Post by scorpion42 on Dec 29, 2008 20:17:27 GMT -7
Cowboys improvements likely to come from within next season
By MAC ENGEL
tengel@star-telegram.com
Related Content
QB Tony Romo had three turnovers, including an interception by Philadelphia’s Sheldon Brown. Special to the S-T/Louis DeLuca
Special to the S-T/Louis DeLuca
QB Tony Romo had three turnovers, including an interception by Philadelphia’s Sheldon Brown. Special to the S-T/Louis DeLuca
Linebacker Greg Ellis has one more year left on his contract but might not return to the Cowboys. Special to the Star-Telegram/Michael Mulvey
PHILADELPHIA — As the Dallas Cowboys’ players filed into the locker room, a fan somehow managed to get near the tunnel entrance and he began to shout this and that as players walked by.
When defensive tackle Tank Johnson walked by, he showed just how little he cared when he shouted back, "Hey, I’m a free agent!"
A free agent who likely has played his last game with the Cowboys.
Unless owner Jerry Jones changes his mind, which should never be ruled out, dramatic and sweeping changes can’t be expected at Valley Ranch this off-season.
With their season ending about one month earlier than expected Sunday after a 44-6 loss against the Philadelphia Eagles, the Cowboys immediately begin the process of trying to improve what appears to be giant, overpriced mess.
With so many players locked into long-term contracts, and unless Jones contradicts himself and fires coaches and cuts players, improvements will have to be made in-house. The Cowboys also do not have a first round selection in the 2009 draft.
The most obvious candidates appearing in a Cowboys uniform for a final time include:
Johnson, who hasn’t played well since the team signed him last season. He had taken down his name plate over his locker at Valley Ranch until the equipment staff put it back.
Linebacker Zach Thomas said he will "probably not" return next season. He signed specifically with the Cowboys because he wanted a chance to compete for a Super Bowl. "I came here and played a different position than I’m comfortable with," Thomas said. He played middle outside linebacker, but said he was more used to middle inside linebacker. "I don’t feel like I’m a one-down player. That’s just something that happened."
Linebacker Greg Ellis is a pass-rush specialist, period. He wants to be more than just that, but with Anthony Spencer the starting outside linebacker opposite DeMarcus Ware, it’s doubtful Ellis will ever get that job again. Ellis has one year left on his contract. "I want to play," Ellis said. "I want to be a major part of a football team. I don’t know their plans."
Defensive end Chris Canty can be a free agent. Since the Cowboys have made an effort to lock up nearly every other major starter on this team except Canty, it appears he will be allowed to look elsewhere. "Do I want to be back? Yes, I want to be back," Canty said. "But it doesn’t seem like they want me back."
Safety Roy Williams was limited to just three games because of injuries, and his status is uncertain. The Cowboys were going to give him one last try when the season began, but who knows?
Linebacker Kevin Burnett can be a free agent and he is expected to sign elsewhere so he can start. He would not talk about his status after the game.
Defensive back Anthony Henry is signed through next season, but he will likely lose his starting spot to either Orlando Scandrick, Mike Jenkins or Adam "Pacman" Jones.
Guard Cory Procter can be a free agent, and after starting games this season, he might have earned a larger contract offer elsewhere.
Quarterback Brad Johnson, 40, is signed through 2009, but it’s doubtful he will be brought back. Brooks Bollinger, brought in during the season, might have a chance to be the team’s No. 3 QB next year.
Other players not expected back are Tra Battle, Carlos Polk, Steve Octavien, Tony Curtis and Sam Paulescu.
Mac Engel, 817-390-7760
By MAC ENGEL
tengel@star-telegram.com
Related Content
QB Tony Romo had three turnovers, including an interception by Philadelphia’s Sheldon Brown. Special to the S-T/Louis DeLuca
Special to the S-T/Louis DeLuca
QB Tony Romo had three turnovers, including an interception by Philadelphia’s Sheldon Brown. Special to the S-T/Louis DeLuca
Linebacker Greg Ellis has one more year left on his contract but might not return to the Cowboys. Special to the Star-Telegram/Michael Mulvey
PHILADELPHIA — As the Dallas Cowboys’ players filed into the locker room, a fan somehow managed to get near the tunnel entrance and he began to shout this and that as players walked by.
When defensive tackle Tank Johnson walked by, he showed just how little he cared when he shouted back, "Hey, I’m a free agent!"
A free agent who likely has played his last game with the Cowboys.
Unless owner Jerry Jones changes his mind, which should never be ruled out, dramatic and sweeping changes can’t be expected at Valley Ranch this off-season.
With their season ending about one month earlier than expected Sunday after a 44-6 loss against the Philadelphia Eagles, the Cowboys immediately begin the process of trying to improve what appears to be giant, overpriced mess.
With so many players locked into long-term contracts, and unless Jones contradicts himself and fires coaches and cuts players, improvements will have to be made in-house. The Cowboys also do not have a first round selection in the 2009 draft.
The most obvious candidates appearing in a Cowboys uniform for a final time include:
Johnson, who hasn’t played well since the team signed him last season. He had taken down his name plate over his locker at Valley Ranch until the equipment staff put it back.
Linebacker Zach Thomas said he will "probably not" return next season. He signed specifically with the Cowboys because he wanted a chance to compete for a Super Bowl. "I came here and played a different position than I’m comfortable with," Thomas said. He played middle outside linebacker, but said he was more used to middle inside linebacker. "I don’t feel like I’m a one-down player. That’s just something that happened."
Linebacker Greg Ellis is a pass-rush specialist, period. He wants to be more than just that, but with Anthony Spencer the starting outside linebacker opposite DeMarcus Ware, it’s doubtful Ellis will ever get that job again. Ellis has one year left on his contract. "I want to play," Ellis said. "I want to be a major part of a football team. I don’t know their plans."
Defensive end Chris Canty can be a free agent. Since the Cowboys have made an effort to lock up nearly every other major starter on this team except Canty, it appears he will be allowed to look elsewhere. "Do I want to be back? Yes, I want to be back," Canty said. "But it doesn’t seem like they want me back."
Safety Roy Williams was limited to just three games because of injuries, and his status is uncertain. The Cowboys were going to give him one last try when the season began, but who knows?
Linebacker Kevin Burnett can be a free agent and he is expected to sign elsewhere so he can start. He would not talk about his status after the game.
Defensive back Anthony Henry is signed through next season, but he will likely lose his starting spot to either Orlando Scandrick, Mike Jenkins or Adam "Pacman" Jones.
Guard Cory Procter can be a free agent, and after starting games this season, he might have earned a larger contract offer elsewhere.
Quarterback Brad Johnson, 40, is signed through 2009, but it’s doubtful he will be brought back. Brooks Bollinger, brought in during the season, might have a chance to be the team’s No. 3 QB next year.
Other players not expected back are Tra Battle, Carlos Polk, Steve Octavien, Tony Curtis and Sam Paulescu.
Mac Engel, 817-390-7760