The Dallas Cowboys have been trying to figure out how to handle their situation at left tackle. After taking a look at both Tyson Clabo and Bryant McKinnie, the team missed out on signing both free agents. This leaves them with current starter Doug Free. Free's contract has him as a large hit against the Cowboy's struggling salary cap and they cannot handle anymore. As the team tries to figure out how to alleviate their financial burdens, they have told Free to either take a pay cut or be cut.
After paying quarterback Tony Romo $40 million in guaranteed money, the team is a little cash-strapped at the moment. They also have a large amount of money invested in wide receiver Miles Austin, $54 million to be exact. This complicated things for Free and the Cowboys are hoping to force him into taking a significant pay cut.
Free is set to make $8 million this season as part of a four-year, $32 million deal he is signed to. With his base salary and bonus money, he will be a $10 million his against the salary cap. That is a big chunk of cash for a marginal left tackle. It is reported that the Cowboys would like to reduce his salary to at least $2 million. If not, Free will likely get axed.
If the team cuts him before June 1, it would prevent his bonus money from hurting the salary cap. They would still carry $7.08 million of dead money, but it would be significantly less. If they cut him before June 1, it would save $7 million and clear Free off the books.
It is not surprising that the Cowboys are selecting Free to be the one to take a pay cut. The team's offensive line was a disaster last year, leaving Romo on the ground more times than standing in the pocket. They simply cannot afford to dedicate a large amount of money to someone who may or may not produce.
Free would be wise to just take the pay cut and remain with the Cowboys. The free agent market has not been kind to tackels and each passing day gives Dallas more leverage to force him into a pay cut. The deal is likely being dictated by what others are signing for. Tyson Clabo who has only missed one game since 2008 was only able to manage a one-year deal worth $3.8 million with the Miami Dolphins. Free will not get anything better than what Dallas is already offering.