Weekly Mailbag

Q: Are the Cowboys working on any extensions for certain players? – Todd Ruedel A: At this point it is really difficult with the cap situation for 2014. However, Dan Bailey’s deal is up at …

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Q: Are the Cowboys working on any extensions for certain players? – Todd Ruedel

A: At this point it is really difficult with the cap situation for 2014. However, Dan Bailey’s deal is up at the end of the season so he is top priority. The Cowboys need to do some maneuvering since both Pro Bowlers Tyron Smith and Dez Bryant’s contract expire following next season. The other interesting one will be what to do with Bruce Carter.

Q: Who is your favorite first round draft pick for this team in May? – Xavier Gonzales

A: Right now it is a two way tie between DT Ra’Shede Hageman and DE Kony Ealy. Both could be huge for this team. Hageman has freakish athletic ability and Ealy is a matchup problem on the outside. Either would be asked to replace either Jason Hatcher or Demarcus Ware. Big shoes to fill for either one.

Q: Why are we not even trying to get a rookie Qb that’s good to prepare behind tony romo in the meantime? – Frankie H

A: Solid point with this question. It is my belief that the Cowboys should be looking for a QB behind Romo to learn. Even though Jerry says that they won’t spend a premium pick on one is a smoke screen to me. Tony will be 34 and coming off of his second back surgery in nine months. Look for them to take one in this draft.

Q: Do you think DeMarcus Ware is gone after this year? – John Krall

A: I really do think this is the final season for Ware. He has had a great run for the Cowboys but it seems with his injury history that father time has caught up with him. By releasing him they would save roughly $7.5 million and could get a suitable replacement that could provide more production. He has had two sacks and a handful of quarterback pressures in the last six games and that is not the way to help a struggling secondary.

Q: Do you think Marinelli will be the defensive coordinator next year? – Richard Noyes

A: If they bring Kiffin back the answer is no. If Lovie Smith gets a head coaching job somewhere in 2014 then no. Other than those two scenarios he is the front runner for the job. He has done a miraculous job with the players he was provided.

Q: What do you think of Tahj Boyd in the third round after the Cowboys take defensive linemen in the first two rounds? – Ramin Assar

A: If they take two defensive linemen then have a third pick Boyd should be gone. If he is there I would gladly take him. Although I think Boyd goes in the second.

Q: Got any names for us to watch this bowl weekend that may be on Cowboys radar come draft time? – Jason Tyson

A: Plenty. On Saturday in Rutgers vs Notre Dame keep your eye on Louis Nix III and Stephon Tuitt. I am not a fan of either but I bet they draw some interests from Jerry and company. Cincy vs UNC watch for Tar Heels Kareem Martin the defensive end. He is a mid round prospect that I would give some looks to. Miami vs Louisville has Brandon Linder OG, Seantrel Henderson OT for Miami and for Louisville I like DeVante Parker WR, Marcus Smith DE and Hakeem Smith SS. The last game on Saturday I will by watching Ty Zimmerman of Kansas State.

Q: Who do you want as head coach next season? – Ben Natan

A: Jason Garrett. I don’t think he should get fired since he has yet to have a losing season. Also Jerry Jones really likes Garrett and because Jones doesn’t to regret firing him like he did Chan Gailey. Like Garrett, Gailey never had a losing season. They would both be coaches fired by Jones without a losing season if Garrett doesn’t return.