Safety Roy WIlliams

It looks like the Cowboys and Roy Williams will part ways. I have mixed emotions about this. Part of the problem with Roy was that the bar of expectations was just set too high. I think Roy struggled to shake off bad plays and the negative criticism that started to build. Roy's coverage skills seemed to decline right after Darren Woodson retired. He was never able to step up and be "the guy" to fill Woodson's shoes. Having said that, I think Roy is still a solid player. I'd even bet that had Roy been healthy and on the field at the end of the Baltimore game we would not have seen the Ravens rip off two huge runs to close it out.

It's too bad they can't rework Roy's contract down to a more realistic number. There are too many question marks in moving Anthony Henry to FS with Hamlin as the full time SS. Anthony Henry has struggled to stay healthy at CB, so how can we expect him to hold up from the safety spot? I like the idea of Henry moving over to the safety spot in passing situations, but that's about it.

So what do the Cowboys do to fill this potential hole? First, I expect they will draft a safety. Even if Henry makes the move he's still in the last year of his contract. So they'll need a potential replacement again next year. A free agent to keep an eye on is Patriot James Sanders. I really like what this guy does. Very intelligent player who's continued to improve every year and has played in a complicated system. Sanders does a number of things well and has the versatility to play both safety spots. Sanders would be a great addition to the Cowboys secondary on the field and an asset to the team off the field.

Cowboy free agents

Let me start by saying Stephen Bowen (vastly underrated) and Chris Canty (slightly overrated) are a classic case where there may not be much of a difference between the starter and the back up. They put a second round tender on Bowen and appear poised to let Canty walk. I really like Bowen. He can get some penetration and holds up well against the run. I actually think Bowen provides more of a pass rush than Canty does. One intriguing free agent is Charger Igor Olshansky. Wade knows him very well and Olshansky has been a very consistent starter since his rookie year. An anchor against the run from the end spot. Another option would be to move Ratliff to the outside and rework the NT spot. Ron Brace from BC would be a great first day prospect.

Miles Austin received the second round tender. I think this guy in on the verge of taking that next step and developing into a very reliable #2 receiver. Really nice combo of size, speed and hands.

As far as Zach Thomas and Kevin Burnett I would part ways with both. Thomas had a decent year, but I can't really recall any game changing plays from him. I just don't think he was that comfortable in the 3-4. I'd like to see a bigger presence at that spot. I really like Kevin Burnett's abilities. I think he's a versatile play maker who can do a number of things well. The problem is that he always seems to be banged up. I just don't know if he can hold up on a full time basis. Some team is going to give him a decent paycheck to be a starter and it's just too risky of a prospect. I mentioned in a previous post the possibility of giving Bobby Carpenter a shot at that starting spot and maybe signing a solid veteran like Andra Davis. I'm very high on Virginia ILB Clint Sintim if they look to the draft for help.

The only other free agent that has some value is Keith Davis. I'm on the fence with this one. Great special teams player and a decent back up safety. I just have a feeling another team is going to give him more money. I'm wondering if Patrick Watkins could fill his void on special teams at this point.

Ray Lewis and the inside linebackers

I don't see this happening. Lewis will cost too much money and the priority for the Cowboys should be locking up Demarcus Ware long-term. At some point the team needs to find out if Bobby Carpenter can start inside. I know Carpenter hasn't shown much in his limited preseason opportunities, but I think you give the guy a clean slate heading into the off-season.

If the team wants to sign a free agent I'd look to a veteran like Andra Davis. He can still be a solid contributor and should be cheap money. If Carpenter can't cut it as the starter then you try to slide him into that role Kevin Burnett played last season and let Davis work on first and second down. Analysis on Davis is that he's a positive locker room presence and gives max effort. A professional who knows the deal. I'm thinking that teams like KC, Denver and NE may all take a look at Davis.

I won't go into the draft at this point. As far as re-signing Burnett or Thomas, I'll discuss the Cowboys free agents in my next post. The only thing I'll say though is that I would let both guys walk.

Let's kick this thing off

I am a die hard Cowboys fan and read everything I can about the boys. I've found that most coverage and blogs are all the same. Fans tend to have an unrealistic view of their favorite teams when it comes to players, moves the team should make, etc. Hopefully, that won't be the case with this blog.

I'm pretty frustrated with what's happened to the team over the past few years. This is a big offseason for the organization to try and right the ship.

It all starts this Friday with the kickoff of free agency...