Cowboys free agency preview: Who stays, who goes and our top GM moves
After a short break, beat writers Calvin Watkins and Michael Gehlken are back with a new episode. To kick off the show, [1:45] Calvin and Michael reveal what they learned about the club’s free agency strategy at the NFL Scouting Combine. The guys then go down the list of Cowboys free agents and give their analysis of who will return and who will sign other teams. Dalton Schultz, Donovan Wilson, Leighton Vander Esch? All three could be departing soon. In our featured segment, [23:40] Calvin interviews NFL draft guru Bo Marchionte of college2pro.com. Bo provides his analysis of the top of the draft and grades Calvin’s mock draft pick for the Cowboys at No. 26. To close the show, [42:24] Calvin and Michael list their top priorities as if they were general manager of the Cowboys for a day.
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50:37
Our analysis of the Michael Irvin situation, Super Bowl LVII, Cowboys’ offseason
Beat writers Calvin Watkins and Michael Gehlken kick off this episode [1:28] with a review of the big Cowboys news of Super Bowl week: an accusation of misconduct against former wide receiver Michael Irvin and his $100 million lawsuit in response. Calvin and Michael assess the unusual situation based on their experience covering Irvin through the years. The guys also give their Cowboys-related takeaways from the big game and dive into the looming financial decision the club must make regarding cornerback Trevon Diggs. In our featured segment, [20:22] Calvin and Michael interview Dallas Morning News columnist Kevin Sherrington. The trio discusses the craft of writing, fatherhood and a little Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott for good measure. Kevin believes, or he hopes, the Joneses realize it’s time to move on from Elliott despite recent public comments. To close the episode, [44:28] the guys answer a listener question about the state of the Cowboys’ roster and discuss the team-building mistakes the club made last offseason.
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53:11
Translating Jerry Jones on Ezekiel Elliott, Dak Prescott, Cowboys’ Super Bowl drought
Beat writers Michael Gehlken and Calvin Watkins, who is back from assignment at the Senior Bowl, kick off this episode [1:45] by detailing their key takeaways from the week in Mobile, Ala. The Cowboys’ coaching shakeup shows that Mike McCarthy’s fingerprints will be all over the offense, Michael says. The guys decipher comments from Jerry and Stephen Jones about Ezekiel Elliott. Calvin calls the decision to trade Amari Cooper the biggest mistake of last offseason, while Michael says the Cowboys also erred by not preparing for the consequences of such a move. In our featured segment, [19:00] we listen and react to Calvin’s interview with Jerry Jones. The crew doesn’t buy into Jones’ explanation as to why Cowboys fans should have hope the Super Bowl drought is nearing an end. While Jerry says he believes Dak Prescott will be better next season, Michael says it’s up to the front office to provide him with more weapons. To close the episode, [32:00] Calvin and Michael discuss their lack of excitement for another Super Bowl without the Cowboys. In addition to the game, the guys discuss their favorite party snacks.
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40:00
What coaching moves mean for Dak Prescott; is Trevon Diggs due a payday?
Staff writer Michael Gehlken kicks off this episode [1:52] by reviewing the Cowboys’ coaching shakeup. Out is offensive coordinator Kellen Moore plus the quarterbacks, offensive line and running backs coaches. The front office would never say it publicly, but Michael notes these moves make it clear QB Dak Prescott’s 2022 performance was not good enough. [5:50] Michael also examines whether it’s time to extend Trevon Diggs’ deal and how the Cowboys have missed on recent second contracts. With co-host Calvin Watkins on assignment at the Senior Bowl, [10:22] fellow beat writer David Moore joins Michael for our featured segment. Michael asks David about his scoop on Kellen Moore’s departure and Mike McCarthy taking over play calling. Michael also asks David about the future of Cowboys veterans Tyron Smith and Ezekiel Elliott. To close the show, [29:15] Michael answers some questions from our listeners.
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36:04
Cowboys-49ers autopsy, free agent decisions, Ezekiel Elliott contract problem
Beat writers Calvin Watkins and Michael Gehlken kick off this episode [1:45] with a detailed obituary for the Cowboys’ season. What are the key takeaways after the Cowboys were eliminated by the San Francisco 49ers for the second straight year? Calvin and Michael agree the Cowboys’ receiving corps was a season-long issue. [12:20] The guys don’t let QB Dak Prescott, who had two interceptions against the 49ers, off the hook. Calvin and Michael agree the clock is ticking for Prescott. [18:15] Calvin expects big changes on the defense, starting with coordinator Dan Quinn. In the second segment, [20:10] the guys list their most important free agents. Michael goes with running back Tony Pollard; Calvin says it’s safety Donovan Wilson, who is likely to depart this offseason. To close the episode, [29:15] we tackle the Ezekiel Elliott contract problem. Calvin says it’s time for Elliott to go, even though he’s willing to take a pay cut. Michael sees a path for an Elliott return, but it all depends on how low he will go in a salary restructure.
SportsDay Cowboys from The Dallas Morning News is a lively conversation about all things Dallas Cowboys. Each Thursday, our beat writers Calvin Watkins and Michael Gehlken (and frequent contributor David Moore) will bring you the biggest stories from inside the locker room and beyond. You’ll also hear interviews from Cowboys executives, coaches and current and former players. Join us as we explore and debate what makes the Cowboys the world’s most valuable, and interesting, sports franchise.
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