Watkins: Doug Free's status is secure

[Midswat]

March, 14, 2013

By Calvin Watkins | ESPNDallas.com


The Cowboys are under the salary cap by $175,000.

The release of defensive end Marcus Spears brings $2 million in savings, but it won't occur until June. In the Cowboys news release of Spears, it was noted he was post June 1 cut.

If the Cowboys plan on making any moves in free agency more cap space must be cleared.

Right tackle Doug Free saves the team $7 million if he's a post June 1 cut. If the Cowboys release Free, combine with Spears, the Cowboys have $9 million in savings on the $123 million salary cap.

However, a source said as of now, Free's status with the Cowboys is secure.

This could change in the draft if the Cowboys believe there's a tackle worthy of selecting in the first two rounds. If that's the case, Free could be sent packing and either Jermey Parnell or the draft pick becomes the starter at right tackle.

Free took a step back in his development in 2012.

There is a belief he can be fixed and the Cowboys will have two solid tackles who can protect Tony Romo for the future.

 

[Midswat]

This fuckin team.

 

[Theebs]

No options there yet. He can be moved after the draft and the late free agent signings and of course how Parnell looks in ota's.

 

[jnday]

This fuckin team.

What he said.

The levels of stupidity has no limits at Valley Ranch.

 

[Theebs]

What he said.

The levels of stupidity has no limits at Valley Ranch.

While true, there is no harm in hanging onto free until after the draft. It doesn't hurt us, we are not going to be big players in free agency anyway. So there is no rush.

 

[Bonecrusher#31]

Hate isn't a strong enough word for what I'm feeling.

I wish the Jones plane would go down in flames with the whole FO in it...

 

[dbair1967]

This fuckin team.

What purpose does it serve to release him today, when we dont get real savings till 6-1 anyway?

I dont think he'll be here when all is said and done, but there's no reason to cut him now before seeing what they may have to replace him.

 

[LAZARUS_LOGAN]

It comes from Watkins. I wouldn't put much stock into it. But if it turns out to be the case... then I hope Romo doesn't sign his extension.

 

[Bob Sacamano]

Yeah. It's just Watkins, y'all. lol

 

[LAZARUS_LOGAN]

What purpose does it serve to release him today, when we dont get real savings till 6-1 anyway?

I dont think he'll be here when all is said and done, but there's no reason to cut him now before seeing what they may have to replace him.

dbair is correct on this one. Yes Free's status is secure right now, but after June 1st, where it will give the Cowboys an additional $7 million in cap space when he's cut.

 

[Midswat]

The way that article reads to me is that the team still thinks Free can be fixed and he'll come to camp to compete.

Hence my comment.

I could be wrong, but doubt I am.

 

[Cowboysrule122]

Fill me in here, what's the difference of letting Spears go and not Free at this point? I mean shouldn't we have let go of Spears too after 6-1 because we don't get the credit for it now?

I'm no good at this cap shit. :confused

 

[Theebs]

Fill me in here, what's the difference of letting Spears go and not Free at this point? I mean shouldn't we have let go of Spears too after 6-1 because we don't get the credit for it now?

I'm no good at this cap shit. :confused

We just have no other tackles. Bottom line

 

[Cowboysrule122]

Would you guys be okay with Fluker in the first or if he slides into the second which I doubt?

I'd rather have Warmack or Cooper but I think Fluker's a good player as well. Or have we come to the conclusion we're drafting Vaccaro?

 

[dbair1967]

The way that article reads to me is that the team still thinks Free can be fixed and he'll come to camp to compete.

Hence my comment.

I could be wrong, but doubt I am.

you're wrong about 98.6% of the time by the way

 

[dbair1967]

Would you guys be okay with Fluker in the first or if he slides into the second which I doubt?

I'd rather have Warmack or Cooper but I think Fluker's a good player as well. Or have we come to the conclusion we're drafting Vaccaro?

Fluker would definitely be an upgrade at RT

I like him for us, but maybe after we trade down a few spots first and get another pick/s

 

[LAZARUS_LOGAN]

Would you guys be okay with Fluker in the first or if he slides into the second which I doubt?

I'd rather have Warmack or Cooper but I think Fluker's a good player as well. Or have we come to the conclusion we're drafting Vaccaro?

I'd be ok with Fluker, moreso in a trade down. But what I would really like is to draft Warmack/Cooper AND Terron Armstead.

 

[Midswat]

you're wrong about 98.6% of the time by the way

No u

 

[Cowboysrule122]

I'd be ok with Fluker, moreso in a trade down. But what I would really like is to draft Warmack/Cooper AND Terron Armstead.

I like Armstead too. I'd love to have both Warmack and Armstead, or even Cooper/Armstead. We'd still need to address safety at some point though. Just not at 18 with Vaccaro.

 

[LAZARUS_LOGAN]

I like Armstead too. I'd love to have both Warmack and Armstead, or even Cooper/Armstead. We'd still need to address safety at some point though. Just not at 17 with Vaccaro.

Yes Vaccaro at 17. Because I don't want him at 18. We can address safety in the draft. It's a deep enough class.