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With uncertain NFL labor future, draft 'the only given' Cowboys have
By DAVID MOORE / The Dallas Morning News
Published 23 February 2011 11:13 PM
INDIANAPOLIS — Contradictory philosophies come into play in this winter of discontent.
Do NFL teams stare into an uncertain labor future and determine the best course of action is none at all? Do they hold onto players they would otherwise cut in the coming days and weeks because they don’t know when free agency will start, what form it will take and how long it will last?
Or do teams refuse this paralysis and strike out boldly into the NFL night?
The Cowboys reject those characterizations and look to maneuver in the gray areas as they gather in Indianapolis for the NFL scouting combine.
“We’ve got to be prepared for all scenarios,” said Stephen Jones, the Cowboys’ executive vice president. “If it is best to release a player before the March 3 deadline, we will do that. If it’s in our best interest to hold on to a player until the [labor] situation is ultimately resolved, that is what we will do.
“You got to take all approaches and be ready for anything. You have to handle it that way. There is no way you can paint this with a broad stroke and say a certain philosophy is best.”
A few teams have begun to drop players onto the market in recent days. The majority have not. But action should increase as the deadline for a new agreement with the Players Association approaches.
Two starters and a key backup have roster bonuses on the horizon. Running back Marion Barber and right tackle Marc Colombo each receive $500,000 if they are on the roster in March. Backup guard Montrae Holland is also scheduled to receive $500,000.
Jones refused to discuss individual players and stressed no decisions have been made. But he also made it clear discussions are ongoing.
“Each individual is different, and each contract is different,” Jones said. “So yes, we may decide to go ahead and release a player before the deadline. We may decide we don’t want to take a certain financial risk, no matter what the system is, because we know it’s a situation we don’t want to work with going forward.”
Here’s something else to consider. While players scheduled to become free agents in the new contract year are frozen, players released since the Super Bowl can be signed before the March 3 deadline. Former St. Louis Rams safety O.J. Atogwe falls into that category.
Do you think the Cowboys need a safety?
“We’re evaluating all the players who have been released and will make decisions based on our situation,” Jones said.
It can be argued that the cloud of uncertainty that hangs over free agency places an even greater premium on the draft. That will take place in April even if a lockout is imposed.
“That’s the only given we have,” Jones said.
“We believe the draft is your lifeblood. It’s a little unfair to say we will focus on it more so. It’s always important that you make good decisions in the draft.”
The Cowboys have their draft board arranged into areas they expect players to be selected, but no grades have been assigned. Members of the Cowboys scouting department and coaching staff have been given a list of players they will speak to at this combine. Every player in Indianapolis will have some contact with a club representative before the combine is complete.
By DAVID MOORE / The Dallas Morning News
Published 23 February 2011 11:13 PM
INDIANAPOLIS — Contradictory philosophies come into play in this winter of discontent.
Do NFL teams stare into an uncertain labor future and determine the best course of action is none at all? Do they hold onto players they would otherwise cut in the coming days and weeks because they don’t know when free agency will start, what form it will take and how long it will last?
Or do teams refuse this paralysis and strike out boldly into the NFL night?
The Cowboys reject those characterizations and look to maneuver in the gray areas as they gather in Indianapolis for the NFL scouting combine.
“We’ve got to be prepared for all scenarios,” said Stephen Jones, the Cowboys’ executive vice president. “If it is best to release a player before the March 3 deadline, we will do that. If it’s in our best interest to hold on to a player until the [labor] situation is ultimately resolved, that is what we will do.
“You got to take all approaches and be ready for anything. You have to handle it that way. There is no way you can paint this with a broad stroke and say a certain philosophy is best.”
A few teams have begun to drop players onto the market in recent days. The majority have not. But action should increase as the deadline for a new agreement with the Players Association approaches.
Two starters and a key backup have roster bonuses on the horizon. Running back Marion Barber and right tackle Marc Colombo each receive $500,000 if they are on the roster in March. Backup guard Montrae Holland is also scheduled to receive $500,000.
Jones refused to discuss individual players and stressed no decisions have been made. But he also made it clear discussions are ongoing.
“Each individual is different, and each contract is different,” Jones said. “So yes, we may decide to go ahead and release a player before the deadline. We may decide we don’t want to take a certain financial risk, no matter what the system is, because we know it’s a situation we don’t want to work with going forward.”
Here’s something else to consider. While players scheduled to become free agents in the new contract year are frozen, players released since the Super Bowl can be signed before the March 3 deadline. Former St. Louis Rams safety O.J. Atogwe falls into that category.
Do you think the Cowboys need a safety?
“We’re evaluating all the players who have been released and will make decisions based on our situation,” Jones said.
It can be argued that the cloud of uncertainty that hangs over free agency places an even greater premium on the draft. That will take place in April even if a lockout is imposed.
“That’s the only given we have,” Jones said.
“We believe the draft is your lifeblood. It’s a little unfair to say we will focus on it more so. It’s always important that you make good decisions in the draft.”
The Cowboys have their draft board arranged into areas they expect players to be selected, but no grades have been assigned. Members of the Cowboys scouting department and coaching staff have been given a list of players they will speak to at this combine. Every player in Indianapolis will have some contact with a club representative before the combine is complete.
