The Dallas Cowboys are keeping things interesting when it comes to their offseason moves. They have not made too many marquee deals this offseason and have been linked to almost every draft prospect expected to go in the first round. However, the team appears to be eyeing a quarterback more than anything which is drawing plenty of speculation with two weeks until the first player is selected.
Last offseason, Tony Romo dinged a nice, large contract extension, securing his future in Dallas for many years. This offseason, the Cowboys brought on Brandon Weeden after he was released from the Cleveland Browns. With Kyle Orton also on the roster, the Cowboys looked set at the position. Given Romo's recent back issues, the team has two reliable backups should something happen. So why are they looking at Johnny Manziel?
The Cowboys make their first pick at No. 16. That is far too late to get Manziel who could easily be the first player taken. However, ESPN's Ed Werder is reporting that if Manziel were to fall past the first two picks, the Cowboys would attempt to jump up and get him. According to Werder, Jerry Jones has been heard raving about Manziel and his potential in the NFL. Add on the fact that the quarterback built his name in the state of Texas and it appears to be a match made in heaven.
The Cowboys likely view Manziel as their No. 2 backup and eventual replacement to Romo. However, getting him could tank the rest of their draft, something the Cowboys cannot afford given their lack of salary cap flexibility. Is Manziel worth trading up for when the team already has two other quarterback options?
Dallas might be cooling off on the idea of grabbing Manziel if they can. The team has announced the signing of quarterback Caleb Hanie to a one-year deal. The 28-year-old has played stints in Denver, Baltimore and Cleveland and will now move to Dallas. In his career he has tossed for 679 yards, three touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He will now be the fourth quarterback on the roster.
Hanie and Orton do not fit in the future picture of Dallas. Both veterans will be gone after this season or next. Romo is 34 and while he and Dallas plan to add many more years to their relationship, he will not play forever. Manziel would be a quality quarterback to develop as the future face of the franchise. Will Dallas make the move? Probably not, but do not put anything past Jones.
