Cowboys Break Bank

Earlier in the off season the Oakland Raiders proved to be the most financial irresponsible in blowing cash on Javon Walker ($55 million), Tommy Kelly ($50+ million), and Gibril Wilson ($39 million). While I look at Walker as a second tier but solid receiver, Kelly as a decent tackle and Wilson as a serviceable - yet not dominant - safety, the team clearly overpaid. Well move over Oakland, Dallas is raising the bar!

Marion Barber is a great running back. From his days in Minnesota, it was clear he had the type of power that would make him a treat to watch in the NFL. Barber has been a work horse for Dallas since joining the team, and has been a touchdown machine for fantasy players and Tony Romo alike. While Barber certainly runs as hard as any player this side of Maurice Jones-Drew, he likely will never live up to the 7-year, $45 million contract he just inked. To put it into perspective, that money catapults Barber into the same paygrade as LaDainian Tomlinson and Larry Johnson. The deal also included a guaranteed $16 million.

While I'm in favor of looking at Barber as a better than average running back, but neither in college nor in the NFL has he ever carried the full load for his team, making me curious why he is getting paid as an elite back. Also, Dallas just drafted Felix Jones from Arkansas, who averaged 7.6 yards per carry in his collegiate career. If Dallas wants Barber to be an elite back, then it's curious for them to spend first round money on a complimentary RB.

To make sure the spending wasn't limited to the offense, Jerry Jones wrapped up Terence Newman to a 6-year, $50.2 million deal, with $22.5 million in guarantees.

Newman and Barber are both strong contributors to the Dallas Cowboys and warranted extensions, but the amount of money being thrown around by the Cowboys is not indicative of one that will be financially free in the future to make any necessary moves. Jerry Jones is putting all of his eggs in the Tony Romo basket, let's hope for him that Jessica stays away and Dallas can get it done in 2008.