2008 Cowboys Off-season Thread

[snoop]

from foxsports.com
The Patriots and Randy Moss really aren't close to a new contract, although the Pats believe Moss will give them the option to match whatever deal he does receive on the open market. That makes sense because the clubs pursuing Moss will be limited because he wants to play for a contender. The most interesting rumor is Moss joining the Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys can pay up, and wouldn't T.O. and Moss be interesting to watch, not to mention impossible to defend?

[Underdog]

Originally Posted by snoop

from foxsports.com
The Patriots and Randy Moss really aren't close to a new contract, although the Pats believe Moss will give them the option to match whatever deal he does receive on the open market. That makes sense because the clubs pursuing Moss will be limited because he wants to play for a contender. The most interesting rumor is Moss joining the Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys can pay up, and wouldn't T.O. and Moss be interesting to watch, not to mention impossible to defend?

Those two egos on the same team would be a disaster (albeit, a very entertaining disaster...)

[snoop]

Could The Pacman Cometh to Dallas?
Pacman Jones

By Scott Knudsen
TheRanchReport.com
Posted Feb 25, 2008


If you’ve seen and believe the recent, local investigative reporting, the Jones family isn’t selling personal seat licenses with the same ferocity and vigor that Marion Barber III delivers to would-be tacklers.

Nothing promotes sales like winning and entertainment value, and no one understands this concept more than the modern day, Barnum & Bailey carnival barker himself, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones.

In three words, here’s sales promotion 101: Adam Pacman Jones.

Understanding half the readership of The Ranch Report, possibly more, just shut down, tuned out or stopped reading all together, try to hang tight for a few more paragraphs.

No one will deny there are off-the-field concerns raising questions about responsibility, commitment and discipline. The NFL front office is concerned about these factors, and any future employer can’t simply ignore the past transgressions. Like the current NFL Combine and upcoming Draft, organizations must exercise due diligence and take a hard, insightful look into the heart and soul of Adam Jones.

The Ranch Report decided to do just that, and we recently caught up with Manubir (Manny) S. Arora.

Who’s that, you ask?

Mr. Arora was retained last month and currently represents Adam Jones in the capacities of personal Attorney and Agent.

Recently Arora was most gracious and generous with his time, providing The Ranch Report with tremendous insight regarding the world of Pacman Jones.

Quite simply, attorney and client know things are hovering dangerously close to “last call.”

“As far as the NFL is concerned, he’s on or near his last legs," Arora said. "The Commissioner has made his intentions clear, and the reinstatement criteria are very specific. We’re comfortable the requirements and expectations will be met.”

When asked if a lifetime ban could be completely ruled out at this point, Arora stated, “I fully expect Adam to be reinstated before the 2008 season. However, if there is a lapse in decision making, then the Commissioner has the option to consider a ban."

The NFL recently issued a letter to Arora, and it appears his client is going to wait a while longer before his fate is ultimately decided.

Jones was hoping for a final decision this month, so the delay is a disappointment in Pacman’s camp.

“This kid is full of energy," Arora said. "He’s ready to get back on the field and excel. It’s been hard for him not knowing what his NFL future will be."

Jones has been a regular when it comes to working out and staying in shape. Contrary to many reports, “Pacman is welcome at the Titans’ facility. He is not banned nor has he been told to stay away from the Tennessee Titans. Quite the opposite. He is allowed to participate one day per week at their facility,” Arora said While he continues to work out with the Titans, it’s unknown whether he’ll ultimately be staying in Tennessee.

“Certainly we would like to remain with the Titans and re-build our reputation, but a fresh start in a new organization might be beneficial. A change of scenery can be good for many reasons,” intimated Mr. Arora. “We’re just not sure where Tennessee stands. If they look to trade Adam, we must find a strong organization with very strong leadership.

"Without a doubt, there will be criticism levied against any team that gives Adam a chance at redemption. Thus, the right fit is very important.”

Mr. Arora indicated the Cowboys certainly fit the desired profile.

“Jerry Jones is a strong owner and a proven leader. Over the years the Cowboys have given players with a plethora of issues another chance. The Terrell Owens acquisition is just a recent example. The Cowboys have enjoyed risk-taking success, and they have leaders within their player ranks. Adam will need a good group of leaders around him,” said Arora. “If not Tennessee, then whichever team it ends up being, they’ll be getting a game changer.”

Jones’ on-field exploits can’t be denied.

Simply put, he is explosive and can score from anywhere on the field at any given time. He’s very dangerous with the ball in his hands. Devin Hester has better career return stats, but when you combine Pacman’s defensive prowess with his exemplary return skills, he’s the total package.

In this two years in the league, he was dominant as a returning, bringing back four kicks for touchdowns. He was also solid as cornerback, picking off four passes in 2006. Obviously, his ability to dictate field position is a huge asset, and it’s hard to argue against him accounting for six to seven points/contest in field position alone. Many feel he is directly attributable for two wins/season.

That’s impact.

Only the playoff victory drought is longer than the number of years the Cowboys have gone without a punt return for a touchdown. That figure stands at six years. Ouch.

It goes without saying the Cowboys need an instantaneous game changer. Adam Jones has a package not seen in these parts since Deion Sanders roamed Texas Stadium.

Yes, he’s that good.

The question the Cowboys need to answer is could he be the next Charles Haley? Could he be that one piece that puts the Cowboys over the top?

Charles was the icing on a very good cake in the early ‘90’s, and Pacman could provide the same “tip the scales” décor. It’s no secret Jones would welcome the chance to play for Dallas, as evident by the video that surfaced on the internet within the last couple of months with him saying as much.

Mr. Arora admitted to seeing the video which made the internet rounds.

“I did see it, and I believe it was done some time last summer," he said. "If given the chance, I think Dallas could be a good fit for Adam. When he was growing up, Adam, like most young boys, dreamed about playing for the Cowboys. He just wants to play. He needs to get back to playing ball.”

While Jones awaits the League’s green light, he’s been spending a ton of time with his 2-year-old daughter, Zaniyah. Together, Jones and Arora are seeking community outreach as an avenue of reclamation.

“Adam has been asked to get involved in an Atlanta organization for children being raised by a grandmother," he said. "He’s giving back to those who are being raised the same way he was brought up. He’s also offered to visit college campuses to help players on those teams understand the temptations of the real world. He wants them to know that regardless of your talent and the accolades people shower upon you, your actions have very serious consequences. He wants others to learn from his mistakes."

He went on to say, “While there have been errors in judgment, Adam has also been a victim of circumstance. Many of the reported instances receiving high profile attention have almost always resulted in Adam being cleared or showing that Adam was not directly involved. However, this doesn’t excuse him from poor decision making and going to places he should not.”

So, what’s next?

“We seek a final decision before the NFL Draft. Ideally, we’d like to move forward during the free agency period. It would allow teams to make decisions before signing free agents and drafting for need. Teams need to know their cap position entering the acquisition season.”

Mr. Arora feels if released or traded by the Titans, Pacman Jones would come “reasonably” to any recipient.

“I don’t know what Tennessee would seek in a trade. The Commissioner must approve any trade offer due to Adam’s suspension. If traded, the new organization inherits the remainder of Adam’s contract,” said Arora. “Last year didn’t count. There are several years remaining. However, the current contract could be renegotiated in a trade scenario.”

It’s highly likely a team seeking Jones in a trade or exchange for a draft pick would look to restructure the current deal.

“We’re ready for that,” intimated Arora.

Arora said the Titans have not instructed him to field other others for Jones and he's well aware that Jones could end up playing again for Tennessee.

“It’s certainly a possibility," he said. "He has friends on this team, and they want him to stay in Tennessee.”

This situation will certainly be watched closely by anyone following the NFL. What’s at stake is the fate of a NFL playmaker. A change of venue could substantially alter the balance of power. It was very clear the Jones’ camp would pursue the Cowboys if given the chance to shop.

“They have the structure and strong ownership we would desire,” said Arora. “Dallas presents great potential for success, but the final decision rests with Titans’ GM Mike Reinfeldt. We just have to wait and see.”

If the Tennessee Titans decide against Jones’ services, why shouldn’t Jerry Jones entertain conversation with Arora and Jones?

Adam "Pacman" Jones is Jerry Jones’ type of player. The blue print is already in place. The organization doesn’t have to re-invent the consequential wheel. The same behavioral clauses and expectations in the Terrell Owens and Tank Johnson contracts should be duplicated. As with both players, the organization would insert an “instant out” if they don’t like any aspect of the Jones’ arrival. These, the last chance, odds are the challenges Jerry relishes. He completely understands what it means to stick his neck out and take a risk. While there are potential pitfalls, the upside is massive. A game-changing, playmaking force at the age of 24….what’s not to like?

Everyone needs to remember Adam Jones and his current predicament are the products of bad judgment, lack of discretion and a twinge of arrogance; sprinkled with a smidge of defiance.

And was it mentioned he’s just 24?

Indeed, immaturity is at play, but the man is not a locker room cancer. No doubt his actions have had a “team” impact, but more due to absence than being pegged as a team renegade.

At this point the Jones’ camp is really out of options. The next phase of his professional football career has to work. He was born to play football. He needs to play football. He needs role models and ass-kickers that will get in his face. Low and behold, the Cowboys just added a “classic” in the leadership category.

How appropriately timed: Zach Thomas adds instant credibility and one Pacman would be wise to emulate on and off the field.

Just to make things interesting, at last look, no one on the current Cowboys’ roster possesses the No. 32. “Jones” would look spectacular on the back of the Cowboys jersey. Although, with the anticipated departure of free agent Julius Jones, how would Pacman feel about donning the former Prime Time No. 21?

To see Adam Jones in Deion’s old threads would be worth the weight in gold not to mention the price of admission. And speaking of admission, did we mention Jerry is looking to sell some tickets to the grand opening of the Arlington Taj Mahal? Adam Jones will sell tickets. Lots of them. If the opportunity knocks, it’s a potential blockbuster door Jerry must open.

Mr. Jones, meet Mr. Jones.

[Dirkenstien]

Moss, and Owens with Romo, Barber and possibly D-Mac? Oh yeah and Pac-man to return punts.


Bring it on, baby!

[Underdog]

I'd love to catch some Pac Man fever!


[what, the "dad jokes" aren't funny anymore???]

[DirkFTW]

Originally Posted by Dirkenstien

Moss, and Owens with Romo, Barber and possibly D-Mac? Oh yeah and Pac-man to return punts.


Bring it on, baby!

That violates some cosmic rule, I think.

[FINtastic]

Originally Posted by DirkFTW

That violates some cosmic rule, I think.

Yeah, that's what I was thinking. If we got Moss, I feel like the chips would be so stacked in our favor that something bad would have to happen. I love the Moss idea, but it would feel too weird to have that much talent on one team. I'd feel like a team that talented would be destined to fail.

[wmbwinn]

Originally Posted by FINtastic

Yeah, that's what I was thinking. If we got Moss, I feel like the chips would be so stacked in our favor that something bad would have to happen. I love the Moss idea, but it would feel too weird to have that much talent on one team. I'd feel like a team that talented would be destined to fail.

The failure would be in failure to fit it all under the cap limit. The Boys are going to struggle to sign their own free agents without losing them this year. Flo is going to cost a lot of the remaining cap limit. We have to sign Hamlin (or pay him the 4 million under the Franchise player trick). We have to sign the Barbarian. And, there are others. A lot of the best free agents the entire league is looking at are on the Dallas squad. If Da Boys keep their own players, there won't be any money to pick up other players...

This team is already too loaded with talent. 13 played on the pro bowl team...

[sike]

Bob and Dan talking Boys...Bob would not trade MB3 and the 1s...I like Bob more now.

[FINtastic]

Good, neither would I. I don't really get the Darren McFadden deal. It's awfully risky for a team that is so close to a Super Bowl. The Cowboys don't really need to hit a home run here. They just need to hit a couple of singles.

[snoop]

I would like to see them keep their two first rounders and inject some youth into the offensive skill positions and secondary.

[Scoobay]

I'm sure most have heard by now, but

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3269703

boys resigned Adams:

"According to a team source, the Dallas Cowboys re-signed the four-time Pro Bowl left tackle Thursday to a six-year deal worth more than $42 million with $15 million in guaranteed money over the first three years of the contract, ESPN's Ed Werder reported. "

they also tendered Barber at 1st and 3rd round level and Canty at the 1st round level.

"Also Thursday, the Cowboys moved to keep three of their restricted free agents, putting tenders on Pro Bowl running back Marion Barber ($2.56 million, the highest), defensive end Chris Canty ($2.017 million) and guard Joe Berger ($927,000)."

[Underdog]

Cowboys keep Adams to protect Romo


IRVING, Texas (AP) - Tony Romo won't have to worry about who is blocking his blind side. His faith will remain in Flozell Adams.

The Dallas Cowboys re-signed the four-time Pro Bowl left tackle Thursday afternoon, hours before he would've hit the open market in free agency. Terms were not immediately available, but the team called it a long-term agreement that likely guarantees Adams will finish his career in Dallas.

"I'm just really happy to be here," Adams told the team's Web site. Asked if he considered leaving Dallas, he added, "Nope. Not at all."

Also Thursday, the Cowboys moved to keep three of their restricted free agents, putting tenders on Pro Bowl running back Marion Barber ($2.56 million, the highest), defensive end Chris Canty ($2.017 million) and guard Joe Berger ($927,000).

Running back Tyson Thompson, who lost his job as a kick returner late in the season, was not tendered, freeing him to sign wherever he wants.

Barber and Canty can still look around for better deals, but a team would have to give Dallas its first- and third-round picks to get Barber and a first-rounder for Canty. Dallas also would first have a week to match any offer.

In another move Thursday, the Cowboys formally announced the signing of linebacker Zach Thomas, whose $3.3 million, one-year deal was agreed to last week. Fullback Oliver Hoyte, who gave Thomas a concussion when he was with Miami last season, was released.

Adams joined the Cowboys as a second-round pick in 1998. He and linebacker Greg Ellis are the team's longest-tenured players.

The 6-foot-7, 340-pounder has been a stalwart at left tackle his entire career. His ability to fend off blockers has been credited with helping Romo develop into one of the NFL's top passers in only 1 1/2 seasons, and helped Dallas set all sorts of club records for yards and scoring last year.

Adams, who turns 33 in May, made the Pro Bowl in four of the last five seasons, missing only in 2005 when a knee injury cost him 10 games. Those are the only games he's missed in his 10-year career.

Adams just finished a five-year, $25 million deal. Had he become a free agent, the Cowboys may have faced competition from the Miami Dolphins, who are coached by former Dallas line coach Tony Sparano, whose arrival sparked Adams' career. Bill Parcells was coaching the Cowboys then, and he's now running Miami's front office.

While offensive coordinator Jason Garrett likely will be as happy as Romo that this deal is done, special teams coaches can celebrate, too - Adams has blocked a club-record four extra points in his career. He's also blocked three field goals.

Dallas has four other players headed to free agency: Running back Julius Jones, safety Keith Davis and cornerbacks Jacques Reeves and Nate Jones. The Cowboys also will try working out a new deal with safety Ken Hamlin, who they've guaranteed to keep around by designating him as their franchise player.

[Kirobaito]

I'm too lazy to get a link, but Jason Ferguson and this year's 6th for the Dolphin's 6ths in 2008 and 2009.

[Male30Dan]

Javon Walker talk... Tatum Bell talk... Still some Moss rumblings...

I don't know how we do anything with our cap, but those are the latest rumors.

[dalmations202]

I am still rooting for Roy Williams, from Detroit for a 2nd, and maybe a player, and then hoping they trade up to #7 with NE and get DMac to run WITH Barber.

An offense with the line we had last year, Romo, DMac, Barber, TO, RUT, and Witten.

Defend that.............

[Underdog]

Originally Posted by dalmations202

I am still rooting for Roy Williams, from Detroit for a 2nd, and maybe a player, and then hoping they trade up to #7 with NE and get DMac to run WITH Barber.

An offense with the line we had last year, Romo, DMac, Barber, TO, RUT, and Witten.

Defend that.............

I like the way you're thinking here - it might be impossible to work out with the salary cap, but I'd love to see it happen....

[Underdog]

Cowboys Trading Nose Tackle Ferguson To Dolphins


IRVING, Texas - The Cowboys and Dolphins have swapped staff members since Bill Parcells took over as Miami's vice president of football operations. Now defensive tackle Jason Ferguson is headed to South Florida in an off-season trade between the two interconnected clubs.

The Cowboys are trading Ferguson to the Dolphins for a 2009 sixth-round pick, and the teams will swap sixth-rounders this year. Dealing Ferguson creates a $3.25 million salary cap hit for the Cowboys but ultimately clears about $2.4 million because his 2008 figure would've been $5.62 million, including a $4 million base salary. The exchange in sixth-round picks means the Cowboys will pick first in that round because of the Dolphins' season-worst 1-15 record.

The Cowboys on Thursday night re-signed Pro Bowl left tackle Flozell Adams to a six-year, $43.8 million deal that includes $15 million in guarantees. Pro Bowl free safety Ken Hamlin received the $4.396 million franchise designation, and the Cowboys also tendered Pro Bowl running back Marion Barber ($2.56 million), defensive end Chris Canty ($2.017 million) and guard Joe Berger ($907,000).

All these moves have consumed right at $13 million of the team's available cap space. The $2.4 million cap relief now gives the Cowboys roughly $4 million to potentially address positions like cornerback, running back and wide receiver.

Ferguson, an 11-year veteran, signed a five-year deal with Dallas in 2005 that included $9 million in guarantees. He missed nearly the entire 2007 season with a torn biceps tendon suffered in the regular-season opener against the Giants, however, and became expendable when Jay Ratliff filled in capably for the final 15 games and signed a five-year, $20.5 million extension in December.

"You know and I know this was going to happen," the 33-year-old Ferguson told David Smoak of KTBB-AM (Tyler, Texas), referring to his days in Dallas being numbered once Ratliff fortified the nose tackle spot with 15 quarterback pressures, four tackles for loss and three sacks.

"For three years I played for a team that I grew up loving and had to root for if I was going to stay in my father's home. I wish we could have finished the deal but no question my teammates and I in Dallas left a lot of stones on the field."

Ferguson will take a physical when he returns from a family vacation in Jamaica. He'll be entering a familiar setting in Miami and could start for a struggling Dolphins team in search of veteran defensive help after clearing more than $40 million in cap room this off-season.

Parcells drafted Ferguson in the seventh round with the Jets back in 1997 and coached him for five seasons, including two in Dallas from 2005-06. Ferguson provided an ideal fit for Parcells' switch to the 3-4 scheme in 2005 and was one of three free agents (Anthony Henry, Marco Rivera) the Cowboys signed in one day to a whopping $30 million in total guarantees.

"Knowing I'm going to Miami with Bill Parcells makes the transition much easier," Ferguson said.

Ferguson started 22 of 33 games with the Cowboys, recording 106 tackles, six tackles for loss and one sack. The club's younger defensive players often credited him for being a positive, upbeat influence in the locker room, and Ratliff said Ferguson provided weekly advice on match-ups after his injury.

His departure makes Tank Johnson the likely backup to Ratliff. Johnson signed with the Cowboys last September and played in the final nine games after serving an eight-game NFL suspension for violating the league's personal conduct policy. He will make $605,000 in '08, the final year of the two-year deal he signed last year with the Cowboys. The Cowboys also signed defensive tackle Junior Siavii to their Reserve/Future list in January.

Reeves Drawing Interest

Free-agent cornerback Jacques Reeves was expected to visit the Houston Texans on Friday, and New Orleans, Kansas City and St. Louis also are believed to be interested in the four-year veteran.

Reeves started 13 games last season because of injuries to Terence Newman and Anthony Henry, recording a career-high 67 tackles and 14 pass breakups. He's one of four unrestricted free agents on the Cowboys' roster along with running back Julius Jones, safety Keith Davis and cornerback Nate Jones.

[Underdog]

Maxed Out
Phillips Finalizes Coaching Staff With Maxie Hiring



IRVING, Texas - Six weeks after Tony Sparano took three Cowboys assistants with him to Miami, Wade Phillips' renovated coaching staff is officially complete.

As expected, Phillips has made his fifth and final staff addition by hiring Brett Maxie to assist Dave Campo in the secondary.

Maxie moved into his office and started work this week. His specific secondary responsibilities have yet to be finalized, but there's a chance he and Campo could split coaching duties between safeties and cornerbacks.

The Dallas native has 10 years of NFL coaching experience, most recently as the Dolphins' safeties coach in 2007, and also has coached defensive backs in Atlanta (2004-06), San Francisco (1999-03) and Carolina (1998).

Maxie began coaching immediately following his 13-year playing career that included stops in New Orleans, Atlanta, Carolina and San Francisco. He actually played under Phillips as a rookie free-agent safety in 1985 when Phillips was running New Orleans' defense.

Maxie interviewed at Valley Ranch in early February, but his hiring didn't become official until Tuesday. Phillips now has 15 coaches on staff, including five new additions: Maxie, Campo, offensive line coach Hudson Houck, defensive line coach Todd Grantham and linebackers coach Reggie Herring.

Campo and Houck already had long-standing ties to the organization. Campo, a former Cowboys defensive assistant and eventual head coach from 2000-02, returned to Dallas last month following stints in Cleveland and Jacksonville. Like Maxie, Houck worked on the Dolphins' staff last season but also spent nine years as the Cowboys' offensive line coach (1993-01).

Houck replaces Sparano, who became Miami's first head coach in the Bill Parcells era and subsequently brought former Cowboys secondary coach Todd Bowles, linebackers coach Paul Pasqualoni and defensive line coach Kacy Rodgers with him to South Florida.

Grantham and Herring, who replace Rodgers and Pasqualoni, each worked with Cowboys defensive coordinator Brian Stewart in Houston. Grantham has previous defensive coordinator experience in Cleveland, and Herring returns to the NFL after two successful stints as defensive coordinator at N.C. State and Arkansas. He left Arkansas in January to take the same position on Mike Sherman's new staff at Texas A&M, but left for the Cowboys a month later.


Here is Phillips' finalized coaching staff:

Wade Phillips - Head coach
Jason Garrett - Assistant head coach/Offensive coordinator
Brian Stewart - Defensive coordinator
Todd Grantham - Defensive line
Reggie Herring - Linebackers
Dave Campo - Secondary
Brett Maxie - Secondary assistant (official duties yet to be finalized)
Dat Nguyen - Assistant linebackers/Defensive quality control
Hudson Houck - Offensive line
Wade Wilson - Quarterbacks
Skip Peete - Running backs
Ray Sherman - Wide receivers
John Garrett - Tight ends
Wes Phillips - Offensive assistant/Quality Control
Joe Juraszek - Strength and conditioning
Bruce Read - Special teams

[snoop]

I am happy about Campo, thought he was a good coach

[SaltwaterChaffy]

Julius Jones gone, signed with Seattle.

[MavsX]

Originally Posted by SaltwaterChaffy

Julius Jones gone, signed with Seattle.

thank Effing GOD. i hope we keep MB3

[Underdog]

Seattle Bound
Seahawks Sign Free-Agent Julius Jones to 4-Year Deal


DALLAS - One week into free agency and the inevitable has taken place.

Julius Jones' four-year career with the Dallas Cowboys is over, the 26-year-old agreeing to a free-agent contract with the Seattle Seahawks, suddenly collectors of running backs.

Jones will become the second running back the Seahawks have signed this first week of free agency, having already inked a deal earlier in the week with T.J. Duckett. And of course, the Seahawks still have veteran Shaun Alexander under contract, along with backup and third-down back Maurice Morris. Jones agreed to a four-year deal worth $12 million, the $3 million a year not a silly deal but obviously more money than the Cowboys wanted to invest in re-signing the team's leading rusher in three of the past four seasons.

The Cowboys obviously were willing to let their 2004 second-round draft choice test free agency, deciding instead to allow their four-year starter become an unrestricted free agent while committing $2.56 million on a restricted free-agency tender to reserve the right of first refusal for his backup, Marion Barber, who got his first start in the team's playoff game this past season.

Jones began making the free-agency rounds this week, first visiting Detroit on Monday and then going to Tennessee, before spending the past two days in Seattle. According to Seahawks general manager Tim Ruskell, he was bound and determined to upgrade last year's anemic running attack.

If that was the case, then all Ruskell and the Seahawks coaches and scouts needed to do was pop in tapes of Jones' performances against Seattle during his career. As a rookie, Jones went for 198 yards on 30 carries and scored three touchdowns, including the last-second game winner in a 43-39 Cowboys victory at Qwest Field. Jones also scooted for a 53-yard run in that game.

Then in the 2006 playoff game in Seattle, Jones put up 122 yards on 22 carries, and had a long of 35 in the Cowboys' 21-20 first-round loss to the Seahawks.

There is some thought in Seattle the Seahawks might be ready to shed themselves of Alexander, who has been bothered by injuries the past couple of seasons. And Duckett is more of a pounder, at 6-feet, 254 pounds likely to be used mostly in short-yardage situations.

The Seahawks were not happy with their 3.8-yard per carry average this past season, their lowest since 1999. And while heading into free agency, head coach Mike Holmgren said upgrading the rushing attack was a priority.

"That is a major offseason fix," is what Holmgren told the Seattle Post-Intelligencer. "Now what does that mean? You're talking about scheme; you're talking about players. The whole deal. You've got to be able to run the ball in this league better than we ran it."

Jones' signing of the four-year deal with Seattle leaves the Cowboys with one running back under contract (Alonzo Coleman) and the right-of-first-refusal to one more, Barber, who they would receive a first- and third-round draft choice for if they chose not to matched a signed restricted free-agency offer sheet. They chose not to tender 2007 third running back Tyson Thompson a restricted free-agency tender, allowing him to become a free agent.

During Jones' four-year career with the Cowboys he gained 3,484 yards on 885 carries, scoring 18 touchdowns, and that was despite missing eight games his rookie season, first with a bruised rib and then with a fractured scapula, and then three more his second season with a high ankle sprain he really never fully recovered from during the season. He rushed for a single-season high seven touchdowns his rookie season.

Jones had his most productive season in 2006, despite sharing time with Barber, rushing for 1,084 yards, averaging 4.1 yards a carry and scoring four touchdowns despite giving way to Barber once the Cowboys moved inside the red zone or were in goal-line situations. That gave the former Notre Dame running back 2,896 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns in his first three seasons.

But this past year was disappointing for Jones, who thought he would be more productive with the change in head coaches, a more player-friendly Wade Phillips taking over for the heavy-handed Bill Parcells, who implored Jones to hit the hole and do less freelancing. Jones, though, seemed to lose his ability to cut back, always seemingly in a hurry to hit the hole and rarely giving the play a chance to develop.

Consequently, he lost carries to Barber, who led the Cowboys with 975 yards rushing and 10 touchdowns on a team-high 204 carries. Barber went on to his first Pro Bowl despite never starting a game until the playoff loss to the Giants. Jones ended up with single-season lows of 164 carries, 588 yards and just two touchdowns.

And in Seattle now.

[snoop]

Sources: Dallas Cowboys consider Pacman Jones

Team has had internal talks about suspended cornerback

02:10 AM CST on Saturday, March 8, 2008

By CALVIN WATKINS / The Dallas Morning News
cwatkins@dallasnews.com

The wow factor that Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones was talking about adding to his team could be Adam "Pacman" Jones.

According to multiple sources, the Cowboys have had internal discussions about obtaining the suspended Tennessee cornerback if he's reinstated by the NFL.

Jones has been suspended since April 2007 for violations of the NFL conduct policy.
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Jones is considered one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL, and that alone has made the Cowboys think about bringing him to Dallas, according to the sources.

There would be numerous obstacles, starting with the suspension.

NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said commissioner Roger Goodell will review Jones' case before training camps start in July.

And should Jones be reinstated, the Cowboys would have to work out a trade with the Titans.

But the Titans could also release Jones, putting him on the open market.

Jones' Atlanta-based attorney, Manny Arora, did not return a phone call seeking comment, but he told The (Nashville) Tennessean he planned to ask Goodell to re-examine Jones' suspension before the April 26-27 NFL draft.

On Thursday, Jones again said he wants to play for the Cowboys, on an Atlanta radio station.

"I just have to do what I have to do to get back on the field," he said. "Hopefully it won't be long, and hopefully it will be a couple of more months. I would love to play for the Cowboys, America's Team."

If the Cowboys acquire Jones, he would join Pro Bowl cornerback Terence Newman and Anthony Henry, who led the team with six interceptions in 2007. Jones would also be a leading candidate to return punts.

In 2006, he averaged 12.9 yards per return with three touchdowns.

The Cowboys have signed players with troubled pasts before. The team signed nose tackle Tank Johnson last season after he served a suspension for violations of the NFL conduct policy. Johnson maintained a good relationship with Goodell during his suspension, and the Cowboys touted their off-field player programs headed by director Bryan Wansley and consultants Calvin Hill and Jacqualene Stephens.
Pacman Jones (left) and Terrell Owens embraced after a Cowboys-Titans game in 2006.
DMN file
Pacman Jones (left) and Terrell Owens embraced after a Cowboys-Titans game in 2006.

Since he was drafted by Tennessee in the first round of the 2005 draft, Jones has been arrested six times.

Last month, he entered a guilty plea on charges of felony obstruction of officers stemming from an incident in Georgia.

Jones said he's made some bad decisions.

"It is not always that trouble seems to find me," he told the radio station. "I am learning how to adjust to it, and I am bettering myself as a person."

[Dirkenstien]

Julius Jones leaves.


BRING ON D-MAC BABY!!!

[Ninkobei]

Originally Posted by Dirkenstien

Julius Jones leaves.


BRING ON D-MAC BABY!!!

I'd rather keep barber and pick up jake long and maybe a 2nd-3rd round back.

[sike]

I'd be willing to give it a try if we don't have to put much on the line....

http://usversusthem.files.wordpress....n-arrested.jpg

[mkat]

Originally Posted by Ninkobei

I'd rather keep barber and pick up jake long and maybe a 2nd-3rd round back.

jake long won't be around at 22. he probably won't be around after number 2-5.

[Ninkobei]

Originally Posted by mkat

jake long won't be around at 22. he probably won't be around after number 2-5.

Sorry, I meant if we were to trade up. which is the only way we'd have a chance at either of those two players.

[Dirkgreatness]

Nate Jones and Keith Davis signed with the Dolphins.

Jacques Reeves signed with Houston.

[Underdog]

Originally Posted by Dirkgreatness

Nate Jones and Keith Davis signed with the Dolphins.

Jacques Reeves signed with Houston.

Enter, Pac-Man...

[sike]

Originally Posted by Underdog

Enter, Pac-Man...

is this rumor still persistent?

I'm not sure I'd terribly mind....but when will he ever play again?

[Underdog]

Originally Posted by sike

is this rumor still persistent?

I'm not sure I'd terribly mind....but when will he ever play again?

Pac-Man has already expressed interest in the Cowboys and Jerry Jones has already expressed interest in Pac-Man... I think the only way he'll play in the NFL again is if Jerry convinces Goodell to let him back in the league (which shouldn't be too hard, given Jerry's clout and Dallas' success rate in turning around the careers/lives of cancerous players...)

[sike]

Originally Posted by Underdog

(which shouldn't be too hard, given Jerry's clout and Dallas' success rate in turning around the careers/lives of cancerous players...)

exactly what I was thinking...guys love to come to Dallas to rebirth their careers...

[ty]

Originally Posted by sike

exactly what I was thinking...guys love to come to Dallas to rebirth their careers...

Hi, Tank.

[sike]

Originally Posted by ty

Hi, Tank.

Or Chuck Haley comes most readily to mind...TO to a lesser degree...

[Ninkobei]

Originally Posted by sike

Or Chuck Haley comes most readily to mind...TO to a lesser degree...

Dont forget about Michael Irvin. oh, wait. maybe he is not such a good example

[sike]

Originally Posted by Ninkobei

Dont forget about Michael Irvin. oh, wait. maybe he is not such a good example

but he didn't come to the boys from another team having tons of trouble....his trouble came as a Boy...

[Ninkobei]

Originally Posted by sike

but he didn't come to the boys from another team having tons of trouble....his trouble came as a Boy...

Hmm, touche little green alien. touche....

[snoop]

surprised that we didnt take a look at DeAngelo Hall if he was around for a 2nd and 6th rounder. I think if you tke a chance on a troubled CB I would have liked to see it be Hall. Less past trouble and more experience