According to Todd Archer of ESPN, Dallas Cowboys starting right tackle Doug Free has decided to retire, and will not return for the 2017 season.
The ten year veteran became the Cowboys starting left tackle in 2010 before giving way to star tackle Tyron Smith in 2012. He has been the starting right tackle ever since. The retirement gives Dallas an extra $5 million in salary cap space in 2017.
The Cowboys will have another hole to fill. Right tackle Doug Free has informed the team he intends to retire,… https://t.co/7zMI9vmnG3
— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) March 11, 2017
Despite being the “weak link” on the Cowboys All-World offensive line, Free’s absence will still be evident. The Cowboys have already lost left guard Ronald Leary to the Denver Broncos, and now must deal with another loss to their best unit.
While La’el Collins is expected to fill in for Leary, it is not clear who will be the Cowboys next right tackle. Former third round pick Chaz Green was slotted to be the successor, but injuries in both of his NFL seasons have created questions around his availability.
Dallas may look to the NFL draft for a replacement, possibly to Western Michigan’s Taylor Moton in round two.
We have the next several months to speculate on replacements, however. For now, we wish Doug Free a happy and healthy retirement.
He basically did us a favor He must of seen the tape of this past year He’s been the weak link on the best Line in Football The next question is Who replaces him?? Leary went to Denver, Chaz Green can’t stay healthy, Did they sign Johnathan Cooper back??, Just another hole were gonna have to take care of in the draft We’ll be ok
Free at last! ;^)
Yes it is a void to fill, but with the potential upside of getting better at RT in pass block. There is no doubt however than in run offense Free was a force.
I still think the better move may be to move Collins over. He has the athleticism to play G or T, and so far we don’t know that he can take the pounding inside. If he excels at RT, you’d have bookends – worth the try.
Then you have an easier proposition in filling LG. Remember that both Leary and Nate Newton, went undrafted out of college.
Free is probably being wise, unlike Romo. He’s made millions in the NFL and why tear up the body even more? It’s arguable a SB ring may not be worth the long-term health damage.
Remember LT Mark Tuinei. Died of a heroin overdose. Which he had probably graduated to from other drugs, in order to deal with chronic pain from his playing years.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Tuinei