Tag: dontari poe

News: Cowboys finalize Poe’s terms, Connor Williams ahead of schedule

Plus, Dallas signs a new kicker, DeMarcus Lawrence may improve in 2020, Connor Williams is ahead of schedule, and Sean Lee on Dak Prescott.

The Cowboys have locked up the deal with their new defensive tackle and announced the signing of a new kicker. Talks with the starting quarterback are ongoing, but the veteran linebacker isn’t concerned. The special teams coordinator has a new approach, the young offensive lineman has a health update, and the superstar edge rusher may be in line for a bounceback season.

All that, plus scoop from the former cornerback, greetings from the new big man in the middle, and new fan gear honoring the retired center and his facial hair. Oh, and a bizarre threat issued to teams… from the league commissioner. That’s on deck in this edition of News and Notes.

Cowboys agree to terms with DT Dontari Poe :: The Mothership

Specific terms and financial figures took a while to be released, but the team has officially finalized their contract with defensive tackle Dontari Poe. All that’s left is his physical and for him to actually put pen to paper.

Sean Lee confident Cowboys will take care of Dak Prescott :: ProFootballTalk

The General says he and his Cowboys teammates have no reason to worry about whether Prescott will be there when offseason work starts. Lee tells SiriusXM NFL Radio that he believes owner Jerry Jones will “take care” of Prescott with a new contract.

Cowboys sign Pro Bowl kicker Greg Zuerlein :: Cowboys Wire

Kai Forbath will have some competition in camp this year, as the team has signed veteran kicker Greg “The Leg” Zuerlein to a three-year deal that will reunite him with Rams special teams coordinator John Fassel.

Cowboys positional review: How will John Fassel fix Dallas’s special teams unit? :: The Athletic

Take a deep dive into the so-called “third phase” of the game and check out what the coordinator of the best unit in the league plans to bring to Dallas. Like, for example, no playbooks.

Report: Cowboys have no plans to reduce Tyrone Crawford’s contract :: Blogging the Boys

Dollars-and-cents watchers have pointed out that Crawford currently locks up $8 million of salary cap money, but the club is apparently not looking at trimming that number. It may be the clearest indication yet that the team is counting on him to help anchor the right edge of the defensive line in 2020.

A key injury update from Connor Williams :: The Mothership

Offensive guard Connor Williams says he is ahead of schedule on his recovery from a torn ACL suffered on Thanksgiving Day. The second-round draft pick from 2018 credits recently-retired Travis Frederick with helping him transition from tackle to guard after going pro.

DeMarcus Lawrence biggest winner from Cowboys’ DT additions :: Inside the Star

While opposing quarterbacks should definitely be concerned about the Cowboys’ recent acquisitions of Gerald McCoy and Dontari Poe, what they may need to fear most is a direct cause-and-effect resurgence to DeMarcus Lawrence’s game.

Byron Jones: Dallas’s lack of interest had to do with CBs on roster, not money :: ProFootballTalk

The Cowboys let Pro Bowl cornerback Byron Jones leave because “they have a whole bunch of good corners on that team,” he says, refuting the theory held by some that the team simply couldn’t afford him due to other players’ megadeals.

Roger Goodell warns of ‘disciplinary action’ for public discussion of NFL Draft timing :: SI.com

The 2020 NFL Draft will go on as scheduled April 23-25, with the league saying that “there is no assurance that we can select a different date and be confident that conditions will be significantly more favorable than they are today.” The commissioner’s memo to teams also specifies that “public discussion of issues relating to the Draft serves no useful purpose and is grounds for disciplinary action.” Not a good look for the league here in the current climate.

Dallas football fans need this ‘Fredbeard Forever’ t-shirt :: The Landry Hat

A company called BreakingT is offering a limited-run ultra-soft t-shirt paying homage to new retiree Travis Frederick with some cool artwork showcasing Fredbeard’s glorious facial hair.

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Cowboys News: Draft, defense, DeMarcus and Dak

Dallas Cowboys news for March 26 2020, Dak Prescott and agent resume talks for extension, NFL gives back during Covid-19 pandemic.

There are plenty of questions left to be answered when it comes to the 2020 NFL season in itself due to the results of the current Covid-19 pandemic ripping through our nation. This however, is not stopping NFL teams including the Dallas Cowboys from zeroing in on specific moves to be made.

The Dak Prescott negotiations have reignited once again. The Cowboys have been adding to their defensive line in free agency but does that mean they will rule this position out come round one on draft day? The Cowboys, the NFL, and plenty of players across the league are doing their part to help those in need during these tough times. All this and much more in today’s news.

Cowboys, Prescott talking again trying to iron out long-term deal :: Cowboys Wire

The latest news from the continuous saga that is the Dak Prescott and Dallas Cowboy contract negotiations. Just how close are the two sides to a deal?

Cowboys free agent focus: Dontari Poe is right investment for improving Dallas’ run defense :: Blogging the Boys

At 345 lbs Dontari Poe is the biggest Cowboy defensive tackle in recent memory. The addition of Poe shows a clear shift in defensive philosophy under new coordinator Mike Nolan.

What does the extreme makeover of the Cowboys’ defensive line mean for Tyrone Crawford? :: Dallas News

Since joining the Cowboys in 2012, Tyrone Crawford has been incredibly consistent and versatile. Crawford had become adept in switching between the defensive tackle and end positions. With two new tackles (McCoy and Poe) will Crawford be able to plant his flag at defensive end this upcoming season?

Updated Cowboys 2020 Free Agency recap, cap space, comp-pick tracker :: Cowboys Wire

The most important link of the Dallas offseason. The free agency tracker is the only resource you need to see every Cowboy transaction.

2020 NFL Draft: Will the Dallas Cowboys target a wide receiver? :: The Landry Hat

The Dallas Cowboys only have a handful of true needs on their roster. One of those needs is depth at the wide receiver position. Randall Cobb is now a Texan, and while the Cowboys still have Amari Cooper and Michael Gallup, a solid third wideout will be crucial to the offensive success. Where, and who, in the draft Dallas address this need?

Adding McCoy & Poe at DT Allows Cowboys to Focus on Secondary in Draft :: Inside The Star

As mentioned in the article right before this, the Cowboys aren’t overwhelmed by needs a month before the draft. Defensive tackle was certainly in play for the first round of the draft, but with the signings of Dontari Poe and Gerald McCoy the Cowboys might be better off going secondary at pick No. 17.

Travis Frederick one of Cowboys 10 best OL of all time? Survey says… :: Cowboys Wire

The 29-year-old was the model of consistency and excellence for his shortened NFL career. Where does he rank amongst the Cowboys all-time lineman?

2020 NFL Draft: 5 Potential Travis Frederick Replacements for the Dallas Cowboys :: Inside The Star

Travis Frederick’s retirement was surprisingly shocking, considering he missed all of 2018 with Guillain-Barré syndrome. How will Dallas possibly replace his consistent all-pro level on the field and off?

NFL Free Agency 2020: Dallas Cowboys, Miami Dolphins, Chicago Bears Give Richest Contracts :: IBTimes

All three of the highest total contracts given out so far are Cowboys or former Cowboys. This link includes all of the richest contracts so far this free agency.

NFL Family Donates $35M For Covid-19 Relief :: The Mothership

The NFL has come up with several ways to help the country during this pandemic. Read up about the different clubs and foundations doing their part to support the nation during these tough times.

Bucky Brooks: Canady More Than Just a Corner :: The Mothership

Former NFL player and scout Bucky Brooks joins the DallasCowboys.com writing team as he breaks down one of the big splashes in the Cowboys free agency period, cornerback Maurice Canady.

Draft Show Mock: Cowboys Get Elite Pass-Rusher :: The Mothership

The Dallascowboys.com draft show team did a mock draft this morning with the Cowboys grabbing a premier defensive end. Where did all the other stars fall?

Blake Bell on the Cowboys: You look at their roster and they’ve got a lot of talent, even the coaches :: Blogging The Boys

Get to know one of the new tight ends on the Dallas Cowboys roster. Bell praises the current team as currently structured and respects the entire coaching staff.

 

Report: Cowboys, DT Dontari Poe have agreed to terms

Fans waiting since Monday’s news of an imminent deal may finally get to breathe, as Ian Rapoport says the two sides are finalizing details.

After a couple long days of will-they-or-won’t-they, the Cowboys and defensive tackle Dontari Poe have finally sealed the deal, according to reports. Well, almost.

Word got out Monday that an agreement between the two sides was imminent and would bring the former Panther, Falcon, and Chief to Dallas. The two-time Pro Bowler would theoretically bolster a defensive line that had lost Robert Quinn and Maliek Collins in recent days. While it was thought that the signing might be announced before day’s end on Monday, it still hadn’t become official late by Wednesday morning. But it is happening, per NFL insider Ian Rapoport.

Poe will join new Cowboy Gerald McCoy, reuniting the pair who spent last season together on the Carolina defensive line.

As Rapoport’s tweet indicates, terms and financial details of the deal have not been finalized or announced. And while pen hasn’t been put to paper quite yet, it appears Poe is headed to Dallas… and fans holding their breath since Monday’s tease may get to exhale very soon.

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Report: Former Panthers DT Dontari Poe agrees to terms with Cowboys

If you liked the Panthers’ defensive line this past season, odds are you’ll dig the Cowboys’ in 2020.

If you liked the Panthers’ defensive line this past season, odds are you’ll dig the Cowboys’ in 2020. According to a report by Ian Rapoport at NFL Network, former Carolina defensive tackle Dontari Poe has agreed to basic terms with Dallas and the deal is being finalized.

Poe is the second interior defensive lineman to join them this offseason. Gerald McCoy has also agreed to a three-year deal with Dallas.

Poe was a two-time Pro Bowler early in his career, but he hasn’t been back since the 2014 season. After a five-year run with the Chiefs, Poe has made stops in Atlanta and Carolina. In 121 regular season games, he’s totaled 278 combined tackles (31 for a loss), 20.5 sacks and 49 quarterback hits.

When he’s healthy Poe is still a quality 3-4 nose tackle and the Cowboys are expected to switch to that scheme next season. Meanwhile, the Panthers are going back to a 4-3 under Matt Rhule.

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Dallas still D-line shopping; is Dontari Poe set to become the next Cowboy?

The team is reportedly closing in on a deal with free agent Dontari Poe, who brings a unique skill set to the defensive tackle position.

The Cowboys continue to explore new building blocks for their defensive line as the free agency shopping spree goes on. While the signing of six-time Pro Bowler Gerald McCoy certainly softens the blow of losing Maliek Collins, uncertainty about Antwaun Woods’s future with the team and question marks surrounding Trysten Hill’s development leaves Dallas in a precarious spot when it comes to reliable defensive tackle depth.

While a few recognizable names- including Damon Harrison and Ndamukong Suh- have been linked to the Cowboys as legitimate options, NFL insider Ian Rapaport tweeted Monday morning that the club is in talks with free agent Dontari Poe, most recently a member of the Carolina Panthers.

A first-round draft pick by the Chiefs in 2012, Poe spent five seasons in Kansas City, where he earned two Pro Bowl nods. He played in Atlanta on a one-year deal with the Falcons after that, and then joined Carolina in 2018. He finished the 2019 season on injured reserve after suffering a torn quad in Week 12, marking the first time Poe missed more than a single game in a season. The Panthers declined his third-year option for 2020.

With 278 tackles and 20.5 sacks over eight NFL seasons, the durable Poe may actually be better known for his touchdown-scoring prowess out of the backfield on trick plays for the Chiefs. In 2015, the 346-pounder rushed for a score, becoming the heaviest NFL player ever to do so. (William “The Refrigerator” Perry tipped the scales at about 335 when he rushed for two during his rookie 1985 season in Chicago.) The following season, Poe did it again, on a lateral pass play called “Hungry Pig Right.” On Christmas Day 2016, Poe entered the league record books as the heaviest player to ever throw a touchdown: a jump pass after a direct snap and fake rush out of the Wildcat formation.

The point is, if Kellen Moore really wants to get nuts, Poe could be Secret Weapon X. (Or maybe Secret Weapon XXL.)

Even if a deal with Poe is, as Rapoport suggests, imminent, the Cowboys are maintaining their interest in Harrison, too. The player called “Snacks” is considered by many to be the best free agent left on the market after four years with the Jets, three with the Giants, and the past two in Detroit.

The Cowboys-Harrison mutual courtship became social media fodder after he announced that he already owns a residence in the Metroplex.

 

News: Could Cowboys pursue Harrison, Griffen? Elliott’s smarts

Ezekiel Elliott was smart in contract negotiations. Why Did Gerald McCoy choose Dallas? Will the Cowboys sign Everson Griffen?

Ezekiel Elliott stood his ground last summer when he was in pursuit of a long-term deal with the Cowboys. With Todd Gurley being released by the Los Angeles Rams earlier this week although he still had years remaining on his deal makes Elliott’s decision to do so look even smarter. Defensive tackle Gerald McCoy signed a three-year deal with the Cowboys earlier this week, and he has a specific reason why he put his signature on the dotted line. The Cowboys may not be done adding pieces to the interior defensive line, as reportedly they’re open to the idea of acquiring free-agent defensive tackle Damon “Snacks” Harrison.

For the past few days, free-agent defensive ends Everson Griffen and Jadeveon Clowney have been linked as possible additions bolster the Cowboys pass rush. There have been some solid players added to the Cowboys roster during the early wave of free agency, however, their philosophy in the NFL Draft should remain the same. Who are the best available free agents after the first week, the possibility of adding defensive tackle Dontari Poe at a bargain, and how the Cowboys got creative in re-signing Joe Looney are covered in the News and Notes.

Cowboys news: There are still reports that the Cowboys are interested in Everson Griffen:: Blogging The Boys

With each day that passes in free agency, the buzz gets louder on potential stars to come to Dallas.

Cowboys Rumors: Latest Buzz on Everson Griffen, Jadeveon Clowney Pursuits:: Bleacher Report

What will it take to bring in Everson Griffen or Jadeveon Clowney? Is the price too high? Are the Cowboys looking at the draft instead?

Gerald McCoy: Joining Cowboys a ‘dream come true’:: NFL.com

A deeper look inside the big splash the Dallas Cowboys made on the first day of free agency.

NFL full seven-round mock draft after initial free agency moves:: Blogging The Boys

There’s still some time for mock drafts. In fact, how about a seven-round mock draft! The Cowboys look to build the defense early on.

17 best Cowboys games to re-watch for free while under quarantine:: Cowboys Wire

Don’t let the quarantine get you down. There’s plenty of Dallas Cowboys football available for free on NFL Game Pass! Free!

Every NFL Division’s Biggest Winner Through Early 2020 Free Agency:: Bleacher Report

The Dallas Cowboys did not win their division’s free agency championship belt. However, there is still time for Dallas to catch up.

Best Players Available at Each Position After 1st Week of 2020 NFL Free Agency:: Bleacher Report

If the Dallas Cowboys want to continue to add players in free agency, they’ll have to choose from what’s left after one week of free agency.

Poll: Which outside free agent that the Cowboys have brought in do you like the most?:: Blogging The Boys 

The Cowboys have brought in a few new faces, but which one was the best?

Free Agent Signings Shouldn’t Change Dallas Cowboys 2020 NFL Draft Strategy:: Inside The Star 

There are a few new faces in Dallas, however, the focus in the NFL Draft should remain the same.

Todd Gurley’s fate proves Ezekiel Elliott was smart to force the issue with the Cowboys:: Dallas Morning News 

With Todd Gurley being released with years left on his deal, Ezekiel Elliott’s decision to holdout in 2019 makes more sense.

Dontari Poe Could be Bargain Free Agent DT Option for Cowboys:: Inside The Star

After signing veteran defensive tackle Gerald McCoy to a three-year deal, could his former Carolina teammate be next?

Cowboys were first-team to use NFL’s new Veteran Salary Benefit tool when they re-signed Joe Looney:: Blogging The Boys 

Not only did the Cowboys keep a valuable piece on their roster by re-signing C/G Joe Looney, but they got creative on how that went about doing so.

Cowboys free agent McCoy ready to be a third-down lineman again:: Blogging The Boys 

After one of the lowest snap totals of his career, Gerald McCoy is poised to return to his workload in Dallas.

Why did McCoy join Cowboys? ‘It’s the star’:: NFL.com

Find out why veteran defensive tackle Gerald McCoy picked the Cowboys.

Cowboys free agent rumors: Dallas reportedly “open” to the idea of Damon “Snacks” Harrison:: Blogging The Boys 

Will the Cowboys add Damon “Snacks” Harrison to partner with Gerald McCoy on the interior?

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Panthers officially decline 2020 option for DT Dontari Poe

According to Joe Person, that’s now official, so Poe is about to become a free agent.

The new league year is still on schedule for this week (March 18) at least for now. That means we can expect a flurry of free agency-related news in the next few days heading into the legal tampering period.

As for the Panthers, we probably shouldn’t expect them to be major players in free agency this year. While they have a lot of holes to fill, there’s not much cap space to go around. This move will help, at least. It was recently reported by the Athletic that the team would not pick up the 2020 option for defensive tackle Dontari Poe.

According to Joe Person that’s now official, so Poe is about to become a free agent.

By not bringing Poe back, the Panthers will save around $9.8 million in salary cap space for 2020. It will add another $3.33 million to the team’s league-high dead cap total. At this point, it’s just another drop in the bucket.

Poe has served as the team’s nose tackle for the last two seasons and he did a good job in general. Replacing him won’t necessarily be easy.

In free agency, the top options are Baltimore’s Michael Pierce and Houston’s D.J. Reader. For what it’s worth, Javon Kinlaw and Derrick Brown are two of the most popular mock draft picks for Carolina.

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Panthers 2020 potential free agent target profile: DT Michael Pierce

Replacing Poe means the Panthers have to find a run-stopper to take over the spot in the middle of their defensive line.

The Panthers are going to see a major change at the defensive tackle position this offseason. Veterans Gerald McCoy and Kyle Love are both about to become free agents and it sounds like the team won’t be picking up Dontari Poe’s option for 2020, as expected.

That means they’ll need to bring in a couple more interior defensive linemen to help fill the void. In that spirit, our next 2020 potential free agent target profile is Michael Pierce of the Ravens.

Career stats:

Pierce went undrafted after playing his college career at Samford. Baltimore picked him up in May of 2016. Since then, he’s played in 60 games, earning 30 starts. Pierce has totaled 3.5 sacks, 13 quarterback hits, 13 tackles for a loss and four forced fumbles.

Pros:

Replacing Poe means the Panthers have to find a run-stopper to take over the spot in the middle of their defensive line. That’s exactly where Pierce thrives. He has been one of the NFL’s top run defenders the last couple of years. He’s also improved as a pass rusher since coming into the league. According to Pro Football Focus, he posted 21 pressures in 2018.

Cons:

Pierce is 27 years old and there are a number of interior linemen in this free agent class who are better than he is. His production dropped off a little bit in 2019 as well, which might be a concern. The main issue with Pierce is that he’s relatively limited as he pretty much exclusively fits as a 3-4 nose tackle and early-down run stopper.

Probability: Medium

Pierce is far from the only interesting name at DT who is about to become a free agent. Guys like Javon Hargrave, Leonard Williams, D.J. Reader, Mike Daniels and Chris Jones should all command more on the open market. Given his career numbers and age, signing Pierce wouldn’t break the bank.

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Report: Panthers expected to decline Dontari Poe’s 2020 option

According to a report by Jourdan Rodrigue at the Athletic, the Panthers are expected to decline the 2020 option for defensive tackle Dontari Poe.

Here’s the least surprising headline you’re likely to read all week. According to a report by Jourdan Rodrigue at the Athletic, the Panthers are expected to decline the 2020 option for defensive tackle Dontari Poe.

Poe was always going to be a strong candidate to be let go this year based on the structure of his contract. The team will save around $9.8 million in salary cap space by not bringing him back. They will incur another dead money penalty: about $3.33 million, per Over the Cap. Carolina already leads the league in dead money for 2020 by a massive margin though, so that’s just another drop in the bucket.

Poe has been a solid defender up front for the Panthers. However, he’ll be 30 years old by the time next season starts and he’s coming off a torn quad which required surgery. It just doesn’t make sense to invest another year in him given the way the rest of the roster looks right now.

This decision reinforces the team’s need to take an interior defensive line prospect early in this year’s draft. In our latest seven-round mock, we have them trading down from the No. 7 spot and selecting South Carolina’s Javon Kinlaw at No. 13.

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5 Panthers players who could be cut for salary cap savings in 2020

Here are five players that could be cap casualties this year. All salary info comes courtesy of Over the Cap.

The Panthers won’t have a ton of money to play around with this year unless they make some significant cuts. Even after losing Luke Kuechly to retirement and parting ways with Greg Olsen, they will only have between $33 million and $36 million in salary cap space.

Here are five players that could be cap casualties this year. All salary info comes courtesy of Over the Cap.

RB Mike Davis

Mike Davis
Daniel Bartel-USA TODAY Sports

Cap savings: $3,000,000

Dead money: $0

Signing Davis was always a bit of a head-scratching move. Christian McCaffrey rarely if ever comes off the field and they have two young, cheap backs already on the roster in Reggie Bonnafon and Jordan Scarlett. Davis can contribute for a run-heavy kind of team that needs depth, but the Panthers aren’t one of them. Consider him as good as cut.

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