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Free Agent Watch
Rob Phillips
DallasCowboys.com Staff Writer
(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 the veterans who could wind up in Dallas before the season begins. Today's featured player is Oakland safety Michael Huff.)
Name: Michael Huff
Position: Free Safety
College: Texas
Height/Weight: 6-1/205
Age: 28
NFL Experience: 5 seasons
Availability: It appears that Huff is likely to test the market whenever the new league year begins. As a five-year veteran, he would qualify for unrestricted free agency under the old Collective Bargaining Agreement. If the league went back to 2010 uncapped rules requiring six accrued seasons, Huff would be a restricted free agent. But the Raiders reportedly were unable to sign him to an extension before the lockout because, by NFL rule, his salary escalated by more than 30 percent in one season.
What He Brings: At his best, Huff is a very good cover safety with cornerback skills. He has played both safety positions, starting two full seasons at strong safety before moving to free safety after the Raiders signed Gibril Wilson in 2008. The 2006 seventh overall pick temporarily lost his starting job to Hiram Eugene in 2008 and was actually viewed by many as a draft bust. But his production increased significantly the past two seasons, particularly in 2010 with 94 tackles (77 solo), seven pass breakups, four sacks, three interceptions and three forced fumbles. He earned second-team All-Pro honors.
Connections: New Cowboys defensive coordinator Rob Ryan knows Huff's strengths and weaknesses well, having run the Raiders' defense during Huff's first three years in the league (2006-08). And Huff has said publicly to outside media that the Cowboys would be an intriguing option, having grown up in Irving, Texas, and playing college football at the University of Texas.
Where Would He Fit: It remains to be seen if the Cowboys would have mutual interest in a Huff homecoming. If he did sign with Dallas, there's already an opening at free safety - the Cowboys have said they're looking at moving Alan Ball back to corner. Or, if Gerald Sensabaugh isn't re-signed, Huff could help at strong safety. His tackling has been criticized in the past, however. Overall, his production would be an upgrade in the secondary.
Rob Phillips
DallasCowboys.com Staff Writer
(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 the veterans who could wind up in Dallas before the season begins. Today's featured player is Oakland safety Michael Huff.)
Name: Michael Huff
Position: Free Safety
College: Texas
Height/Weight: 6-1/205
Age: 28
NFL Experience: 5 seasons
Availability: It appears that Huff is likely to test the market whenever the new league year begins. As a five-year veteran, he would qualify for unrestricted free agency under the old Collective Bargaining Agreement. If the league went back to 2010 uncapped rules requiring six accrued seasons, Huff would be a restricted free agent. But the Raiders reportedly were unable to sign him to an extension before the lockout because, by NFL rule, his salary escalated by more than 30 percent in one season.
What He Brings: At his best, Huff is a very good cover safety with cornerback skills. He has played both safety positions, starting two full seasons at strong safety before moving to free safety after the Raiders signed Gibril Wilson in 2008. The 2006 seventh overall pick temporarily lost his starting job to Hiram Eugene in 2008 and was actually viewed by many as a draft bust. But his production increased significantly the past two seasons, particularly in 2010 with 94 tackles (77 solo), seven pass breakups, four sacks, three interceptions and three forced fumbles. He earned second-team All-Pro honors.
Connections: New Cowboys defensive coordinator Rob Ryan knows Huff's strengths and weaknesses well, having run the Raiders' defense during Huff's first three years in the league (2006-08). And Huff has said publicly to outside media that the Cowboys would be an intriguing option, having grown up in Irving, Texas, and playing college football at the University of Texas.
Where Would He Fit: It remains to be seen if the Cowboys would have mutual interest in a Huff homecoming. If he did sign with Dallas, there's already an opening at free safety - the Cowboys have said they're looking at moving Alan Ball back to corner. Or, if Gerald Sensabaugh isn't re-signed, Huff could help at strong safety. His tackling has been criticized in the past, however. Overall, his production would be an upgrade in the secondary.
