Tuesday, January 13, 1998

Evaluating '98 Free Agents

By Arash Markazi / Guest Columnist

As far as free agency goes, this could be the most unattractive Cowboys class to ever hit the market. In the past the Cowboys have had to deal with the loss of many prominent starters and key role players. However, since the Cowboys re-signed All- Pro tackle Larry Allen to the richest contract of any offensive linemen, this year's group of free agents is filled with busts, disappointments, underachievers, and players past their prime. Here's a look:

S Brock Marion - The lone "must keep" of this group. Marion would have made the Pro Bowl if the Cowboys were a playoff team. He led the Cowboys in tackles this season, and is developing into one of the better cover safeties in the NFL as well. He is an athletic player, who still has loads of potential. Cowboys VP Stephen Jones said the Cowboys will try to re-sign Marion, and may even put the franchise tag on him to keep him in Dallas, a luxury they gained by re-signing Allen prior to the begining of free agency. If the Cowboys do "franchise" Marion, he will recieve about $2.9 million next season.

WR Anthony Miller - He was supposed to take preassure off of Michael Irvin and provide the Cowboys with a deep threat. He failed to accomplsih either of the above. In fairness to Miller, he delt with nagging injuries early on, and never really got on page with Troy Aikman. He made some clutch TD catches early in the season, but was never a consistent pressence. Jerry Jones said the Cowboys will try to re-sign him, and Miller has said he wants to return.

DE/LB Broderick Thomas - Who? The "Sandman" was a pretty good pass rusher last season, and came through in big games against the 49ers and Packers. But where was he this season? Thomas, never really settled into his new role as a defensive end with Dallas. If he is re-signed, the Cowboys should move him back to linebacker or rush him the way the 49ers rush Kevin Greene, in a stand up position. Offensive tackles just mauled Thomas when he lined up at defensive end, and he was a non-factor in run-support from that position. He says he wants to return to the Cowboys, but he's got to resent turning down a multi-million dollar offer from the Ravens in the off-season to return to Dallas for a one year deal. He probably won't get that kind of offer from any team this year.

DE Shante Carver - Proved he wasn't a "total" bust this season. He also proved, however, that he is nothing more than an average defensive end. His six sacks, were the quitest six in the NFL. Carver and his fellow defensive linemen got absolutley no preassure on opposing quarterbacks. He is a pretty good run stopper, and can put some heat on the quarterback in certain situations, but he is way to inconsistent. He might be brought back at the right price. He probably has no chance of starting for any other team.

RB/FB Herschel Walker - Still one of the best kick returners in the NFL. Walker is also provides good leadership on and off the field. He showed flashes of his potential on offense early in the season, but disapeared toward the end. He has expressed interest in returning to the Cowboys.

S/SP Bil Bates - If the veteran minimum increases, as expected, The Captain could be forced to retire. Bates is still a good special teams player, and he provides invaluable leadership and experiance for the younger players. He is the ultimate proffesional on the field an off. However, his performance on defense has decreased. His role as a nickel back is now exposed by teams, and he is not as quick and physical as he used to be on the blitz. He will proabbly be replaced on defense and it is unlikely that the Cowboys would pay over $300,000 to a special teams player. Could be brought back as an assistant special teams coach or as a consultant to special teams coach Joe Avessano.

C/DS Dale Hellestrae - The best deep snapper in the NFL. Won't be as appreciated as he should be until the Cowboys are forced to scramble for a replacement. Hopefully, they won't have to this season. Hellestrae has not had a punt blocked or field goal snap "muffed" in the regular season as the Cowboys' holder.

LB Vinson Smith - The old Cowboy played well on special teams and did an admirable job at middle linebacker, a position he has never played before this season. The Cowboys liked what they saw of Smith at middle linebacker towards the end of the season, and he could be brought back as a back-up to Fred Strickland in the middle.

OG John Flannery - Started most of the year due to the various ailments along the Cowboys' line. He did an adequate job, but nothing to write home about. The only thing he has going for him is his vlexibility. He can play both guard spots and center.

OG/T George Gegamin - Big George started in place of Mark Tuinei for most of the season, but did not do much to impress. His pass coverage was so inconsistent that Dallas was forced to move Larry Allen to tackle and bring in Flannery at guard during passing downs. Not exactly a vote of confidence.

TE Scott Galbraith - This blocking tight end was nothing more than a bench warmer. The former starting tight end for the Redskins was a non-factor in the passing game, and did not get in much, due to Eric Bjornson and David LaFleur. He would like to return to Dallas.

DT Hurvin McCormack - Got into the defensive line rotation and was a not much of a factor. He can play both deffensive tackle and defensive end, but didn't play much of either, until late in the season.

*Restricted Free Agents*

TE Eric Bjornson - The Cowboys starting tight end for the past two seasons. Has come well short of the expectations set by Jay Novacek, but those are awfully high expectations to meet for any tight end. Has been injury prone lately, finishing the last two seasons with a variety of injuries.

S Charlie Williams - Has developed into a good nickel back and a great special teams player. Was voted the best special teams player by DR.Z of Sports Illustrated.

WR Billy Davis - Mr. August led the NFL in recieving during the pre-season but was nowhere to be found once the season began. Was pushed to number four reciever by season's end, after being replaced bt Stepfret Williams. A special teams demon, who lays the "wood" on returners.