denverdan Posted January 25, 2005 Share Posted January 25, 2005 http://www.cowboysplus.com/topstorync/stories/012505cpcowfreeagents.97fd7.html Cowboys plan to shop warily Even with $20 million of cap space, free agency won't fill every need 09:38 PM CST on Monday, January 24, 2005 By TODD ARCHER / The Dallas Morning News IRVING – On March 2, free agency in the NFL begins again. The Cowboys will have roughly $20 million in salary-cap space. However, owner and general manager Jerry Jones said late last season that the Cowboys would be prudent in their spending because he said they were more than a few players away from winning the Super Bowl. Jones has also said that the Cowboys intend to re-sign Vinny Testaverde and that going after a veteran quarterback in free agency is only a dream. Coach Bill Parcells knows he needs help at right cornerback, defensive tackle, defensive end, right tackle, running back, wide receiver, the offensive line and safety. But, as he likes to say, adding a free agent is not like stopping at Texaco. Sometimes the cost is prohibitive, like last off-season when the Cowboys avoided the high-stakes bidding for cornerbacks like Antoine Winfield and Ahmed Plummer. While Philadelphia added one of its biggest pieces in defensive end Jevon Kearse last year, and as Washington continued its high-spending ways, the Cowboys' biggest free-agent signing was defensive end Marcellus Wiley. He disappointed with only three sacks in 2004. "The need has to coincide with availability," Parcells said late last season. COWBOYS' FREE-AGENT NEEDS: RB/QB What they have in the offensive backfield The Cowboys are inexperienced, but there is hope. Drew Henson and Tony Romo sits to pee are the only quarterbacks signed for next season, but owner and general manager Jerry Jones said the club plans on re-signing Vinny Testaverde, who started 15 games in 2004. Parcells chose not to start either young quarterback late in the year, so there will be growing pains. Henson has started just nine games since high school, but he has the tools to be a good quarterback. The Cowboys like Romo sits to pee's makeup, but he has not played in two years. At running back, Julius Jones ran for 819 yards despite playing in only eight games. He gave the offense a jumpstart when he returned from a broken left shoulder blade. He tied an NFL record with three straight games with at least 30 carries, a workload coach Bill Parcells wants to avoid repeating. But the Cowboys have little behind Jones. Eddie George wants to play elsewhere, and Richie Anderson will be 34 in September and is coming off a neck injury. ReShard Lee showed flashes, but he never gained Parcells' full confidence. Erik Bickerstaff could be the big back the Cowboys need to spell Jones, but he is coming off an Achilles' tendon injury. Fullback Darian Barnes was a good pickup, but he could be pushed by Lousaka Polite in '05. What they need Jones does not foresee the Cowboys going after a high-priced quarterback in free agency, like San Diego's Drew Brees or Seattle's Matt Hasselbeck. The rest of the pickings are slim, even though Kurt Warner has said he would like to come to Dallas. Testaverde, 41, has Parcells' trust, and he would be a good fit as a backup because he knows the system and the players. Cleveland's Kelly Holcomb has proven to be a solid relief pitcher but has struggled to stay healthy. Do guys like Mike McMahon, Gus Frerotte and Jeff Blake excite you? Parcells does not want to overwork Jones next year. Ideally, he would like to find a bigger back, but he said finding an elusive runner would fit the offense. Star runners like Edgerrin James and Shaun Alexander could be available but wouldn't fit with the Cowboys. Indianapolis' Dominic Rhodes or Kansas City's Derrick Blaylock might be better fits. Top five free agent quarterbacks 1. Drew Brees, San Diego: At 6-0, too short for Parcells. 2. Matt Hasselbeck, Seattle: A good fit, but will he be available? 3. Kelly Holcomb, Cleveland: A true relief pitcher, not a star. 4. Vinny Testaverde, Dallas: Can still throw it around at 41, but needs help. 5. Jim Miller, New England: Injuries have kept him off the field. Top five free agent running backs 1. Edgerrin James, Indianapolis: Highly talented, but Colts won't let him walk. 2. Shaun Alexander, Seattle: A touchdown machine, but is he tough? 3. Rudi Johnson, Cincinnati: Looking for major money. 4. LaMont Jordan, New York Jets: Wants to be a starter somewhere. 5. Derrick Blaylock, Kansas City: A complementary piece could fit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arrowhead Posted January 25, 2005 Share Posted January 25, 2005 Originally posted by denverdan While Philadelphia added one of its biggest pieces in defensive end Jevon Kearse last year, and as Washington continued its high-spending ways, the Cowboys' biggest free-agent signing was defensive end Marcellus Wiley. He disappointed with only three sacks in 2004. No mention of the Giants acquisitions in this piece. Makes you wonder if anyone in Dallas knows if there are four teams in the NFC East. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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