There is a bright side for the Cowboys

March, 12, 2012
3/12/12
4:40
PM CT
As it stands, the Cowboys' salary cap situation looks terrible.

PODCAST
ESPNDallas.com's Todd Archer explains how the Cowboys violated a rule that did not exist during an uncapped year.

Listen Listen
But there is a silver lining. (We think.)

The Cowboys can create room under the salary cap by releasing Terence Newman (as much as $6 million) and restructuring the deals of Dez Bryant, DeMarcus Ware, Orlando Scandrick and Doug Free (saves nearly $13 million). Kenyon Coleman could also get clipped at a savings of $1.9 million.

So if all goes well (again, we think), the Cowboys might be able to save about $20 million if they rework some deals.

But the Cowboys still have some work to do once things get cleared up.

They need to put a tender on fullback Tony Fiammetta, re-sign Laurent Robinson, figure out what to pay Mat McBriar and find a cornerback and possibly a guard/center in free agency.

When it comes to the draft, the Cowboys will have the rookie pool to help them out at an undetermined financial amount.

Yes the Cowboys should have more money to spend, but they don't, so now they have to live with the strange ruling by the league today and move forward, starting Tuesday afternoon when free agency begins.
Calvin Watkins joined ESPNDallas.com in September 2009. He's covered the Cowboys since 2006 and also has covered colleges, boxing and high school sports.

SPONSORED HEADLINES

ESPN Conversations


You must be signed in to post a comment

Already have an account?

103.3 FM ESPN PODCASTS

Fitzsimmons & Durrett: Morris Claiborne

Cowboys cornerback Morris Claiborne joins Fitzsimmons & Durrett to discuss this week's minicamp and Dez Bryant. Claiborne will join the show to discuss the latest Cowboys news all season.

Fitzsimmons & Durrett: Ed Werder

Ed Werder joins Fitzsimmons & Durrett for his weekly visit and you won't believe who he says is the Cowboys' best player.

Fitzsimmons & Durrett: Derek Dooley

Cowboys wide receivers coach Derek Dooley joins Fitzsimmons & Durrett to talk about Dez Bryant's talent and potential.

Galloway & Company: Cowboys talk

Glenn "Stretch" Smith and Matt Mosley talk about their time at Day 2 of Cowboys minicamp and discuss Monte Kiffin's defensive principles and his growing relationship with the players.

Fitzsimmons & Durrett: John Clayton

ESPN NFL insider John Clayton joins Fitzsimmons & Durrett to discuss the Cowboys and Tony Romo missing OTAs.

Fitzsimmons & Durrett: Ed Werder

ESPN senior NFL analyst Ed Werder joins Fitzsimmons & Durrett to discuss another busy week for the Cowboys at Valley Ranch.

Fitzsimmons & Durrett: Mark Schlereth

ESPN NFL analyst Mark Schlereth joins Fitzsimmons & Durrett to discuss how Peyton Manning, Tom Brady and others spend lots of time with their receivers and if it matters that Tony Romo is not participating in OTAs.

Fitzsimmons & Durrett: Todd Archer

Todd Archer joins Fitzsimmons & Durrett to discuss what he's looking for during the third session of OTAs, a potential Sean Lee contract extension and why people underestimate Miles Austin's value.

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.