Cowboys keep quiet while NFC East rivals splash the cash
Free agency has opened and the New York Giants have spent big already, with major moves by the Eagles in Philly. The Dallas Cowboys are rather quiet.
This time last year Chip Kelly was making a splash in Free Agency with the Philadelphia Eagles. Recruiting DeMarco Murray from the Dallas Cowboys, trading away LeSean McCoy for the oft injured Kiko Alonso and throwing money at defensive backs.
While the Eagles now seek to rid themselves of all moves made by their former head coach, it’s NFC East rivals New York Giants splurging the big bucks.
The Dallas Cowboys can consider both cornerback and defensive end a significant need. And it’s there that the Giants seeked to improve. Big Blue recruited arguably the top free agent of the year defensive end Olivier Vernon from Miami Dolphins as well as LA Ram’s cornerback Janoris Jenkins.
For Olivier Vernon and the #Giants, I'm told it's the biggest defensive end deal in history with the most guaranteed money
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 9, 2016
The pair both received 5 year deals worth a combined $147.5 million.
Staggering money considering neither have a single pro bowl appearance to their name.
Giants CB Janoris Jenkins' 5-year, $62.5 million deal has $40 million stacked into the first three years. And $29 million fully guaranteed.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 9, 2016
With the departure of Mike Coughlin from New York, the Giants are clearly attempting to go big or go home. Can’t help but think they’re going to be more likely to go broke spending like that.
The Dallas Cowboys have been stung in the past for handing out huge contacts to players who just haven’t cut it. Brandon Carr being one of them. So the fact the team hasn’t made any major moves in the free agency window so far is a positive, lessons have obviously been learned.
A look at the contract offered by the Cowboys to Mo Claiborne is a clear example of back office improvements.
Claiborne hasn’t played at the expected level of a cornerback drafted sixth overall in the draft. He played in 11 games in 2015 the most since his rookie season. He’s yet to significantly make an impact in games, but he was consistent last season if not impressive. Something that VP Stephen Jones was keen to emphasize.
"“I thought he had his best year this year. He had his best offseason, had his best year. Sometimes it just takes time for young guys to really figure it out in terms of what it takes to be a pro in this league.” – Stephen Jones on Claiborne"
The new deal is worth no more than $3.75 million and gives the fifth year player a chance to finally prove himself in the league. The deal for Mo could well signal the end of Brandon Carr whose cap hit would be over $13 million. The Cowboys are hosting former Eagle Nolan Carroll for a visit and with the 4th pick in the draft may look to bring in Jalen Ramsey at the position.
With the Giants spending big, the Eagles hitting ctrl & z to the Chip revolution the Cowboys and Washington Redskins have been left to quietly go about business as they wish. Which one will rise to the top of the NFC East is anybody’s guess right now.
Next: Cowboys free agency signings narrowing draft focus
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