Dallas Cowboys defensive end DeMarcus Ware (94) talks with defensive line coach Leon Lett during the game against the Green Bay Packers at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
To this point, the Dallas Cowboys haven’t started contract negotiations with veteran defensive end DeMarcus Ware, who could end up being released by the team if he doesn’t agree to a restructured deal or a paycut. The Cowboys cap situation is downright woeful at this point in time, and they have only themselves to blame for continuing to put themselves into unfavorable positions. With Jason Hatcher as good as gone and Anthony Spencer also set to hit free agency, the Cowboys pass rush could be just as inept as their secondary if they are forced to cut Ware. Even if he isn’t the same player he used to be at the age of 31, he’s still a productive pass rusher and one of the team’s best players on defense (though the D is so poor that this doesn’t revel much about his own talent).
Last night, sources told ESPN Dallas’s Todd Archer that DeMarcus Ware underwent successful surgery on his right elbow, so that’s definitely good news. I can’t remember the last time I heard of an unsuccessful surgery, so it isn’t noteworthy either. But it is nice confirmation and gives me an excuse to talk a bit about the Ware-Cowboys situation, which is worth watching very closely.
Ware has a $12.25 million base salary and an even higher cap hit set for the 2014 season, so he’s pretty much untenable for the Cowboys. He isn’t even worth that kind of money either, and I don’t think even the biggest Ware fan could argue that he’s worth a $16 million cap hit. If he isn’t willing to take less pay or restructure his deal, then he’ll be out of town.