrera recaps the other professional football team from North Texas getting their first win in the XFL.

— KD

Dak Prescott’s salary lags far behind his peers, yet the Cowboys are uncomfortable with his asking price:: Dallas Morning News

How much the Dallas Cowboys should or shouldn’t pay Dak Prescott has been a topic of discussion since the beginning of the 2019 season. Both sides of this negotiating dance want to get a deal done it’s just about getting all the figures and language figured out.

Prescott bet on himself last season and it paid off with him having his best season as a pro. However, there are always two sides to negotiations. David Moore breaks down how both sides are approaching this situation which will ultimately lead to a long-term deal.

–ML

Mailbag: Likelihood of Drafting Safety High?:: Dallas Cowboys 

Safety has been a position that Cowboys fans everywhere have been interested in for years. Since the days of Darren Woodson and Roy Williams, the organization has been trying to find the next long-term on the backend.

They haven’t used premium picks on the position recently. Starting free safety Xavier Woods and talented backup Donovan Wilson were both sixth-round selections. Will the Cowboys use an early pick on safety in April?

–ML

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News: Leighton Vander Esch may love new CBA, Randy Gregory not so much

The Dallas Cowboys have a huge decision to make regarding the future of Byron Jones. Safety and defensive tackle positions are discussed.

The safety and defensive tackle positions also have their share of questions that need to be answered for the Dallas Cowboys. March could see quite a few faces at these positions leave the building and adjust how the Cowboys formulate their plan for 2020 when free agency starts.

Meanwhile, the NFL and NFLPA are working towards a new CBA and wrinkles of proposed changes could certainly impact Dallas and their players. Meanwhile, the Cowboys strength of schedule next season and potential free-agent bargains are covered in this edition of News and Notes.

According to 2019 records, Cowboys have third-easiest strength of schedule in 2020:: Blogging The Boys

While they await the NFL Combine, the beginning of free agency and the 2020 NFL Draft, the Cowboys can focus on something they already know; the 2020 opponents. The Cowboys will face the NFC West, the AFC North, the Atlanta Falcons, and the Minnesota Vikings.

Dallas finds itself with the third-easiest projected schedule just behind the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers.

— DS

New CBA would give first-rounders a path to fifth-year franchise tag :: Pro Football Talk

The Cowboys didn’t have a first-round pick in 2019 . . . some say they didn’t have a second-round pick either, but we digress. They will have one this year, barring a trade down, and with a new CBA on the horizon, there may be more money down the line for whomever they draft, and also Leighton Vander Esch. According to sources (read: NFL leaks) the fifth-year option could become more lucrative. Currently, top 10 picks get the transition tag level of one-year extension for their team options. Those outside the top 10 receive a much smaller number, the average of No. 3 through No. 25 at their respective position.

For Vander Esch, potentially jumping from around $10 million for his option (if there’s no extension worked out) to around $17 million is a whole entire big deal.

— KD

New CBA would shrink annual marijuana testing window to two weeks :: Pro Football Talk

What the new CBA giveth, they also ruin by doing something hardly anyone would agree with. Maybe (likely) it’s all public negotiation, but this other section of the proposed labor agreement makes no sense. The momentum for the NFL to catch up with state laws on the curtailing of policing marijuana seems very strong. However the league may still be looking to roll up, their sleeves, that is.

According to PFT, there will not be an elimination of the marijuana policy, but rather a shrinking of the testing window and reduced penalties for those who are not habitual line steppers.

For the Cowboys, Randy Gregory, who has been suspended for 46 games in five seasons (playing 28), he’d most likely fall into that category.

— KD

Cowboys roster breakdown: New direction coming at defensive tackle:: Blogging The Boys

Big decisions are to be made on Maliek Collins (UFA), Antwaun Woods (ERFA) and Daniel Ross (RFA). Blogging the Boys list big-name free agents to target along with drafting possibilities in order to get this very important piece of the depth chart solidified.

— DS

Biggest Potential Bargains in 2020 NFL Free Agency:: Bleacher Report

Bleacher Report does a little digging and finds some of the players that may fall under the radar and become a little bit more valuable without the bigger contract.

Dallas Cowboys cornerback Anthony Brown finds himself on this list. Coming off a season-ending injury, Brown has found more success when working in the nickel and could be looked at by NFL teams looking to improve their slot cornerback position.

— DS

Dallas Cowboys 2020 Offseason Preview: Safety:: Inside The Star 

One position the Cowboys have been trying to figure out for some time is safety. They seemingly have their guy at free in Xavier Woods, who is coming off of his best season as a pro.

Jeff Heath has been the starter opposite him for the last few years. While solid mostly, he still hasn’t locked down the position as one would want. Now, he’s set to be an unrestricted free agent, leaving a hole to possibly fill. This piece discusses where the Cowboys safeties are as far as contracts go, depth at the position, and how new defensive coordinator Mike Nolan could bring a new philosophy to getting this area corrected.

— ML

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News: Tyrone Crawford cut candidate, Dak-Kirk Spiderman.gif

Every day brings the NFL one step closer to the two most important offseason resources; the draft and free agency. With over $70 million in cap space and numerous big-name free agents, it can be argued no team has a bigger offseason ahead of them …

Every day brings the NFL one step closer to the two most important offseason resources; the draft and free agency. With over $70 million in cap space and numerous big-name free agents, it can be argued no team has a bigger offseason ahead of them than the Dallas Cowboys.

Tyrone Crawford is a candidate to be released, but defensive line needs some attention. With tons of mock drafts in the works, see what players the draft experts are most commonly selecting for the Cowboys. How is the Dak Prescott situation is similar to that of a former NFC East QB? All this and more, here in the News and Notes.

NFC cut candidates: David Johnson, Everson Griffen to the market? :: NFL.com

The Cowboys’ Tyrone Crawford, along with 15 other players, was listed as a strong candidate to be released this offseason.

Crawford, now on the wrong side of 30 years old, has been reliable and consistent for the majority of his tenure in Dallas. Last year injuries afforded Crawford only four games, the lowest number of his career. The main reason Dallas would move on from the once Cowboys’ captain would be financial, as cutting Crawford before the season starts would save the Cowboys around $8 million in cap space.

–AH

Cowboys roster breakdown: Work needed to keep defensive end from becoming a weakness :: Blogging The Boys

In Blogging The Boys’ latest installment of their roster breakdown they take a look defensive end and the possible changes the Cowboys could make at the position. The position group is headlined by Demarcus Lawrence, who fortunately for Dallas, was signed to a long term deal last offseason. After Lawrence, things start to fall off pretty quick at DE.

Robert Quinn, the starter at defensive end opposite of Lawrence, had an excellent year rushing the passer for the Cowboys, but he is an unrestricted free agent this offseason. Whether Quinn is re-signed or not, the Cowboys will have to fill in the roster at defensive end somehow. This breakdown lists possible free agent and draft options the Cowboys have at defensive end.

To view the other positional roster breakdowns for the Cowboys here are the links: linebackers, safety, cornerback.

–AH

Mock Draft Roundup: Early Favorites For No. 17 :: DallasCowboys.com

The NFL draft is getting closer and closer, meaning that speculation and projections are starting to heat up. DallasCowboys.com created a list of 15 expert’s projected selection for the Cowboys first round pick (#17). While it is impossible to know what exactly a team will do in free agency and what exactly their biggest needs will be, experts have gotten better and better at knowing who and what teams are looking for.

Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

For Dallas,  the biggest trends were that 13 of the 15 projections were defensive backs, while all 15 projected selections played their college ball in the SEC. Safeties Xavier Mckinney (pictured above) from Alabama and Grant Delpit from LSU were the most common, each appearing five times on the list. WR Henry Ruggs III, CB’s Krisitan Fulton and C.J. Henderson, and DT Javon Kinlaw rounded out the selections.

–AH

Dak Prescott situation turning into a Kirk Cousins standoff? :: Blogging The Boys

With the Dak Prescott contract negotiation still ongoing, the situation has started to remind people of former NFC East quarterback, Kirk Cousins’ contract with the Washington Redskins. Cousins and Washington both stood firm at the numbers each side wanted, and the result was Cousins playing two years on the franchise tag before ultimately leaving for the Minnesota Vikings. If the Cowboys believe Prescott is the long term answer they could look at the Cousins situation as a forewarning of franchise tagging their star QB.

–AH

Cowboys offseason guide 2020: Key free agents, team needs, targets, salary cap & draft pick :: Sporting News

This offseason has been, and will continue to be a very exciting one in Dallas. There are set to be tons of changes all over the field. While all this info is scattered on sites, this offseason guide from Sporting News does a good job providing all the offseason info one might need on one screen.

–AH

Five 2020 offseason moves for NFC teams: Bill Barnwell predicts trades, free agency, cuts :: ESPN

Barnwell examined every NFC team and listed five moves each should make, in his opinion. The Cowboys’ top priority, according to Barnwell, is to re-sign Dak Prescott. While the offseason isn’t always this cut and dry, Barnwell lays out a realistic plan for Dallas to reload their roster to continue the search for postseason success. A tag for Amari Cooper, help for Lawrence, replacements at safety and tight end round out the list.

–AH

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News: Byron Jones as the highest-paid corner? Lee wants to run it back

Byron Jones is headed for a major payday, valuable safety options in round one, and Mike McCarthy’s staff blending old with new.

With free agency approaching, one of the focal points for the Dallas Cowboys will be trying to retain top corner Byron Jones. Whether he stays or finds a new home, Jones is headed towards a lucrative payday. The safety position is also one of interest in Dallas as the NFL Draft in April draws near. Xavier McKinney and Grant Delpit have been popular picks in mock drafts if the Cowboys want to upgrade in the first round.

Mike McCarthy’s coaching staff will be a mixture of old and new as former assistants from his days in Green Bay will work together with the surviving staff members from 2019. A preview of the center position, Sean Lee’s future, and the possibility of Jourdan Lewis’s role increasing are all covered in the News and Notes from Saturday, February 8, 2020.

Mike McCarthy’s Cowboys staff blends familiar and new:: ESPN 

New Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy has assembled his staff very quickly since being hired last month. Mixing former assistants Joe Philbin, Scott McCurley, and Jeff Blasko with offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, McCarthy will have a nice balance throughout his staff as they lay out the groundwork for the 2020 season.

Jourdan Lewis was a player in 2019, could see bigger role next season:: NGSC Sports 

Lewis has always had the talent, he just needed the opportunity to consistently show what he could do. After catching a break with an injury to a teammate, Lewis took full advantage and reminded everyone of his skill set that made him so sought after before the 2017 NFL Draft.

Dallas Cowboys: 3 players who will step up this upcoming season:: The Landry Hat 

Coming off of a disappointing 8-8 season the Cowboys will definitely need more consistency from their roster. Lucas Mascherin breaks down who he thinks will come to the forefront and perform big in 2020. There are two returning members of the defenslve line, including DeMarcus Lawrence.

 

The Dallas Cowboys led all NFL teams in attendance in 2019:: Blogging the Boys 

Is there any real surprise here? The Cowboys have the most extravagant stadium in the NFL, and it attracts people from all over the world. With the world’s largest sliding glass doors and a video screen that stretches about 60 yards, there are no bad seats inside AT&T Stadium, hence why the attendance is so huge every season.

NFC East Makeover: Coaches who will reshape the division in 2020:: ESPN

The NFC East was a bad division in 2019. Three teams (Cowboys, Giants, Redskins) finished .500 or worse which led to each hiring new coach.

This piece breaks down what new Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy brings to the table, what big changes to expect, and what staff changes will have the biggest impact.

Cowboys’ Sean Lee still ‘focusing on playing,’ will explore his options this offseason:: CBS Sports 

The General has been in the blue and silver for a decade and when healthy, he’s been one of the best linebackers in the NFL. However, that’s been the one thing that has stopped him from being a Hall of Famer, his availability.

That narrative took a twist in 2019, though, as Lee played in 16 games for this first time in his career. Filling in for Leighton Vander Esch who suffered a season-ending neck injury, Lee registered 86 tackles, four passes defended, an interception, and a sack.

Having no thoughts of retirement, Lee is wanting to explore his options, although he’d prefer to stay in Dallas.

“I love it in Dallas and I love the Cowboys,” Lee said. “I hope it works out, for sure.”

Dallas Cowboys 2020 Offseason Preview: Center:: Inside The Star

Pro Bowl center Travis Frederick bounced back in 2019 after missing the previous season due to an illness. However, now the Cowboys have a decision to make regarding backup Center Joe Looney’s free agency.

Jessie Haynie breaks down Looney’s possible departure, how Connor McGovern figures in if he does leave, as well as where each center stands contractually.

Dallas Cowboys first-round pick: Grant Delpit or Xavier McKinney?:: The Landry Hat 

The Cowboys have the free safety position seemingly locked down with Xavier Woods. However, they’re still trying to find the missing piece to create a dynamic duo at the position. Two of the most highly sought-after safeties coming out of the college ranks could be available for the Cowboys when they pick at 17 in April’s NFL Draft.

McKinney and Delpit are both coming off first-team All-SEC seasons. The former recorded an amazing 95 tackles this season, while the latter won the Jim Thorpe Award as the best defensive back in the nation while helping the LSU Tigers win the 2019 CFP National Championship. These are two games to watch if the Cowboys choose to bolster the safety position in the first round.

Could Byron Jones become the highest-paid cornerback in th8e NFL?:: Blogging the Boys 

During the last two seasons, Byron Jones has put his name in the conversation with the best corners in the NFL. In 2018, he made his first Pro Bowl and was also named second-team All-Pro. This season, he was solid once again albeit on an inconsistent defense.

Now, Jones is set to be an unrestricted free agent once free agency starts in March. Will the Cowboys retain him? Or will he find the proverbial bag elsewhere?

3 Free Agent Wide Receivers for the Dallas Cowboys:: Inside The Star

The Cowboys have a few questions to ask at wide receiver this offseason. Pro Bowl receiver Amari Cooper, who is set to be an unrestricted free agent, will be the organization’s top priority once Dak Prescott is taken care of. Randall Cobb and Tavon Austin are also set to hit the open market.

Staff Writer John Williams breaks down possible options for the Cowboys at wide receiver in free agency, as well as a bonus pick.

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