JAROD MURRAYFLANDREAU, SD
Have there been any talks about getting a contract extension for Travis Fredrick done before the season? I know they picked up his fifth year, but that can be a lot more money than getting a long-term deal done. A lot of people overlook center but I would put it right behind LT.
Bryan: This is just my feeling, but I could see them working on deals for Zack Martin and La'el Collins before they do one with Frederick. I don't disagree about the importance in what he does on a weekly basis, but I am not so sure that the front office feels the same way we do. I hope I am wrong about this but I just feel like that the money is going to be too much for them.
David:I haven't heard anything about a possible extension as of yet, but I remember how much of a surprise it was when Tyron Smith signed his extension in 2014. The Cowboys picked up his option in the spring, and then they locked him up two months later. It could totally happen again this year. But the Cowboys do have to consider other players nearing free agency – Zack Martin, most notably. If I had to guess, I think they'll let Frederick play this year without a new deal.
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KEN SMITHSHARPSBURG, MD
Last year with limited playing time, David Irving seemed to be around opposing quarterbacks often. I kept rooting for this 'underdog' to breakout. This year amid all the talk about needs along the D-Line, I don't think I've read his name even once. How do you see the owner of the NFL's largest wingspan contributing (or not) in 2016?*
Bryan: I am always amazed when fans say we don't talk about players on this team? No disrespect, but we write about the down the line guys all the time for the website. Our shows deal with the roster every day and we have OTA, Minicamp and Training Camp LIVE covering practice. David Irving was around the ball plenty in 2015. I can see him getting more of an opportunity playing as the left defense until we figure out what is going on with DeMarcus Lawrence and this suspension. There is no question that he will be a part of the rotation this season and his traits do lead to a player that could have a productive year.
David:When people talk about this defensive line, they tend to talk about the guys who aren't available more than the guys who are. That's understandable, given the talent of DeMarcus Lawrence and Randy Gregory. But while Lawrence deals with his suspension, it certainly looks like Irving is going to have a chance to earn the starting job at left end. It'd be a bit ambitious to predict double-digit sacks, but I think it's fair to expect him to take a step forward this year.
