Dan Pompei of the Bleacher Report doesn’t see Cowboys free agent DT Jason Hatcher becoming one of the highest paid players at his position, despite an impressive 2013 season.
Pompei points to the fact that Hatcher will be 32 in the coming months and there is some doubt that he can replicated this kind of production that resulted in him making the Pro Bowl this year.
According to Pompei, Hatcher’s “best-case scenario” could be to sign a team friendly contract this offseason.
There is no question that the Cowboys would like to keep Hatcher beyond this season, but their horrible financial situation has all but ruled out a return to Dallas. Even if Hatcher were to sign a team friendly contract, it would still likely be out of the Cowboys price range. Plus, investing in defensive linemen who are in their thirties isn’t exactly a good long-term strategy for team with real cap issues.
Hatcher rates as the No. 8 defensive tackle in the league, according to Pro Football Focus. He produced 41 tackles, 11 sacks and two forced fumbles this season.
We have him listed as the No. 19 player in our Top 50 Free Agents list.
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