Mike McCarthy is moving toward free agency

Last week, the Cowboys refused to let the Bears speak to coach Mike McCarthy. Starting tomorrow, the Bears — and everyone else — can talk to him.

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

ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter reported No negotiations took place Between McCarthy and the Cowboys. This is strange, to say the least. The Cowboys had an exclusive window, and they didn’t use it?

There were likely no negotiations because the Cowboys made McCarthy a non-negotiable offer. Take it or leave it. If so, it’s McCarthy’s agent, Don Yee, that’s making the Cowboys nervous about what might happen next.

Schefter also reported 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.

If the Cowboys have already made an offer to McCarthy with the message that there will be no negotiations before the current deal expires, both sides will have a decision to make. McCarthy will have to decide whether to accept the pending offer or risk ending up with nothing. The Cowboys will have to decide whether to improve the place to convince McCarthy to stay.

It’s possible the Cowboys could come after McCarthy becomes a free agent. It’s possible McCarthy will do so, too, if/when he realizes there’s no other destination for him.

It is also possible for one party to wake up too late.