Dilemma In Dallas: Unrestricted Free Agents; Eatman Floats Barber Trade Rumor
The Dallas Cowboys have six unrestricted free agents, which means if they are not signed before March 1, they can contract with other teams without the Cowboys getting compensation.
The players are: safety Ken Hamlin, left tackle Flozell Adams, running back Julius Jones, cornerback Jacques Reeves, cornerback Nate Jones and safety Keith Davis.
Of those six, Hamlin and Adams are going to get the most attention. Hamlin, who signed a one-year contract with the Cowboys from Seattle, proved his worth. He’s in the Pro Bowl and he outplayed the Cowboys other safety Roy Williams. Adams, maybe best known for his regular false starts, also made the Pro Bowl. A contract with the Cowboys would likely mean he ends his career in Dallas. Cowboys fans also hope Davis can be signed because of his value on special teams. There is the chance he replaces Roy Williams, whose career is plummeting. Julius Jones already said he didn’t think he’d be playing in Dallas, and I am hard-pressed to come up with reasons why he should be signed. Reeves needs to be thrown to the curb. He’s had opportunities to shine and he hasn’t. A lot of fans are perturbed with Reeves. Nate Jones isn’t really worth a whole lot in my book. But because he knows the schemes, he could be afforded a small contract to stay.
So, that leaves us with Hamlin and Adams as the two top free agents who are likely to get offers from the Cowboys. Here is my opinion: Definitely sign Hamlin. I am surprised he wasn’t offered a contract midseason because it was obvious from the get-go that Hamlin was a steal at $1 million. He played hard, he defended well and he picked off passes.
I am struggling with whether to sign Adams. I truly believe that his regular false starts hurt the Cowboys more than people think. That mental weakness is unhealthy and although he possibly had one of his best years, he’s going on his 11th year in the NFL. Can the Cowboys go after Steelers LT Trai Essex? He might do just as well. I am sure I will get heat for this.
The problem is a little different with restricted free agents. Two on the list are key players to the Cowboys future: running back Marion Barber and defensive end Chris Canty.
Barber has been rumored as possible trade bait for the Cowboys to snag additional picks or players. It’s doubtful. It they are not signed by March 1, teams can tender offers. But if they sign with another team, that team has to cough up draft picks, like a 1st and 3rd round, which are picks neither is worth in my opinion.
Nick Eatman has a good post up on the free agency problems facing the Cowboys, who by the way, have good cap room to make some moves. Look what Eatman says about Barber though:
Unless the Dolphins get crazy and dangle the first-round pick in front of the Cowboys for the rights to sign Barber, expect him to be back as the team’s starting running back. And even then, there’s no guarantee the Cowboys would take it. Barber has proven himself here in the last two years and figures to be the running back of the future here in Dallas.
You noted that Nick Eatman has a good post up on the free agency problems facing the Cowboys…. Well, notice his comments regarding Flozell Adams. LT Flozell Adams – The 10-year veteran might have a false start penalty here and there, but he also has proven to be a dominating left tackle. Yes, the Cowboys have three young tackles in Pat McQuistan, Doug Free and James Marten, but Adams isn’t slowing down any. He has made the Pro Bowl in four of the last five years and arguably just had his best season of his career in 2007. The question won’t be if the Cowboys want him back, but just how much they pay him and for how long. If the club can get a three- or four-year deal, the Cowboys would love to have him back. But the Cowboys also shelled out $67.5 million to Tony Romo this past fall. They may not be ready to let just anyone block for his blindside. Look for Adams and the Cowboys to find a right price for him to continue, and possibly finish, his career in Dallas. Also, it takes the Oline great time and effort to play well together as a unit. Therefore, do you really want the Boys to make another run at the Super Bowl with a different lineman or gasp, a younger, untested guy to protect Romo? Let the Cowboys put "Flo" on the market and see how quickly he gets picked up.
January 22nd, 2008 at 7:09 amI know Free, I know. I said I was struggling with it. When it comes down to it I likely favor keeping him. I just don’t want to overpay for someone who is penalized so damn much.
January 22nd, 2008 at 10:31 amFlo gets penalized because he has hearing problems, not because of mental errors. Zimmerman also made him his All-Pro LT this season, noting his absolute domination of normally highly effectively pass rushers. Letting him go would be a major mistake on par with letting Barber go.
January 22nd, 2008 at 12:26 pmMike…you are right!! I knew this but completely forgot that Flo had the hearing problem. BUT WAIT
If my memory serves me right and it hasn’t here, his bad ear doesnt face the QB. Let me research this. If I am 100 percent wrong I will correct this error. But you reminded me off his hearing problem…thank you/
January 22nd, 2008 at 2:07 pmu’re right about which ear im toeing the line but i think the best think to do is lock em up for 2yrs if poss
January 24th, 2008 at 9:49 am