It took 132 days and what seemed like endless negotiating, but the longest lockout in NFL history has come to an end. Teams will begin reporting this week, some of which will be meeting new coaches and teammates. During the next few days, we will undoubtedly be swarmed with the latest breaking news regarding releases, signings, and trades. It will practically be the equivalent of cramming an entire 6 months of offseason into a couple of weeks before the preseason begins.
For the Cowboys, it's decision time. As new head coach Jason Garrett and defensive coordinator Rob Ryan settle in, others will be hitting the exit door. So who stays and who goes?
It's already been reported that numerous veterans have already been informed that they will not return. The Cowboys are $14-$17 million over the cap, which means cuts are necessary to get under the cap and also free up enough space to sign free agents.
Offensive guard Leonard Davis looks to be on the way out. Joining him will be former Pro-Bowl running back Marion Barber, as well as wide receiver Roy Williams. Also, kicker Kris Brown will join that list. Brown's only purpose seemed to be training camp pressure on David Buehler.
It is uncertain if any more names will be added to the free agent market, but it would not be shocking to see others sent packing. Marc Colombo is one of those mentioned, but there are conflicting reports as to whether he will be cut or not.
It would appear that with the releases of Davis, Barber, and Williams, the Cowboys will save over $15 million toward this season's salary cap -- $6 million for Davis, $4.7 million for Barber, and another $5 million for Williams. If Colombo is released, it will save around $2.4 million.
If Dallas can free up enough cap space to make a splash in the free agent pool, they may make a run at the most coveted name in this year's class, cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha. There are few shutdown corners in this league, but Asomugha is one of the few. He is a defensive game-changer that can make a good defense great. But he won't be cheap, which may prevent the Cowboys from signing him.
Another big name free agent corner is Antonio Cromartie, who helped further solidify the Jets' defense as one of the best, if not the best, in the league last season. He too will be looking for big money. It's possible he stays in New York, but he will test the market and see what awaits him.
If the Cowboys were to sign either Asomugha or Cromartie, it's possible that verteran cornerback Terrance Newman could be released to help free up space for the signing. Newman, one of the league's best corners in his prime, has lost a step the past couple of seasons, and has been injury prone throughout his career in Dallas. Finding a faster, younger corner is definitely something the Cowboys will explore. But this is simply speculation at the time, as nothing has been confirmed.
The defensive problems don't stop at cornerback. There are concerns at safety, as well. Gerald Sensabaugh and Alan Ball were the safeties for the Cowboys a year ago, but that may change as well this season. Ball, a restricted free agent, would likely be moved back to corner, and it's uncertain if Sensabaugh will be resigned, as he is an unrestricted free agent.
Raiders safety Michael Huff has been mentioned as a name of interest. Since former safety Roy Williams was released, there has been a lack of presence at safety. So if Dallas feels they would rather pursue a safety than a cornerback, Huff could be an ideal fit. He and Asomugha helped the Oakland pass defense improve immensely over the past few years, though before last season, it was hard to tell at times when looking at the win-loss column. However, much of the blame for Oakland's lengthy run in the basement of the AFC West can be put on the lack of offense. JaMarcus Russell, anyone?
The defensive line is also a problem. Jay Ratliff knows that his job is certainly safe, but it's still a question as to whether Igor Olshansky and Marcus Spears can feel the same. It would be surprising not to see the Cowboys address defensive line help before the season begins.
We will know more over the next few days, as things will begin to take shape. The Cowboys, just like every other team in the league, have a busy couple of weeks ahead. Along with team cuts, they will be busy on the free agent market, on top of signing draft picks and undrafted free agents from the 2011 Draft. More news to come as it unfolds over the coming days.
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