Being that Bill Parcells and company have hired almost the entire Cowboy coaching staff since the end of the season, it is only fair to assume Parcells may also look to the Cowboys when the upcoming free agency begins.
Parcells knows the Cowboys roster better than he knows any other roster in the NFL right now, so its logical reasoning to assume he will covet the players he knows best. Being that the Dolphins have needs in all positions(including RB Depth) it is safe to assume Parcells may cast a wide net in order to upgrade this depleted division 1A college team roster.
Below are six Cowboy free agents for 2008 and a few simple notes about their abilities...in no particular position order
RFA=Restricted Free Agent
UFA-Unrestricted Free Agent
Running Backs
Marion Barber, RFA, Dallas Cowboys
Dallas won’t let Barber go anywhere. He’s grown into one of the league’s best at gaining yards after first contact and runs with a mean streak. He’s rushed for 981 yards on 198 carries this season, boasting an average of five yards per rushing attempt. He’s also been able to play a role in the passing game with 275 yards receiving. He has 12 total touchdowns this season, following up his 2006 total of 16 touchdowns. The young running back could someday soon be the feature back in Dallas, and his 2007 Pro Bowl selection will not be his last.
Julius Jones, UFA, Dallas Cowboys
The more that Marion Barber III shows he can be a successful back in the NFL while shouldering a larger load, the more expendable Jones becomes. Jones has put up decent numbers early in his career, with over 1,000 yards in 2006 to go with four touchdowns. However, his touchdown totals have fallen each season as Barber has taken away most of his short-yardage carries. Jones has scored just twice this season and totaled 581 rushing yards, his lowest career total. The Cowboys could look to keep Jones, but they may move on and the back may look for a new team on which he can get more carries. It’s hard to say which direction the team will go, but Barber seems more and more ready to start, so Jones will have to settle for a reduced workload if he sticks around.
Tyson Thompson RFA Dallas Cowboys
6-1, 220, 3 years experience from San Jose State (I never heard of this guy)
Thompson has good burst and elusiveness and excellent straight-line speed. He has shown the ability to excel as a kick return specialist. He hits the hole quickly and has some wiggle on the second level. He has a second gear and can run away from defenders when he finds a seam. He shows some effectiveness bouncing plays outside and makes some surprising gains after contact. He can consistently make the grab on outlet and screen passes. He is dangerous on the perimeter after the catch. But Thompson lacks ideal bulk and isn't physical. He struggles as an interior runner and isn't well-suited to carry the load or wear down a defense. He probably never will be an every-down back.(courtesy of ESPN)
Michael Turner, RFA, San Diego-A Michael Turner Ronnie Brown 1-2 punch anyone?
Jamel Lewis, UFA, Cleveland
Wide Receivers
Patrick Crayton, UFA, Dallas Cowboys
With 516 receiving yards and four touchdowns in 2006, Patrick Crayton showed the Cowboys that they may have found Terry Glenn’s eventual replacement. Crayton had solid numbers for the role he was given as the third option, but he showed signs of being a potential number two. With Glenn out for 2007 because of injury, Crayton was asked to do even more, and he has come through with 689 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. The Cowboys will likely look to lock him up for the future, but if he does hit the market, his speed and hands will certainly receive some attention.
Offensive Tackle
Flozell Adams, UFA, Dallas Cowboys
A veteran left tackle, Adams should hit the market and receive decent interest. A second-round pick in 1998, Adams has developed into one of the league’s better offensive linemen. His size, experience, and performance will lure teams into making a considerable offer for his services. The Cowboys are developing young talent behind him, and depending on how that youth pans out the rest of the season, the team could allow him to leave in favor of saving some money.
Hows this for a draft Scenario...Dolphins get OT Flozell Adams and Julius Jones in exchange for Dallas two first round picks(#22, #28) Dallas gets the #1 overall in Jerry Jones love fest with Darren McFadden can become a reality. Dolphins want out of #1 spot bad, and in order to do so, Dolphins must must be willing to sell at a significantly lower price than what the typical draft value chart indicates.
Cornerback
Ken Hamlin, UFA, Dallas Cowboys
The Arkansas product has 59 total tackles and five interceptions, and has helped Dallas to one of the league’s best records. Hamlin is still young at 26, and should have several seasons ahead of him, so there will be teams interested in using him at the safety spot. Dallas will look to sign him to an extension so that they can continue to benefit from his play.
I may be missing a free agent or two from the Cowboys squad, but from what I'm seeing on the net so far, this is it. Parcells knows the Cowboys roster well, and you see this line of thinking all the time, bringing in players and personnel you know well from your past. So far, Parcells has been true to form.
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