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National writer: Dallas Cowboys will go into rebuilding mode by 2018
By SportsDayDFW.com
ESPN recently released Future Power Rankings, which projected how well the NFL's 32 teams are positioned for the next three years.
John Clayton went ahead and added 30 predictions for the next three years, including contracts, coaching moves and other happenings.
Cowboys fans had better hope Clayton is way off the mark, because he sees Dallas having to enter a rebuild phase in two years. Clayton wrote:
By 2018, the Cowboys will have to go into a rebuilding mode. Tony Romo could be retired by then. While they will still have a great offensive line for years to come, the defense won't have much talent left.
Ah, yes, the topic of Romo and his career longevity. Romo turned 36 in April and is coming off left collarbone surgery from March. He played in only four games last season but "has looked phenomenal" this offseason. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has long said he believes that Romo has four to five more years left in him before he retires. If that plays out, one would think it's unlikely the Cowboys would rebuild with Romo still under center.
But that defense is indeed an issue -- right now. Dallas will be without defensive ends DeMarcus Lawrence and Randy Gregory (four games apiece) and middle linebacker Rolando McClain (10 games) to start the season because of suspensions. Linebacker Sean Lee has been limited throughout the offseason after undergoing surgery on his left knee in late April to clean up some cartilage.
Cornerback Orlando Scandrick is coming back from a major injury. Rookies Jaylon Smith and Maliek Collins face injuries -- in Smith's case, it's unlikely he sees the field at all in 2016. Morris Claiborne is back on just a one-year deal. Questions marks galore.
So Cowboys fans will just have to wait and see.
It's not all negative from Clayton, however. He, like many others, believes running back Ezekiel Elliott should earn Offensive Rookie of the Year honors -- as long as Romo stays healthy.
By SportsDayDFW.com
ESPN recently released Future Power Rankings, which projected how well the NFL's 32 teams are positioned for the next three years.
John Clayton went ahead and added 30 predictions for the next three years, including contracts, coaching moves and other happenings.
Cowboys fans had better hope Clayton is way off the mark, because he sees Dallas having to enter a rebuild phase in two years. Clayton wrote:
By 2018, the Cowboys will have to go into a rebuilding mode. Tony Romo could be retired by then. While they will still have a great offensive line for years to come, the defense won't have much talent left.
Ah, yes, the topic of Romo and his career longevity. Romo turned 36 in April and is coming off left collarbone surgery from March. He played in only four games last season but "has looked phenomenal" this offseason. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has long said he believes that Romo has four to five more years left in him before he retires. If that plays out, one would think it's unlikely the Cowboys would rebuild with Romo still under center.
But that defense is indeed an issue -- right now. Dallas will be without defensive ends DeMarcus Lawrence and Randy Gregory (four games apiece) and middle linebacker Rolando McClain (10 games) to start the season because of suspensions. Linebacker Sean Lee has been limited throughout the offseason after undergoing surgery on his left knee in late April to clean up some cartilage.
Cornerback Orlando Scandrick is coming back from a major injury. Rookies Jaylon Smith and Maliek Collins face injuries -- in Smith's case, it's unlikely he sees the field at all in 2016. Morris Claiborne is back on just a one-year deal. Questions marks galore.
So Cowboys fans will just have to wait and see.
It's not all negative from Clayton, however. He, like many others, believes running back Ezekiel Elliott should earn Offensive Rookie of the Year honors -- as long as Romo stays healthy.
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