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**OFFICIAL 2014 Dallas Cowboys Offseason Thread (1 Viewer)

FOX Sports' Mike Garafolo reports Henry Melton's deal is a one-year contract that turns into a four-year agreement if he's on the Cowboys' roster the first day of the 2015 league year.

Per Garafolo, more guaranteed money will also kick in if Melton survives through the first day of the next league year. It's creative structuring that could pan out in a big way for the Cowboys if Melton bounces back from his torn ACL for a strong 2014. :thumbup:
 
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It's been a while since I have posted anything, and it's been not by accident. I think this off season is a perfect example of what I have been preaching and pleading this front office to do for some time now. It's been sooooo frustrating the last couple of years watching this front office think we were contenders. I've said all along that the writing has been on the wall to let some big names walk. It was time to think about a youth movement and repair a terrible cap situation for the future. I have to say it's been a bit bittersweet to see some of this happen now, but a day late and a dollar short if you get my drift.

I have seen some great anaylsis of Romo's contract in the context of when the Cowboys can look at doing the same with Tony. IIRC he could be sent packing as a June 1 designated cut in 2015 or possible in 2016 as well. It appears the contract may not be as bad as many of us (Me included) thought. I will try to re-find this info and share with the group.

The Melton contract is very team friendly and a good pick at his age. It's a scheme fit and he has a history with Coach Rod. It appears to me that we likely are not needing an early round DT unless Donald just falls in our lap in Round 1. It's clear we need help at DE, LB and Safety. My gut tells me that we might take a run at a Free Agent like Ayers or even bring back Spencer on 1 year deal.

We are seeing some light at the end of the tunnel on the salary cap. Tough moves still need to made and I expect we will continue to see this next year. Witten could be a prime target. I also think the Carr contract is one the front office is looking at. I find myself very unexcited for the prospects of this team for the coming season. They look like a 5-9 win team to me. My hope is just that the front office continues to be more fiscally responsible and start prioritizing building blocks like Dez and Tyrion and avoid potentially bad future contracts in Murray and Claiborne.

As for the draft, due to my malaise over all things Cowboys, I have yet to do much draft prep like I usually do. For now, I will just simply state what I believe our needs are.

1) Defensive End. A dynamic Pass Rusher who can not only generate sacks, but hurries, knock downs and to disrupt the pocket.

2) Safety. It's time. We need someone with some ball skills who can play some centerfield. I'm tired of all the projects, retreads and wannabe's we've had since Woodson.

3) LineBacker. Sean Lee is my fav player, but he can't stay healthy. As for Carter, I still don't know what we have with him. We also need someone on the Strongside for run stuffing. I could easily see us taking 3 LB's in this draft.

4) Running Back. I would not be surprised in the least if we looked in the 3-4 rounds for a replacement to Murray. I'm not sure we are going to pony up to PAY Murray long term. I hope not.

5) OT. Doug Free had a rebound year, but you can never have enough Tackles.

6) Tight End. Just F'ing kidding. If we take another Tight End, so help me Jesus.

Trading down sure looks enticing to me at this point. Especially if we want to prioritize the Safety and LineBacker corps which usually don't require premium picks to do so.

That's it for now...

 
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Romo Contract...

1. Base Salaries
2013: 1.5 million (restructured)
2014: 1 million (restructured)
2015: 17 million
2016: 8.5 million
2017: 14 million
2018: 19.5 million
2019: 20.5 million

2. Signing Bonus Proration

Romo received a 25 million dollar signing bonus. Signing Bonuses can only be prorated over the course of 5 years by NFL rules. This is why teams often sign players to 6 year deals or 7 year deals with the idea that they will restructure those deals and prorate one or two of those years as if it had originally been signing bonus in the first place. Basically a loophole, but what that means is Romo's signing bonus is not on the books for 2018 and 2019.

2013: 5 million
2014: 5 million
2015: 5 million
2016: 5 million
2017: 5 million
2018: 0
2019: 0

So when you look at cap hit you have to look at base salary + signing bonus.

3. Restructured Bonuses

Restructured Bonuses are essentially after the fact signing bonuses as I said earlier. The team takes base salary and converts it to prorated bonuses across the range of the contract. A restructure can only be spread 5 years just like a signing bonus, and shouldn't be confused with a paycut. The players are paid upfront.

Romo has restructured twice now so these are his restructured bonuses per year

2013: 5,813,833
2014: 5,773,000
2015: 5,773,000
2016: 4,315,000
2017: 2,500,000
2018: 2,500,000
2019: 0

Since prorated money can only be spread 5 years, the amount that goes into later years is limited. That is why you see the amount decrease over time. The most recent restructure doesn't touch 2019 (because that would be the 6th year).

4. Cap Hit

The final thing you have to look at is the cap hit per year which takes everything into account

2013: 11.8 million dollars
2014: 11.7 million dollars
2015: 27.7 million dollars
2016: 17.6 million dollars
2017: 21.5 million dollars
2018: 22 million dollars
2019: 20 million dollars


5. Restructuring 2015

As you can see 2015 looks like a huge number, and we'll have to cut Romo, right? No.

As you can also see 2016 is a really small number in comparison.

First thing you have to realize is that the salary cap increases, so every dollar Romo receives as a percentage of the cap shrinks with each additional year that the cap rises. In other words if the cap is 140 million in 2015 and 150 million in 2016, Romo's percentage of the cap in 2015 is 19.7% and 11.7% respectively.

When you look at that and the fact that he still has one more year that is untouched by proration, it makes complete sense to restructure him again next year.

Assuming you restructure the entire contract you would take his 17 million dollar base salary subtract the veteran minimum which would be 970k, let's just call it 1 million.

Base salary 1 million

leaves you with 16 million divided by 5, which gives you 3.2 million in proration per year.

6. Final Cap Hits

2013: 11.8 million dollars
2014: 11.7 million dollars
2015: 27.7 million dollars - 16 million + 3.2 million = 14.9 million (10.6% of projected cap)
2016: 17.6 million dollars + 3.2 million = 20.8 million (13.8% of projected cap)
2017: 21.5 million dollars + 3.2 million = 24.7 million
2018: 22 million dollars + 3.2 million = 25.2 million
2019: 20 million dollars + 3.2 million = 23.2 million

This gives you a nice curve of accounting increases, that will be appropriate given increases in the salary cap. And part of the reason why the team wants to focus on the draft more. Of course this has a lot to do with Romo's health and performance. How much would it cost for Romo to be cut?

Well that is why you have to look at dead money. Which is another reason why the team is cleaning the books of bad contracts now.

7. Dead Money

Current dead money for Romo if he is released:
2014: 41.6 million
2015: 19.9 million
2016: 11.6 million
2017: 5 million
2018: 0
2019: 0

But remember we restructured Romo again in 2015:
2015: 35.9 million
2016: 24.4 million
2017: 14.6 million
2018: 6.4 million
2019: 3.2 million

The formula you really need to look at is Base Salary - Dead Money

8. Base Salary vs Dead Money

2015: 14. 9 million - 35.9 million (upside down)
2016: 20.8 million - 24.4 million (upside down, but not by much, if you draft a QB you basically don't feel this dead money at all)
2017: 24.7 - 14.6 (you save 10.1 million by cutting Romo)
2018: 25.2 million - 6.4 million (you save 19 million by cutting Romo)
2019: 23.2 million - 3.2 million (you save 20 million by cutting Romo)

You can ultimately cut Romo in 2016 if you want. You take less than a 4 million dollar hit on the salary cap. And who knows depending on where we are, Romo might take a paycut, or maybe we'll be doing so well that we don't need him to. As I suggested earlier, Romo's contract is pretty friendly to our team. These are also assuming we don't cut him in June.

Also if you cut him in 2015 instead of restructuring him you also only take a 2 million dollar cap hit. So after 2014, you can do with Romo as you wish.

 
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As for the draft, due to my malaise over all things Cowboys, I have yet to do much draft prep like I usually do. For now, I will just simply state what I believe our needs are.

1) Defensive End. A dynamic Pass Rusher who can not only generate sacks, but hurries, knock downs and to disrupt the pocket.

2) Safety. It's time. We need someone with some ball skills who can play some centerfield. I'm tired of all the projects, retreads and wannabe's we've had since Woodson.

3) LineBacker. Sean Lee is my fav player, but he can't stay healthy. As for Carter, I still don't know what we have with him. We also need someone on the Strongside for run stuffing. I could easily see us taking 3 LB's in this draft.

4) Running Back. I would not be surprised in the least if we looked in the 3-4 rounds for a replacement to Murray. I'm not sure we are going to pony up to PAY Murray long term. I hope not.

5) OT. Doug Free had a rebound year, but you can never have enough Tackles.

6) Tight End. Just F'ing kidding. If we take another Tight End, so help me Jesus.

Trading down sure looks enticing to me at this point. Especially if we want to prioritize the Safety and LineBacker corps which usually don't require premium picks to do so.

That's it for now...
I agree that Melton fills a big hole and was the right thing to due for the team.

1. We need several DE's. IF Spencer comes back that helps a lot. There seems to be some at the end of the first in Ealy or Crichton in the second round. I also think we can get a few later like Kareen Martin, Chris Smith or Stinson. I would like us to trade back and get extra pick(s) to get added depth there.

2. I like getting an ILB to let Lee eventually move to the Will LB. His career would last longer there IMO with less injuries.

Skov or Bullough later would work for us.

3. DT - Even with Melton and the journeyman picks, we need youth there and for rotation purposes.

I like DaQuan Jones or Quarles or Easley later.

4. OL - I think we need to go T or G and plan on retiring some folks over the next few years.

Safety is a problem but I think we can get a FA or hopefully one of our guys steps up.

Can't wait for draft day, can't get here soon enough.

 
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2014 Draft Strategy

It's all about defense this year!!

2 trades I would like the Boys to consider:

Drop back with Cleveland for their 26th spot.

Dallas gets #26, #71 and #99 for #16

I think Cleveland goes Mack or Watkins at their #4. Bridgewater will drop because of his bad pro day and the Browns could get a QB/WR combo with this trade.

Drop back with San Fran. for #30

Dallas gets #30,#61 and #94 for #16

I think SF could be looking for Evans or Beckham at WR.

Both of these trades give us 2 extra needed picks in the first few rounds to fill our many gaps.

On the trade calculator value chart they are fairly even in value and could be done on draft day.

At # 26, we could still get Donald if he falls past Chicago OR Nix, Hageman or Ealy

These guys might be around at 30 as well. If not, take BPA

 
as long as barr dosent fall with us' i'd be fine with a trade back, but again its all on draft day and who falls to us.

 
My recent fan speak draft with a few trade backs:

26

DT TIMMY JERNIGAN
FLORIDA STATE
62
DE TREVOR REILLY
UTAH
71
G CYRIL RICHARDSON
BAYLOR
78
DE JACKSON JEFFCOAT
TEXAS
93
S TERRENCE BROOKS
FLORIDA STATE
119
RB BISHOP SANKEY
WASHINGTON
127
DT JUSTIN ELLIS
LOUISIANA TECH
158
QB DAVID FALES
SAN JOSE STATE

 
just trade it all for manziel, jerry, and watch it burn if he sucks

you know you want to

roll the dice, i think it is an awful idea but screw it, do it anyway

 
The draft will be key to the "rebuilding" of the Boys.

We need to trade back. I don't care if Donald is there at #16. One player is not going to get us back on track.

We can get multiple picks by going back with Cleveland at 26 for a WR or QB depending on where they go at #4

Or we can look to KC or SF if they see a WR at 16. OR NE if Ebron the TE is there.

Point is, let's go in with that mentality. Thankfully it worked last year even though we all know we didn't get good value in that trade from SF. It just so happened that the players turned out well.

Let's stock up on DE's, get a true ILB and move Lee to OLB. Get a few DT's in case Melton is not ready.

7th round flyers are not going to have an impact. Trade back in the 1st and 2nd to get extra 3,4 and 5th rounders.

 
STEADYMOBBIN 22 said:
I'm for trading down a few picks to get the same guy but never out of the first round.
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I agree. Anywhere back to say NE at 29 or SF at 30 and we still get a great player and extra picks that we need badly.

 
After hearing Jerry's comments about the Cowboys successful TV ratings despite the lack of playoff success, I'm not sure I want to root for this team while he's the majority owner.

I know it isn't exactly earth shattering that he cares more about money then winning but to basically come right out and blatantly say it was disheartening.

 
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STEADYMOBBIN 22 said:
After hearing Jerry's comments about the Cowboys successful TV ratings despite the lack of playoff success, I'm not sure I want to root for this team while he's the majority owner.

I know it isn't exactly earth shattering that he cares more about money then winning but to basically come right out and blatantly say it was disheartening.
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Just heard the comments. If Manziel drops, he'll be a Cowboy.

 
metoo said:
STEADYMOBBIN 22 said:
After hearing Jerry's comments about the Cowboys successful TV ratings despite the lack of playoff success, I'm not sure I want to root for this team while he's the majority owner.

I know it isn't exactly earth shattering that he cares more about money then winning but to basically come right out and blatantly say it was disheartening.
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Just heard the comments. If Manziel drops, he'll be a Cowboy.
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i have not ruled out some stupid trade up

 
metoo said:
STEADYMOBBIN 22 said:
After hearing Jerry's comments about the Cowboys successful TV ratings despite the lack of playoff success, I'm not sure I want to root for this team while he's the majority owner.

I know it isn't exactly earth shattering that he cares more about money then winning but to basically come right out and blatantly say it was disheartening.
Click to expand...
Just heard the comments. If Manziel drops, he'll be a Cowboy.

No way this happens. Jerry has invested soooo much into his boy Romo that it's nuts to take Manziel even at #16.

I can see him saying that so if he drops another team will pay up to get Manziel. AZ, Clev. etc....
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BigDave said:
metoo said:
STEADYMOBBIN 22 said:
After hearing Jerry's comments about the Cowboys successful TV ratings despite the lack of playoff success, I'm not sure I want to root for this team while he's the majority owner.

I know it isn't exactly earth shattering that he cares more about money then winning but to basically come right out and blatantly say it was disheartening.
Click to expand...
Just heard the comments. If Manziel drops, he'll be a Cowboy.

No way this happens. Jerry has invested soooo much into his boy Romo that it's nuts to take Manziel even at #16.

I can see him saying that so if he drops another team will pay up to get Manziel. AZ, Clev. etc....
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Did you listen to Jerry's comments? It sounds like he's not concerned with winning or making the Cowboys better. He's in love with the media and making sure the Cowboys continue to be the #1 rated show on TV.

 
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Embrace Johnny Football

it is happening

sure, it is dumb, sure everyone hates johnny football, but once jerry grabs him you are going to be forced to like him, so just get ready now

 
It definitely fits that Jerry Jones is interested in Manziel for the publicity factor alone. What doesn't fit is the outrageous cap figure Romo has for next year ($27 million) and the additional cap hit they will take if they cut him next year ($37 million cap hit if he is cut). Add in that they would most likely have to trade away draft picks to move up to get Manziel, thus further inhibiting them from improving their defense, and the move makes absolutely no sense from a team building aspect.

Not saying JJ wouldn't do it for profitability reasons, but unless Manziel is a future hall of famer who manages to avoid serious injury, trading up to select him has disaster written all over it.

If the Cowboys could jettison Romo after this season without taking a major cap hit, it might make sense, but they can't because of all the deferred Romo cap money that the Cowboys are going to have to absorb at some point.

 
dhockster said:
It definitely fits that Jerry Jones is interested in Manziel for the publicity factor alone. What doesn't fit is the outrageous cap figure Romo has for next year ($27 million) and the additional cap hit they will take if they cut him next year ($37 million cap hit if he is cut). Add in that they would most likely have to trade away draft picks to move up to get Manziel, thus further inhibiting them from improving their defense, and the move makes absolutely no sense from a team building aspect.

Not saying JJ wouldn't do it for profitability reasons, but unless Manziel is a future hall of famer who manages to avoid serious injury, trading up to select him has disaster written all over it.

If the Cowboys could jettison Romo after this season without taking a major cap hit, it might make sense, but they can't because of all the deferred Romo cap money that the Cowboys are going to have to absorb at some point.
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sure but

1) if doing what makes sense was par for the course for JErry he would have hired a GM by now

2) Romo could still play next season and Johnny could pine ride

3) because of the new rookie wage scale Mr Football would be comparatively cheap, do you think Jerry is above having Romo be the most expensive backup in nfl history? i do not

 
Rotoworld:

Speaking Monday, Cowboys executive VP Stephen Jones declined comment on the team's purported interest in Texas A&M QB Johnny Manziel.
"There’s not anything I can say about it," Jones said. "We haven’t quite gotten into sorting out the quarterbacks yet." It's not surprising Jones would decline comment, but it is surprising the idea has gained traction. Quarterback is one of the few positions Dallas has sorted out, while the cap hit for dealing Tony Romo would be through the roof. Manziel is the kind of player owner Jerry Jones has rarely been able to resist, but he's going to have to in this case.

Related: Cowboys

Source: Dallas Morning News
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Jeff Sullivan of the Cowboys' website was told the team will "absolutely no(t)" draft Texas A&M QB Johnny Manziel.
The Manziel-to-Dallas idea has generated pre-draft noise in recent weeks, mostly because it's fun to imagine, but it's not happening. The Cowboys would absorb a nearly $30 million cap penalty to part with Tony Romo in 2014, and a $9.6 million penalty to move on from Romo next offseason. "For the record, I'm not guessing on the Cowboys not drafting Manziel," Sullivan tweeted. "I was told absolutely no by the highest of authorities." For better or worse, Dallas is stuck with Romo for at least two more years, and they won't be using their first-round pick to draft a guy who'll be riding the bench.

Source: Jeff Sullivan on Twitter
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As for Manziel, if he's there at 16, I won't be surprised. But I'd actually expect us to take him and then move him to Cleveland for #26 and other picks.

I'm also assuming that if he's available at 16, it means that the primary targets of Donald, Barr, the OTs and the like are already gone.

Romo isn't going anywhere for at least 2 years. His contract makes it so. QBs don't ride 2 years of pine any more. At least not mid-first rounders. A 3rd rounder that we get from Cleveland might though.

 
I wish but unless he drops to 16 I just can't see Jerry backstabbing both Garrett and Romo on draft day.

He Jerry was serious about Manzeil then Garrett would know it and he's (too ) close with Romo and the cat would be out of the bag.

 
Im saying it right now. I have been a Cowboys fan my entire life....if the Cowboys draft J. Football, then I am done. That is the final straw of mismanagement. I live in Houston. I will take all my cowboys #### to Goodwill and I will officially become a Texans fan.

This team doesnt need a wildcard QB. I stayed through all of this other nonsense, like 2 firsts for Galloway, Dave Campo, Quincy Carter, running off Parcells, overpaying for Roy Williams, the Jason Garrett garbage, the coordinators in and out....I cant take anymore.

 
if any of you think Jerry won't pay Romo a ton of money to sit on the bench and watch his new chosen one play for a lot less money you have not been paying attention to Jerry

when Jerry sees something shiny and wants it, Jerry must have it. Things like money and common sense are not impediments. "I want a giant freaking mirror for my giant freaking stadium" and presto, giant mirror. "I want to break up a super bowl winning combination and hire Switzer just to piss off JJ" and presto, Barry Switzer. "I want a giant TV for my stadium" you see where i am going

he's the ultimate spoiled brat and the Cowboys are his toybox. IF he wants a shiny new toy something like Romo's contract is not going to stop him

 
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Texasmouth said:
Im saying it right now. I have been a Cowboys fan my entire life....if the Cowboys draft J. Football, then I am done. That is the final straw of mismanagement. I live in Houston. I will take all my cowboys #### to Goodwill and I will officially become a Texans fan.

This team doesnt need a wildcard QB. I stayed through all of this other nonsense, like 2 firsts for Galloway, Dave Campo, Quincy Carter, running off Parcells, overpaying for Roy Williams, the Jason Garrett garbage, the coordinators in and out....I cant take anymore.
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:goodposting: Right there with ya !!

 
Ridgelake said:
BigDave said:
http://www.rotoworld.com/headlines/nfl/286703/spencer-signs-one-year-deal-with-dallas

Still think we need to go DE/DT/OLB with all 3 of our first 3 rounds.

Having Spencer back and IF healthy enough for a rotation end helps a lot.

BUT, we need to get young there and the draft is loaded.
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I actually expect an OL in the first 3 rounds. More so than an OLB. There is zero depth behind the starters. And Free is on the last year of his deal.

I think that if the top targets like Donald and Barr are gone, then they will look hard at Zach Martin.

IF they go that route I won't complain. However, I would rather see them trade back whoever is at #16.

We need to fill several holes and one elite guy is not going to do it.

There are plenty of good quality players in rounds 2 & 3.

I would like to see them trade back in the first and in the second. Pickups picks and get the quantity we need.

I can see teams looking to trade up for QB, WR, TE, CB and S. Let's take advantage of that this year, getting fair value for trades.

Can't wait!!!!
Click to expand...
 
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Bankerguy said:
Pure smokescreen.
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i hope so

i know so many teams try and figure out what the cowboys are going to do because they have been so solid in their drafting, they should certainly be putting up smoke screens

oh, and try not to have your draft board captured in a photo this year jerry

 
for the record i hate JF, and certainly do not want him to be drafted. I have just grow accustomed to the disappointment of draft day and i so i expect the worst

but if they draft him will embrace his dooshy ###! i cannot help it

 
Hello this is Jerry Jones

Hi this is Minn. calling

Yes?

We'd like to offer a trade for your #16 (for QB Bridgewater)

OK, our #16 for your picks in the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th.

Sorry thats too much?

Hold please I have Cleveland on the other line

Appearing on SportsCenter Thursday, ESPN's Adam Schefter called the Vikings "a team to watch" for Louisville QB Teddy Bridgewater.

Schefter indicated he wouldn't necessarily expect Minnesota to draft Teddy at No. 8 overall, but they could be willing to trade back into the end of round one to secure him. The Vikings made a similar move to land Cordarrelle Patterson last April. In other Bridgewater news, Schefter stated NFL teams never viewed him as a truly elite prospect "behind closed doors," despite media speculation to the contrary. "I don't know that he was ever viewed as a No. 1 overall pick," Schefter stated. We expect Teddy's "sweet spot" to be in the 24-39 pick range.
 
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