Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

Actually, truth be told, they hired one quite some time ago – and I’m NOT talking about Jerry Jones.  Jerry takes most of the heat and all of the credit as the prominent figurehead at the top of the Dallas Cowboys, “America’s Team”.  And, it’s no secret Jerry never met a camera he didn’t want to be in front of.  But, last week’s draft made it all too clear who the General Manager really is.  Stephen Jones may not have that exact title – although it may be simply because he can’t fit another one on his business card.  The younger Jones is the Chief Executive Officer/Executive Vice President/Director of Player Personnel for the Dallas Cowboys according to his bio on the team website.  Jerry Jones is still listed as Owner/President/General Manager, but I’m not sure that title within the Cowboys’ organization means what it does in most other NFL front offices.  Of course, ultimately, it means whatever Jerry wants it to mean.  He is the man in charge.  But, it became painfully obvious during the press conference after the first round of last week’s NFL draft that a torch of sorts has been passed.

As every NFL fan knows by now, the Cowboys made a somewhat controversial trade down in the first round trading their #18 overall pick to San Francisco for the 49ers 31st pick in the first round and their first pick in the third round (#74 overall).  With the 31st pick, the Cowboys drafted center Travis Frederick out of Wisconsin – widely regarded as the “best center in the draft”, but also projected to be drafted in the 2nd or 3rd round, not the first.  Initial reactions were not favorable and left many scratching their heads at the move.  The team was immediately put on the defensive.  If you have not had a chance to see the press conference Thursday night, I highly recommend you take a minute to watch it here.

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Oct 21, 2012; Charlotte, NC, USA; Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones point to the fans prior to the game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

Here’s my case for indecisiveness: Yes, for the last two weeks, it did appear that the Dallas Cowboys’ front office had some sort of plan. Restructuring the contracts, of what appear to be every player on the team, seemed to be a strategic move to become a real player in free agency. The Cowboys surely need the help, especially on the offensive line and at the defensive tackle and safety positions. But the fact is that restructuring all those contracts is simply a result of indecisiveness by their front office and owner Jerry Jones.

Instead of making some hard decisions like cutting Miles Austin, Jay Ratliff and Doug Free, they decided to re-work the money. I do still have hope that Free will be cut after June 1st. But would it really surprise you if we kept him? We all know that Jones is too loyal, especially for being a general manager. He always tends to hold on to a player for at least a couple seasons too long.

Jerry Jones’ favorite song has to “End of the Road” by Boys II Men. I can imagine him lip-syncing the song while hugging a picture of Felix Jones. Then…a single tear trickles down his elderly cheek. Felix should have been traded last year, but that love connection was just too strong. Indecisiveness. Remember when Tashard Choice could have been traded multiple times a couple seasons ago? Instead, he was simply released mid-season. Indecisiveness. And remember how long we held on to Emmitt Smith after his prime? Indecisiveness.

Here’s my case for laziness: Anthony Spencer. The Dallas front office decided to franchise tag the newly crowned first-time All-Pro linebacker, and future 3-4 defensive end, for the second year in a row. Really? You had more than two years to sign him to a long term contract, which would provide some much needed cap relief, and you couldn’t close? Instead you hand him a check for $10.63 million because…wait for it…you need more time to get the deal done? Are you serious?

Dec 23, 2012; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) yells from the sidelines against the New Orleans Saints at Cowboys Stadium. The Saints beat the Cowboys 34-31 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Here’s my case for laziness, part two: Tony Romo. How long have we been talking about signing Romo to an extension? The front office continues to respond with no sense of urgency. “It will get done at some point” is apparently their motto. Would you expect anything less from a billionaire owner and a billionaire owners’ son?

Basically, dragging their feet on the Spencer and Romo deals while their less then $200,000 under the salary cap on the first day of free agency is even more evidence that there really is no plan.

Like a college student cramming before their final, the Cowboys front office was scrambling to get under the cap at the last minute. Good job guys! You got a D- in salary cap class.  Time to head to the next frat party, right?

It is aggravating to see these all these free agent names that we’ve talked about for the last couple months, now going to other teams. And some of those teams had a better record then Dallas last season!

I fully expect the Cowboys to make their obligatory insignificant “no name” moves like Nate Livings and Mackenzy Bernadeau from last year. As a fan, all you have is the hope that the Cowboys front office has done their due diligence via scouting and found a gem in the bargain bin. Unfortunately, I believe the truth is more like the claw machine out front of the local Wal-Mart. Put in a quarter and hope for the best.

“Are the Cowboys setting themselves up for failure in the future with all the restructuring of contracts now?” – Stefan G.

What follows are the responses from some of our great staff writers and passionate Cowboy experts. (more…)