Q: How bad of a trade was Detroit sending WR Roy Williams to the Cowboys? What do
you think of Jon Kitna? - Big John from Michigan
WR Roy Williams
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Chris Steuber:
The Dallas Cowboys paid a steep price for Roy Williams in draft picks and
guaranteed dollars, but I don’t think it should surprise people that Jerry Jones
would pull off a deal like this. Jones is always out to make a splash, and the
acquisition of Williams is a huge one that will result into lucrative
merchandise sales, as Williams was a Longhorn and is an Odessa native. I think
the bigger question is, “Does this trade impact the future of Terrell Owens in
Dallas?” It’s likely at the first sign of trouble, or if T.O. doesn’t get the
touches he expects because of Williams’ presence, that he could have a blowup
similar to the one in Philadelphia. I think you’ve
seen the last of Jon Kitna in Detroit. He will be with another team next year.
Adam Caplan:
Detroit got terrific value for a receiver that isn't a No. 1. Keep in mind that
if they didn't trade him now, they might not have gotten better value for him
before free agency starts next year.
As for Kitna, it was an odd move considering he didn't think he would be out for
the rest of the season. He's likely played his last down as a Lion. Look for the
team to address that position either high in the draft or in free agency.
Tom Marino: I
really don’t know what perspective you are coming from with your question, but
since you come from Michigan, I’ll take it that you believe the Lions made a bad
deal.
I actually think it was a very
good trade for both teams. Williams gets a chance to play closer to home and
more importantly for a contender. The Cowboys have few holes, but Williams gives
them a player who could give them a bell-cow receiving threat for many years to
come. He also gives the Cowboys another receiver with outstanding size.
QB Jon Kitna
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The Lions aren’t going anywhere
with Williams. He was extremely unhappy in Detroit and wanted out. Rather than
lose him through free agency at the end of the season, the Lions were able to
pick up three valuable draft selections for their star receiver.
The answer to your question
should be judged down the line. If the Lions use those selections to draft
players that will help them win in the future, then it’s a good deal for them,
if not we’ll be having this same conversation again in two or three years.
John Kitna, is a good journeyman
quarterback in the right system. A perfect guy to back up a top frontline
quarterback or manage a solid club who might be lacking at the position.
Ed Thompson: I
think the trade of Roy Williams will prove to be beneficial to the Lions in the
long run, even though it's a painful move to make when your team is already
struggling offensively. He didn't want to play in Detroit anymore, so the Lions
weren't going to get his best effort anyway. But you can at least be happy
that Matt Millen won't be around to waste those picks that the Lions got. I
think Kitna is a good, solid quarterback who is one of the real tough guys in
this league for the beating he has taken behind Detroit's line the last couple
of years. He's a guy I would love to have as a veteran backup QB on my team, but
not the one that I would count on to take me to a Super Bowl.
Cowboys WR Terrell Owens
AP Photo |
Q: Will Roy Williams create more opportunities for the
Dallas Cowboys to
succeed or create
distractions in the locker room? - Jerry from El Paso , Texas
Chris Steuber:
It could go either way. Williams is a legitimate threat, and the thought of him
and Terrell Owens being on the same team is a scary arrangement for defensive
coordinators. I think the success of the Cowboys this season lies in the hands
of Owens. If he can put aside his ego and allow for this explosive offense to
gel together, and not worry about how many passes come his way, the Cowboys have
a chance to experience something special this season. But if Owens transforms
into the T.O. of old and becomes a major distraction…oh boy.
Adam Caplan:
Williams will help for several reasons. With him in the fold, Patrick Crayton can go to the slot where he's best suited
to be. With Williams, Terrell Owens, Jason Witten, and Crayton, teams won't be able to
double-team any of those receivers.
And with all of those passing options to deal with, Marion Barber should have
better rushing lanes since defenses will have to play the pass more.
Tom
Marino: Williams was very unhappy in Detroit, Jerry, but he has no real history as
a malcontent. No player worth his salt wants to go to work each week and put it
on the line for an dysfunctional management and ownership group. As far as
causing a distraction in the locker room, I’m afraid he’s going to have to stand
in line in that locker room. Maybe you haven’t heard the names Owens and Jones
out there in West Texas.
Ed Thompson:
Williams gives the Cowboys the legitimate No. 2 receiver they've been lacking. I
think his addition was a good move by Dallas and since he's likely on Cloud Nine
right now, I don't think he'll be any more of a distraction than Terrell
Owens has been at times.
Cowboys QB Tony Romo
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Q: The Cowboys gave
up a 1st, 3rd, and 6th-round draft choice for Williams? That seems a bit
excessive. Not to mention, I would think the Cowboys would've wanted secondary
help more than another receiver. - Pete from Madison, Wisconsin
Chris Steuber:
In the long run, this deal could haunt them, but short term, if everyone is on
the same page, it could result into a Super Bowl Championship.
Adam Caplan:
Agreed since Williams isn't a true No. 1 receiver. But Williams will help
nevertheless. Teams will have to respect the pass more so they can get better
balance on offense.
Dallas has major problems in the secondary because of injuries and
inconsistency. They need to upgrade the safety position next year.
Tom Marino: The only thing that truly matters in professional football is winning
championships. The 49ers gave the Patriots two early selections just to move up
and select Jerry Rice. The Cowboys are a contending football club who believe
they are just a player or two away from winning this thing. The way Jerry feels
is that the first, third and sixth-round selection will be registering for
classes in the second semester about the time the Cowboys hope to be preparing
for the Super Bowl.
Ed Thompson: I
agree that was a high price to pay, but you look at the numbers that Williams
has put up during his career in a less-than-stellar offense and you have to
believe that he could be a consistent 1,000-yard contributor in Dallas with Tony Romo throwing the ball to him. If he falls short of 1,000 yards, it'll only be
due to the fact that he opened up more opportunities for Terrell Owens since
opponents will have to account for both of those big men