Cowboys: Not Everyone A Fit

By Daniel Ruppert | Mar 1, 2016

Feb 24, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Dallas Cowboys coach Jason Garrett speaks to the media during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

The NFL offseason is in full swing and rumors are abound but not everyone is a fit for the Cowboys.

It is starting already, just about every player who has been talked about being released by their team, has fans asking if that player would be good on the Dallas Cowboys. Names like wide receiver Marques Colston, linebacker James Laurinaitis, and even veteran quarterback Matt Hasselbeck are among the players fans have asked about.

While the question is fair to ask, not everyone is a fit for the Cowboys, nor are all of them the players they used to be.

First, there is a reason many of these players have been released. Sure, some of it might be a money decision, but most of them are getting up in age and their production has dropped.

Take for example Antonio Cromartie – The cornerback that a few seasons ago was one of the best in the game. Last season Cromartie was ranked 103rd out of 118 cornerbacks in the league. Add to that he will be 32 next season so it should be a surprise as to why he was released.

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Second, before we even touch free agency, there is only so much money to go around. This isn’t Madden, this is the NFL and it is really hard to put together a dream roster. Much of it has to be built through the draft. Free agency is supposed to supplement the draft on what gaps need to be filled if there isn’t really an immediate upgrade to be had in the draft.

Role players play an important part in free agency but are rarely the solution when searching for key contributors.

The biggest issue when looking at players in free agency, is ask if their skills actually match up with the team’s real needs. Sure, it is easy to say a running back is needed, but if the team’s scheme relies on a one cut runner, then maybe the biggest name in free agency, the draft, or on the open market may not be the correct style of runner. The system and skill-sets already on the team play a huge role on what needs a team has and how to fill them.

With all of the players being released and free agency coming up, one of the tell-tale signs of what the Cowboys will do in free agency can be found in their combine experience. Much of the news of their interviews were running backs, quarterbacks, linebackers, cornerbacks, and defensive line.

Note that wide receiver wasn’t really mentioned. That could mean, the operative word is could, the Cowboys are looking more at free agency for a wide receiver, later in the draft, or not at all. Only one safety was interviewed, which could also mean they have someone in free agency in mind or are happy with who is on the team currently.

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Similarly, as the Cowboys move through free agency, it could be a sign of how the draft is going to go. Say if the Cowboys grab someone like quarterback Robert Griffin III, then it would be doubtful a quarterback will be taken in the draft, or really late in the draft. If there is a cornerback in free agency, then the first pick might be a cornerback or other position. This isn’t a sure thing, but it is something to watch for.

Many teams can tip their hand throughout the process, which is probably why there are so many smokescreens put out leading up to the draft.

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So before asking if a player should come to Dallas, look at some of the signs and think through the real answers. It doesn’t mean the conversation can’t happen, it just means that some of them will either be really short or don’t happen at all. The Cowboys do have some money this offseason so they will probably be players in free agency next week. Measure the fit and follow the signs and you’ll have a good idea about what can and cannot happen.

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