Dallas Cowboys: Breaking Bad (Contracts) in 2016
By Reid Hanson
Dallas Cowboys Players Most Likely to be Cut: #3 Doug Free
RT Doug Free, continues to confuse both his supporters and his detractors these day. The elder statesman of the offensive line has been an up-and-down performer his entire career and this past season was no different.
Throughout most of Doug Free’s career, he’s been a far better run-blocker than a pass-protector. How good of one depended on the season but his strength was always his run-blocking. Somehow that changed in 2015.
In 2015, Doug Free became a far better pass-protector than a run-blocker. Perhaps it’s because the running game struggled as a whole, or perhaps the Cowboys offense, sans Romo, threw the ball faster and spent less time dancing in the pocket.
Regardless, this season showed that Doug Free isn’t done yet and he’s quite capable of playing decent football.
Doug Free is scheduled to make $5.5M in 2016, which by itself, isn’t bad for an average RT in the NFL. If cut, Free would count $3M against the cap and free up the remaining $2.5M. It’s obvious that the Dallas Cowboys couldn’t come close to replacing Free with an outside free agent for anything close to that amount, but that doesn’t necessarily mean he’s safe.
The Cowboys have the promising young offensive lineman, La’el Collins, entering his second season. He was the starting guard last season but he has a wealth of tackle experience in college. If the Cowboys think either he or other second year lineman, Chaz Green, can roll into the starting spot, letting Free ago may be the wise move.
But if the Cowboys don’t have an on-the-roster replacement in mind that they feel safe with, it’s unlikely they’ll cut Free. Protecting Romo is objective #1, 2, and 3 next season and the Dallas Cowboys should be weary of risking Romo just to save a buck.
In 2017, Doug Free’s salary moves up to $6.5M and with one more year of seasoning under the belts of Collins and Green, that’s the most likely season for Doug Free to be cut. Either way you look at it, Doug Free’s days are numbered.
2016 Salary: $5.5M
Savings if cut: $2.5M
Chances of being cut: 35%
Next: And on the defensive line...