Cowboys can't sign Laurent Robinson before March 13

February, 22, 2012
2/22/12
4:41
PM CT
INDIANAPOLIS -- The Dallas Cowboys do not want to lose wide receiver Laurent Robinson, but they will not be able to re-sign him before free agency begins March 13.

Because Robinson signed a “minimum salary benefit” contract last year in which he was paid $685,000 but counted roughly $463,000 against the salary cap, league rules prevent the Cowboys from getting him under wraps before he can entertain offers elsewhere.

The Cowboys can talk contractual parameters with his agent, Harold Lewis, and would like to meet with him in Indianapolis during the NFL scouting combine, but they will not talk hard numbers now so other teams would know the Cowboys’ bargaining position.

“The conversation with him goes more like, ‘What are you thinking and then we’ll think about it,’” executive vice president Stephen Jones said.

Robinson has stated his preference is to remain with the Cowboys. He had a breakthrough season in which he caught 54 passes for 858 yards and a team-high 11 touchdowns in 14 games. The Cowboys have Miles Austin and Dez Bryant tied up in longer-team deals with reasonable cap figures. Austin is scheduled to count $2.7 million against the cap and Bryant is scheduled to count $3.66 million in 2012.

“We keep our own, young guys that we like, if we have them,” Jones said. “If we have them, then they’re always a priority. Laurent, he’s a guy that’s obviously a priority for us.”
Todd Archer joined ESPNDallas.com in November 2010. He's covered the NFL since 1997 and the Cowboys since 2003. He covered the Bengals and Dolphins before arriving in Dallas. A Massachusetts native, Archer lives in the Dallas area with his wife and two children.

SPONSORED HEADLINES

ESPN Conversations


You must be signed in to post a comment

Already have an account?

103.3 FM ESPN PODCASTS

Fitzsimmons & Durrett: Todd Archer

Todd Archer joins Fitzsimmons & Durrett to discuss the latest Tony Romo news and what he will be watching for in OTAs.

Fitzsimmons & Durrett: Nate Newton

Nate Newton joins Fitzsimmons & Durrett to discuss his comments on how Jason Garrett should handle being on the hot seat and not let Jerry Jones get in the way.

Fitzsimmons & Durrett: Barry Church

Cowboys safety Barry Church joins Fitzsimmons & Durrett to discuss the new defensive scheme and the impact it will have on him, how much more intense he expects practice to be with Monte Kiffin and his expectations.

Fitzsimmons & Durrett: Ed Werder

ESPN Insider Ed Werder joins Fitzsimmons & Durrett to discuss the latest Cowboys news, including Jason Garrett downplaying Tony Romo's involvement in offensive planning and play calling.

Fitzsimmons & Durrett: John Lynch

John Lynch joins Fitzsimmons & Durrett to discuss playing for Monte Kiffin and Rod Marinelli, why Cowboys fans should be excited about the new defensive staff, why Valley Ranch will no longer resemble a country club and his thoughts on the Cowboys' roster.

Fitzsimmons & Durrett: Herm Edwards

Herm Edwards joins Fitzsimmons & Durrett to discuss the latest Cowboys news and give his take on what new face will make the biggest impact for Dallas.

Fitzsimmons & Durrett: Nate Newton

Nate Newton joins Fitzsimmons & Durrett to discuss what he saw at the Cowboys' rookie minicamp and how he helped Rod Marinelli on the defensive side of the ball.

Fitzsimmons & Durrett: Todd Archer

Todd Archer joins Fitzsimmons & Durrett to discuss what he took away from the Dallas Cowboys' rookie minicamp.

DALLAS CALENDAR

  •    There are no games scheduled for today.
  •    There are no games scheduled for today.
  •    There are no games scheduled for today.
  •    There are no games scheduled for today.
  •    There are no games scheduled for today.