denverdan Posted February 18, 2005 Share Posted February 18, 2005 http://www.cowboysplus.com/topstorync/stories/021805cpcowlede.ab4c3.html Jones supports Henson, won't comment on Bledsoe Owner still favors Henson at QB; Bledsoe can't be discussed yet 08:38 PM CST on Thursday, February 17, 2005 By TODD ARCHER / The Dallas Morning News IRVING – Even with the NFL scouting combine and free agency coming up, it is never the wrong time to discuss the Cowboys' quarterback position. It's still up in the air if Vinny Testeverde (left) will return to Dallas next season or that Drew Henson will be the starter. On Thursday, owner and general manager Jerry Jones expressed his continued support for Drew Henson but declined to speak about the possibility of Drew Bledsoe joining the Cowboys in 2005. Next week, Buffalo will release Bledsoe, who has expressed interest in joining the Cowboys. Jones said he couldn't comment about Bledsoe, citing league rules, but admitted the Cowboys will need a veteran quarterback to join Henson and Tony Romo sits to pee. Last year's starter, Vinny Testaverde, has not been approached about a new deal and will hit the open market March 2. Jones sees similarities between how the Cowboys handled the quarterback spot last off-season – when they brought in Testaverde as insurance for Quincy Carter (who was cut early in training camp) – and this off-season. On Wednesday, Bledsoe said he had no intention of being a backup, but Jones said he assumes Bledsoe would be willing to compete knowing coach Bill Parcells does not believe in handing players jobs. "We just can't bet the house on how these two young guys are evolving," Jones said. "That's just not smart." Jones' stance regarding Henson, however, has not changed. He believes Henson can be the Cowboys' quarterback in 2005 and the future despite playing in only two games last year after a three-year layoff to play baseball. According to Jones, Parcells – who is expected to attend next week's combine after remaining in Dallas for it last year – would be less reluctant to play Henson in 2005 than he was in 2004. "I think it would be just wrong to say that Drew doesn't have a chance to play this year," said Jones, who believes the work Henson and Romo sits to pee get in the off-season, training camp and preseason games will help. "At this stage of their development, just a little can really tell you a lot and make a lot of difference," Jones said. On other fronts, Jones said the team has talked with representatives of some players about restructuring contracts and will meet face-to-face next week in Indianapolis. While Jones did not name names, linebacker Dexter Coakley and defensive end Marcellus Wiley are prime candidates. Both players are due roster bonuses of $500,000 on March 2 and have high salary-cap figures (Coakley $4.7 million, Wiley $3.6 million) When free agency begins, the Cowboys will have roughly $20 million available. Jones said the decision to make a full-time switch to the 3-4 defense would be determined by the type of players they can sign in free agency. The Cowboys would need bigger linebackers and defensive linemen in addition to pressing needs at cornerback and safety. "We're just going to be more aggressive in free agency than we were last year," Jones said, "and I think it's because we're going to have the opportunity to be." The Cowboys had the same opportunity last year but did not believe the value matched the players' skills. "We have to have more immediate contributions from our free agents than we did last year, and we need more immediate contribution from our draft picks than we did last year," Jones said. "I would say that it's more important than in many previous years that all the players we get right now play right now." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
@DCGoldPants Posted February 18, 2005 Share Posted February 18, 2005 I heard the Browns and Romeo want Rohan Davey from New England. But, I think if they can't get him. They should go after Drew.....and draft a QB in the 2nd or 3rd to groom. You know Jerruh wants Henson to get some work in....and the Tuna is calling those shots. Should be interesting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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