Yep, that's a bummer. But it sounds like if his knee checks out, he'll be getting quite a bit of cash. I also think we need a DE more than a DT anyways so Allen may be more appropriate.
Also given their current cap space, we would be very hard pressed to get both, it's most likely we go for one if we want to extend Thomas and/or Sherman. Also gotta keep some cash around for when Finley is cleared. Apparently he's chosen the Hawks but has several more steps medically before he's cleared.
I don't see how the Cowboys are in play. They have 7m in cap space and that's without reserving some for IR, PS players, escalators/incentives, etc. They have the worst cap in the league. They've got $41m pushed to the future for Romo restructures alone.
I think Allen would do pretty well here. We have some good young DT's who red-shirted last year so I'm hoping one of them step up along with Mebane/McDaniel.