Glad they kept Spencer, I am concerned about how many contracts they have had to massage, I hope we are not perpetuating cap issues for years to comeSpencer was tagged as a LB today.Sensabaugh was cut to save an addition 1.4 in salary.
I think that is inevitable at this point. Unless the cap goes up dramatically quickly, which it is not supposed to, Jones has pushed so much salary into the future that the Cowboys will be up against the cap for several years to come. They also will have a hard time cutting players who have had their salaries restructured because most of their cap hits from being cut will be greater than their cap hit from the upcoming season. Therefore, to cut a restructured veteran, you most likely add cap dollars to the current season rather than saving them.Glad they kept Spencer, I am concerned about how many contracts they have had to massage, I hope we are not perpetuating cap issues for years to comeSpencer was tagged as a LB today.
Sensabaugh was cut to save an addition 1.4 in salary.
yeah, it is going to be a messas long as Jerry gets the credit if we win a super bowl, though, it'll all be okI think that is inevitable at this point. Unless the cap goes up dramatically quickly, which it is not supposed to, Jones has pushed so much salary into the future that the Cowboys will be up against the cap for several years to come. They also will have a hard time cutting players who have had their salaries restructured because most of their cap hits from being cut will be greater than their cap hit from the upcoming season. Therefore, to cut a restructured veteran, you most likely add cap dollars to the current season rather than saving them.Glad they kept Spencer, I am concerned about how many contracts they have had to massage, I hope we are not perpetuating cap issues for years to comeSpencer was tagged as a LB today.
Sensabaugh was cut to save an addition 1.4 in salary.
Am I the only ine that doesn't get the love with Spencer? It's not like he's chop liver, but we're now paying a premium for the guy when we simply don't have the $. Oh well. I'm sure they know what they're doing.

Almost certainly. I hope I am mistaken, obviously, but this reeks of desperation.I wonder if $10.5 million would have helped lure an offensive lineman or two in FA.
I agree Ridge. A lot of fans forget what his role was in the 3-4 as he didn't rush every down and had to drop in coverage. When compared to other 3-4 OLB's in his spot he compared very well and in the top 5 in the league. He has played DE at Purdue and had success. He played strong last year and really started to show marked improvement.It's a good move because it gives the Cowboys some leverage in re-negotiating a longer term deal at a better cap number. It also allows us to shop Spencer for a 2nd or late first round pick, if we want to pursue that option.I'm semi excited to get a new safety after decades of bums there since Woody and rookie Roy.By cutting Sensi, they've basically stated they are either signing a mid-level and up FA safety and/or spending a premium pick (1st or 2nd rounder) on one. Really hard to beleive they'd go into next year with Barry Church (coming off achilles tear) and Matt Johnson (never played a snap) as starting safeties. With Danny McCray as the primary backup.I guess by signing Spencer, the team isnt forced to use an early pick on a DE. That said, I can see him being a very good 4-3 end. He's always been very very strong against the run. And can rush the passer some. He should fit that position quite well.
I agree we need Oline and I will bang that drum all offseason....BUT.Would you rather have Anthony Spencer or Andy Levitre? I will take Spencer at a premium position over Levitre.I wonder if $10.5 million would have helped lure an offensive lineman or two in FA.
I guess I'd rather have Levitre and find another DE as opposed to Spencer and Nate Livings.I must be over-reacting. And/or nostalgic for the days of a dominant OL and a serviceable DL.I agree we need Oline and I will bang that drum all offseason....BUT.Would you rather have Anthony Spencer or Andy Levitre? I will take Spencer at a premium position over Levitre.I wonder if $10.5 million would have helped lure an offensive lineman or two in FA.

I agree Ridge. A lot of fans forget what his role was in the 3-4 as he didn't rush every down and had to drop in coverage. When compared to other 3-4 OLB's in his spot he compared very well and in the top 5 in the league. He has played DE at Purdue and had success. He played strong last year and really started to show marked improvement.It's a good move because it gives the Cowboys some leverage in re-negotiating a longer term deal at a better cap number. It also allows us to shop Spencer for a 2nd or late first round pick, if we want to pursue that option.I'm semi excited to get a new safety after decades of bums there since Woody and rookie Roy.By cutting Sensi, they've basically stated they are either signing a mid-level and up FA safety and/or spending a premium pick (1st or 2nd rounder) on one. Really hard to beleive they'd go into next year with Barry Church (coming off achilles tear) and Matt Johnson (never played a snap) as starting safeties. With Danny McCray as the primary backup.I guess by signing Spencer, the team isnt forced to use an early pick on a DE. That said, I can see him being a very good 4-3 end. He's always been very very strong against the run. And can rush the passer some. He should fit that position quite well.
x Ridge and BGI'm ok with Spencer, I really am. Just a ton of $ .A possible trade is another thing that might come out of tagging Spencer. If they don't think his skills translate well, or his long term price tag is too high, they can send him to someone, likely a 3-4, and probably get a mid/late first, early 2nd.'Bankerguy said:It also allows us to shop Spencer for a 2nd or late first round pick, if we want to pursue that option.
They absorbed about $7.5 mil of the $10 mil cap penalty last year, so there's about $2.5 mil remaining for the upcoming season. Annoying, but not backbreaking.Didn't that league penalty last year also hit this season's cap and wouldn't it come off the books after this season?
Back under the cap by restructuring Bernadeau, Ratliff and Scandrick, and releasing Dan Connor.Under the cap now and we still haven't extended Romo. That might give us enough room to sign a FA or two, but probably nothing too dramatic...help along the d-line maybe.They absorbed about $7.5 mil of the $10 mil cap penalty last year, so there's about $2.5 mil remaining for the upcoming season. Annoying, but not backbreaking.Didn't that league penalty last year also hit this season's cap and wouldn't it come off the books after this season?
Need more cap room for draft picks and injury signings tooBack under the cap by restructuring Bernadeau, Ratliff and Scandrick, and releasing Dan Connor.Under the cap now and we still haven't extended Romo. That might give us enough room to sign a FA or two, but probably nothing too dramatic...help along the d-line maybe.They absorbed about $7.5 mil of the $10 mil cap penalty last year, so there's about $2.5 mil remaining for the upcoming season. Annoying, but not backbreaking.Didn't that league penalty last year also hit this season's cap and wouldn't it come off the books after this season?
RidiculousBack under the cap by restructuring Bernadeau, Ratliff and Scandrick, and releasing Dan Connor.They absorbed about $7.5 mil of the $10 mil cap penalty last year, so there's about $2.5 mil remaining for the upcoming season. Annoying, but not backbreaking.Didn't that league penalty last year also hit this season's cap and wouldn't it come off the books after this season?
THIS.RidiculousBack under the cap by restructuring Bernadeau, Ratliff and Scandrick, and releasing Dan Connor.They absorbed about $7.5 mil of the $10 mil cap penalty last year, so there's about $2.5 mil remaining for the upcoming season. Annoying, but not backbreaking.Didn't that league penalty last year also hit this season's cap and wouldn't it come off the books after this season?
Upset about releasing Connor, keeping Bernadeau or the goofy cap penalty from last year?THIS.RidiculousBack under the cap by restructuring Bernadeau, Ratliff and Scandrick, and releasing Dan Connor.They absorbed about $7.5 mil of the $10 mil cap penalty last year, so there's about $2.5 mil remaining for the upcoming season. Annoying, but not backbreaking.Didn't that league penalty last year also hit this season's cap and wouldn't it come off the books after this season?
YesUpset about releasing Connor, keeping Bernadeau or the goofy cap penalty from last year?THIS.RidiculousBack under the cap by restructuring Bernadeau, Ratliff and Scandrick, and releasing Dan Connor.They absorbed about $7.5 mil of the $10 mil cap penalty last year, so there's about $2.5 mil remaining for the upcoming season. Annoying, but not backbreaking.Didn't that league penalty last year also hit this season's cap and wouldn't it come off the books after this season?
Good postingThe problem right now very simply is that we just re-did a bunch of deals that pushed more cap into future years on some questionable talent. In addition to that, both Spencer and Romo count for close to 26 million. They both have us by the short and curlies as far as re-doing their deals. I'm not a cap expert, but I know enough about basic economics and budgeting to know that we are playing a dangerous game.Now also consider the new cap hits over the next couple of years with a low to flat cap increase. All while having some young players needing to be re-signed. Dez, Lee, Carter, Claiborne, Murray and Harris.Is this sinking in to some of the more casual fans?
This article is a year old, but it's all I could find quickly about the new TV deals increasing the salary cap figure. How much it increases depends on who you ask, but regardless, it is going to grow, maybe a lot, maybe only gradually, but it doesn't sound like it's going to be "low to flat". Does that make you feel any better?My link'dhockster said:Good posting'Bankerguy said:The problem right now very simply is that we just re-did a bunch of deals that pushed more cap into future years on some questionable talent. In addition to that, both Spencer and Romo count for close to 26 million. They both have us by the short and curlies as far as re-doing their deals. I'm not a cap expert, but I know enough about basic economics and budgeting to know that we are playing a dangerous game.
Now also consider the new cap hits over the next couple of years with a low to flat cap increase. All while having some young players needing to be re-signed. Dez, Lee, Carter, Claiborne, Murray and Harris.
Is this sinking in to some of the more casual fans?
I kind of think everyone here realizes thatI also think everyone here agrees we should be working on the o-line, but it is simply not going to happen. Jerry said it himself, he thinks he can skimp there because Romo is mobile.I guess the good news is if the team is strapping itself for cash for the next several seasons, at leas we know they would probably not use the cash properly, so it is not a huge loss.'Bankerguy said:The problem right now very simply is that we just re-did a bunch of deals that pushed more cap into future years on some questionable talent. In addition to that, both Spencer and Romo count for close to 26 million. They both have us by the short and curlies as far as re-doing their deals. I'm not a cap expert, but I know enough about basic economics and budgeting to know that we are playing a dangerous game.Now also consider the new cap hits over the next couple of years with a low to flat cap increase. All while having some young players needing to be re-signed. Dez, Lee, Carter, Claiborne, Murray and Harris.Is this sinking in to some of the more casual fans?
understatementI kind of think everyone here realizes thatI also think everyone here agrees we should be working on the o-line, but it is simply not going to happen. Jerry said it himself, he thinks he can skimp there because Romo is mobile.'Bankerguy said:The problem right now very simply is that we just re-did a bunch of deals that pushed more cap into future years on some questionable talent. In addition to that, both Spencer and Romo count for close to 26 million. They both have us by the short and curlies as far as re-doing their deals. I'm not a cap expert, but I know enough about basic economics and budgeting to know that we are playing a dangerous game.
Now also consider the new cap hits over the next couple of years with a low to flat cap increase. All while having some young players needing to be re-signed. Dez, Lee, Carter, Claiborne, Murray and Harris.
Is this sinking in to some of the more casual fans?
I guess the good news is if the team is strapping itself for cash for the next several seasons, at leas we know they would probably not use the cash properly, so it is not a huge loss.
OK, I think you're just fishing, but I'll bite. IMO, this is a horrible idea, but for sake of argument, say we trade him...what's your plan?It's time to trade 9.EDIT- How about to Buffalo? For their first, 2nd this year and 2nd next year.
Not fishing, I don't fish. I don't see a SB in the next 2 years. So why not? I see a big problems salary cap wise on the horizon if we dont take steps soon. I see Romo having good value while he doesn't seem eager to resign at this point. I fully admit there could be more to this situation. I see other potential young players leaving if we dont get our poop straight soon. We are losing 2 first round picks this offseason...if you think that is a sign of good management....then I don't know what to say Listen, I like Romo...I do, but I could easily handle another first round top pick+, using Orton in the short as a positive step. I'd like to build the team from the line out and throuh the draft. Thats how you get the most of your cap and build a perenial powerhouse. This is why Claiborne was an error. Good kid, decent potential. However we could have had 2 players instead of 1.I'm ready to move on. I get that's not popular, but that's how I feel.OK, I think you're just fishing, but I'll bite. IMO, this is a horrible idea, but for sake of argument, say we trade him...what's your plan?It's time to trade 9.EDIT- How about to Buffalo? For their first, 2nd this year and 2nd next year.
Big picture. Just consider the big picture.I have a soft spot in my heart for Romo. But, my loyalties will always be Cowboys first, success of team. I don't see how/why Buffalo would give up the fort for Romo, nor can I see Jerry sacrificing an already dwindling fan base in big D with such a move and no QB to put in his place. But, I would make a deal like this in a heartbeat.As BG pointed out, what on earth besides luck would make this team reach a SB?OK, I think you're just fishing, but I'll bite. IMO, this is a horrible idea, but for sake of argument, say we trade him...what's your plan?It's time to trade 9.EDIT- How about to Buffalo? For their first, 2nd this year and 2nd next year.
I don't think anybody would argue good management over the last several years. But, I don't get why you point out the terrible mismanagement, but then want to trust the future to good management. If we had all these top picks, what's to say we'd manage those correctly and be in any better\different shape after 3 lousy years than we are now?If we can get another quality lineman -- like Smith -- in this upcoming draft, then we are building the team "from the line out", like you say, albeit admittedly, several years later than they should have.It's not time to blow up this team yet. Romo has several good years left and is a legitimate franchise QB. Dez and Murray and Austin and Witten are all top talent and can win. Ware has a couple years left. Carter and Lee look like cornerstones in the middle. Carr and Claiborne are both excellent corners. There is a lot of talent here. Even with all the injuries and other nonsense we went through last season, we had the ball and 3 minutes to win the NFC East before Romo proved he can't do it by himself all the time. This team deserves a chance to continue what they started in the 2nd half of last year. It's not time to give up and rebuild yet.'Bankerguy said:Not fishing, I don't fish. I don't see a SB in the next 2 years. So why not? I see a big problems salary cap wise on the horizon if we dont take steps soon. I see Romo having good value while he doesn't seem eager to resign at this point. I fully admit there could be more to this situation. I see other potential young players leaving if we dont get our poop straight soon. We are losing 2 first round picks this offseason...if you think that is a sign of good management....then I don't know what to say Listen, I like Romo...I do, but I could easily handle another first round top pick+, using Orton in the short as a positive step. I'd like to build the team from the line out and throuh the draft. Thats how you get the most of your cap and build a perenial powerhouse. This is why Claiborne was an error. Good kid, decent potential. However we could have had 2 players instead of 1.I'm ready to move on. I get that's not popular, but that's how I feel.'jkruppe said:OK, I think you're just fishing, but I'll bite. IMO, this is a horrible idea, but for sake of argument, say we trade him...what's your plan?'Bankerguy said:It's time to trade 9.EDIT- How about to Buffalo? For their first, 2nd this year and 2nd next year.
BG- normally you are a solid poster here but the trade Romo thing was just ridiculous. Kyle Orton? Are you friggin nuts? No way he would last 2 quarters with that offensive line. Romo made them look better than they were and that isnt saying much. The answer isnt to trade Romo. Restructuring his contract and getting some cap room is the answer. Getting a guard that can block is a good answer. Getting rid of Free and stop pretending he is a solid Tackle is another answer. Getting rid of Rob Ryan may end up helping considering he was 90% talk 10% results.I would like to see a veteran RB brought in that can actually finish a season.

Please point me in the direction where Jerry said this.I kind of think everyone here realizes thatI also think everyone here agrees we should be working on the o-line, but it is simply not going to happen. Jerry said it himself, he thinks he can skimp there because Romo is mobile.I guess the good news is if the team is strapping itself for cash for the next several seasons, at leas we know they would probably not use the cash properly, so it is not a huge loss.The problem right now very simply is that we just re-did a bunch of deals that pushed more cap into future years on some questionable talent. In addition to that, both Spencer and Romo count for close to 26 million. They both have us by the short and curlies as far as re-doing their deals. I'm not a cap expert, but I know enough about basic economics and budgeting to know that we are playing a dangerous game.
Now also consider the new cap hits over the next couple of years with a low to flat cap increase. All while having some young players needing to be re-signed. Dez, Lee, Carter, Claiborne, Murray and Harris.
Is this sinking in to some of the more casual fans?
really?ok give me a fewPlease point me in the direction where Jerry said this.I kind of think everyone here realizes thatI also think everyone here agrees we should be working on the o-line, but it is simply not going to happen. Jerry said it himself, he thinks he can skimp there because Romo is mobile.I guess the good news is if the team is strapping itself for cash for the next several seasons, at leas we know they would probably not use the cash properly, so it is not a huge loss.The problem right now very simply is that we just re-did a bunch of deals that pushed more cap into future years on some questionable talent. In addition to that, both Spencer and Romo count for close to 26 million. They both have us by the short and curlies as far as re-doing their deals. I'm not a cap expert, but I know enough about basic economics and budgeting to know that we are playing a dangerous game.
Now also consider the new cap hits over the next couple of years with a low to flat cap increase. All while having some young players needing to be re-signed. Dez, Lee, Carter, Claiborne, Murray and Harris.
Is this sinking in to some of the more casual fans?
http://cowboysblog.dallasnews.com/2013/02/cowboys-owner-jerry-jones-says-qb-tony-romo-can-handle-a-porous-offensive-line.html/Jones is hopeful the unit will perform better next season, but he seems to recognize its limitations and it’s part of the reason why the Cowboys want to make another long-term commitment to quarterback Tony Romo, whose contract expires after the 2013 campaign.really?ok give me a fewPlease point me in the direction where Jerry said this.I kind of think everyone here realizes thatI also think everyone here agrees we should be working on the o-line, but it is simply not going to happen. Jerry said it himself, he thinks he can skimp there because Romo is mobile.I guess the good news is if the team is strapping itself for cash for the next several seasons, at leas we know they would probably not use the cash properly, so it is not a huge loss.The problem right now very simply is that we just re-did a bunch of deals that pushed more cap into future years on some questionable talent. In addition to that, both Spencer and Romo count for close to 26 million. They both have us by the short and curlies as far as re-doing their deals. I'm not a cap expert, but I know enough about basic economics and budgeting to know that we are playing a dangerous game.
Now also consider the new cap hits over the next couple of years with a low to flat cap increase. All while having some young players needing to be re-signed. Dez, Lee, Carter, Claiborne, Murray and Harris.
Is this sinking in to some of the more casual fans?
it was right around the time he wanted to make sure we all credit him if the cowboys win a super bowl
I don't think it's ridiculous. I also remember fans going nuts when we traded Hershel Walker too. How did that work out?Look, I get it...my opinion isn't popular and that's OK. If I was the GM of this team I would strip down some of the players at the top end of our Salary Cap. Romo and Spencer are counting 26 million at the moment. Simple question, are winning the SB in the next 3-4 years with this core and the mounting cap problems? I say no.So why ride Romo out and get nothing to show for it? Does Romo even want to return with the shoddy treatment he gets from fans and media alike?Why hasn't Romo restructured already? Back to me the armchair GM. Some of those recent re-signs and extensions would not have happened under my watch. I'm not going to list all of the player moves I would have done..blah blah blah. However, suffice to say I would have traded/released some players and gathered picks. Then build from the trenches out on both sides of the ball and not rely on Free Agency and making terrible trades like we have in the past.I would also start drafting a QB every couple of years. The Cowboys have drafted the fewest QB's in the NFL over the past decade or so. 2 QB's. That my friends is unacceptable. I would also focus on getting our young core signed to decent and cap friendlier long term deals. We are in jeopardy of losing good young talent in the next few years. Enough is enough.BG- normally you are a solid poster here but the trade Romo thing was just ridiculous. Kyle Orton? Are you friggin nuts? No way he would last 2 quarters with that offensive line. Romo made them look better than they were and that isnt saying much. The answer isnt to trade Romo. Restructuring his contract and getting some cap room is the answer. Getting a guard that can block is a good answer. Getting rid of Free and stop pretending he is a solid Tackle is another answer. Getting rid of Rob Ryan may end up helping considering he was 90% talk 10% results.I would like to see a veteran RB brought in that can actually finish a season.
We finished 8-8. Again. Everyone from the pitiful 2009 draft is mercifully gone, the worst OL in the league has resorted to restructuring contracts for some of its worst players...to keep them longer...needs on DL and safety abound, no $ to help in FA. Our best players are on the wrong side of 30. This is a team on the decline and not from a particularly elevated position to begin with (1 playoff win in ages).I don't know what evidence you need to acknowledge this is a team is not poised to do a damn thing.I don't think anybody would argue good management over the last several years. But, I don't get why you point out the terrible mismanagement, but then want to trust the future to good management. If we had all these top picks, what's to say we'd manage those correctly and be in any better\different shape after 3 lousy years than we are now?If we can get another quality lineman -- like Smith -- in this upcoming draft, then we are building the team "from the line out", like you say, albeit admittedly, several years later than they should have.Not fishing, I don't fish. I don't see a SB in the next 2 years. So why not? I see a big problems salary cap wise on the horizon if we dont take steps soon. I see Romo having good value while he doesn't seem eager to resign at this point. I fully admit there could be more to this situation. I see other potential young players leaving if we dont get our poop straight soon. We are losing 2 first round picks this offseason...if you think that is a sign of good management....then I don't know what to say Listen, I like Romo...I do, but I could easily handle another first round top pick+, using Orton in the short as a positive step. I'd like to build the team from the line out and throuh the draft. Thats how you get the most of your cap and build a perenial powerhouse. This is why Claiborne was an error. Good kid, decent potential. However we could have had 2 players instead of 1.OK, I think you're just fishing, but I'll bite. IMO, this is a horrible idea, but for sake of argument, say we trade him...what's your plan?It's time to trade 9.
EDIT- How about to Buffalo? For their first, 2nd this year and 2nd next year.
I'm ready to move on. I get that's not popular, but that's how I feel.
It's not time to blow up this team yet. Romo has several good years left and is a legitimate franchise QB. Dez and Murray and Austin and Witten are all top talent and can win. Ware has a couple years left. Carter and Lee look like cornerstones in the middle. Carr and Claiborne are both excellent corners. There is a lot of talent here. Even with all the injuries and other nonsense we went through last season, we had the ball and 3 minutes to win the NFC East before Romo proved he can't do it by himself all the time. This team deserves a chance to continue what they started in the 2nd half of last year. It's not time to give up and rebuild yet.
Dangit, he's going to Indy. Guess he didn't want to play for $19.99 and a set of steak knives.This offseason has been brutal. Cowboys are in detox mode right now, paying for their past sins. But, hey, we have a really neat stadium and great memories. Remember that time we had that juggernaut of a team in the early-90s? Remember that time we had Too Tall Jones and Roger Staubach and Randy White? Those were some good times.I want Landry