Cowboys Parting with the Old, Expensive & Injured

Sep 22, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive end DeMarcus Ware (94) reacts to getting a record setting sack against the St. Louis Rams at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

I’m not going to shed any tears about the release of DeMarcus Ware and the possible loss of free agents Jason Hatcher and Anthony Spencer. I can’t wait for his Ring of Honor ceremony, but otherwise thanks for the memories. Over the past three weeks I’ve tried to explain why it was necessary and for the good of the team to release our old, expensive and injured players. Football is a young man’s game and none of us should be comfortable with starting three defensive linemen over the age of 30. I really do believe that Jerry Jones as a General Manager finally “gets it”.

Ware, 31, was going to earn $12 million. Spencer, 30, made $10 million last year. Hatcher, 31, made $6 million last year. You really want to pay these guys more? Old players just get older, young players tend to get better and they’re cheaper.

24 players had double digit sacks. Of those 24, 16 were defensive linemen. Shaun Phillips of the Denver Broncos is listed as a defensive end, while many sources indicate he is an outside linebacker.

Yes, if I wrote the article, there’s probably a chart. My main goal is to show you the numbers so the lack of productive, sack producing, defensive linemen over the age of 30 stands out. There are only four of them and three of them are free agents. There’s a reason for that. Teams need younger players with cap friendly salaries.

I like DeMarcus Ware, but I love the Dallas Cowboys. Releasing these players is the smartest move Jerry Jones has ever made as a General Manager. Jerry Jones did not have to release Ware at the beginning of free agency. That was a classy and respectful move by Jerry Jones.

How will Cowboy Nation react after Ware signs a 3 year deal with the Broncos for $10 million a year. Ware was scheduled to make $12.25 million with the Cowboys. How much loyalty did Ware show to “The Star” if $2 or $3 million made the difference?

The Cowboys just signed former Houston Texans nose tackle Terrell McClain. He’s 6′ 2”, 300 pounds and 25 years old. He may not be a difference maker, but he’s experienced, young and comes at a cap friendly price. His signing also eliminates the need for the Cowboys to worry about drafting someone to play the zero or one technique. With healthy bodies on the roster as we enter the draft, it reduces our positions of need and we can draft for talent.

Let’s trust Rod Marinelli as defensive coordinator and defensive line guru along with the Cowboys scouting department this off season. I don’t expect any major news from expensive free agent signings. We’re definitely going to get younger, faster and healthier on our defensive line next season and you should be excited.

Additional players like recently signed 30 year old defensive end, Jeremy Mincey will be added to the roster at the right price. Having an opportunity to wear “The Star” and play under coaches Marinelli and Monte Kiffin will be a factor for a lot of free agents. Like it or not, the Cowboys are probably your favorite players favorite team.

#Go Cowboys

#SackCity

If you’re still not convinced that releasing DeMarcus Ware, Anthony Spencer and Jason Hatcher was the right thing to do, check out these articles and let me know what you think.

DeMarcus Ware is Cowboys Version of Dwight Freeney

DeMarcus Ware – Thanks for the Memories

Cowboys Defensive Line: How Do They Stack Up To League’s Best?