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Updated: June 17, 2011, 12:41 PM
Free Agent Watch
OLB Roth Knows Ryan's System
Josh Ellis
DallasCowboys.com Staff Writer
Email | Follow DCStarJEllis on Twitter
Roth started all 16 games for Rob Ryan in Cleveland last year.
(Editor's Note: With NFL free agency still to come, the Cowboys' roster remains very much unfinished. In this summer series, DallasCowboys.com takes a look at a number of veterans who could wind up in Dallas before the season begins. Today's featured player is Browns outside linebacker Matt Roth.)
Name: Matt Roth
Position: Outside Linebacker
College: Iowa
Height/Weight: 6-4/275
Age: 28
NFL Experience: 7 seasons
Availability: With Dick Jauron taking over for Rob Ryan as Cleveland's defensive coordinator, the Browns will transition from a base 3-4 to a 4-3 front, somewhat threatening the job of Roth, an unrestricted free agent. Though he played as a down lineman for Miami in the 4-3 early in his career, he has been learning a stand-up position the last three years, and only became a full-time starter after making that transition.
What He Brings: In a way, Roth is similar to Anthony Spencer because he has been strong against the run for most of his career, but doesn't offer a consistent enough pass rush to be thought of as anywhere near a top-flight player for the position. Still, he has a good bit of starting experience, is fairly young and probably knows Ryan's system better than anyone on the Cowboys' defense at this time.
Connections: Roth was claimed on waivers by Ryan's Browns on Nov. 25, 2009, a day after being released by Miami, where he played on a defense then being run by Paul Pasqualoni, who served as coordinator for the Cowboys' D last year. After starting for Miami most of the 2008 season, a training camp groin injury landed Roth on the Non-Football Injury list, the beginning of the end of his tenure with the Dolphins, who replaced him with former CFL star pass-rusher Cameron Wake.
Where Would He Fit: While the Cowboys would like Spencer and DeMarcus Ware to play as many snaps as possible, they realize each would be more effective with a few plays off during the game. Young backup Victor Butler has flashed ability from time to time in his two seasons, but isn't as reliable as Roth against the run. In the event of a long-term injury, Roth would be a more ideal fill-in, and given his youth, could still be a full-time special teams contributor. Agent Drew Rosenhaus will likely attempt to find Roth a starting job somewhere, but may have to settle for a modest, short-term deal in what is expected to be a crowded free agent market.
Free Agent Watch
OLB Roth Knows Ryan's System
Josh Ellis
DallasCowboys.com Staff Writer
Email | Follow DCStarJEllis on Twitter
Roth started all 16 games for Rob Ryan in Cleveland last year.
(Editor's Note: With NFL free agency still to come, the Cowboys' roster remains very much unfinished. In this summer series, DallasCowboys.com takes a look at a number of veterans who could wind up in Dallas before the season begins. Today's featured player is Browns outside linebacker Matt Roth.)
Name: Matt Roth
Position: Outside Linebacker
College: Iowa
Height/Weight: 6-4/275
Age: 28
NFL Experience: 7 seasons
Availability: With Dick Jauron taking over for Rob Ryan as Cleveland's defensive coordinator, the Browns will transition from a base 3-4 to a 4-3 front, somewhat threatening the job of Roth, an unrestricted free agent. Though he played as a down lineman for Miami in the 4-3 early in his career, he has been learning a stand-up position the last three years, and only became a full-time starter after making that transition.
What He Brings: In a way, Roth is similar to Anthony Spencer because he has been strong against the run for most of his career, but doesn't offer a consistent enough pass rush to be thought of as anywhere near a top-flight player for the position. Still, he has a good bit of starting experience, is fairly young and probably knows Ryan's system better than anyone on the Cowboys' defense at this time.
Connections: Roth was claimed on waivers by Ryan's Browns on Nov. 25, 2009, a day after being released by Miami, where he played on a defense then being run by Paul Pasqualoni, who served as coordinator for the Cowboys' D last year. After starting for Miami most of the 2008 season, a training camp groin injury landed Roth on the Non-Football Injury list, the beginning of the end of his tenure with the Dolphins, who replaced him with former CFL star pass-rusher Cameron Wake.
Where Would He Fit: While the Cowboys would like Spencer and DeMarcus Ware to play as many snaps as possible, they realize each would be more effective with a few plays off during the game. Young backup Victor Butler has flashed ability from time to time in his two seasons, but isn't as reliable as Roth against the run. In the event of a long-term injury, Roth would be a more ideal fill-in, and given his youth, could still be a full-time special teams contributor. Agent Drew Rosenhaus will likely attempt to find Roth a starting job somewhere, but may have to settle for a modest, short-term deal in what is expected to be a crowded free agent market.
