Jones says Cowboys will dive into free-agent pool

[1niksder]

Jones says Cowboys will dive into free-agent pool

By Jennifer Floyd Engel

Star-Telegram Staff Writer


IRVING - Owner Jerry Jones promised Thursday that the Cowboys would dive into free agency like an offensive lineman into a pepperoni pizza.

"I am very committed personally to not have a repeat of last year," Jones declared. "We will be more aggressive in free agency than we were last year."

One of the areas of aggression is likely to be quarterback. Not only did Jones sound unconvinced that second-year quarterback Drew Henson is ready to be a starter, he did not appear inclined to rush him or third-year man Tony Romo, either.

"I know if you look at most quarterback situations and really study it, you'll see that it takes a lot longer than usually a couple of seasons in the NFL to get where you want them to go," Jones said. "The question is, you have to start that journey sometime, do you lose the fort trying to get there? I don't believe that's the case.

"We just can't bet the house on how the two young guys are evolving. That's just not smart."

While Jones said NFL rules forbid him from talking specifically about the Cowboys' interest in quarterback Drew Bledsoe, who will be waived by the Buffalo Bills on Tuesday, he made it clear that the Cowboys are in the market for a veteran quarterback. Possibly as a starter.

Still, while giving his "bet the house" analogy in one breath, Jones also allowed that Henson might play in 2005.

"Certainly, under the right, certain circumstances, I think a young quarterback can play here next year," Jones said. "It will have a lot to do with how good we are feeling about the quarterback."

How exactly the Cowboys feel about Henson is a whole different issue. They did not send him to NFL Europe, choosing instead to let him train with the Cowboys coaches this off-season. Jones said those workouts have been going well.

Of course, flashing potential in off-season workouts is a far cry from making coach Bill Parcells amenable to starting Henson in 2005.

For his part, Jones said he still believes Henson can be a franchise quarterback.

"I'm not backing off of it in any way," Jones said. "I think he certainly has the potential to be a future starting quarterback for the Cowboys or another team."

If that's the case, the Cowboys might have trouble signing Bledsoe. Bledsoe said Wednesday, "I just don't see myself ever being a backup in this league."

Bledsoe played for Parcells in New England and called reuniting with him an "interesting option," so a simple talk might help clear any hurdles. If not, the Cowboys have Vinny Testaverde as a fall-back option.

Jones said he has not talked to Testaverde's agent, Mike Azzarelli. Azzarelli said Thursday he has had conversations with the Cowboys about re-signing his client. And while Azzarelli characterized the talks as "meaningful discussions," neither he nor Jones said they foresee getting anything done before free agency begins on March 2.

Whatever the Cowboys decide to do at quarterback, Jones insisted that having a quarterback in place is not a prerequisite for being aggressive in free agency this time around.

The Cowboys were conservative last off-season, and it cost them. They say they will not make that mistake again.

"It won't necessarily be a signal that we are or are not buying into building the supporting cast without the quarterback," Jones said. "We're just going to be more aggressive in free agency than we were last year, and I think it's because we're going to have the opportunity to be."

Not only do the Cowboys have two first-round draft choices, they also have almost $20 million available under the salary cap.

Parcells' mantra that the players around the quarterback are more important than the quarterback is going to be tested. The Cowboys' list of needs is long, especially with the team considering a switch to the 3-4 defense. They need a defensive tackle, a defensive end and possibly a big linebacker, a cornerback, a safety, offensive line help, a speed receiver and a quarterback.

"We're just looking at every way we can to improve our team," Jones said.

Briefly

• Jerry Jones said he is seriously considering trading one of the Cowboys' first-round draft choices. They own the 11th and 20th picks.

• The Cowboys have begun renegotiating the contracts of several players who are due big roster bonuses on March 2. Those negotiations will continue at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis next week.

• Coach Bill Parcells is scheduled to attend the combine. He did not last season.

• Jones said the Cowboys gave former offensive coordinator Maurice Carthon permission to interview with the Cleveland Browns because it was the right thing to do. Carthon was hired Sunday as the Browns' offensive coordinator.

IN THE KNOW

Bonus time

Five Cowboys, including four defenders whose roles could change significantly next season, are due roster bonuses March 2. The Cowboys are trying to renegotiate some of their contracts.


Name, Pos. Bonus
Dexter Coakley, LB $502,000
Terry Glenn, WR $250,000
La'Roi Glover, DT $1 milion
Dat Nguyen, LB $500,000
Marcellus Wiley, DE $500,000


http://www.dfw.com/mld/dfw/sports/10933244.htm

[Chris Luva Luva]

Jones says Cowboys will dive into free-agent pool

And heres to hoping that they drown...

Is it me or does it seem like the Tuna isn't thinking long term for this team? Cheers again!

[Primetime42]

[img]Jones%20says%20Cowboys%20will%20dive%20into%20free-agent%20pool[/img]

And heres to hoping that they drown...[imghttp://www.acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/cheers.gif[/img]

Is it me or does it seem like the Tuna isn't thinking long term for this team? Cheers again!

[welch]

And if Dallas signs Bledsoe, who used to be awfully good, then Henson might as well ask the Yankees for his minor-league job again.