Cowboys' Future > Your Team's Future

[Bmurph]

The Cowboys might not be able to get more than a mid-round draft pick for Romo because of his age and injury history, regardless of the timing. The Packers received a 2009 third-round pick from the Jets in a 2008 trade for a soon-to-be 39-year old Brett Favre, who was coming off of season in which he led Green Bay to the NFC Championship Game and was named an All-Pro.

Romo's preference would be for Dallas to release him so he can choose his next destination. A personal appeal to Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, with whom Romo has a special relationship, is the best chance of him getting his wish.

The Cowboys will have a $19.6 million salary cap charge for Romo if he is released or traded prior to June 2. That charge relates to the bonus proration in his 2013 extension and subsequent contract restructurings for cap purposes in 2014 and 2015. This cap charge for a player no longer on a team's roster is commonly referred to as dead money. $5.1 million of cap room would be gained immediately. Romo's cap numbers for 2018 and 2019 -- $25.2 million and $23.7 million -- would be wiped away once the roster move was made.

The cap hit would be taken over 2017 and 2018 with either one of these transactions occurring after June 1 or releasing Romo with a post-June 1 designation. NFL teams can release two players each year prior to June 1 that will be treated under the cap as if they were released after June 1. With a post-June 1 designation, a team is required to carry the player's full cap number until June 2 even though he is no longer is on the roster. The player's salary comes off the books at that time unless it is guaranteed. Dallas would have $10.7 million in dead money for 2017, which would free $14 million in cap space. Romo would remain on the Cowboys' books in 2018 with an $8.9 million cap charge.

Navigating the salary cap
The Cowboys have the most 2017 salary cap commitments in the NFL at almost $180 million using offseason accounting rules where only the top 51 cap numbers matter. That factors in cornerback Brandon Carr's contract voiding 23 days before the start of the 2017 league year on February 14. There's only $2.4 million of unused cap space carrying over from the 2016 league year.

The NFL's preliminary projections put the 2017 salary cap between $166 million and $170 million. Assuming the salary cap is set at $168 million, the Cowboys have approximately a $12.2 million overage once tenders for restricted free agents and exclusive rights players with expiring contracts, as well as the proven performance escalators for eligible 2014 draft picks, are taken into consideration. Carrying Romo next season at his $24.7 million salary wouldn't be prudent because cap space may be at a premium.

Dallas can eliminate the overage before it's required when the new league year begins on March 9 by engaging in an annual restructuring of contracts to free cap space, which pushes cap obligations into the future. The most likely candidates to restructure are tackle Tyron Smith, center Travis Frederick and star receiver Dez Bryant. Smith has a league high $15.8 million 2017 cap number for offensive tackles, while Frederick's $14.871 million 2017 cap hit leads centers by a good margin. Bryant's $17 million 2017 cap charge also is tops among wide receivers.

Tyron Smith is a candidate for a contract restructuring to clear salary cap space. USATSI
Smith has restructured his contract in each of the past two years. The Cowboys can create $7.38 million of cap room by converting the maximum $9.225 million of Smith's $10 million base salary into signing bonus. Frederick's six-year, $54.6 million preseason extension, which made him the NFL's highest-paid center, was designed with a restructure in mind because his fully guaranteed 2017 base salary is $14.221 million. Turning all but $775,000 of Frederick's base salary, his league minimum, into signing bonus will free up approximately $10.75 million of cap space.

 

[Bmurph]

These two moves alone would produce slightly more than $18.125 million of cap space to give the Cowboys a little breathing room. The Cowboys could also pick up slightly more than $8 million of cap room from a Bryant salary conversion where $12.1 million of his $13 million base salary becomes signing bonus.

Jason Witten has the NFL's biggest cap number in 2017 for tight ends at $12.262 million. It may make sense to explore a short-term extension for Witten, who is 34, along the lines of the two-year deal that Antonio Gatessigned to remain with the Chargers in the offseason. Gates' deal averages $5.5 million per year. Witten is scheduled to make $7.4 million in 2017, which is his contract year. Getting Witten to agree to this type of deal where two new contract years are tacked on could create upward to $4 million of cap space depending upon how much of his existing salary gets converted to signing bonus and whether there's any increase in his 2017 compensation. The Steelers used this concept with Heath Miller in 2014 when he was in the twilight of his career to help with cap problems.

These moves and a quick resolution to Romo's situation wouldn't generate a major cap surplus compared to other NFL teams. The Cowboys likely wouldn't have more than $20 million in cap space at their disposal.

Free agency and team needs
The Cowboys have 18 unrestricted free agents, including major contributors in Carr and fellow cornerback Morris Claiborne, safeties Barry Church and J.J. Wilcox, defensive end Jack Crawford, guard Ronald Leary, and wide receivers Terrance Williams and Brice Butler.

The secondary, which surprisingly was a strength of the defense, could have a much different look next season because retaining Carr, Claiborne and Church could prove difficult. Claiborne finally started living up to the potential that made him the sixth overall pick in the 2012 draft before a groin injury sidelined him for the final nine regular-season games. Carr had his best season in Dallas since signing a five-year, $50.1 million deal in 2012, which required him taking a $3.6 million pay cut to $5.5 million last April to keep from getting released.

Williams didn't take advantage of his opportunity in 2015 to prove he was capable of being a No. 1 wide receiver when Bryant was hampered by foot and ankle injuries. Deals for No. 2 wideouts were mostly in the $6 million to $8 million range with $13 million to $20 million of guarantees during free agency last year.

Leary capitalized on La'el Collins missing most of the season with a right toe injury after asking for a trade in the offseason because he was slated to be a backup. Leary isn't expected back because of Collins' presence and right guard Zack Martin's potential contract extension, which should set a new salary standard for guards. It's conceivable that Leary could get a deal in the new second salary tier for guards on the open market in the $8 million per year neighborhood with $20 million in guarantees.

Martin's new deal will be in place before the 2017 season starts if the timing of the contracts for Frederick and Smith, who were also first-round picks, are any indication. Frederick and Smith received deals after only three NFL seasons making them the highest-paid players (by average yearly salary) at their positions. It's hard to imagine that Dallas won't do the same for Martin considering he is arguably the game's best guard, having earned three Pro Bowl selections in his three seasons. The Cowboys would prefer to stick with the league convention of left tackle sitting atop of the offensive line salary hierarchy where Smith's $12.2 million per year average from his 2014 extension serves as a ceiling for Martin. His overall guarantees should easily exceed Frederick's, which are slightly over $28 million, but may fall short of Smith's $40 million. Any deal Martin signs will need to be salary cap neutral in the first year with a huge spike in salary in the second year like Frederick's.


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One area that should be addressed in free agency or the draft is the pass rush. 2015 second-round pick Randy Gregory struggled as a rookie. Most of this season was lost because of repeated violations of the NFL's substance abuse policy. Gregory recently was hit with another suspension under this policy, which will prevent him from playing for at least a year. According to Pro Football Focus, the Cowboys were last in pressuring opposing quarterbacks even though fourth quarter leads gave them plenty of late game pass-rushing opportunities.

Randy Gregory's NFL future is murky and the Cowboys need upgrades to their pass rush. USATSI
Pass rushers are paid a premium on the open market. Olivier Vernon's five-year, $85 million contract with the Giants containing $52.5 million in guarantees is a benchmark for good free-agent pass rushers. Chargers outside linebacker Melvin Ingram, Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Pauland Packers outside linebacker Nick Perry have expiring contracts. Whether any of these guys gets a comparable deal remains to be seen. The Cowboys' cap predicament will prevent paying significant money to a free-agent pass rusher unless the contract is structured like Carr's in 2012. He had a very low cap number in 2012, which jumped significantly in other years of the contract. Mario Addison would be a cheaper option. He had 9.5 sacks for the Panthersthis season primarily as a situational pass rusher.

Outlook
Before Prescott had one of the best rookie quarterback seasons in league history, the Cowboys only went as far as Romo could take them. But the future is bright in Dallas because of Prescott and 2016 fourth overall pick Ezekiel Elliott, who easily won the NFL rushing title with more than 1,600 yards. A run at Eric Dickerson's single-season rushing record of 2,105 yards isn't out of the question for Elliott next season, provided the NFL's ongoing investigation of domestic violence accusations against him from an ex-girlfriend don't result in a personal conduct policy suspension. Prescott's best football also is ahead of him.

The key components of arguably the NFL's best offensive line should remain intact for the foreseeable future. All-Pros Smith and Frederick are under contract through the 2023 season. Martin won't be going anywhere either anytime soon once he signs his extension.

A calculated risk was made by taking Jaylon Smith, a top-five talent, in the second round of the 2016 draft. The playmaking linebacker missed his rookie season because of a severe knee injury he suffered in last season's Fiesta Bowl. If he can overcome the nerve damage from his injury, he should give the defense a big boost and could be one of the steals of that draft.

There has not been a repeat NFC East champion since the Eagles in 2004, but the Cowboys have a good chance to end the cycle. Dallas will be in the enviable position Seattle was in with Russell Wilson a couple of years ago once Romo's contract is off the books. There will be a one- or two-year window to amass talent with a low-paid quarterback because Prescott is under contract for another three seasons with $630,000 and $720,000 salaries in 2018 and 2019. It is incumbent upon Dallas to take advantage of their good fortune if they are going to consistently be Super Bowl contenders during Prescott's prime.

 

[cdumler7]

Doesn't this image prove the point though of just how close teams can be to being a dynasty yet never actually get there? There is a reason only 1 team over the last 20 or so years has been able to year in and year out find sustained success. It is just about impossible to do. And even the Patriots went 10 years without a Super Bowl during that stretch.

Honestly what the Cowboys remind me of right now is the early to mid-2000's Chargers. Incredible OL. The best RB in football. QB lighting things up. Opportunistic defense. Yet in the end they ended up with 0 Super Bowls Not saying that will happen to the Cowboys but again winning a Super Bowl is no easy task. Even when you have maybe the most talented team in the league that doesn't mean you will win.

 

[cdumler7]

These two moves alone would produce slightly more than $18.125 million of cap space to give the Cowboys a little breathing room. The Cowboys could also pick up slightly more than $8 million of cap room from a Bryant salary conversion where $12.1 million of his $13 million base salary becomes signing bonus.

Jason Witten has the NFL's biggest cap number in 2017 for tight ends at $12.262 million. It may make sense to explore a short-term extension for Witten, who is 34, along the lines of the two-year deal that Antonio Gatessigned to remain with the Chargers in the offseason. Gates' deal averages $5.5 million per year. Witten is scheduled to make $7.4 million in 2017, which is his contract year. Getting Witten to agree to this type of deal where two new contract years are tacked on could create upward to $4 million of cap space depending upon how much of his existing salary gets converted to signing bonus and whether there's any increase in his 2017 compensation. The Steelers used this concept with Heath Miller in 2014 when he was in the twilight of his career to help with cap problems.

These moves and a quick resolution to Romo's situation wouldn't generate a major cap surplus compared to other NFL teams. The Cowboys likely wouldn't have more than $20 million in cap space at their disposal.

Free agency and team needs
The Cowboys have 18 unrestricted free agents, including major contributors in Carr and fellow cornerback Morris Claiborne, safeties Barry Church and J.J. Wilcox, defensive end Jack Crawford, guard Ronald Leary, and wide receivers Terrance Williams and Brice Butler.

The secondary, which surprisingly was a strength of the defense, could have a much different look next season because retaining Carr, Claiborne and Church could prove difficult. Claiborne finally started living up to the potential that made him the sixth overall pick in the 2012 draft before a groin injury sidelined him for the final nine regular-season games. Carr had his best season in Dallas since signing a five-year, $50.1 million deal in 2012, which required him taking a $3.6 million pay cut to $5.5 million last April to keep from getting released.

Williams didn't take advantage of his opportunity in 2015 to prove he was capable of being a No. 1 wide receiver when Bryant was hampered by foot and ankle injuries. Deals for No. 2 wideouts were mostly in the $6 million to $8 million range with $13 million to $20 million of guarantees during free agency last year.

Leary capitalized on La'el Collins missing most of the season with a right toe injury after asking for a trade in the offseason because he was slated to be a backup. Leary isn't expected back because of Collins' presence and right guard Zack Martin's potential contract extension, which should set a new salary standard for guards. It's conceivable that Leary could get a deal in the new second salary tier for guards on the open market in the $8 million per year neighborhood with $20 million in guarantees.

Martin's new deal will be in place before the 2017 season starts if the timing of the contracts for Frederick and Smith, who were also first-round picks, are any indication. Frederick and Smith received deals after only three NFL seasons making them the highest-paid players (by average yearly salary) at their positions. It's hard to imagine that Dallas won't do the same for Martin considering he is arguably the game's best guard, having earned three Pro Bowl selections in his three seasons. The Cowboys would prefer to stick with the league convention of left tackle sitting atop of the offensive line salary hierarchy where Smith's $12.2 million per year average from his 2014 extension serves as a ceiling for Martin. His overall guarantees should easily exceed Frederick's, which are slightly over $28 million, but may fall short of Smith's $40 million. Any deal Martin signs will need to be salary cap neutral in the first year with a huge spike in salary in the second year like Frederick's.


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One area that should be addressed in free agency or the draft is the pass rush. 2015 second-round pick Randy Gregory struggled as a rookie. Most of this season was lost because of repeated violations of the NFL's substance abuse policy. Gregory recently was hit with another suspension under this policy, which will prevent him from playing for at least a year. According to Pro Football Focus, the Cowboys were last in pressuring opposing quarterbacks even though fourth quarter leads gave them plenty of late game pass-rushing opportunities.

Randy Gregory's NFL future is murky and the Cowboys need upgrades to their pass rush. USATSI
Pass rushers are paid a premium on the open market. Olivier Vernon's five-year, $85 million contract with the Giants containing $52.5 million in guarantees is a benchmark for good free-agent pass rushers. Chargers outside linebacker Melvin Ingram, Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Pauland Packers outside linebacker Nick Perry have expiring contracts. Whether any of these guys gets a comparable deal remains to be seen. The Cowboys' cap predicament will prevent paying significant money to a free-agent pass rusher unless the contract is structured like Carr's in 2012. He had a very low cap number in 2012, which jumped significantly in other years of the contract. Mario Addison would be a cheaper option. He had 9.5 sacks for the Panthersthis season primarily as a situational pass rusher.

Outlook
Before Prescott had one of the best rookie quarterback seasons in league history, the Cowboys only went as far as Romo could take them. But the future is bright in Dallas because of Prescott and 2016 fourth overall pick Ezekiel Elliott, who easily won the NFL rushing title with more than 1,600 yards. A run at Eric Dickerson's single-season rushing record of 2,105 yards isn't out of the question for Elliott next season, provided the NFL's ongoing investigation of domestic violence accusations against him from an ex-girlfriend don't result in a personal conduct policy suspension. Prescott's best football also is ahead of him.

The key components of arguably the NFL's best offensive line should remain intact for the foreseeable future. All-Pros Smith and Frederick are under contract through the 2023 season. Martin won't be going anywhere either anytime soon once he signs his extension.

A calculated risk was made by taking Jaylon Smith, a top-five talent, in the second round of the 2016 draft. The playmaking linebacker missed his rookie season because of a severe knee injury he suffered in last season's Fiesta Bowl. If he can overcome the nerve damage from his injury, he should give the defense a big boost and could be one of the steals of that draft.

There has not been a repeat NFC East champion since the Eagles in 2004, but the Cowboys have a good chance to end the cycle. Dallas will be in the enviable position Seattle was in with Russell Wilson a couple of years ago once Romo's contract is off the books. There will be a one- or two-year window to amass talent with a low-paid quarterback because Prescott is under contract for another three seasons with $630,000 and $720,000 salaries in 2018 and 2019. It is incumbent upon Dallas to take advantage of their good fortune if they are going to consistently be Super Bowl contenders during Prescott's prime.

All of these restructures are great to help get relief in the now but that also means the next few years become that much more tight to do anything. This is what has gotten so many teams in trouble is just trying to push the problem to future years. Well eventually you have to pay the piper. To me the Cowboys would be much better paying the piper now instead of having to do some crazy Cap gymnastics to try and get Dak, Elliot, Martin, and others signed long-term.

 

[chf]

You seem to be living in denial.
https://www.google.com/amp/www.krem...is-closing/386292559?client=ms-android-att-us

Wow Spokane CBS affiliate has spoken!

 

[cdumler7]

Wow Spokane CBS affiliate has spoken!

I'm still trying to figure out that last one with the "fire Bevell" call. There were some teams in the league rumored to be interviewing him for Head Coach and yet you watch his offenses and clearly he has been the benefactor of having a QB like Wilson that can make something from nothing. I don't get why teams like this guy.

 

[DirtDirtDirt]

I'm still trying to figure out that last one with the "fire Bevell" call. There were some teams in the league rumored to be interviewing him for Head Coach and yet you watch his offenses and clearly he has been the benefactor of having a QB like Wilson that can make something from nothing. I don't get why teams like this guy.

No offense, but this is exactly my take on the hiring of Vance Joseph

And I made a thread last season applying the same logic to Hue Jackson

The Bengals were a lock under Jackson for one thing, having a shitty offense in the postseason

 

[chf]

I'm still trying to figure out that last one with the "fire Bevell" call. There were some teams in the league rumored to be interviewing him for Head Coach and yet you watch his offenses and clearly he has been the benefactor of having a QB like Wilson that can make something from nothing. I don't get why teams like this guy.

I've been defending his to the haters on the Hawks board, but I'd replace him if there was someone available who is better. He's a pretty good football mind, and when Pete has taken the shackles off him, he's been able to dial up some pretty good numbers.

I listen to Brock Huard's podcasts a fair bit, and they discussed him as not likely to get a HC nod because he's not the right personality type, more of a withdrawn, sports nerd type guy. Certainly not an alpha male stereotype.

I think he's well respected because he IS smart, and he's had some good runs of success when given the freedom to do his thing.

If we can bring in a vet O-cordinator, or an up and coming wunderkind, I'd wave goodbye no problem. I just want them not to throw the baby out with the bathwater because the average sports fan is a simple answers MMQB who forgets all the times they guessed wrong, and remembers all the times they guessed right.

As a Denver fan, you've grown accustomed to stability in how the organization is run, not inertia, but stability. It's amazing how many fans don't get why that's important.

/rant.

 

[LambeauLegs]

Your team is as great as Putin wants it to be!

 

[jarntt]

All of these restructures are great to help get relief in the now but that also means the next few years become that much more tight to do anything. This is what has gotten so many teams in trouble is just trying to push the problem to future years. Well eventually you have to pay the piper. To me the Cowboys would be much better paying the piper now instead of having to do some crazy Cap gymnastics to try and get Dak, Elliot, Martin, and others signed long-term.

It's the Cowboy way. Kick the can down the road. they should have sucked it up a few years ago to save money for when you are ready to make a run at a SB so you can add a few key pieces, but they just keep doing the same thing over and over. They seem to be under the delusion that if you can mathematically get under the cap today there is no issue. Did I read that article right: highest cap value for a QB, TE, T, WR and G??? All on one team? that Stephen sure is a genius with the cap...wonder if he worked at Enron

 

[Droopdog51]

Remember when the Eagles were relevant?

 

[cdumler7]

No offense, but this is exactly my take on the hiring of Vance Joseph

And I made a thread last season applying the same logic to Hue Jackson

The Bengals were a lock under Jackson for one thing, having a shitty offense in the postseason

Can't completely disagree with this. I have no clue what Joseph will all bring to the table. I've been told that most around the league viewed him as a better HC than Coordinator because of his communication skills/ability to work with a wide range of personalities. I'm hoping that is true and that he can let his coordinators do the work. Maybe Bevell is the same way.

 

[cdumler7]

It's the Cowboy way. Kick the can down the road. they should have sucked it up a few years ago to save money for when you are ready to make a run at a SB so you can add a few key pieces, but they just keep doing the same thing over and over. They seem to be under the delusion that if you can mathematically get under the cap today there is no issue. Did I read that article right: highest cap value for a QB, TE, T, WR and G??? All on one team? that Stephen sure is a genius with the cap...wonder if he worked at Enron

Haha wow yeah not good to have that many of the top contracts especially when the QB might be the back up, TE is still good but not top of the league, and WR has struggled some to stay healthy lately. Quick way to get yourself in trouble.

 

[cdumler7]

I've been defending his to the haters on the Hawks board, but I'd replace him if there was someone available who is better. He's a pretty good football mind, and when Pete has taken the shackles off him, he's been able to dial up some pretty good numbers.

I listen to Brock Huard's podcasts a fair bit, and they discussed him as not likely to get a HC nod because he's not the right personality type, more of a withdrawn, sports nerd type guy. Certainly not an alpha male stereotype.

I think he's well respected because he IS smart, and he's had some good runs of success when given the freedom to do his thing.

If we can bring in a vet O-cordinator, or an up and coming wunderkind, I'd wave goodbye no problem. I just want them not to throw the baby out with the bathwater because the average sports fan is a simple answers MMQB who forgets all the times they guessed wrong, and remembers all the times they guessed right.

As a Denver fan, you've grown accustomed to stability in how the organization is run, not inertia, but stability. It's amazing how many fans don't get why that's important.

/rant.

I didn't realize he sometimes was being shackled. That is why I wanted to ask. I appreciate your response.

And you are right sometimes it is a be careful what you wish for kind of thing. What comes in isn't always as good and you realize that who you threw out was not the problem but the one holding things together.

As a Bronco fan I am happy that our team has stability in the FO. I'm about tired of switching coaching staffs every couple of years though. I'm hoping Vance can stay healthy and actually stick around for 10+ years. And yeah I was reading something earlier about how 3 of the 4 teams still left in the playoffs have had some of the best coaching/FO stability in the league. So this whole firing coaches or hitting the complete reset on the roster thing over and over again just won't cut it.

 

[chf]

I didn't realize he sometimes was being shackled. That is why I wanted to ask. I appreciate your response.

And you are right sometimes it is a be careful what you wish for kind of thing. What comes in isn't always as good and you realize that who you threw out was not the problem but the one holding things together.

As a Bronco fan I am happy that our team has stability in the FO. I'm about tired of switching coaching staffs every couple of years though. I'm hoping Vance can stay healthy and actually stick around for 10+ years. And yeah I was reading something earlier about how 3 of the 4 teams still left in the playoffs have had some of the best coaching/FO stability in the league. So this whole firing coaches or hitting the complete reset on the roster thing over and over again just won't cut it.

Carroll's philosophy (which has worked pretty well for him in Seattle) is to run the ball, chew clock, and play good D and not turn the ball over. So Wilson is pretty careful with the ball already, but Bevell has had to keep the overall philosophy in mind. The second half of last season, when they didn't really have another choice, was a good example of what Wilson could be if they allowed him to throw more (the historic tear he and Baldwin went on), and reading between the lines I think they realize that they're going to throw more as the years progress, but sadly Cable's ability to make chicken salad out of chicken shit didn't work as well this year.
Still, we threw more than we ever have under Pete, and given Wilson's talents, I expect to see that trend continue. Just have to try to fix the T position, drafting late in each round. Not so easy to do.

And yeah, you make changes when necessary - but the Giants, Packers, NE, Steelers, Denver, all share a realization that you don't make changes just because.

The teams at the other end of the spectrum speak for themselves.

 

[cdumler7]

Carroll's philosophy (which has worked pretty well for him in Seattle) is to run the ball, chew clock, and play good D and not turn the ball over. So Wilson is pretty careful with the ball already, but Bevell has had to keep the overall philosophy in mind. The second half of last season, when they didn't really have another choice, was a good example of what Wilson could be if they allowed him to throw more (the historic tear he and Baldwin went on), and reading between the lines I think they realize that they're going to throw more as the years progress, but sadly Cable's ability to make chicken salad out of chicken shit didn't work as well this year.
Still, we threw more than we ever have under Pete, and given Wilson's talents, I expect to see that trend continue. Just have to try to fix the T position, drafting late in each round. Not so easy to do.

And yeah, you make changes when necessary - but the Giants, Packers, NE, Steelers, Denver, all share a realization that you don't make changes just because.

The teams at the other end of the spectrum speak for themselves.

Agreed. The Hard Cap was designed to bring about an even playing field but bad ownership can completely eliminate that advantage. I really miss Al Davis for the Raiders because man could he mess up a team.

 

[eaglesnut]

Lots of cap problems in the foreseeable future. This was their best chance and they blew it.

 

[cdumler7]

Lots of cap problems in the foreseeable future. This was their best chance and they blew it.

I would say maybe 2 years from now if everybody stays healthy and this rookie class continues on an upward trajectory they could have their best shot. They would have some cap space to possibly add a couple of players, will have more experience among the young guys, the older players won't be out of their prime quite yet.

 

[Bmurph]

Lots of speculation in here, how the hell does anyone know how this plays out that far down the road?

 

[cdumler7]

Lots of speculation in here, how the hell does anyone know how this plays out that far down the road?

Nobody does. This entire thread was started by a Cowboys fan pretty much trying to hype up the future of the Cowboys. And while yes I will agree things look pretty good they also have some major things working against them taking that next step.

I'm sure Seahawks fans a few years ago thought they were forming the next great dynasty. While they have still won a lot of games it hasn't quite turned out like they thought. So most in here are just saying don't count your chickens before the eggs hatch. These type of threads seem to have a funny way of popping up every year.