Obviously this team has a ton of decisions to make here in this offseason. From the changes to the coaching staff, and the decisions to keep certain free agents, which ones to sign from other teams and then certainly the ratings and grades of the college prospects entering the draft.
Of them all, I keep going back to one decision that will likely have the biggest domino-effect on this team and its future.
And that is regarding Anthony Spencer, who will become an unrestricted free agent in March.
Personally, I’m glad it’s not my decision because it is a tough one. I know there are a lot of fans that immediately see his sack numbers and say “get rid of this guy” or call him a “first-round bust.”
Now obviously he hasn’t been the dynamic pass-rusher that is expected when you’re drafted in the first round. Spencer has been more effective as a run-stopper with an occasional play or two in the passing game.
The reason the decision is tough is because free agency will come about seven weeks before the draft. Sure, it’d be nice to go draft the next Jason Pierre-Paul or Aldon Smith and plug him in as a starter opposite DeMarcus Ware. But even if you drafted that guy before you make the decision on Spencer, there is no guarantee he’s ready to play right away.
And it’s not like there is a solid answer behind Spencer already on this roster. I know Victor Butler flashes some potential at times, but it’s usually on third-down plays. As for being big enough to hold up against the run, I don’t know if Butler has shown the ability to do that yet.
He doesn’t seem big enough to do it consistently. Then again, Jay Ratliff doesn’t look like a nose tackle and DeMarcus Ware wasn’t supposed to be very good against the run either. So you never if Butler can hold up unless you try.
It’s going to be a tough call for this Cowboys team on Spencer. It may be a situation in which he tests the market and whatever he finds, the Cowboys would be willing to match or exceed. Then again, he’s unrestricted. The Cowboys have no option to match if Spencer signs with anyone else.
For those of you who have seen enough and are ready to get rid of him all together, I can’t say I blame you. It’s been four seasons and the guy has 21.5 sacks. That’s two more than Ware got this season alone.
But like or not, there may not be better options available, at least not right away.
For all those people out there who either wonder, or suggest the Cowboys should start blowing this thing up and starting over, the decision they make with Spencer might be your first indication.
Nick Eatman | Dallas Cowboys website
CB Added To Futures; Practice Squad Back
No surprise here, but the Cowboys have re-signed all five of their practice squad players that were on the final roster to end the season.
That included CB Mario Butler, the fifth player to re-sign this week, added to the futures list. On Tuesday, the Cowboys also signed linebacker Orie Lemon, wide receiver Teddy Williams, defensive tackle Robert Calloway and cornerback C.J. Wilson.
The Cowboys only had five on the practice squad by the end of the year. With already one empty spot, the team called up quarterback Chris Greisen and punter Chris Jones to the active roster. The team typically had a full eight-player squad for most of the season.
With the playoffs beginning, any practice squad player re-signed is designated as a “future” player and will be added to the final roster once the new league begins.
The start of free agency won’t begin until March, that’s when players can sign unrestricted free agents and make offers to restricted free agents.
Teams can redo contracts with their own players at any point from now to the start of free agency and beyond.
Bing Rewards
Blu eCigs
NFL GAME REWIND
Instant access to Real Men Of Genius
Instant access to the TRUEblues group
THE BOYS ARE BACK 