The busy period for the 2024 NFL League Conference is over.
Key highlights include Jerry and Stephen Jones' thoughts on free agency, Mike McCarthy's season focus, and some rule changes. Here's a summary of what we learned about the Dallas Cowboys this week.
What Jerry and Stephen said about free agency
The Cowboys have lost six starting pitchers since free agency. Is Jerry Jones defending the team's attrition? Not at all.
The Cowboys owner and general manager feels the team still has a lot of talent returning for the 2024 season. Veteran linebacker Eric Kendricks is the team's only outside addition at this stage and could offset the loss.
“That's really our point this year,” Jerry Jones said. “We've got Duck. We want to get it done. I think we're getting into a situation where we can do it for less.
“More doesn't necessarily mean we'll beat Green Bay. I'm talking about the players, but there are other things as well. Maybe we can be better strategically in different places, but more is definitely a win. Not really.
“We're going to have to do some different things because we have some different faces.”
Stephen Jones doesn't feel Dallas' quiet free agency approach will hurt their offseason blueprint. The Cowboys face questions on the offensive line, defensive tackles, linebackers and running backs.
Will those questions increase the pressure to bat in the first two days of the NFL Draft? Stephen agrees with that premise.
“Yeah, but I think the draft is a little more in line with our needs,” he said. “I think the deepest position in this draft is offensive line.”
Why Tyron Smith isn't in Dallas
One of the cornerstones of the franchise found new ground this offseason. Jerry Jones compared Tyron Smith's departure to DeMarcus Ware's departure.
After 13 outstanding seasons in Dallas, Smith will continue his career with the New York Jets. The Cowboys face difficult payroll-based personnel decisions this offseason. Smith topped the list.
The $6.5 million guaranteed the Pro Bowl left tackle received on his one-year contract in New York is very reasonable. What gave the Cowboys pause is an incentive package that could push his cap hit to just under $20 million.
“You know how highly we value him,” Jones said. “We don't have that luxury. We can't afford that.
“If he did all these incentives and things like that, we would really be doomed.”
There are rule changes planned for the league.
Big changes are coming to the NFL on special teams.
Club owners voted Tuesday to adopt a new kickoff system to address last year's 22% kickoff return rate. The new sequence calls for the entire kickoff team to stand at the opponent's 40-yard line, except for the kicker at his own 35-yard line. This his 10 players cannot move until the kicked ball reaches an opponent or lands in a designated landing zone between the goal line and his 20-yard line.
At least nine members of the returning team must line up in a 5-yard area, known as the setup zone, between their own 25-yard line and 30-yard line. A maximum of two returners can stand in the landing zone.
On Monday, the owners voted to eliminate the hip drop tackle. Violating this rule will result in a 15-yard penalty and may ultimately result in the player being fined.
Other notable changes include tweaks to the instant replay system. If one, but not both, of his first two challenges are successful, the team can get his third challenge, plus some types of plays are subject to replay. During the regular season and playoffs last season, coaches had success using both challenges in fewer than 12 games.
Replays can now determine whether a snap was missed before the game clock expires, can advise on-field officials on specific elements of roughing the passer or intentional grounding, and can advise on-field officials on specific elements of roughing the passer or intentional grounding. It is now possible to overturn a previous incorrect decision on the field that you were down or out of bounds. to throw a pass.
Young player undergoes off-season surgery
Madge Smith and Luke Schoonmaker both had shoulder surgeries this offseason. According to Mike McCarthy, Smith underwent surgery shortly after the season ended in January.
The recovery is expected to be four to six months, putting Smith's availability during the spring training program in jeopardy. He is expected to be ready for training camp.
Following recent surgery, Schoonmaker's activities may be limited in the spring. However, a person familiar with the situation said he plans to be “fully prepared” for training camp.
Jerry talks about Dak Prescott lawsuit
Jerry Jones doesn't seem too worried about the legal issues surrounding Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott.
Mr. Prescott filed a lawsuit in Collin County on March 11, alleging that a Fort Worth woman made false sexual assault charges in an attempt to extort $100 million from him. Mr Prescott denies the charges against her and she lives in Prosper.
“We know a lot about that,” Jones told reporters Tuesday at an NFL league meeting in Orlando, Florida. I don't want this issue to have negative aspects for everyone involved. We paid attention to every detail and can say that we are very comfortable. ”
McCarthy focused on the 'big picture'
This is an important offseason for Mike McCarthy, who is entering the fifth season of a five-year contract. How does he feel about his current situation?
“I don't think it's an added pressure,” McCarthy said. “I think this is the reality of our industry. It's something.
“Don't lose sight of the big picture. Don't make any bones about it. I'm very happy to be here. I'm very committed to my feet and the opportunities that I've had personally. is.
“I'm so blessed. I'll never lose sight of that.”
The Cowboys coach also seems optimistic about his team's chances after offseason losses. He cited the team's draft and development philosophy as the reason he remains positive.
“What is the definition of a starter?” McCarthy asked. “As we lose players, especially those who moved for bigger financial packages, their playing numbers are now being replaced by two or three players.
“If the roster is built correctly, the development of a young player who played 15 games a game could increase to 45 or 50 games. Eventually, you could probably get a player who plays 70 to 75 games a game. You'll want to develop him. He'll be a starter for me.
“The biggest impact on our football team is the players we currently have on our roster. We have a draft class coming in. We will continue to be involved in free agency.”
Cowboys still believe in Prescott's Super Bowl potential
The Cowboys remain confident in Dak Prescott's ability to lead them to a title.
Jones spoke about the importance of Prescott and expressed confidence in the quarterback, but avoided discussing an extension other than to emphasize that decisions made there will affect the team's payroll five years from now.
“I think there are a few or more quarterbacks who haven't won a Super Bowl who will win a Super Bowl,” Jones said. “I think Duck is one of them. He's solid there.”
“He's one of the guys who can do that.”
Read more Cowboys coverage from the Dallas Morning News here.
