The Landry Hat
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Here’s why RG3 won’t play for the Cowboys

By Robert H. Carroll

Jan 3, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) shakes hands with Dallas Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett after the game at AT&T Stadium. The Redskins defeat the Cowboys 34-23. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) shakes hands with Dallas Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett after the game at AT&T Stadium. The Redskins defeat the Cowboys 34-23. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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Will Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III take a pay cut to join the Dallas Cowboys?

In the world of Dallas Cowboys free agency, I like to look at the money. In this era, players are generally getting two deals – the rookie contract and the big money free agent check. Our Cowboys have finally gotten frugal with free agents. Fresh in our memory is owner / GM Jerry Jones issuing monster contracts to snatch players from other teams.

If Jerry wanted you to play for “The Star”, money was never the issue. Personally, I love having an owner with deep pockets to put the best product on the field. We are no longer able to snatch players from other teams like Deion Sanders or Charles Haley by being the highest bidder. It the reason why the Cowboys were stuck in salary cap hell for years with dead money on the books.

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Along came his son, Stephen Jones, chief operating officer / executive vice president / director of player personnel, but you can think of Stephen as our credit repair agency. Stephen has helped eliminate monster contracts to players that have “a breakout year” during the last year of their contract. Stephen cleans up the books by removing dead money which allows us to be players in free agency. This year, the Cowboys are paying 18 players less than $1 million total in dead money.

Washington Redskins quarterback, Robert Griffin III, is finishing a rookie contract of 4 years with $21 million guaranteed. He just averaged $7 million per year. Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel has two years remaining on his 4 year, $8 million rookie contract with $7.7 million guaranteed. Meanwhile our backup quarterback, Kellen Moore is under contract for $760,000 in 2016. That number is so small, I could put the zero’s instead of typing out the word – thousand. Jameill Showers signed a 3 year / $1.5 million deal in 2015. Showers will earn $450,000 in 2016.

A few years ago, we signed Brandon Weeden to be our backup quarterback. His contract was for 2 years / $1.23 million, an average of $615,000. The difference between Weeden and Griffin is age. Weeden is currently 32, while Griffin is 26. Older quarterbacks willing to take the backup position are more likely to accept that role at a lower price.

Matt Cassel, 33, acquired by trade, signed a 1 year deal with the Buffalo Bills for $2 million. Matt Moore, 31, signed a 1 year deal for $2.6 million to backup Ryan Tannehill for the Miami Dolphins. Tarvaris Jackson, 32, signed a 1 year deal for $1.5 million to play behind Russell Wilson for the Seattle Seahawks. That’s the new average, so don’t expect any deals like the 3 year, $10.5 million given to our former backup Kyle Orton, 33.

I’ve heard a rumor that Griffin might be willing to take a pay cut to play for the Cowboys. The truth is – every player dreams of playing for the Cowboys, but money still talks. I would have a heart attack if I made $2 less an hour. Yes, that $2 dollars, not millions or thousands – like Kevin Hart says, “The way my bank account is set up!”

Griffin has already suffered concussions and knee injuries as an NFL quarterback. He realizes his career has an expiration date and his agent wants him to maximize his earning potential. Who still believes Griffin will accept a paycut of $6 million or more?

With Stephen Jones in charge of the finances, three players under contract at quarterback, older veterans willing to play for less and rookies available in the draft – Griffin won’t be able to name his price in Dallas.

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