Posted by jellis at 2/21/2011 11:42 AM CST on truebluefanclub.com
New Cowboys defensive line coach Brian Baker may have something of a rebuilding job on his hands this season, as three of the Cowboys' top four defensive ends are set to hit free agency.
Last season, starter Marcus Spears and backups Stephen Bowen and Jason Hatcher each played on one-year contracts as restricted free agents. Even under the uncapped system, which many in the industry don't expect to return, all three would be eligible to hit the open market.
It would seem the Cowboys have a decision to make. One starter, Igor Olshansky, has another two years left on his deal, and the Cowboys could address the position through the draft. But they would also probably like to have more continuity.
There's a good chance Baker and new coordinator Rob Ryan will have a big say in which players the Cowboys try hardest to keep. At least at this point, though, Baker isn't ready to decide, and it sounds like he's relieved the choice isn't entirely up to him.
"How do I pick?" Baker said. "I would like to keep all of them. So what's the question? Is it possible? I mean hey, yeah, it's not my money. It's Jerry's. Pay 'em all, coach. Really, I have no idea about the finances.
"I want them all."
New Cowboys defensive line coach Brian Baker may have something of a rebuilding job on his hands this season, as three of the Cowboys' top four defensive ends are set to hit free agency.
Last season, starter Marcus Spears and backups Stephen Bowen and Jason Hatcher each played on one-year contracts as restricted free agents. Even under the uncapped system, which many in the industry don't expect to return, all three would be eligible to hit the open market.
It would seem the Cowboys have a decision to make. One starter, Igor Olshansky, has another two years left on his deal, and the Cowboys could address the position through the draft. But they would also probably like to have more continuity.
There's a good chance Baker and new coordinator Rob Ryan will have a big say in which players the Cowboys try hardest to keep. At least at this point, though, Baker isn't ready to decide, and it sounds like he's relieved the choice isn't entirely up to him.
"How do I pick?" Baker said. "I would like to keep all of them. So what's the question? Is it possible? I mean hey, yeah, it's not my money. It's Jerry's. Pay 'em all, coach. Really, I have no idea about the finances.
"I want them all."
