Re-sign McClain AND Carter?

[es4m11]

I am of the opinion that we need to bring both of these guys back -- assuming the costs are not prohibitive. Sean Lee will be back next year, and Hitchens looks like a difference maker on the field, but we will still need some good depth. Especially when you consider Lee's injury history. If we can bring back both for next year our starting LB corp will look pretty solid, with Lee at WLB, McClain MLB, Carter SLB, and Hitchens as a super sub capable of playing all three positions competently.

I'll say it now, I was so wrong about Hitchens at the start of the year. I was definitely against the pick when it was made. Happy to be wrong.

If Dallas goes this route, we can focus on drafting pass rushers and secondary help. And maybe a guard to take Martin's place as he slides to RT next year.

 

[fordman84]

Doing so should give us enough LB depth to either make a trade later or at least not have to draft. Those 4 LB's would be one of the better groups in the league.

 

[bigdeal701]

I am of the opinion that we need to bring both of these guys back -- assuming the costs are not prohibitive. Sean Lee will be back next year, and Hitchens looks like a difference maker on the field, but we will still need some good depth. Especially when you consider Lee's injury history. If we can bring back both for next year our starting LB corp will look pretty solid, with Lee at WLB, McClain MLB, Carter SLB, and Hitchens as a super sub capable of playing all three positions competently.

I'll say it now, I was so wrong about Hitchens at the start of the year. I was definitely against the pick when it was made. Happy to be wrong.

If Dallas goes this route, we can focus on drafting pass rushers and secondary help. And maybe a guard to take Martin's place as he slides to RT next year.

That would be great if they could sign them both, but with the Dez and Murray deals looming, I don't see them both getting signed. Even if we can't sign them both, I think our linebacking core will still look decent next year as long as Lee can stay healthy.

 

[es4m11]

That would be great if they could sign them both, but with the Dez and Murray deals looming, I don't see them both getting signed. Even if we can't sign them both, I think our linebacking core will still look decent next year as long as Lee can stay healthy.

I think Murray is the odd man out, or at least should be. I love him as a player, and he has been everything for us this year. But you don't give veteran RB's big contracts. And Murray is going to get a big contract. RB's historically do not fare very well after huge usage seasons, such as Murray is having this year. I think it would be a bad deal to re-sign Murray, Dallas would not see an equal return in value. JMHO...

I would be confident that we could find someone else to run for 4.5 ypc behind the line we have.

 

[jarntt]

We need to bring back McClain and one of Carter or Durant. This leaves us with McClain, Lee and Hitchens as starters and the other guy as your back up. Both can play all 3 spots. I let the salary demands of each likely make my decision for me as I see pluses and minuses to each, so since whichever we sign is likely a backup I don't sweat which one ends up here.

 

[es4m11]

My first preference would be to re-sign Carter over Durant. Carter is the better athlete and younger. Durant is coming off of injury too. I have been pretty impressed with Carter's improvement in pass coverage this year.

Hitchens would make the ideal 4th LB for us next year if we bring back the other two. I think Hitchens is the most versatile of all the LB's we have and would be great filling in for either of the three starters. Hitchens would see ample playing time in this arrangement and our starters would stay fresh.

 

[jarntt]

I agree Carter came on strong, but Durant was light years ahead of him at the start of the year. Like I said, I'm good with either. Would love both, but $'s and playing time won't allow that IMO. Hitchens will not come out of the starting lineup for a long time. For a first year player that bounced around from position to position he was incredible. He plays the run and the pass. He has the necessary instincts and fills holes quickly as was seen on many huge 3rd/4th down stops for no gain or a loss.

 

[es4m11]

I agree on Hitchens, completely. This guy is a diamond in the rough. He wasn't even really a known commodity in college, and he burst onto the NFL scene. Hitchens has been nothing short of terrific.

 

[bigdaddytorr]

I'd like to see them both stay with the team.

 

[UK Cowboy]

I'd like to see them both stay with the team.

I would too, add in Lee and Hitchens, LB becomes the strength of the defense

 

[Nasty_Magician]

Would be great. Then you can focus entirely on the D line and secondary for the draft. If we went D line, D line the first 2 rounds I would be ecstatic. Then after that go with best available.

 

[PDay8810]

We need to bring back McClain and one of Carter or Durant. This leaves us with McClain, Lee and Hitchens as starters and the other guy as your back up. Both can play all 3 spots. I let the salary demands of each likely make my decision for me as I see pluses and minuses to each, so since whichever we sign is likely a backup I don't sweat which one ends up here.

BOY do I agree here as long as one of the 2 is McClain.
Needless to say...I lone to see McClain and Lee play together in DALLAS next season.

I now lean towards Carter for the other spot after watching this past season. Carter would do well for himself to be around Lee, McClain and Hutchins. A player in progress as long as he's around the strong influence.

 

[PDay8810]

Question?


I'm cool with not being allowed to start a thread or take part in any polls here,
BUT
not being able to edit my posts???

 

[ArlingtonCowboys100]

Mcclain was a force before he got nicked up. Hope he comes back. Like others have mentioned, it would be nice to see Lee and Mcclain on the field at the same time. Both of them are cerebral. I do think that Jerrah could gamble and restructure romo and try to win now. that Mccourty would be nice to see in the backend. And by all means resign Murray to a team friendly deal with some creative structuring. I thought the Hitchens pick was stupid, but am glad I was totally wrong. I dont think he is an all pro, but he plays damn well for a 4th round pick. Carter to me is another guy that only played well because it was his contract year. Carter is the ultimate underachiever. Dont think he comes back.

 

[R.J. MacReady]

Question?


I'm cool with not being allowed to start a thread or take part in any polls here,
BUT
not being able to edit my posts???

I'm glad you said something, now we all can have a field day looking for mistakes.

 

[R.J. MacReady]

I'll say it now, I was so wrong about Hitchens at the start of the year. I was definitely against the pick when it was made. Happy to be wrong.

I screamed about McClain and how it was suicide to get a guy who had serious motivational issues.
He retired when he was what ...23?

A great talent sitting at home ...and boom He's reborn. A gift from heaven.

 

[PDay8810]

I'm glad you said something, now we all can have a field day looking for mistakes.

those mistakes came when I could edit. Now they'll come in bunches.
I'm not real smart, but I can lift heavy things...

 

[R.J. MacReady]

those mistakes came when I could edit. Now they'll come in bunches.
I'm not real smart, but I can lift heavy things...

I save my biggest mistakes for the thread titles that can't be fixed. It's like a big neon sign:
"look at the idiot" blink, blink, blinkity, blink.

 

[Ekspozed]

I would not be mad if the starters were Hitch McClain Lee, with "the ultimate secret weapon" Durant.I just see Carter moving on because someone will out pay us for his services.

 

[ROMOTOOWENS]

Here is the things with McClain. Sure he will get offered big by someone probably. I just don't think he is a guy that is looking for the highest paycheck. I think he needs normality. I really think he fit in well with our guys and liked it. He also liked his coaches. I think that is huge for him. I may be totally wrong but I think he wants to win and I also think he needs to be around the people that love him.