Mike McCarthy heading to free agency

Last week, the Cowboys refused to let the Bears talk to coach Mike McCarthy. Starting tomorrow, the Bears – and anyone else – will be able to talk to him.

McCarthy’s contract expires Tuesday. At that point, he will become a free agent.

Adam Schefter of ESPN.com reports that no negotiations took place between McCarthy and the Cowboys. It’s strange to say the least. The Cowboys had an exclusive window, and they didn’t use it?

It’s possible there were no negotiations because the Cowboys made McCarthy a non-negotiable offer. Take it or leave it. If that’s the case, it’s up to McCarthy’s agent, Don Yee, to make the Cowboys nervous about what might happen next.

Schefter also reports that the Bears and Saints (who did not request permission to interview McCarthy last week) are expected to be interested in McCarthy if his contract expires.

And if the Cowboys did indeed make an offer to McCarthy with the message that there will be no negotiations until the current deal expires, both sides will have a decision to make. McCarthy will have to decide whether to accept the current offer or risk being left with nothing. And the Cowboys will have to decide whether they’ll sweeten the deal for McCarthy to stay.

It’s possible the Cowboys return after McCarthy becomes a free agent. It’s possible that McCarthy will too if he realizes there is no other destination for him.

It’s also possible that either side wakes up a little too late.