Dallas Cowboys: This financial revelation should upset fans!

The Dallas Cowboys have turned over a new leaf the past couple seasons, as they’ve attempted to be more fiscally responsible. That new philosophy has resulted in some big changes on their roster. Former Cowboys defensive end DeMarcus Ware, defensive tackle Jason Hatcher, and running back DeMarco Murray have been the three biggest victims, as Dallas has opted to allow each to sign elsewhere rather than overpaying them. But following a revelation about the Cowboys current roster, fans should be upset about the money Dallas is spending on some of their players right now.

Earlier this week, the Dallas Morning News published the Cowboys top ten salaries going into the 2015 season. In it, the article revealed three of the team’s top paid players will be cornerbacks. For a defensive secondary that ranked a lowly 26th the NFL last season, this is a real problem. And it’s one that should have Cowboys fans hopping mad.

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Coming in at eighth on the list is veteran corner, and arguably the Cowboys best defensive player, Orlando Scandrick. He is scheduled to make $4,382,271 this season. But that was only after half-threatening to sit out this offseason (by skipping voluntary workouts) without a contract extension. Scandrick was originally supposed to make $1.5 million this year.

But is Scandrick worth the new price tag? According to Pro Football Focus, who ranked Orlando as the 10th best overall cornerback in the NFL, the answer is a resounding yes. Although his totals from last season (55 total tackles, nine passes defended, two interceptions, and 1.0 sacks) were down from the year before, Scandrick did miss the first two games of 2014 for violating the league’s performance-enhancing drug policy.

The fifth highest paid player on the Cowboys roster this season is somehow cornerback Morris Claiborne. In the final year of his rookie contract, the former first round selection will earn a whopping $5,175,069 in 2015. Claiborne has been a disappointment his entire career in Dallas. Why shouldn’t his salary be equally disappointing? Out of a possible 48 played games, Claiborne has only suited up in a total of 29 of them due to various injuries. Last season, he played nearly four games before getting injured (torn patellar tendon) and landing on injured reserve. Cowboys vice president Stephen Jones told reporters this week that Claiborne could be ready for the start of training camp and might have a big year. I, for one, am not holding my breath.

Finally, the ultimate reason why fans should storm the gates of Valley Ranch with pitchforks…cornerback Brandon Carr. His overinflated salary has had so much press, I’m surprised it doesn’t have it’s own Twitter account! Carr makes this list as the second highest paid player on this team in 2015, only behind quarterback Tony Romo. Here’s how messed up this is: OverTheCap.com confirms at $12,717,000, Carr will be the third highest paid cornerback in the entire NFL in 2015. Just below the New York Jets’ Darrelle Revis and Arizona Cardinals’ Patrick Peterson, but just above the Seattle Seahawks’ Richard Sherman. Last season, Pro Football Focus ranked Carr the 90th best overall player at his position (25% of snaps or higher). Let that sink in a moment. There were 89 other players who outperformed someone who is being paid like a top-three NFL corner.

Apologists will point to the fact Carr played better towards the end of last season. Still, was it second highest paid player on the team better? No. In reality, Carr had arguably his worst statical year ever in 2014, recording 54 total tackles, eight passes defended and zero interceptions for the first time in his seven-year career. Some believe Carr would likely be a June 1st casualty due to his salary and poor play. But that day passed without a whisper from the front office. Although it appears the Cowboys want to reduce his salary number, Carr’s agent has previously stated that the veteran corner will not take a pay cut.

If salaries were based on performance, both Carr and Claiborne would be making minimum wage in my book. And the fact both players are on the Cowboys top five highest salaries list in 2015 should be enough to infuriate fans.

Next: This Hall of Famer just spoke the truth; Fans will love it!

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