Millionarion Barber III

While all the contract talk has been revolving Tony Romo, there is another key impact player that will need to get a new sparkling contract done very soon as well – Marion Barber III. Marion Barber has just about entrenched himself as the “goto” man when critical drives are on the line. Barber energizes the team and the roaring crowds of Texas Stadium. It’s my belief the Cowboys will stick with the two-back system even if Julius Jones leaves, which I think he will. There will be several teams looking to sign Jones; teams like, the Packers, Giants, Raiders, or Eagles.

Barber has voided the last year of his rookie contract, so he will be a Restricted Free Agent at the end of the season if he is not given a new contract sometime before then. Getting Barber a new deal should be a high priority. If the Cowboys wait until the offseason, the Cowboys will give Barber the highest tender. This would mean if the Cowboys did not match an offer from another team, then the Cowboys would get a 1st and 3rd round pick. You can just about guarantee there will be some teams that will give that up for Barber at this stage of his career. Last season, it was rumored that some teams were considering giving up such draft picks to get San Diego’s Michael Turner when he was a RFA. Barber is a better back than Turner, so you can just imagine that outcome.

Jerry and Stephen Jones will not let this happen. We can expect to pay Barber a pretty good contract though. With Barber dominating in the running game and becoming one of the most popular players amongst fans, along with Drew Rosenhaus as his agent, he’ll be getting a nice contract. He’ll be known as Millionarion Barber, I coined it here first, so just remember that! (haha)

How much?

This is speculation on my part on the potential size of a new contract, but let’s look at some recent contracts from some of today’s “elite” running backs and make a guess.

Thomas Jones was traded to the Bears this offseason, and his contract was redone. With Drew Rosenhaus as his agent, Jones signed a 4yr deal for $20 million.

Larry Johnson held out this offseason and landed a deal at 6yrs for $45.05 million.

LaDainian Tomlinson has the fattest contract amongst running back at 8yrs for $60 million.

Clinton Portis also hit the jackpot, but Redskin’s fans are not getting the bang for the buck, more like, he’s banged up for the buck. Portis signed a 8yr deal for $50.5 million

Edgerrin James signed a 4yr deal for $30 million to play for the Cardinals

So, that’s a quick background on what some of these other guys are making. If I had to guess how much Barber would make, I would think it would be a 6yr deal for $35-45 million at the minimum, but could easily be higher than that. The whole two-back system may have some effect on the maximum size, just because he would be splitting carries with some other RB.

What About McFadden?

I don’t see Jerry making a big trade to get Darren McFadden, you can just about count that out. The Browns are playing alot better than we expected them to play; however, if we go all the way into the offseason without giving Barber a new contract, this will open the door for all the McFadden draft day trade rumors galore. For me though, I’d rather have Barber in Dallas any day. He’s proven, he’s tough as nails, and he’s the real deal at so many levels.

For now, I would tell Jerry to get Barber and Romo new contracts signed, sealed, and delivered during the bye week. These are core guys, guys that will be known as the Quadruplets. Witten, TO, Barber, and Romo are the Quadruplets that Jerry must keep together as long as possible.

Barber has a new official site up and running now, click it here!