COWBYS SQUAD SHOW: The latest with K Brandon Aubrey & the NFL Combine.

Summary

Locked On Cowboys: Cowboys Squad Show – Latest on K Brandon Aubrey & the NFL Combine

Date: February 27, 2026
Hosts: Landon McCool, Marcus Mosher, Aisha Morrison, Glenn “Stretch” Smith
Podcast Network: Locked On Podcast Network

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Episode Overview

This episode of the Cowboys Squad Show digs into two major topics: the brewing contract standoff between the Dallas Cowboys and star kicker Brandon Aubrey, and the early developments and rumors emerging from the 2026 NFL Combine in Indianapolis. The hosts break down the latest reports, react to speculation about contract negotiations getting heated with agents, and discuss how the Cowboys are approaching free agency, draft needs (especially at defense), and the franchise’s salary cap situation.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Kicker Contract Drama: Brandon Aubrey’s Negotiations

Timestamps: 04:33–13:30

• Rumors of Tension at the Combine:

  • A report from Sporting News claims there were shouting matches between Cowboys front office and various agents (including Aubrey’s) in Indianapolis.
    • Quote (Jeff, 04:33): “According to multiple reports, Cowboys brass was overheard in shouting matches with agents … even agents for their own players, but also agents for potential free agent signings. That included Brandon Aubrey…”

• Numbers Being Thrown Around:

  • Cowboys reportedly offered $7 million a year to Aubrey, which would make him the highest-paid kicker. Aubrey’s agent countered with $10 million.
    • Quote (Jeff, 05:00): "According to reports, the Cowboys offered to make Brandon Aubrey the highest paid kicker in the NFL, somewhere in the 7 range. His agent countered with closer to 10."
    • Landon (06:08): “That’s that a kicker asked for $10 million a year to be a kicker. Like, I love Brandon Aubrey, but, man, what are we doing here, y’all?”

• Agent Antics and Social Media:

  • Aubrey and his wife have been active on social posting cryptically.
  • Landon clarifies that the $10M demand seems confirmed as the agent never disputed that number in follow-up with reporters.

• Second-Round Tender Possibility:

  • The Cowboys can apply a second-round tender to Aubrey, limiting his leverage since no other team is likely to give up a second-rounder for a kicker.
    • Landon (09:28): “They could easily just put this … second round tag on him. … You could simply just slap a tag on them. The conversation’s over. And now Aubrey’s got to go through another year … I probably would have gone with a multi-year deal … he may have overplayed his hand.”

• Agent Influence:

  • Debate on whether this is from Aubrey or the agent, Todd France, but consensus is that in the end, the pressure is back on Aubrey.

2. Cowboys Salary Cap & Free Agency Moves

Timestamps: 13:30–17:13

• Cowboys Currently $55M Over the Cap:

  • Not unusual; Cowboys have several "trigger pulls" (restructures, cuts) to get compliant.
  • Landon (14:06): “The number to remember is $133 million. $133 million is the amount of money that the Cowboys can create with … simple structures.”

• Salary Cap’s Size in 2026:

  • Cap now set at $301–$305 million.
  • Landon (14:54): “Last year was $265 [million]. I think it was $22 million dollar increase for the third consecutive year…”

3. Roster Decisions: TJ Bass, Trades, and Asset Management

Timestamps: 15:45–22:45

• TJ Bass: Second-Round Tender Likely:

  • Cowboys value the undrafted guard’s development and reliability.
  • Aisha (15:50): “He’s just been reliable. … I feel like them putting this tender on him shows that they value him and that they know they need to have that depth there.”

• Trade Possibilities:

  • Speculation around packaging depth (like Bass or Hoffman) for defensive help or picks.
  • Coach Stretch (18:12): “…at some point, you got to address the elephant in the room. They couldn’t stop Bemidji State. … At some point, they got to start spending some assets on the other side of the football.”

• Offensive vs Defensive Priorities:

  • Consensus that the Cowboys can afford to trade from offensive line depth in order to reload the defense.

4. Free Agency: Defensive Focus and Linebacker Needs

Timestamps: 26:45–37:28

• Possible Free Agency Targets:

  • Nakobe Dean (Eagles) mentioned as target—due to familiarity with new DC Christian Parker’s system.
  • Minka Fitzpatrick’s name floated, but would require a trade.

• Draft/FA Philosophy:

  • Value of signing a veteran linebacker stressed (e.g., Demario Davis), rather than relying on young/inexperienced Mics.
  • Aisha (32:08): “They need somebody to lean on and learn from. They can’t keep relying on each other. They don’t know nothing about nothing.”

• Spending Efficiency:

  • Landon and Coach debate between prioritizing linebacker (Devin Lloyd is mentioned as a potential fit for ~$20M/yr) or high-cost edge rushers (like Hendrickson).

• Defensive Line Interviews at Combine:

  • Cowboys interviewing many DT prospects; could signal increased need based on scheme change, or simply due diligence.
  • Coach Stretch (37:56): “So what my point is you could need as many as where you’ve been playing with say four inside guys. Rotationally, you might, that number may become six, right?”

5. Scheme Changes & Player Fit

Timestamps: 37:43–48:49

• Front Seven Adjustments:

  • Extensive interviews with DT prospects may signal shift to more defensive tackle rotations under new scheme.
  • Toye Oye and other DTs may face roster jeopardy due to scheme misfit.

• Marist Liufau Role Change:

  • Marist Liufau, drafted as a MIKE linebacker, is now moving to the edge.
  • Aisha (30:59): “We got the report today from Brian Schottenheimer that Marist Liufau … is moving out to outside linebacker.”
  • Hosts express skepticism this is a true promotion; might be an attempt to salvage a roster spot.

• Coaching Instability’s Impact on LBs:

  • Frequent DC changes and unclear communication have stunted young LB growth.

6. Draft & Combine Trends

Timestamps: 51:19–52:59

• Defensive Tackle Emphasis:

  • Cowboys take a thorough look at versatile DTs who could fill multiple roles in new setup.
  • Warning against overanalyzing combine visit lists—may reflect logistics and draft flexibility.

• Wide Receiver Not a Top Priority:

  • It’s likely Cowboys will look for WR depth via free agency or later-round/Dallas Day visits.
  • Landon (52:49): “I wouldn’t be shocked if they brought in like a free agent like wide receiver, special teams wide receiver, 5 guy … on a very vet minimum cheap deal.”

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Aubrey’s $10M Request:

  • Landon (06:08): “I love Brandon Aubrey, but, man, what are we doing here, y’all?”
  • Coach Stretch (11:33): “The agent works for you … when you’re letting someone else speak for you, I think that becomes a slippery slope.”

• On Cowboys Salary Cap “Problems”:

  • Landon (14:06): “It’s like credit, like a credit score …”

• Asset Re-Allocation:

  • Coach Stretch (18:12): “At some point, you got to start spending some assets on the other side of the football. … It doesn’t matter how many points you score on offense.”

• Linebacker Need:

  • Aisha (32:08): “They need somebody to lean on and learn from. They can’t keep relying on each other. … It’s too pivotal a spot on your defense … you need a Mic.”

• Scheme Fit Doubts:

  • Landon (45:00): “This is a case where they have a contract with Liufau and it’s a good contract. … They’re trying to find a way to keep him on the roster and see if he can help them out in this area.”

• Will McClay & Defensive Revamp:

  • Landon (56:55): “If you don’t … evolve, if you’re not honing that and trying to get better, then you’re getting worse.”

• Will McClay on Football IQ:

  • Aisha (59:08): “It sounds like they are valuing intellect and processing … because this defense seems like it is going to be. It’s going to have wrinkles.”

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Additional Key Segments & Timestamps

• [13:55] — Cowboys’ cap status and restructure options
• [15:45–16:41] — TJ Bass’s value, possible trade, and backup depth
• [18:12–22:45] — Defensive resource reallocation, trade philosophy
• [26:45–29:49] — Combine targets, the Minka Fitzpatrick rumor, LB/CB draft strat
• [30:59–34:57] — Free agency LB debate: Nakobe Dean, Devin Lloyd, scheme fit
• [37:43–41:56] — Defensive tackle interviews, scheme changes, and marginalized DTs (Toye Oye, etc.)
• [51:19–52:59] — Combine visit strategy and WR approach
• [56:00–[59:08] — Will McClay’s comments, learning from new staff, focus on smart/versatile defenders

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Final Thoughts & Episode Takeaways

• Brandon Aubrey’s contract negotiations have reached near-comical levels, with bidders far apart. Cowboys have leverage with an RFA tender.
• Defensive upgrades and rebalancing the cap are at the core of this offseason; linebacker and interior defensive line are prime focuses.
• Roster depth, especially at guard, gives Cowboys trade chips to address glaring defensive issues.
• Coaching and front-office synergy matters more than ever with scheme changes; both Will McClay and new DC Christian Parker emphasize adaptability and football IQ.
• The early combine buzz confirms the Cowboys are casting a wide net defensively, but fans should be cautious not to overreact to every meeting or rumor.

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Stay tuned for more breakdowns as free agency and the draft approach.

Transcript

[A]

It's the lockdown podcast Network your team every day Prime. One day delivery's fast. How fast we talking? We're talking yoga mats and fitness trackers delivered so fast you can kick off your routine tomorrow. Fast. We're talking weights at your door without really waiting. Fast. Water bottles and hydration backpacks. Fast and fast. Resistance spans faster than you can say feel the burn. Fast. More jump ropes. Just a hop, skip and a jump away. AKA F. That was actually a good workout. Fast, fast one day delivery for all things fitness. It's on Prime. Everyone deserves to be connected. That's why T Mobile and US Cellular are joining forces. Switch to T Mobile and save up to 20% versus Verizon by getting built in benefits. They leave out. Check the math@t mobile.com switch and now T Mobile is in US cellular stores. Savings versus Comparable Verizon plans plus the cost of optional benefits plan features and taxes and fees vary. Savings with three plus lines include third line free via monthly bill credits. Credit stop if you cancel any lines. Qualifying credit required.

[B]

I'm Jeff Biggs and just like punch, we are your support for Cowboys fans during this wild off season.

[A]

I'm Landon McCool and I think I just pulled my hamstring watching Sonny Styles do his vertical.

[C]

Glenn Stretch Smith. I'm dizzy from watching it over and over.

[B]

And look who is joining us. Wrapping it up.

[D]

Yeah, y', all, I had a. A puppy problem.

[B]

Oh, it's okay.

[A]

We're here for you.

[D]

Not the literal Puppy, the the 11 year old adult dog in the room. So yes, I have a senior citizen in the. In the house now. So it's a different lifestyle. Having. I've never had a senior dog. Have any of you? So that's different. No, that's different. So hi. Hi guys. What are we talking about? What are we doing? How about them Cowboys?

[A]

It's the Cowboy squad. Everything.

[D]

Dallas Cowboys every week covering all the big hits and game changing plays from America's team the way only the locked on podcast network can get ready. And so squad up. It's the Cowboy squad show starting now.

[B]

All right. What a way to start things off. February is almost over, but we already have some March madness underway at the NFL combine in Indy. Welcome back to another edition of the Cowboys squad show. That is Landon McCool, co host of the daily Lock on Cowboys podcast with Marcus Moser. That's Aisha Morrison, Multiple Morrison with all the multiple shows. And don't forget the two eyes and former Cowboys coach, the one and only Glenn Stretch Smith. A lot to get to today, one of those days where just as the day has gone on, more and more news has been coming in. We've got breaking news that was announced for the Cowboys defense. Another tag not for George Pickens. And will the Cowboys tell Brandon Aubrey or his agent to kick rocks as well? But let's start with the breaking news. I'll start with all of you. Don't know how much validity there is to it, but it was from the Sporting News that apparently underway today at Indy, Day one, although they've been there since Tuesday. According to multiple reports, Cowboys brass was overheard in shouting matches with agents. Not only agents for their own players, but also agents for potential free agent signings. That. That included Brandon Aubrey, who we'll get to in a moment, but I don't know. Do you guys buy any of that? Is that. Does that sound legit to you? Like I said, normally if it's just some. Somebody that I've never heard of or, or just a blog, but considering, you know, the Sporting News was going with it, I'm going to say that they, they did their homework. But anyway, their whole take was this is not a good, good sign or a good start to free agency.

[A]

I'm still confused on what we're even talking. So they. They gathered a bunch of agents in a room and yelled at them. Is that what's happening?

[B]

Apparently they overheard different conversations about, I'm assuming maybe contract restructures, maybe negotiations, maybe, you know, resigning players.

[A]

Oh, maybe it was. Maybe it was the one where the guy told the. The Joneses that they wanted to pay their kicker $10 million.

[B]

Yeah, that's a.

[A]

$10 million.

[B]

That's a no.

[A]

A kicker.

[B]

Yeah, that's a no right there. Yeah. According to, According to reports, the Cowboys offered to make Brandon Aubrey the highest paid kicker in the NFL, somewhere in the 7 range. And according to reports, his agent or his group countered with closer to 10. And that's where we are as of this morning.

[A]

Yeah.

[D]

Oh, those are real reports because we're also seeing Aubrey and his wife do their thug fizzle on social media, too.

[A]

You say that, but what is happening, what actually got corrected, is that. And this is what's making me crazy, is that Calvin Watkins is the person who reported all this. Right. And then he comes back out later to correct himself. And the thing he corrected was not the $10 million a year asked by the kicker was that that the Cowboys didn't offer him seven and a half. They offered him seven million. Which seems like, you know, again, we're Burying the lead here. That's that a kicker asked for $10 million a year to be a kicker. Like, I love Brandon Aubrey, but, man, what are we doing here, y'?

[D]

All? He's a. He's a former soccer player.

[A]

That's wild.

[D]

The big dollars. I'm never going to forgive y' all for having me open in that way. Without me.

[A]

Hey, listen.

[D]

And the coach was down here cackling with that pick in his mouth. I'm never gonna forgive y', all, but the, The Brandon Aubrey thing is kind of getting wild.

[B]

We're here to support you, though. Just like punch.

[D]

No, y', all, y', all, I know the fans are like, what in the blue stars is this lady talking about?

[A]

We got props.

[D]

But. No, seriously, Seriously. No, I. This Brandon Aubrey thing to me is going off the rails and it just got on the tracks. Like, I don't even know what's going on. How did we get here? Mean, this is a great kicker. I didn't know that he was asking for that much. That. That really changes the conversation to me. What do you feel like, Coach? I know you. When did you.

[B]

I don't.

[C]

I don't. I don't know. I don't know. I don't really know what to make of all that. I mean, I think that. I mean, obviously I knew this young man because I was. I was actually coaching in the USFL when he. When Dallas signed him from the Birmingham Stallions. And you know, I was around. I was around him some. He's a really polite guy. I mean, I, you know, I think the agent steps in and asks for all kinds of. Can ask for all kinds of things, but also know the agent didn't know the difference between Clarence Hill and Calvin Watkins. That bothers me. I mean, your agent doesn't know who the two guys are. The difference in the two guys are that cover the team for the Morning News and used to cover the team for the Star Telegram. And you. You don't know the difference in those guys like that. That kind of bothers me. So I'm not real sure what to buy into with all that.

[A]

Well,

[D]

who. Can you give us the source, Jeff, on the. The shout and match thing situation? Because that was.

[B]

It was from Sporting News. It was on. On the Sporting News Cowboys site.

[D]

Because it sound like some late night activities, if you know what I'm saying? If you've been to the combine, it sound like some late night activities there.

[A]

This too long.

[D]

Yeah. I was about to say because the belief. So for that to be happening if that did happen, like around other people, I feel like it would be a bigger, it would be every. Everywhere.

[B]

Well, we'll see soon enough. I just thought that was interesting. But it does lead into what you were just discussing with Brandon. Aubrey. We talked about it a little bit on Monday and it's like, okay, you're, you're, you're, you're thinking, okay, let's. What's he worth? How much do you want to pay? How much? We love him and, and think, you know, I think he's a great weapon. I, I didn't want, I didn't like the idea of trad. A pick. But now as you said, Aisha, now this is a whole. If, if that's indeed true, that that's where they're, they're thinking and I don't know, don't you think that to, to ask for that kind of a number, like close to 10 million, that they believe that somebody out there is willing to pay it?

[A]

I mean, well, they're not. I mean, that's the problem is that, I mean they, the Cowboys can easily just put this. And they will. It sounds like they are going to put the second round tag on him. So it's like, no, you're not getting that. You're not getting that either way. Like, so it, I don't know, man. I, I feel like it's very weird. Yeah. Like if this was a wide receiver, like if this was Pickens, right. The conversation should be starting kind of at the, you know, at and around the, the, the franchise tag number. Right. Which is, whatever it is. I think it's 28 million for wide receiver. Right. And, and, and, and then, you know, the agent could go with the higher number and then you kind of negotiate back and forth. But like this is a situation where, you know, he's a kicker and it's like the highest paid kicker in the NFL is making less than the second round tender. So it's like, yeah, they could pay you the second round Tinder. No one's gonna trade a second round pick for, for, for him for Aubrey. And so you could simply just slap a tag on them. The conversation's over. And now Aubry's got to go through another year of not, you know, not falling off, which is ultimately what happens to all these kickers. And, and so it's, the pressure is kind of back on him at this point. So I don't know, if I was him, I probably would have gone with a multi year deal. I would have maybe countered at eight and see if you could get seven and a half, I mean, that's still a million dollars more than the highest paid kicker in the NFL right now. You know, he may have, he may have overplayed his hand here a little bit. If, if things do eventually kind of go south next.

[C]

I mean, let me ask you something. Do you think it's him or do you think it's coming from Todd France?

[A]

Whatever. Like it doesn't really matter to me. Todd France, probably. But I mean, I imagine he's certainly not, you know, against getting paid $10 million a year.

[D]

Yeah. Don't trust agents.

[C]

Well, I mean my whole thing is that the agent works for you, you don't, you don't work for the agent. And I think there's times when it feels like was it the tail wagging the dog here? I mean, you know, hey,

[A]

you want,

[C]

certainly you want somebody looking out after your best interest and certainly you want somebody looking out at your contract. And I mean you want, you want all that. And I wouldn't say I'm anti, but I, but I do know this, that when you're letting someone else speak for you, I think that becomes, it becomes a little bit of a slippery slope.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Yeah, for sure. Can I real quick just speak to Troy's comment in the, in the, in this, in the comments is, you know, we, you're right, we don't know who to believe at this point, but we can, we. What we do know is that the agent reached out to what he thought was someone else, eventually figured out was Calvin Watkins. And, and, and the number that he corrected in the report was only the cowboy side of the number. He didn't correct the 10 million dollar offer the part of the, of the rumor. So I, I mean I think that's pretty much confirmation that that is what he asked for. So. Yeah, I mean that's, it's whether it's Todd.

[D]

So he's trying to reset the market. Oh, so he thinks he's good enough

[A]

to reinvent the market? Like. Yeah, for sure.

[D]

Wow.

[A]

I mean, listen, here's the other thing too is I think we love Aubrey here and we think he's, you know, certainly in the conversation for being the best kicker in the league. But I mean he isn't like far and away the, the best kicker in the league. There are other people in his stratosphere, I think. So I, I don't know to ask like, what is it, like 50, almost of, of the highest paid kicker rate. I think it's, it's pretty wild to be Honest.

[B]

And again, coming off a 7 and 9 season, it's like you can only. It's just only so much money to go around with the way this system is set up. The other thing though, that was in this article and I apologize, I should have left it up to go back and reference. But they said that according to their numbers at the moment, right now the Cowboys are 55 million over the cap. Does that sound right?

[A]

Yeah, we. Yes, but we've done this before. Like you. Literally it's two, two trigger pulls and you're right, 15 million over the count.

[D]

Yeah, it's like credit, like a credit score. It's very.

[A]

The number to remember is 133 million. 133 million is the amount of money that the Cowboys can create with, with trigger pulls with simple structures.

[B]

So I did not know that number.

[C]

What is the actual salary cap? What, what is that number? Has it come out this year or do you have to wait for the new league?

[A]

No, no, no. I think, I think it's, it's released. I don't remember it off the top of my head. Is it like 2:60? I could be totally wrong off on that.

[B]

Let's see. Okay. Well anyway that's, that's one. That's one part of it and then the other news.

[A]

301 to 305 million.

[C]

Okay.

[A]

Okay.

[C]

So it's gone up significantly.

[A]

Yes.

[C]

Last year was 265.

[A]

I think it was 22 million dollar increase for the third consecutive year is what. Is what I'm seeing here. Yep.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And the streaming deals as well.

[B]

Yeah. And that's. You know what else is going to go up? The prices to watch all those. Not to sound like grumpy old man, but all that's going to go up too. The cost for Sunday ticket and red zone, all of that.

[D]

Yeah, it's hard on fans. It's hard on fans to keep up with football these days.

[B]

Yeah, you got to have all this, like you said, you got to have all the services you gotta have. You got to be connected. So sticking with the money, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported this afternoon that the Cowboys are planning to use a second round tender on TJ Bass.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Which would pay him 5.8 million this upcoming season.

[D]

No shout out to TJ Bass, man. He's a guy that he, he went undrafted. Dallas jumped on him. You know, a lot of people were, and myself included, were surprised that he went undrafted the year that he did. And he's just been reliable. He's consistently got better. He's not the, like, if you watch him in practice, he's like, he's not the best practicer all the time, but when he gets out there and plays, he does have his limitations. But I think he's been a really good backup for Dallas. I feel like them putting this tender on him shows that they value him and that they know they need to have that depth there. I saw somebody talk about trading them and I was like, Doug, I don't know if he, I think he can start somewhere, but I don't know if anybody's gonna trade him for a second round pick.

[A]

Oh, I, I wouldn't be shocked. I, I don't know about us. I don't know about a second round pick and I don't think it needs to be a second round pick. But if somebody came and offered me a third round pick, he's a starter.

[D]

Yeah, yeah, I agree, I agree. But are we going to forfeit the reality of maybe, you know, guys get dinged up through the season, they just do 100?

[A]

Sure. I think, I think if you have, I think it's, you have to keep one of Hoffman or Bass, right. So you don't want to give away both of them. So I think if, if you have a plan to bring back Kaufman as well and then maybe see if Robert Jones is interested in coming back for another year. I think, you know, you've got a lot of needs on the defensive side of the ball.

[C]

That's the whole thing. You can't keep, keep stacking all this stuff on offense. I mean, at some point you got to address the elephant in the room. They couldn't stop Bemidji State. I mean, you know, I want some depth on offense. Yeah, I got you. Yeah, please. Yeah. And I get it. I get all that you want. We want to do something, but at some point they got to start spending some assets on the other side of the football. And I mean, I was the one that brought up. I mean, at some point you're going to have to take where you've got a lot of depth and you're going to have to turn that into a starter on the other side of the football. Or it doesn't, you know, it doesn't matter how many points you score on offense. I mean, I, I'm still looking at this and let's just say in the best case scenario, this team got two starters this year out of the draft and maybe one free agent. Okay. So that gets you, I don't know, maybe two more critical stops in the football game. Maybe three. But mean, still put your offense having to score 30 a game to win a game. And this is a, I mean, this is a 79 and it's a below.500 football team. And I think we talk about it like, oh, we gotta pay that guy. Oh, hell, we gotta pay that guy. We gotta pay that guy. I mean, at some point you gotta, you better get some guys on the other side of the ball. I, I, I'm, I'm, I'm kind of to the point now where it's like, let's get some of these assets and let's turn them into some guys that can stop somebody.

[A]

Yeah, I, I wouldn't be shocked at all if, if they traded one of these guys. Like, I mean, again, like, like I said they had, I wouldn't have been shocked last year if Robert Jones doesn't get hurt. I wouldn't have been shocked last year that they, if they had traded one of these guys for, for a player at the time. But now, I mean, look, if you can get a day two pick for TJ Bass of any kind of. Yeah, Think about, like, teams that are looking for a starting guard.

[D]

There was conversation about it last year. To your point, Landon, there's, there's, from my knowledge, there was conversation about it last year. So I get what you're saying, coach, about trying to build the defense. I do. Making sure that you're continuing to build the defense. I think that's why Landon was saying that they're gonna have to choose between a Hoffman or a Bass. And I, it looks like they're kind of showing who they're choosing with this tender right now from that right now. So we'll see. Brock Hoffman posted something kind of cryptic the other day too.

[C]

So I don't, and I don't know where, I mean, I don't know how much you put into what Florio says, but I mean, if someone picked up the phone and called and offered you a first round pick for, for pickings, I mean, at this point, do you take it? I, I'm just throwing it out there. I would,

[A]

I mean, I, I think, yeah, I think it would be tough. But I just think that the one thing that you have that is an extreme positive on this team is a vertical passing attack that is one of the best in the league. And if, and if you can. This is my issue with that too, is that like, and I've, I've heard this, this, this, this chatter before, like, why don't we trade Pickens for a defensive, defensive player and to me, it just doesn't make sense. Like, you're not, you're not going to get the same bang for your buck for whatever you trade Pickens for. And the return won't be good enough. Like, you'll, you'll weaken yourself on offense. Like, I, I just think you have a very tight window with, with Dak Prescott right now. You should be optimizing that. And, and I think it's easier to build a defense and turn a defense around than to retool an offense. And frankly, think about where we were without Pickens last year. We were desperate for a wide receiver to. And I think we didn't get a wide receiver too. We got A wide receiver 1A. We got a guy who outperformed our wide receiver last.

[C]

Again, I'm not, I'm not advocating that you do. I'm saying from a personnel standpoint, you got to go through the exercise of how are we going to get this football team better? And again, minus the second or a third round pick. So what are, where do the numbers, where do the numbers come from? And when we start talking about how much we're going to pay? You're putting a lot of pressure on one side of the football now. And, you know, I just think it's an exercise that you have to do and you have to go through in order to really feel good and solid about what your 53 looks like.

[A]

Well, yeah, that's why, that's why you got to do things like trade a TJ Bass if you've got them right. There's just times when you're going to get a situation where you've got to find a way to turn your valuable assets into, you know, other valuable assets to be used. And I think you're lucky in the sense that you have depth at the interior offensive line. You've been pretty good at developing those players and there's value in that position now. And not, not every team has good interior offensive linemen. So, yeah, I 100 agree. We should leverage that and turn it into talent on the defensive side of the ball because that's the area that certainly needs the most work.

[C]

And I think that's, that's the point. What you do have, what this football team does have and is rich at interior defensive lineman and interior offensive lineman, that's the hardest thing to, I mean, two of the hardest, arguably four positions to find. You're rich there. So how do you, how do you, how do you make your team better? And I'm not for shipping anybody out

[A]

and and look, I mean, we'll talk about it a little bit, but you know, they. They are interviewing a ton of defensive tackles at the combine right now. That might mean absolutely nothing. That might not. That might mean absolutely nothing. But it might mean that they are looking for a contingency plan in case they can't figure out how to shift the money around with some. One of these defensive tackles. Maybe they end up trading one of these guys for assets and turn that into two players, a draft pick and the money that you would have had to spend to play to pay that player. I certainly think that they need to get creative. You're right, coach. It's not as just as simple as hey, let's go into the draft and use these two picks and let's get our free agent. Like they have to find. They have to use every single part of the buffalo of talent acquisition in order to get where they need to go on defense.

[C]

And how would. Who would you even go like right now? I mean, if. If you had to sign one guy, would it be. If I'm talking about free agent, where you had to go spend some money on the defense, Would it be Lloyd? Would it be Woolen?

[A]

Let's talk about that next section segment.

[C]

Hell with the next segment.

[B]

We got a lot of reads. Thank you, coach. All right, we got to talk to you about fanduel and what they have going on because it's that time, time of the year. And as my computer refreshes here with FanDuel, I had this open a second ago and there it is. All right, if you ever want to experience the NBA finals live and in person, FanDuel is giving you the chance to turn that dream into a reality with their NBA sweepstakes. Here's how it works. You use your profit boost on any NBA future and you'll automatically be entered for a shot to win an NBA finals trip for two. That's right. Flights, tickets, the whole package. Now, if you are already looking at the board and you're thinking about which team can make a deep run, this is the perfect time to lock it in. No pun intended. And right now, not only can you pick your. You can pick cash, but it could also send you to the NBA finals. So here's what you do. You visit FanDuel.com to get started. Use your profit boost on an NBA future and get entered for your chance to win a trip to the NBA finals. Play your game with fanduel, the official sports betting partner of the NBA. This is Tyler Rowland from the Locked on Titans podcast. This message is a paid partnership with Apple Card. I love how simple it is to pay using Apple Card with Apple Pay. It's built right into my iPhone so it's always ready to go. I was on vacation recently. I didn't even have to bring my wallet to the beach. Plus I earned up the 3% daily cash back on every purchase when I use my Apple Card with Apple Pay. Apply for Apple Card in the Wallet app on your iPhone subject to credit approval and Apple Card issued by Goldman Sachs Bank USA Salt Lake City Branch terms and [e-mail] all right, we are back. Cowboy squad show Landon's back with us. We got the coach Glenn Stretch Smith and Aisha Two Eyes with Aisha Morrison. Multiple shows Morrison all right, so we're kind of turning into free agency. The Cowboys, according to reports, appear to be ready to make a run at Eagles free agent linebacker Nakobe Dean because he knows Christian Parker's system. We saw that movie last season with Matt Eberflu, but that's one possibility. We talk about Devin Bush. Another report has the Cowboys targeting safety Minka Fitzpatrick to be kind of a captain of the secondary. There were reports that they tried to acquire him in November of last season but weren't able to get a deal done. Those are some of the names, but lots of different rumors out there almost every day. Who anybody on your radar. We'll start with you land and anybody you're looking at. As far as a perfect fit, I

[A]

think first things first, the Minka stuff, that would have to be a trade because I think he is still under contract currently.

[B]

Right.

[A]

But it was something that the Cowboys were sniffing around on. So I think that's interesting. I tend to think that like look as I'm literally watching Sunny Styles run a 447 in the 40 after doing a 43 and a half inch vertical, I kind of feel like the the chances of the Cowboys getting him have just about evaporated at this point. And and I kind of feel like if you're going to draft players in the first round defensive players, there's obviously a of huge benefit to getting the guys that play the positions that are the most expensive. Right. Because you can control those contracts. It's the same reason you want to draft defensive ends and cornerbacks high is because you want to have that nice contract control for the the four and then hopefully five years that you've got them under the rookie deal. So so to me I think it is an interesting proposition to go the the route of getting a Linebacker in free agency. Because, you know, like I said, Sunny styles probably isn't falling to you at 12. And unless you're making a commitment to move up in some way, you know, you're probably thinking about looking, targeting a linebacker not even until your, your 20th pick. So I, I would probably go the other route and, and just try to find the best edge and cornerback that we can, that you can get at 12 and 20. I think there's going to be a bunch of the, of both, honestly, I would probably target a court. You're probably going to end up taking a cornerback at 12 because of the talent that will be available there versus 20. And just the way that the boards are stacked, I think, you know, there's like a teardrop in the edge class. And I think, you know, after you get past, you know, Bane and Bailey, there's, there's, you know, that the rest of that group is probably, you know, later in the first round. So I would, you know, target one of these corners. It looks like Jarod McCoy, who is the Tennessee cornerback, didn't work out, which is. Man, that was scary. Yeah, I think. Interesting one way to say it, I

[D]

would say scary, but it's.

[A]

He got hurt in January of 2025. Right. Or it's like working out like he should have been on the field last year for Tennessee and he wasn't. He should have been in the Senior bowl and he wasn't. He should have been working in this combine and he isn't. That's. I'm not spending a first round pick on that. I don't think that's, that's, that's too much risk, in my opinion. There's something.

[D]

No, he might be. He might be. I think, I think it sounds like. And again, I'm just reading the tea leaves here. It sounds like it might be more of a mental thing. I think we saw that kind of with Michael Gallup at one point in time where he was just like, he was cleared. And that's what they said about McCoy. He's cleared.

[A]

And Gallup. And Gallup never came back.

[D]

Yeah. So we'll see, we'll see what he does. And a lot of these kids too, you know, they're opting to do their pro day instead of doing the combine because it's more of a environment that they can control and things like that. So we're seeing, we've seen an uptick of that. Guys not running their 40 and all that stuff. But as far as the linebacker conversation, I, I've always thought it need to be done in free agency. I never thought it should be done in the draft. One being because you've been trying to do that and I just think that this team for this defense, as coach talks about investing in this defense, you need to invest in a mic. Yeah, it's. It's been a revolving door there for quite some time. And mind you, mind you, we got the report today from Brian Schottenheimer that mayor's leopard who they drafted to be the mic is moving out to outside linebacker. So I just.

[A]

They're just trying to figure out what to do with that.

[D]

They're just trying to figure out what to do with him. And I get that. But what I'm saying is is that this team again has been bringing in one year veterans for multiple years. Albeit you're doing different schemes. You need like coach was talking about, you have that interior defensive line, you have a couple of defensive ends, you need that second level, you need a general and all of the guys that are in this linebacker core are young. And then you think that a rookie's gonna come in here and be able to do it. I mean I just, I, I think it's, I think it's too pivotal of a, of a spot on your defense to not have a guy that is a constant and they have not had a constant in a while. So whomever it is, I hope they're here for a couple of years and they not just out the door the next year. And these rookies, these kids are like trying to learn a position that's so intricate and they don't have anybody that is you know, constantly there kind of teaching them that game. We need a mic. I thought it was going to be done in free agency anyway. Demario Davis is a guy that I like as well.

[B]

Would that put Dean do you think though at kind of the. As the front runner because he knows Parker's system and could.

[D]

I know the Dean thing is real. I know that it is real. I understand from my understanding that there's true interest there. The only thing about Nicole Dean we already know how great of a like a good a player he is is just always health and again that still worries me because these young linebackers and a Shamar James and a demarian over shown who's technically going into his sophomore year football like let's just, I mean kind of, that's kind of how it is or junior or whatever. He's still very young. Marisley afoul like it's so many young guys, they need somebody to Lean on and learn from. They can't keep relying on each other. They don't know nothing about nothing. I mean, they do know something, but you know what I'm saying, like, it's always, I don't know. Murray and those guys I thought were going to change things, and it didn't seem like they were getting. Those young guys were getting the communication and the teaching they needed because they didn't understand it either. So I always thought the mic needed to be a veteran, and that's where I'm standing. So I'm not surprised.

[A]

Good players, that's what I'm, that's my whole thing is that I think the difference between last year and the year before that is that Kenneth Murray is a terrible player and was a terrible player when they signed him. I don't know why or when they traded for him. So like, yeah, like, go get a good player. And, and that's the thing. Like, I don't. If you're gonna spend big money on a free agent, you're probably going to get better bang for your buck at linebacker than you are at edge or corner where you're paying, you know, all pro prices for rotational defensive in play. It's. Yeah, I just think you're going to get better bank for your bucket linebacker.

[C]

You don't, you don't think you could get Hendrickson for a, for what you consider a value?

[D]

Yeah, no. You don't think so?

[A]

I mean, he spent all that time, a good contract. And, and I, it depends on what you're talking about. Like, I mean, if you're comfortable with paying somebody two years, 30. 30 million total or 30 million each year. No, no.

[C]

Two years 30.

[A]

I don't think, I don't, I don't think you could get him for that much. I, I would, I wouldn't be opposed to it, but I, I don't think you can get him for that much.

[C]

I mean, I'm just not for, I'm not for overspending in a situation like they did with Murray. That's, that's what you can't do. You can't, you can't shoehorn yourself in the same. We got to have this position and then you get, you get caught where you're, you know, you're overspending at that position. So I'm just, I'm just saying. I mean, I would, I would look at. And I'm not disagreeing with what you say. I mean, it'd be nice to have a veteran in there, but I mean, if, if Dean Is to me been hurt. I get it. He knows the system and great. But I mean, you know, I, I would be more inclined to go to Lloyd.

[A]

That's.

[C]

That's my choice if that makes sense.

[A]

It does. That's. That's who I would choose honestly is Devin Lloyd. I, I think he's the top of the market guy. Go and spend the money on him. I think he's probably look hendrickson right now. AAV estimation at Spotrack is like 25 million per year at this point. I think you could get, you could get Lloyd for like under 20. I like around $20 million. And I think that you're pro, you're getting a younger player who is on the rise. You know, if we're talking about like what we're talking about before coach, like he's got arrow going up, right. And I, and I think he, he could be the kind of centerpiece of the free agency of, of what you're on the defense of what you're trying to rebuild and the rest of the pieces you can kind of fill in with some other mid round rotational pieces at defensive ended corner and then really go get the guys you like in the draft.

[C]

Yeah, I think, I think at Hendrickson's age, I think you're overvaluing that a little bit from that number. But that's my own personal opinion. I don't know that he gets that. What is he, 32?

[D]

And then with his injury history too, I think that number will come down. But that is where he's, that's where people are valuing them right now. So I. You said Landon, you said something earlier about Dallas meeting with these defensive tackles and like there is a trend with the defensive tackles. I was surprised at how many defensive tackles they met with. But there's a trend in a sense that all of those guys are guys that I, I believe that I've seen can play, you know, they can play like right over the center or shade the center. Like those guys are get up field, have some explosiveness type things. But then you know, obviously there are guys that also can take on some of the double teams and stuff. But like I was going to ask you guys, you know, and you as well coach with them looking at the defensive tackles as much as they did and that they are interested and it sounds like it interested from what I'm hearing are with the scheme change. Could you get a defensive tackle that's not a defensive tackle but it's more of that 4ey guy or 5ey guy and that supplement you not having maybe another getting an edge high in this draft? Does that make sense?

[A]

You need both.

[D]

I mean, I know you need both, but I'm saying, like what if there is a defensive tackle there that they think can be versatile and move across the line? Do you think that they're going to value that more over an edge that's there because of the scheme. Because I was surprised that they were interviewing all these defensive tackles.

[C]

I didn't, yeah, I'm not gonna, I mean, I, I, I mean that, what they interviewed 14. They got 45 total. And then they got, and then they've got Dallas days where they're able to bring guys in there and the visits.

[A]

And their visits.

[C]

Yeah, you got multiple positions though, where you're not talking to anybody.

[A]

That's right.

[C]

You're not talking to anybody in certain.

[D]

Yeah, they haven't talked to any running backs, I don't think.

[A]

But what I think coach is saying is that you, you're only having to cover a certain amount of positions. So.

[C]

Correct. So with, with. So what my point is you could need as many as where you've been playing with say four inside guys. Rotationally, you might, that number may become six. Right. I think it is playing this scheme. So now all of a sudden you've got to bolster that position. So I don't know what happens with Solomon Thomas Toye, I don't know. Perry on Winfrey. I don't know how he fits into the long range plans of the Cowboys,

[A]

but I think those two make sense. But Toye is really like, yeah, I

[D]

don't think he's a fit, but I

[A]

think the others, unless they're gonna specially use him somewhere, I imagine that he may be a casualty of this whole situation.

[B]

All right.

[D]

And not that he, you know, can't develop into a decent player. It's just I, I don't think that he's gonna fit what they want to do. He's not, I don't think he's, I

[A]

don't think they're not too, they're not too gapping.

[D]

Yeah, they're not doing that anymore. So you don't need a guy to. Yeah.

[A]

Yeah.

[D]

Well, that sucks. Another pick down the drain.

[B]

Well, speaking of picks, a former Cowboys pick just found out he is unemployed. We'll tell you who that is when we come back. This is the Cowboys squad show.

[A]

Everyone deserves to be connected. That's why T Mobile and US Cellular are joining forces. Switch to T Mobile and save up to 20% versus Verizon by getting built in benefits they leave out. Check the math@t mobile.com switch and now T mobile is in US cellular stores. Savings versus Comparable Verizon plans plus the cost of optional benefits. Plan features in taxes and fees vary. Savings with three plus lines include third line free via monthly bill credits Credit stop if you cancel any lines. Qualifying credit required.

[B]

I want to talk to you though about Indeed and all the things that they have going on there right now. Because as you know, workplace chaos, deadlines stacking up, inbox overflowing, and the one position you have to fill is still sitting open. Well, when the pressure's on and you need the right hire, this is a job for Sponsored Jobs. And that would be Indeed Sponsored Jobs. They help you reach the people who, who actually fit what you're looking for. Skills, experience, location. So you're not just hoping the right candidate stumbles across your post. And here's a stat that I think really says it all. In the time that I've been talking about it, companies like yours made 27 hires on Indeed. That according to Indeed data nationwide worldwide. So if you're hiring, spend less time searching, more time interviewing candidates who check all of your boxes with Indeed Sponsored Jobs. Spend less time looking around. And when you need the right person to cut through the chaos, you need Indeed Sponsored Jobs. And how about this? Listeners of this show will get a $75 sponsored job credit to help you get your job the premium status it deserves@ Indeed.com podcast. So just go to Indeed.com podcast right now. Support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. And again, Indeed.com podcast terms and conditions apply. Need to hire. This is a job for Indeed Sponsored Jobs. All right, welcome back, Cowboy Squad Show. A little breaking news from Indy Commander Center. Former Cowboys pick Tyler Batic has just been released by Washington. So talking about old lineman and what's going to happen with PJ Bass or maybe Hoffman. Well, there's another one in the mix that will be able to sign with somebody else. I like Tyler. He's a good dude.

[D]

Talk to him surprised me. I was, I was a little shocked by it, especially since, you know, he had a pretty good year with Washington the year before. He definitely had, you know, he's battled through some injuries, but he, he's played some good football. So I was surprised. Probably just a cap casualty or they see some centers in this draft that they think that they can have cheaper. So we'll see where he goes.

[A]

I mean, he's in those Chunky Soup commercials. I can't believe. Yeah, that's right. They're gonna have to really use AI to re, re edit all those commercials.

[D]

The artist is good.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Oh, I agree. Tyler's a good guy, so I hope he lands. And he will, he'll, he'll land somewhere because yeah, I bet someone will pick him up and he'll be probably a starter.

[B]

Yeah, absolutely. 100 for sure. So today you mentioned Brian Schottheimer. He did say that they officially announced they are moving Marisley if out to the edge. Also spoke about George Pickens and said they want to use Pickens in motion more this season. And then when he was asked about the contract and everything else, he said I hope so, hope they'll be able to get a deal done. So, and, and I'm not gonna, we're not going to get into the whole contract thing again, but I think you would agree it's, it's like an avalanche. It just keeps getting bigger and the, the, the narrative continues to be that his agent is going to want him to be paid like a top receiver and hopefully they'll be able to find a way to make that happen. They can agree to a deal. We'll see.

[D]

Yeah, I'm not gonna say nothing else but paying nobody on offense. So coach not gonna get me.

[C]

I mean, you know, I'm, I'm, I'm for all of that. I'm, I'm, it's just at some point I gotta, I, I gotta get. This football team has got to get better players on the other side of the football. Yeah, I don't, you know, I don't necessarily think that if you sit here and you know, think that they can do it in one draft. I, I think you're asking a lot when you don't have a second and third round pick.

[D]

So you could say, so you got to figure out how to get a second or third round pick.

[C]

Yeah, I mean, I'm fine with that. Let's start talking about trading off that 20th pick and seeing if you can get somebody that gets shot in the ass with the quarterback late and wants to get back up in the first round. I, I'd be fine with that. I mean, I, I, I, I, I haven't looked at it close enough to know and we keep saying this, I mean, how many true first round picks are there? And then certainly you don't want to, you don't want to get yourself in a position where you draft for need at 20. You want to draft whoever the best guy is. And if you don't Think that fits your football team at that time? You got to look at moving out.

[B]

What you touched on it briefly. But what do you think of Leah Foul on the Edge? I mean, I, I like the guy's motor. I, I like, I like. He. He to me, plays intense and like to see him find a way to succeed.

[A]

I, I just think people are. I think people are. I think people are. Because she knows how I'm going to answer this question. I, I think people are 2, 2 excited about this. Like, I think this is a case where they have a contract with Leo Foul and it's a good contract. It's cheap. They can't fill all the holes. They need some people to play, you know, on this cheap contract. They're trying to find a way to keep him on the roster and see if he can help them out in this area. But if anything, I mean, I don't think this is a ringing endorsement of Leopard like a ringing endorsement of Leo Foul would be. Yeah, we expect him to compete for the starting mic position, the one that he was drafted for. I, I think they're trying to make it work, which is great. And I mean, that's, that's fine. We see this kind of thing happen, but usually when we see this kind of thing happen with a guy that isn't a starter necessarily, that when he isn't a starter, it's usually because, hey, this guy's gonna be on the roster next year. How can we make the most of it?

[D]

In fairness, though, it has been Lupa Linda hot potato.

[A]

Oh, no doubt, no doubt.

[D]

At the linebacker position. That's what I'm saying. It's like, I, I mean, coaches talked about it. Like, I really want to see how these guys do under this coaching because there were gentlemen that we've seen play with better technique that have played better football. That just looks so out of sorts. I want to see how he is with this scheme. And at that point, I mean, we can make our decisions. But is. I'm. I would venture to say it would be hard to be. To learn how to be a mic when you are getting a new philosophy every year and some guys playing out of position due to injury.

[C]

I mean, that's the thing, is you got what, the fourth different guy in four years? Is that right? I mean, and Zimmer liked him and this guy didn't like him. And I mean, you know, ultimately, I, you know, I don't know what kind of football intelligence he has. I, I have no idea. I would say that when you think about Switching to what? You know, a different scheme, kind of pretty, pretty good football iq. And I'm not saying that, that he doesn't. Maybe they're going to try to take some of that off of his plate and put him out there and say, hey, we're gonna, we're gonna, we're gonna make you a curl flap drop guy or, or go sack the quarterback. That's. That's two things. That's two things. That's, that's all there is to it. So if you can unload some of that, when some guys are overthinking and not just reacting and playing, maybe they think that'll help him some. I, I don't know. And I could be certainly speaking out of turn here, but, I mean, in a, in, in, in certain defenses, I mean, you got to have, you got to have a strong football iq. And, you know, if you think the Kentucky Derby's a hat, maybe that's not the right, you know, maybe that's not the right defense for you.

[D]

I find, I'll find out. But that's, it's interesting because Landon knows, like, that's when Mary's le file was coming out on this draft. That was something that he, I mean, they talked about how he did on the board. They talked about how he did it the Senior bowl. Like he, his IQ was not in question. I think that there. It has been a transition for him. I think it's been a little difficult for him. He's always been a player that needed to find some control in his game. And I, I do think that that has played a role in his, his inability to kind of transition into the NFL, but also to all the different coaches and stuff like that, because the players have stuff. Yeah, yeah.

[C]

Maybe this helps him hit the reset button. Right. Maybe moving him helps him get to a reset situation.

[D]

You can use his intensity. You could use his physicality. You could use, obviously, you could use how commanding he can be on the field. It's just, how do you get it under control? And coach, you. You told. You've taught us that plenty of times, is that if guys aren't getting stuff, then you give, you simplify it for them. You give them one or two things to do and let them do it well. So we'll see how he does. This is a pivotal year for him. Like you guys were saying, it's a huge year for him. Yeah, we'll see what happens.

[B]

So, so one final question about the, about the tackle, the, the interviews with all the defensive tackles. I mean, does that Mean something. I know you kind of hit on it. I'm not, I'm not trying to repeat your question, Aisha, but I mean, we've talked about the secondary issues today, about the linebacker issues, but the fact that they were going so hard on defensive tackles. Does, does that say anything to you? To you guys?

[A]

I, I think it's not nothing. But I, I also want to caution against over analyzing this, right? Like, I, I do think that there is it. You could easily say, hey, this is just the best opportunity for us to get in front of these 14 guys, right? Like we plan on, we plan on interviewing with these guys no matter what. It's just that this, this is the best opportunity. And, and for the positions like defensive end or corner linebacker, that are real needs. They're, they're, they're using their visits. They're, you know, so I don't want to say it's not, I don't want to say it's nothing, but. Because it is something. I mean, it's enough for us, I think, to comment on it, but I also wouldn't go over reading this into saying, oh, they're definitely, it's defensive tackle. Look at the numbers. Like, I, they probably would have talked to all these defensive guys just to kind of keep their options open because again, they don't really know what they're doing with Kenny Clark's contract situation. And I have to think that unloading one of these defensive tackles is probably on the table in some back room somewhere. They've been talking like Kenny Clark is going to be back. So I imagine that's their plan A. But if plan B comes, becomes a reality and you are in and you end up maybe getting an extra draft pick, you know, suddenly defensive tackle may become even a bigger a needle. And, and, and now you're, you're, you're swimming in that water and you don't want to be unprepared. You don't want to have a list of guys who you've never spoken to before suddenly being in range of where you're picking.

[C]

And I don't know, I don't know from a squared stance guy. I mean, you know, is, is Oath, is OSA a true square stance guy? Because, I mean, these guys are going to be square stance guys down inside on regular down and distance situations. So I, I mean, I don't know what they're thinking other than the fact that I believe and I'm like you, Landon. I'm not going to read too much into it because I don't believe. I mean, like, I can't see him talking to any receivers. I can't see him talking to. You know what I mean? So, yeah, I think certain positions get eliminated here and then we start making a bigger deal out of this than what it really is.

[D]

Can I ask a question, though? I know, I know that we don't think that they're going to be talking to receivers, but so you just think that receiver doesn't need to be looked at addressed in any capacity because you probably will lose a Jalen Tober. I don't see Dallas resigning him. Brian Flournoy did come along later in the seat. He did have a good season, obviously. But I mean, I think, you know,

[A]

you don't need to spend visits on. On guys.

[D]

I'm asking, even like free agency and stuff like that.

[C]

I'm not saying they're not gonna draft one or get in that situation, but I also think that you got Dallas days still ahead of you here and strategically, might they get those guys, that certain group of guys when they come in for Dallas days? I don't know. I'm just putting, I'm just putting two and two together and tried to read the tea leaves as to what's going on because it's not, it's not a top priority for them.

[A]

I wouldn't be shocked if they brought in like a free agent like wide receiver, special teams wide receiver, 5 guy like for on a very vet minimum cheap deal. That wouldn't shock me at all.

[D]

Okay.

[B]

All right. Final time out when we come back. Will McLay spoke with the media today. I want to tell you about that as well. I think he had some interesting observations. And coach, I have a. If we have time, I have a bonus question for you that I want to get in. We'll do that when we come back. This is the Cowboys squad show.

[E]

There's a reason Chevy trucks are known for their dependability. It's because they show up no matter the weather, push forward no matter the terrain and deliver. That's why Chevrolet has earned more dependability awards for trucks than any other brand in 2025, according to J.D.

[B]

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[E]

Because in every Chevy truck, like every Chevy driver, dependability comes standard. Visit Chevy.com to learn more. Chevrolet received the highest total number of awards among all trucks in the J.D. power 2025 U.S. vehicle Dependability Study. Words based on 2022 models. Newer models may be shown. Visit J.D. power.com awards for more details. Chevrolet together. Let's drive.

[B]

I want to talk to you about home chef. Right. Because as you know, everybody's busy right now. You got the new year going on. A lot of people really trying to simplify their routines. Landon and I were talking how busy he is and you know, dinner, dinner is a big one, right? You got busy work days. If you're Marcus, you got cold winter nights, packed schedule. So having an easy, reliable dinner plan can really make a huge difference. And that's where Home Chef comes in. Home Chef takes the stress out of cooking by delivering fresh, pre portioned ingredients right to your door. With easy to follow recipes that actually taste great. They're rated number one by the users of other meal kits for quality, convenience, value, taste and recipe ease. And it's easy to see why the meals come ready. They fit your schedule. 30 minute recipes, oven ready trays, or even quick lunches. And of the 30 weekly options, they have family sized meals and even different dietary choices. Recipes are simple, but they feel elevated, even restaurant quality with dishes co created by chefs like Gordon Ramsay. So everything arrives pre portioned. There's less prep, less mess, and no wasted food. It really saves time and money. Home Chef customers save an average of $86 per month on groceries. That adds up quick. So for a limited time, Home Chef is offering our listeners 50% off your first box, free shipping and free dessert for life. Just go to home chef.com lockedon that's homechef.com lockdown for 50% off your first box with free shipping and free dessert for life. Must be an active subscriber to receive the free dessert.

[C]

Sweet.

[B]

Welcome back to the Cowboy Squad Show. Landon McCool, Aisha Morrison, Glenn Stretch Smith, former Cowboys coach. All right, so Will McClay met with the media today. Had a couple of things that he said. One, he said he's working very closely with new defensive coordinator Christian Parker and said he's even learning some things at this point in his career, which is really cool. But, but good to see. You know, the good vibes and the, the intensity and the focus and hopefully that will translate into, you know, a fruitful off season, especially on the defensive side of the ball like we've been talking about today. What do you think?

[A]

Yeah, I mean, I don't know. I think. Sorry, I got very distracted by ORVILLE Reese running a 40. I have to admit these linebackers are

[D]

moving, you hear me?

[A]

I mean, Arbo Reese's ran a 446, which is wild because he's over 245 pounds. Yeah, I think if you aren't, I want to comment real quick about the Will McClay learning new tricks aspect. Because I do feel like that's something that I, I've was hoping that the Joneses were, were kind of doing a little bit of this. This off season is kind of learning tricks and point and, and evolving a little bit. Because I think it's important that, you know, if you don't. And this goes to everything, like everything is kind of in a constant state of change, and if you're not honing that and get. Trying to get better, then you're getting worse. And I think that that goes, that goes with the, the front office structure of the Cowboys, that goes with the offense overall. I think that's my other point about, I've brought up about the offense is that if the offensive line isn't getting better, if the Cowboys aren't finding ways to improve without adding, you know, while I guess adding a little bit more money to how expensive they are, they can't just remain completely stagnant and be good enough. The defense is obviously going through a ton of changes and I don't think we need to worry about that. But my point being that it's good that guys like Will McClay can still evolve. It's good that they can be inspired by, you know, people like Christian Parker who come in with different kind of mindset about different things and, and maybe the two sides can learn from each other a little bit. I think people that are too stubborn and set in their ways about things like this, it becomes really easy to not be able to keep up with the changes happening in the NFL. So I, Yeah, I think not only is it a good thing for Wilma Clay to kind of continue to grow and evolve, but it's absolutely necessary to kind of keep up with the pace of what's happening in the NFL.

[C]

Yeah. And you, you want that, you want the scouting department and the coaches to be on the same page. The last thing you want is to be drafting somebody that the coaches don't, you know, feel like that fits into their scheme or whatever that scenario is. So anytime you get a chance to, you know, to, to get those guys together and hey, chat about what one likes or what the other likes, and I think that's only a positive.

[D]

Yeah, a few things that stood out to me about what Will McClay said. You know, Jeff, you mentioned that he said that he was learning new things. Obviously land, you just commented on it and he, he mentioned that he's learning from the staff, you know, how, how players brains work and, you know, and that's interesting to Me, because I feel like a lot of that has to do with how, you know, how flexible they want to be on the defensive side. It sounds like they are valuing intellect and processing and just like guys natural instincts and what they do, how they take in the information. Because this defense seems like it is going to be. It's going to have wrinkles. Yes, they're going to do the too high shell and stuff, but they're also going to try to. They're going to try to trip guys up. There's going to be a lot of moving parts. They need smart players. Will McClay was saying that that's something that. And he even used the example of Jordan Lewis. You know, the guys asked him like, who's a player that you've had that you think about that you can see how their brain works and that you can see that on the football field and it helps your team. And he said, Jordan Lewis. So for me, I, it's. It's kind of weird for me. I'm not gonna hold you because I kind of would think that as a, as a scout, as someone like that then that would be important to you anyway. But it seems like there's more of an emphasis on it because of how detailed this defense is going to be and how big of a change is going to be. The second thing that I pointed, I like that he talked about was the flexibility of the defensive ends. They're going to ask these defensive ends to do a lot and I think that that puts emphasis to your point. Landon, you know, kind of talking about them filling out the rest of this defense on who is opposite of Donovan. Donovan is a raku and why. Maybe a clowny as we, you know, we talk about him maybe as a guy coming back. Maybe they feel like he's not a fit with everything that they're going to be asking these institute. I think we're going to see the def. The defensive ends like I can't wait to see what changes there are. And then also to the new coaches, coach that made me think about you. They asked him about the new coaches and if he was worried about the age. And he said no because they know football. And he said that with a lot of certainty that these guys understand football, they understand how, how to teach it and that he's confident despite their age, that they can, you know, teach these guys and that they can be a unit. So those are a few things that stood out to me about everything he said. He seems Will McClay doesn't show a lot of emotion but you can tell that he is a little more enthusiastic, a little bit more excited about what's to come on the defensive side of the ball from the energy I've gotten from him.

[B]

That's good. That's. Big season coming up. That's good. That's good to hear, good to see and good. Always like it when he holds court. And that's. That's one thing I really like about the combine is you get to have these interviews and that access and the opportunity to. To talk a little bit, a little bit more than you do. It's a little bit different setting than compared to during. Once the season gets going or even training camp. All right, before we get out, Landon, what do you. Marcus, you guys have been doing double duty, like every day. What do you got coming up tomorrow and then kicking off next week?

[A]

Yeah, I mean, covering this combine, I'm sure we're going to talk about sunny styles a whole bunch and, you know, just kind of how does it change the angles not only for the positions of the Cowboys are interested in, but in the positions that the Cowboys aren't interested and how they may move around and how does that change your ability to get certain players? So obviously, tons of angles, tons of more information to talk about now that the combine's out. So will be covering it all.

[B]

Awesome. Look forward to that. Great work by the two of you. Aisha, anything with you tomorrow or.

[D]

Yeah, yeah, tomorrow. The stack will be dropping with Brian Broadus and Zach Woolchuck at. I don't know, it'll drop sometime in the morning. They've been doing some weird though. But Brian Broadest is boots on ground, pushing us information. He talked about some things that he noticed today while he was there. So, yeah, we talked about the 30 visit. Well, not the 30 visits, the interviews and the formal, informal interviews. So come see us. Go by and see me.

[B]

All right. Look forward to that. And coach, I will save my question for you for next time. Give us something to look forward to. It's a good question, though. I think you're gonna like it. I think you'll appreciate it.

[D]

She looks excited.

[B]

Yeah, you can tell. Try to bother you.

[D]

Stop bothering me.

[B]

All right. All right, everybody. Hey, thanks for joining us tonight. Thank you to everybody listening later. Enjoy the combine this weekend. Next time we return, we will be in the month of March. The season's going to be here before we know it. Love it. Thank you to everybody. This has been the Cowboys squad show.

[D]

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[B]

power.

[E]

Because in every Chevy truck, like every Chevy driver, dependability comes standard. Visit Chevy.com to learn more. Chevrolet received the highest total number of awards among all trucks in the J.D. power 2025 U.S. vehicle Dependability Study Awards based on 2022 models. Newer models may be shown. Visit J.D. power.com awards for more details. Chevrolet Together let's drive.