Dallas Cowboys Need To Do The Math, Cut Doug Free
Dec. 4, 2011; Glendale, AZ, USA; Dallas Cowboys tackle Doug Free against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
It just doesn’t add up. It makes ZERO financial sense. Why on God’s green earth would you pay your worst offensive player so much money? Why even toy with the idea of keeping him around?
The only thing that makes any sense is Doug discovered some information that would compromise someone who is important in the Cowboys organization. Doug Free needs to be a June 1st designated cut, plain and simple. That one act would free up about $7 million in desperately needed cap room, yet Jerry and Stephen Jones talk about Doug like they are trying to find a place for him as if he’s a valuable asset. If this is the Jones’ being coy or not forthcoming, they only look like fools.
Nov 18, 2012; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) under pressure from Cleveland Browns defensive end Jabaal Sheard (97) as he got past Dallas Cowboys tackle Doug Free (68) at Cowboys Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
If they aren’t being sly, if Jerry’s not joking, then the joke is on us. If that’s the case, the punch line is the Cowboy’s brain trust is actually weighing the options of whether to free up $7 mil from this years tight cap or put the franchise QB in harms way by keeping a very expensive swinging gate lineman that would have a hard time stopping my 100lbs nephew from getting past him. Could they really be weighing that option?
If Jerry and Stephen are truly considering keeping Free, perhaps they should be considering a couple other things instead – Like, the offensive line can’t get anymore offensive and they’d be sending the wrong message to Tony Romo (and his agents) about how much they care about Romo’s physical well being and, there fore, his value to the Dallas Cowboys – Or what they could do with an extra $7 mil in cap space. Jerry could enjoy the best of both worlds; Have some $$ to operate to improve the team on the one hand, while continuing to overpay other underachieving players like WR, Miles Austin or bringing back his alma mater buddy, RB Felix Jones (wasting a roster spot) and not have to feel bad about it, on the the other.
Dec 23, 2012; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) puts his hand on the back of tackle Doug Free (68) during the game against the New Orleans Saints at Cowboys Stadium. The Saints beat the Cowboys 34-31 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Look, I don’t know what the heck happened to Doug Free. I had high hopes for him as, obviously, the Dallas Cowboy’s coaching staff did. He was a rising, improving, lineman for the Cowboys. He was looking like a possible anchor to the rebuilding of the offensive line. Only thing I can figure is when the coaches started moving him around in different spots on the line to see where he fit best, that moving around stunted his development and ultimately ruined him.
You look at Doug, or listen to him and he looks and acts like he should still be a force, but he’s not. For what ever reason, he just isn’t. In the words of a friend who’s obsessed with two things – fishing and the Dallas Cowboys: It’s sad to watch them continue to try and fish with that bate.
If Jerry decides to keep Free, it wouldn’t be the first time he’s hung on to players to long. He is notorious for it. Jerry Jones is always worried when he sees potential in a player, that if he lets him go, that player will do better somewhere else and he’ll regret letting the player go.
I think all of CowboysNation, the entire fan base, any sports media or football talking heads, Tony Romo’s agents and my neighbors dog – if he could talk – would all say in one voice: Cut Doug Free!
I have nothing against Doug Free, I’m sure he has been and is trying his best. I’m also sure he will land on his feet and maybe even find success on another NFL roster. And if he does, good for him. Unlike Jerry Jones, I’m willing to take that chance.