The Dallas Cowboys defense in 2013 was terrible, Plain and simple, the unit struggled as injuries took their toll on the top players. DeMarcus Ware might have gotten the most attention for his poor play throughout the season as Jerry Jones often criticized the veteran for not stepping up. As Monte Kiffin remains secure as the defensive coordinator, Ware's future might not be so safe.
Ware had his worst season of his career in 2013. He put up career-low numbers in sacks, finishing with just six on the season. Pairing the quiet production with injuries and the fact that he will be 32 next season makes Ware questionable for a return to Dallas. On top of all that, the Cowboys are severely cash strapped. The defensive end is set to make $12.2 million in 2014 as a $16 million his to the salary cap. His release could come after Ware denied the option of a pay cut. He stressed his willingness to restructure, but not lower his salary.
"The question was with the salary cap stuff and everything, would you be able to maneuver some things in your contract," Ware said, via the Dallas Morning News. "I said I'll do what I need to do to help the team out. It's nothing new to me. But pay cut and restructure are two different things. You hear what I'm saying. Clar-i-fy."
Ware is confident that he has not lost his step despite the low numbers in 2013. After battling through elbow, quad, neck and back injuries for much of the season, he plans to undergo a few minor procedures, rest and return a much stronger player that last year.
"Like going back into training camp, I felt better than I have in a long time. Then the little injuries happen with the quad and your elbow and your back so you sit back and think about what can I do now this off-season to make sure this doesn't happen again, because I know exactly where I can be and how I can play. Injuries took a toll on me a lot this season," Ware said.
But will he get that opportunity? Jones was not happy with the lack of consistency on defense and since he is not taking it out on Kiffin, the veteran players were the first to take the hit. The cowboys owner said it was simply too early to think about contract extensions for certain players, but everyone, especially the veterans, could have done more this year.
"These guys who are more productive or experienced can make them better players," jones said. "We should be benefiting from that. We should be benefiting from the fact that he's a veteran player and would know the nuances of conditioning and strengthening and preparing and then we have in Rod Marinelli arguably the best, I think, the best down linemen coach, or one of the best defensive coaches with a specialization in down linemen, that there is. So there's a lot of reasons why DeMarcus could have a lot better year."
