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Cowboys are facing big turnover
Posted Wednesday, Dec. 29, 2010
BY CLARENCE E. HILL JR.
IRVING -- The Dallas Cowboys' dreadful season already has cost one coach his job and another's hangs in the balance heading into Sunday's season finale against the Philadelphia Eagles.
It's been speculated since owner Jerry Jones fired Wade Phillips following the 1-7 start and promoted Jason Garrett to interim coach that some players ultimately would pay with their jobs.
"We've certainly got players that we had to play this year that were returning starters who are suspect," Jones said. "I'd say that it's very likely that we'll have more turnover this year than we had last year."
All the moves might not come immediately, especially for the players still under contract because of the NFL labor impasse and the uncertain salary-cap situation, but expect changes.
The list of players who might not return next year is a lengthy one, which is a reflection of the Cowboys' 5-10 record. It could include running back Marion Barber, guards Kyle Kosier and Leonard Davis, tackle Marc Colombo, defensive end Marcus Spears, safety Gerald Sensabaugh, linebacker Keith Brooking, safety Alan Ball and cornerback Terence Newman.
However, it's receiver Roy Williams who could move to the front of the line. The Cowboys gave up three draft picks to get him from the Detroit in 2008 and paid him $9 million a season. Yet his production never matched that investment.
Williams' numbers in 2010 -- 36 catches for 524 yards and five touchdowns -- are even a dropoff from a mediocre 2009 season -- 38 catches for 596 yards and seven touchdowns.
He came into this season motivated to prove his worth but after a hot start he became an afterthought in the passing game.
"It's disappointing," Williams said. "I can only do what I can do. I started out nice, then all of sudden I fell off the face of the earth."
Williams had 21 catches for 306 yards and five touchdowns through the first five games but has had 15 catches for 218 yards and no touchdowns over the past 10.
"I have no idea," said Williams, baffled by the disparity. "I run what is called. I line up. I break the huddle. I go play. I only get two or three chances a game. I try to make the most of them."
Williams maintains that he has had a very solid season. His drops are down from last year.
"If I was an outsider, I would [feel that he hasn't done anything]," Williams said. "On the inside, they know."
For that reason, Williams believes he has a chance to return next season. He knows nothing is promised for him and it's out of his hands -- especially when it comes to his salary.
His base salary is $5.1 million next season and his salary-cap hit is roughly $9.4 million. He has three years remaining on his deal and if the Cowboys cut him, it would cost them about $12.9 million against the 2011 cap.
"I would love to be here," Williams said. "If not, I will play ball somewhere else."
Clarence E. Hill Jr
Posted Wednesday, Dec. 29, 2010
BY CLARENCE E. HILL JR.
IRVING -- The Dallas Cowboys' dreadful season already has cost one coach his job and another's hangs in the balance heading into Sunday's season finale against the Philadelphia Eagles.
It's been speculated since owner Jerry Jones fired Wade Phillips following the 1-7 start and promoted Jason Garrett to interim coach that some players ultimately would pay with their jobs.
"We've certainly got players that we had to play this year that were returning starters who are suspect," Jones said. "I'd say that it's very likely that we'll have more turnover this year than we had last year."
All the moves might not come immediately, especially for the players still under contract because of the NFL labor impasse and the uncertain salary-cap situation, but expect changes.
The list of players who might not return next year is a lengthy one, which is a reflection of the Cowboys' 5-10 record. It could include running back Marion Barber, guards Kyle Kosier and Leonard Davis, tackle Marc Colombo, defensive end Marcus Spears, safety Gerald Sensabaugh, linebacker Keith Brooking, safety Alan Ball and cornerback Terence Newman.
However, it's receiver Roy Williams who could move to the front of the line. The Cowboys gave up three draft picks to get him from the Detroit in 2008 and paid him $9 million a season. Yet his production never matched that investment.
Williams' numbers in 2010 -- 36 catches for 524 yards and five touchdowns -- are even a dropoff from a mediocre 2009 season -- 38 catches for 596 yards and seven touchdowns.
He came into this season motivated to prove his worth but after a hot start he became an afterthought in the passing game.
"It's disappointing," Williams said. "I can only do what I can do. I started out nice, then all of sudden I fell off the face of the earth."
Williams had 21 catches for 306 yards and five touchdowns through the first five games but has had 15 catches for 218 yards and no touchdowns over the past 10.
"I have no idea," said Williams, baffled by the disparity. "I run what is called. I line up. I break the huddle. I go play. I only get two or three chances a game. I try to make the most of them."
Williams maintains that he has had a very solid season. His drops are down from last year.
"If I was an outsider, I would [feel that he hasn't done anything]," Williams said. "On the inside, they know."
For that reason, Williams believes he has a chance to return next season. He knows nothing is promised for him and it's out of his hands -- especially when it comes to his salary.
His base salary is $5.1 million next season and his salary-cap hit is roughly $9.4 million. He has three years remaining on his deal and if the Cowboys cut him, it would cost them about $12.9 million against the 2011 cap.
"I would love to be here," Williams said. "If not, I will play ball somewhere else."
Clarence E. Hill Jr