Evan
06-17-2008, 12:55 PM
IRVING – The Dallas Cowboys begin a three-day minicamp Tuesday, representing the end of the organized on-field work before training camp.
Off the field, there also is work to do, like signing their six draft picks and resolving contract situations with safety Ken Hamlin and wide receiver Terry Glenn.
Hamlin, whom the Cowboys franchised, will not be in attendance Tuesday because technically he is not under contract. Glenn isn't expected either, but he could be subject to a fine for missing the mandatory sessions.
By July 15, Hamlin has to play for the $4.396 million tender, agree on a multiyear deal or sit.
Glenn, who played in only one regular-season game last year after knee surgery, is set to make $1.74 million in base salary. He must decide whether to accept a split salary – which would pay him $500,000 if he hurts his right knee again – or risk being released.
But regardless of what happens with those two, the Cowboys are in excellent salary-cap shape – with more than $8 million available – thanks to moves made in the last month.
With an uncertain labor future, the Cowboys made pre-emptive strikes with signings, restructurings and extensions that noted the changes in the accounting rules after this season.
The NFL owners' decision to opt out of the collective bargaining agreement means the 2008 and 2009 seasons will be played under the current system. If there is no new agreement before the 2010 season, that season will be played without a salary cap, but under rules that will limit players' free-agency rights.
In making these moves, the Cowboys are covered.
"You prepare for the worst case, and if it's better, then you should be fine," Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones said.
For the rest...
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/football/cowboys/stories/061708dnspocowlede.387d188.html
Off the field, there also is work to do, like signing their six draft picks and resolving contract situations with safety Ken Hamlin and wide receiver Terry Glenn.
Hamlin, whom the Cowboys franchised, will not be in attendance Tuesday because technically he is not under contract. Glenn isn't expected either, but he could be subject to a fine for missing the mandatory sessions.
By July 15, Hamlin has to play for the $4.396 million tender, agree on a multiyear deal or sit.
Glenn, who played in only one regular-season game last year after knee surgery, is set to make $1.74 million in base salary. He must decide whether to accept a split salary – which would pay him $500,000 if he hurts his right knee again – or risk being released.
But regardless of what happens with those two, the Cowboys are in excellent salary-cap shape – with more than $8 million available – thanks to moves made in the last month.
With an uncertain labor future, the Cowboys made pre-emptive strikes with signings, restructurings and extensions that noted the changes in the accounting rules after this season.
The NFL owners' decision to opt out of the collective bargaining agreement means the 2008 and 2009 seasons will be played under the current system. If there is no new agreement before the 2010 season, that season will be played without a salary cap, but under rules that will limit players' free-agency rights.
In making these moves, the Cowboys are covered.
"You prepare for the worst case, and if it's better, then you should be fine," Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones said.
For the rest...
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/football/cowboys/stories/061708dnspocowlede.387d188.html