Dallas Cowboys Morning Links: Financial Responsibility, Weeden Hype Rises

In this Tuesday edition of Morning Links, the Dallas Cowboys must continue to remain financially resolute in the face of skyrocketing salaries, especially for All-Pro wide recevier Dez Bryant. Plus, is first round bust quarterback Brandon Weeden really the most improved player this offseason? Or is it simply more inflated hype? All that and much, much more as we dive into the best Cowboys news from around the web this morning.

Big paydays harder to come by in Dallas as Cowboys tighten salary cap belt by Jason Fitzgerald, Sporting News

"“Usually when one thinks of the Cowboys and the salary cap, they think of a team that is always teetering on the brink of disaster. Those days seem to be coming to an end with the team willing to make much tougher decisions with its roster than in the past.”"

Editor’s Note: The Cowboys have shown, with their recent decisions to let players like defensive end DeMarcus Ware and running back DeMarco Murray walk, they are following their heads more than their hearts when it comes to running this franchise. And the dividends of that mindset payed off last year with a 12-4 season ending record and their first playoff appearance since the 2009 season. It only makes sense that the Cowboys will want to approach negotiations with Dez Bryant in the same manner. Pay the man for his talent, but protect the franchise’s financial future as much as possible in the process. Make it a win-win for both sides.

Cowboys breakout series, Part 4: This player could lead Dallas in sacks by Jon Machota, The Dallas Morning News

"“Every year there’s usually a couple of players that take their game to another level. Last season, the Cowboys received a breakout performance on defense from Tyrone Crawford and on offense from DeMarco Murray. Who could be ready for something similar in 2015?”"

Editor’s Note: I won’t spoil the ending for you, but I agree with Machota here. We only saw the tip of the iceberg of what this player could do last year. If he’s progressing as quickly as Rod Marinelli suggests, the kid could be a beast in 2015.

Scout’s Notebook: Stories Worth Watching At Cowboys’ Minicamp by Bryan Broaddus, DallasCowboys.com

"“Minicamp dawns bright and early on Tuesday morning, and with it we’ll see three-straight days of Cowboys practices before the summer it begins. This is our last opportunity to watch the Cowboys in action before the team departs for training camp on July 28. With that in mind, I wanted to preview what all I’ll be looking for during these last three practices of the offseason.”"

Editor’s Note: Again, Broaddus is the man when it comes to breaking down and previewing the upcoming mini-camp at Valley Ranch. As a former scout, his insights are invaluable and a real treat for Cowboys fans. Enjoy!

Brandon Weeden is Cowboys’ most improved player? by Chris Wesseling, NFL.com

"“If offseason hype and preseason production augured well for NFL success, Brandon Weeden would be entrenched as a franchise quarterback by now. The subject of breathless accolades every May through August, Weeden has inspired hope in yet another coaching staff.”"

Editor’s Note: This is the same sort of offseason hype we heard last year on Weeden. I didn’t buy it then and I still don’t buy it now. Sure, he looks good with no pads on and no one to play against. With his big arm and pedigree, Weeden looks like a dream 31-year old elderly prospect. But when the lights go on, Superman shrivels back into Clark Kent. You can hype Weeden up all you want Cowboys’ coaching staff. I’m not buying until I see something more when the real games start. For me, Weeden is the ultimate mirage. One that got him drafted in the first round by the Cleveland Browns in 2012. But it was his actual play on gamedays that got him booted just two short years later.

Dez Bryant’s scare tactics might be most misguided holdout talk of all time by Tim Cowlishaw, The Dallas Morning News

"“Is it the most misguided holdout talk of all time? Or is it so crazy that it just might work? I lean hard in the direction of the former as far as Dez Bryant indicating he will consider sitting out the season opener against the Giants if he fails to sign a long-term contract by the league’s July 15 deadline.”"

Editor’s Note: That’s the one thing that has bothered me about all this holding out nonsense. If Dez does hold out Week One, what’s his end goal? Will he simply forgo his franchise tag money and sit the entire season till a contract is signed? What’s the point of just saying I’ll sit out one week? Put the Jones’, Dez, his agent Tom Condon, Jay-Z and, heck why not, Beyonce, in a room together and lock the door. Don’t let them out until a deal is done. There. The simple solutions are always the best.

Next: Dallas Cowboys Must Make The Development Of Dustin Vaughan A Priority