With the NFL Draft drawing closer, the speculation surrounding the Dallas Cowboys' pick at No. 4 overall is growing. The team is in a particularly interesting spot with glaring needs along the defensive line and at backup quarterback and an opportunity to address one of those holes with a top five pick.
Some argue that given Tony Romo's age (he'll be 35 in a few weeks) and recent injury history, the Cowboys should start thinking about an heir apparent. Dallas' backup passers are 1-13 over the last 14 games the team has played without Romo and Cal's Jared Goff or North Dakota State's Carson Wentz could be available once Jerry Jones is on the clock. Others argue that in a weak NFC East, the Cowboys should grab a player who can provide an immediate impact and help contribute to a playoff run from Day 1.
I agree with the latter approach. I'm not downplaying the importance of having a quality backup and I certainly don't think the Cowboys should be shortsighted when it comes to Romo's longevity. I just think they may be able to address the position in a different manner.
Though it wouldn't net them a future franchise quarterback, the Cowboys could acquire a viable secondary option behind Romo via trade; something executive vice president Stephen Jones mentioned as a possibility at the NFL owners meetings last week. One card the team has yet to play in this regard is left guard Ronald leary.
Leary, 26, is a starter on most team rosters, but with La'El Collins manning the LG spot and Dallas' other celebrated linemen, he becomes a luxury for the Cowboys. Right now, he's been given the second-round tender worth $2.553 million as a restricted free agent, but the Cowboys can negotiate potential deals with other teams. With the draft just a few weeks away, teams will be reluctant to part with picks. That's okay because Dallas isn't looking for extra selections; they are looking for a backup quarterback.
You're telling me the Seattle Seahawks, who lost two OL starters to free agency this offseason, wouldn't consider moving Tavaris Jackson for Leary? You don't think the San Diego Chargers would think about trading Kellen Clemens? It's not like a move such as this is unprecedented; the Cowboys traded Anthony Henry for Jon Kitna back in 2010, after all.
Yes, the Cowboys would still need to think about life after Romo even if they made a deal like this. But, at least they would be in a better position to compete should he be sidelined with another injury.
It's worth thinking about.
Follow Brandon Katz at @Great_Katzby
