Around the NFL: Cowboys Extend Two; Schweigert Released

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Originally Posted by GMScud

I definitely think Barber is worth it. He's a TD machine. He led NFC RB's in 2006 w/ 14 rushing TDs, and has 2,760 total yards and 33 TDs in 3 seasons despite always sharing carries. Plus he's never really been injured, playing in 45 out of 48 possible pro games. He's only 24 and rather fresh with less than 500 career carries. And it's not like he's going to be asked to carry 30 or even 20 times a game since Dallas drafted Felix Jones.

So in my opinion they locked up a durable, hard running, TD scoring, young RB for a good price ($16M in guarantees). It was Portis money 4 years ago when Clinton signed his contract. Take into account inflation/salary cap escalation, and it's really not Portis money anymore. If Barber had the yards/TDs in his first few seasons that Portis did, his contract today would have been much larger.

I think Newman is overrated, but whatever.

Great points. I was going to mention the inflation factor, and its something that everyone has to consider in evaluating this deal.

It's a big risk for any Running back. Barbers first three years in Dallas look very similar to Portis' first two years in Denver, so he should be solid into his 30's. But if he gets hurt, and the risk of that is always there, that's a lot of money tied up in a player who isn't helping your team.