With eight games in and at least eight to go, it seemed a fine time to evaluate the roster. There are many different perspectives you can go with, but if you know me at all then you know I love to put my General Manager hat on. Today we’re going to look at players within the context of job security, the likelihood that they will still be Cowboys next season. Today we’ll look at the quarterbacks, receivers, and tight ends. Tomorrow we’ll hit the running backs and offense line. And then over the weekend we’ll cover the defense.
QUARTERBACKS
Tony Romo – Signed through 2019
If the needle has moved at all on the Cowboys’ appreciation of Romo during the first part of this season, it’s only increased in his absence. The highest-rated passer in 2014, Romo will hopefully return to the field next week in Miami and pick up with the same level of play. Even if the season is over for the Cowboys, seeing strong play from Romo will be inspiring for next year’s campaign.
Romo’s future with the team was never in doubt. Even if they wanted to part ways, the $31 million in dead money makes it practically impossible. Romo will certainly be the quarterback through 2016 and likely a year or two beyond, provided he can hold up physically.
LIKELIHOOD TO RETURN: 100%
Matt Cassel – 2016 Unrestricted Free Agent
Dallas has recently treated their backup quarterback position with more hubris than in years past, content with the risky Brandon Weeden over more trustworthy options like Brad Johnson, Jon Kitna, and Kyle Orton that have backed up Romo before. Cassel would be more akin to those players and I could easily see Dallas offering him a solid one or two-year deal to stick around.
The big question for Cassel and the Cowboys will be if Dallas finally looks to the draft for Romo’s eventual replacement. I don’t see Dallas spending a high enough pick, like first or second round, to where they’d be comfortable with that guy as their primary backup. Even if they bring in a rookie for grooming, I expect Cassel or some other veteran would still be the number-two guy next year.
LIKELIHOOD TO RETURN: 70%
Brandon Weeden – 2016 Unrestricted Free Agent
Even if Dallas can’t get Cassel to stick around they will likely look elsewhere for a veteran backup. Weeden hasn’t shown any growth from the player he was last year, let alone how he played in Cleveland. I might look at it differently if he was still under contract, but I can’t see much reason to negotiate a new deal with him.
I’m only giving Weeden’s return the slimmest of chances in the possibility that they simply can’t find anybody better in free agency if Cassel’s not retained.
LIKELIHOOD TO RETURN: 10%
WIDE RECEIVERS
Dez Bryant – Signed through 2019
I don’t need to explain this one, I hope. Dez just got a new deal and has plenty of X’s left to throw up in Dallas.
LIKELIHOOD TO RETURN: 100%
Terrance Williams – Signed through 2016
Williams has been disappointing this year but not enough to be shown the door. He will only count $872k against the cap in the final year of his rookie contract. Even if he falls out of the starting lineup next year, that’s still a great salary for an experienced backup. They have no reason to cut him loose.
LIKELIHOOD TO RETURN: 100%
Cole Beasley – Signed through 2018
Like Dez, Beasley just got a new deal and isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. He reminded everyone what an asset he is last week and should only keep that production going once Romo returns.
LIKELIHOOD TO RETURN: 100%
Devin Street – Signed through 2017
There was talk during the offseason from some Cowboys insiders that Street was every bit as good as Terrance Williams. I haven’t seen that on the field, and it’s not like Williams has been lighting it up.
Street will get every opportunity to keep his job next year in camp and preseason. However, it’s not hard to see Brice Butler, Lucky Whitehead, or some new face from the draft or even the current practice squad work their way up and force Street out. I’ll give him a slight edge as the incumbent, but I think he’ll be in a dogfight for his job.
LIKELIHOOD TO RETURN: 60%
Lucky Whitehead – Signed through 2017
We’ve not only seen Lucky get used more on offense lately but he rewarded the team’s trust with a big kickoff return against the Eagles. He has special skills and won’t be easy to let go. Anyone near the bottom of the roster can’t be too much of a lock, but if he keeps showing than Whitehead could all but secure his spot before the season’s over.
LIKELIHOOD TO RETURN: 75%
Brice Butler – Signed through 2016
The Cowboys have Butler’s original rookie contract having traded for him with Oakland. He is a cheap option with experience and has even shown up in a few games for Dallas. He will likely compete with Street for a roster spot next offseason, and I think he has a great shot at making it.
LIKELIHOOD TO RETURN: 50%
TIGHT ENDS
Jason Witten – Signed through 2017
Witten’s last game as a Cowboy, barring injury, will be because he’s retiring. There’s no sign of that from Jason in at least the next few seasons.
LIKELIHOOD TO RETURN: 100%
Gavin Escobar – Signed through 2016
Drafting Escobar made a lot of sense if you were preparing for the future without Witten, or if you planned on getting him plenty of work in the receiving games. Neither of these appear to have been in the Cowboys’ plans, making that pick pretty questionable in retrospect.
Escobar should return to play out his rookie deal. I’m leaving out a slight chance, though, that Dallas looks to move him to a team needing a starting tight end that could be enticed by Escobar’s athleticism. They could then look to add a more balanced player with better blocking skills, or just stick with James Hanna, moving forward.
LIKELIHOOD TO RETURN: 90%
James Hanna – 2016 Unrestricted Free Agent
Hanna’s in a tough spot as he enters free agency. He’s done well when called upon here but hasn’t been given enough opportunities to show his stuff. Dallas likely values him more than any other NFL team will, which could help him to at least find work.
The issue will be Hanna’s asking price and ambition. He’s likely going to have to take a minimal deal for Dallas to keep him, given that he’d be no better than the number-three player on the depth chart. If he willing to accept a low salary and a lesser role here for fear of what could happen on the open market? Only he knows.
LIKELIHOOD TO RETURN: 50%
Geoff Swaim – Signed through 2018
The seventh-round rookie will at least be back for another offseason and has shown solid potential. I imagine he will be at least the fourth tight end, if not the third, next season.
LIKELIHOOD TO RETURN: 75%
