News: Jones in high demand, but Cooper not? Cowboys’ Dak contingencies

Also, backup plans for Dak Prescott, Michael Bennett eyes a Seattle return, Jaylon Smith talks business, and how coronavirus impacts Dallas.

Several Cowboys players are inching closer to new contracts, but some of them may be signed by other teams. Michael Bennett might be on his way out of Dallas, Byron Jones is a red-hot commodity, Amari Cooper may not be as sought-after as anticipated, and Robert Quinn’s status is a genuine wild card. And as Prescott Payday Watch drags on, some talking head-types are starting to kick around their thoughts on what the team should do if the starting quarterback holds out in a deal dispute.

All that, plus news on how the coronavirus is affecting team business, Blake Jarwin may be called on to step up, Jaylon Smith talks business, a Dallas wideout is in legal trouble, more mock drafts… and DeMarcus Ware shows he still has legitimate hops. Here’s the News and Notes.

Reports: Some teams expect Byron Jones to become the highest-paid defensive back in NFL history :: Blogging the Boys

Someone is about to break their piggy bank wide open for the Pro Bowl cornerback, but it almost certainly won’t be Jerry Jones as Byron Jones is expected to ink a deal worth between $16 and $18 million per season.


‘GMFB’: Cowboys’ contingency plan if Dak Prescott holds out :: NFL.com

The Good Morning Football crew do a round-table discussion on what Plan B might look like if Dak Prescott gets into a training camp staredown with the owner.


Why drafting Jalen Hurts would make sense for the Cowboys :: ESPN

The Get Up cast think drafting Heisman Trophy runner-up Jalen Hurts could be an interesting backup strategy for Dallas.

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Cowboys may need to cross Michael Bennett off return-pending list :: Cowboys Wire

A veteran player returning to the team he had the most success with for one final tour of duty is nothing new.


Cowboys positional review: Is this the year TE Blake Jarwin sees a larger role? :: The Athletic

Jason Witten’s 2019 stat line looked awfully close to the one he posted the last year he played while Blake Jarwin’s 2019 numbers, were nearly identical to the ones he compiled the year Witten was gone.


Why the Cowboys want ‘real deal’ Quinn back :: The Mothership

Sacks don’t tell the whole story for defensive ends (see: DeMarcus Lawrence), but the Cowboys would be hard-pressed to easily replace the 11.5 of them that Robert Quinn produced in 2019. To hear both Quinn and Jerry Jones tell it, neither wants the team to have to try.


Dallas Cowboys: 3 lower-cost options to replace Robert Quinn at DE :: Sport DFW

On the other hand, if Quinn’s resurgence last season pushed his price tag beyond what the Joneses are willing to pay, there are more budget-conscious choices on the market.


Cowboys WR Ventell Bryant arrested on DUI charge in Florida :: Cowboys Wire

After admitting to “several margaritas” during a traffic stop in Tampa for operating without headlights, the 2019 undrafted free agent was charged by police with driving under the influence.


Could demand actually be lower than expected for Amari Cooper? :: Blogging the Boys

“What if Amari isn’t as valued around the league as we all thought?”


Dallas Cowboys’ Jaylon Smith: Invest in minority businesses to close income gap :: USA Today

The Pro Bowl linebacker tackles a different opponent in a column he’s written for USA Today, exploring the serious income disparity problem that many kids growing up in neighborhoods like Smith’s hometown face.


Different perspectives: Two complete 7-round Cowboys mock drafts :: The Athletic

More mocks! Jon Machota and Saad Yousuf each take a stab at filling out the Cowboys roster with seven rounds’ worth of college talent. Defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw and cornerback Damon Arnette appear on both mocks, but it’s not all defense.


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Broncos OLB Von Miller coaching up young pass rushers at Pro Bowl

Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller has been coaching up some of the young defenders at the Pro Bowl in Orlando.

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In 2014, when Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller was coming off a season cut short by injury and suspension, Denver signed future Pro Football Hall edge defender DeMarcus Ware. He might have been one of the most important teammates Miller ever had.

Ware took Miller under his wing and mentored him. They won Super Bowl 50 together in 2015 and now, four years after Ware’s retirement, Miller is following in his mentor’s footsteps by grooming the next generation of pass rushers.

Each offseason, Miller hosts a “Pass Rush Summit” for edge defenders (and even some offensive linemen) from across the NFL. Miller is also taking advantage of getting to mingle with young pass rushers at the Pro Bowl in Orlando.

Before practice Thursday, Miller coached up Jaguars rookie Josh Allen:

Miller also spent some time with Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt and Ravens edge defender Matthew Judon:

And, of course, Miller made time for fans at Thursday’s practice:

Miller said during an interview on “Pardon My Take” this week that he has had to apologize to players for going “too hard” in past Pro Bowls.

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Champ Bailey, Brian Dawkins named finalists for ‘NFL 100 All-Time Team’

Former Broncos defensive backs Champ Bailey and Brian Dawkins are finalists for the NFL’s all-time team.

Former Denver Broncos defensive backs Champ Bailey and Brian Dawkins have been named finalists for the “NFL 100 All-Time Team,” the league announced this week. Cornerback Willie Brown, who played in Denver from 1963-1966, was also named a finalist.

The NFL will announce which cornerbacks and safeties made the cut on NFL Network on Friday evening.

Bailey was voted to 12 Pro Bowls during his career and is a member of the NFL’s 2000s All-Decade Team and the Broncos’ Top 100 team. He spent 10 seasons in Denver.

Dawkins was voted to nine Pro Bowls during his career and is also a member of the NFL’s 2000s All-Decade Team and the Broncos’ Top 100 team. He only spent three seasons in Denver but he was one of the Broncos’ best defenders during that time.

Last week, DeMarcus Ware (defensive line) and Von Miller (linebacker) were finalists but neither of them made the team. Terrell Davis was a finalist at running back but he did not make the team, either.

The complete team of 100 players and 10 coaches will be revealed on NFL Network on Friday, Dec. 27 in celebration of the league’s 100 years.

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