The Dallas Cowboys have been mentioned in trade rumors regarding Johnny Manziel and a draft day trade to move up to select the quarterback and while that move would be difficult and farfetched, Jerry Jones has pulled off crazier things in the past and he needs a future option behind Tony Romo and if the 'Boys pull off a deal involving Morris Claiborne, there is a good chance they could move up to take Manziel.
The Cowboys have the number 16 pick in the first round and then they pick again at number 47 in the draft and while team execs have pushed down the rumors about Manziel, if he sneaks out of the top 10, Peter King at the MMQB.com writes that it will be hard for Jones to pass up on that with a trade deal. The Morris Claiborne trade talk is an option for the Cowboys as well, as they could have some suitors in a deal for him if they feel like he hasn't lived up to expectations and ESPN writer Todd Archer reports that the Arizona Cardinals could be an option for a deal.
According to ESPN.com, the Cowboys have a big decision to make down the line in 2015, as they will have to decide on picking up the fifth year option for Claiborne, who they traded up for a couple years ago. Claiborne has been solid for the Cowboys, but he lost his starting job last season for a time and has been uneven for the team in the secondary, which was one of the worst in the NFL last year. Archer writes that the Cowboys will have to decide whether Claiborne is worth about $10.081 million, which is the transition number for cornerbacks this year.
The Cowboys are in rough shape on the cap because of Tony Romo and his contract and if Claiborne is not a starter in 2014, it could have an effect on what the Cowboys decide to do. The team has until next year to pick up the option, so they will have time to decide, but a trade could be coming if they feel he has not developed as they would have liked. The Cowboys ranked near the bottom of the league in passing yards per game and that could lead to them exploring a deal.
Manziel would be a star in Dallas even with Tony Romo in front of him and Jerry Jones would love nothing more than to add Johnny Football to his team. Manziel playing in Jerry's world is an amazing image and the Cowboys would be very tempted to make that move if Manziel slips down in the first round. Some have speculated that Manziel will fall if he gets past the top seven picks and if he gets out if that first 10, expect the Cowboys to at least make some calls.
The Cowboys gave up over 280 yards per game last season in the air and they were also ranked 27th in rushing yards allowed per game and that could lead the team to make some drastic moves.