Oct 4, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback
(7) reacts after being hit on a 49ers running play against the Green Bay Packers in the third quarter at Levi
The Dallas Cowboys have made it abundantly clear they need more talented depth at quarterback next season. Here are a few who should be available in 2016.
The Dallas Cowboys 2015 season has been a wakeup call to the decision makers at Valley Ranch. Entering the 2015 season, the Cowboys once again turned a blind eye to the backup QB spot. Instead of signing a reliable veteran and/or developing a QB for the future, the Cowboys chose to roll the dice with career loser, Brandon Weeden.
That decision clearly blew up in their face as the Dallas Cowboys now stand 4-9, in last place in the NFC East, and destined for a top 10 pick in the draft. Can everything be pinned on the loss of Tony Romo? Of course not but the incompetence behind him was staggering and may have even sped Romo’s return that led to his re-injury.
The Dallas Cowboys, their fans, and the local media is all left looking for answers in 2016. All hope cannot be pinned on Tony Romo again and finding a competent QB behind him seems like Priority #1 at this point (ok, maybe a stud RB is #1 but QB is definitely #2).
So let’s look at the soon-to-be (and could-be) free agent signal callers that may be targets for the Dallas Cowboys next season.
Next: We start with a former Pro Bowler...
Aug 20, 2015; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback
Robert GriffinIII (10) hands the ball off to Redskins running back
Matt Jones(31) against the Detroit Lions at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Dallas Cowboys possible QB Target #1: Robert Griffin III
It’s no mystery Robert Griffin III has fallen out of favor with the Washington Redskins. After one spectacular Pro Bowl season in 2012, Griffin has battled injuries, inconsistencies, teammates, and coaches in his fall back to earth (and onto the bench).
Griffin, 25, is so far back in Jay Gruden’s dog house, he’s been relegated to third string inactive status this season, making his departure imminent. Griffin has unquestionable skills that are rare in the NFL. While recent seasons have been forgettable, he does have proven success as a rookie when he rushed for 815 yards, 7 TDs, passed for 3,200 more yards, 20 TDs, with only threw 5 interceptions on his way to winning the division.
NFL.com had this to say on RGIII’s scouting report:
"“Many would argue that Griffin III is not only the most physically gifted quarterback in the 2012 draft, but also that he is the most talented player overall…Griffin, because of his athletic ability and Joe Montana-like ability to extend plays and remain focused on moving the ball downfield, not to mention his hurdling ability, could to stand to be the better physical prospect than presumed No 1 pick Andrew Luck.”"
For the complete scouting report check out: NFL.com
Alas, injuries and personal differences with teammates and coaches derailed his career in DC. At only 25, his career is still in front of him and he has the chance to make a big difference in 2016 if he’s matched with the right team.
Unfortunately that “right team” may be the Philadelphia Eagles because RG3 will probably be looking for an offense that fits his skill and gives him a chance to start.
RG3 wouldn’t naturally be a great fit in Jason Garrett’s offense but if the coaching staff would be willing to adapt to his skills, he can still be a star in this league.
Next: A Former #1 Overall Pick...
Oct 25, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback
Sam Bradford(7) passes the ball in the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Dallas Cowboys possible QB Target #2: Sam Bradford
Sam Bradford, the former 1st overall pick of the 2010 draft, is a free agent after this season. Given the opportunity to sign an extension prior to this season, Bradford decided to bet on himself and play the year out in hope of a larger deal.
In retrospect, that wasn’t such a great idea for him.
Bradford and the Eagles offense dominated in preseason and created quite the buzz heading into the regular season. But once the games counted, the Bradford-led offense hit a wall making his departure almost inevitable.
Bradford, 28, still has some productive years ahead of him and will be looking for a starting opportunity this offseason. It will be tough for the Cowboys to convince him playing second fiddle is a good career decision but it’s not completely unreasonable given the circumstances.
Bradford, like Griffin, has been plagued by his share of injuries over the years. He’s only played two complete seasons in his professional career (2010 and 2012) and has a modest career passer rating of 80.0. Considering Matt Cassel has a career rating of 79.6, I’m not sure if a 0.4 improvement is really what the Dallas Cowboys are looking for.
Even still, Sam Bradford is an upgrade from Brandon Weeden and Cassel, he has a strong arm, accuracy, and pocket presence that could tread water should Romo fall to injury again in 2016.
Next: Like it or Not, Johnny Football
Dec 13, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback
Johnny Manziel(2) throws a pass against the San Francisco 49ers during the second quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Dallas Cowboys possible QB Target: Johnny Manziel
Johnny Manziel may not be a free agent in 2016 but I’d be remiss if I didn’t include him in the discussion. Manziel’s future is clearly in doubt in Cleveland. Since being drafted in the first round of the 2014 draft, Manziel has struggled with poor off-the-field behavior, questionable preparation, and general untrustworthiness.
Manziel is currently in “tryout mode” in Cleveland. He’s trying out the Browns, the Cowboys, and just about everyone else in the league right now. He’s under contract for the next two season, making him a free agent in 2018, and under Browns control until they decide otherwise.
A Johnny Manziel Trade Will Be Considered in Dallas
If traded, Manziel will still be bound to a team-friendly contract that pays a little over $2M per year. The 22-year-old lightening rod has huge boom or bust potential that a team like the Dallas Cowboys may have a hard time ignoring.
Here’s what NFL.com had to say about Johnny Football:
"“A once-in-a-generation, run-around, ad-lib, sandlot style quarterback who consistently won games playing a brand of fast-pased, jailbreak football that often goes off script and can be difficult both to game plan with and against…No other quarterback can change the tempo of a game better if a demanding head coach feels confident he can manage the risk.”"
Johnny Manziel Watch in Full Gear
It may come down to the price of acquisition which most speculate to be around a 4th round draft pick. A couple strong games to close out the 2015 season may boost the price or may even take the trade completely off the table.
Next: Two Players Who Could Soon be Cut
Nov 8, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; St. Louis Rams quarterback
Nick Foles(5) passes against the Minnesota Vikings in overtime at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings win 21-18. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Dallas Cowboys possible QB Target: Nick Foles and Colin Kaepernick
Let’s be clear, both players are under contract for next season and will need to be released by their current teams in order to be free agent options for the Dallas Cowboys. Both players are also currently playing on deals that guarantee a ridiculous amount of money so neither player is a realistic trade option for the Dallas Cowboys either.
We’ll get back to actual free agents on the next page but for now, these two recent starters are worth discussing since there is the very real possibility they will be cut.
More from Dallas Cowboys
- West coast, Texas coast, burnt toast: Cowboys don’t need more runs
- Brandin Cooks will change the way defenses play the Dallas Cowboys
- Why the Dallas Cowboys defensive X-Factor is EDGE Sam Williams
- Dallas Cowboys: 3 head coach options if McCarthy fails in 2023
- Dallas Cowboys: Is CB Jourdan Lewis a tradeable asset?
The rise and fall of Colin Kaepernick is a curious one to say the least. Once thought of as the next great dual threat QB, Kaep posted two strong seasons for the 49ers. In 2013, he rushed for 524 yards with four TDs and passed for 3,197 yards with 21 TDs, eight interceptions, and a passer rating of 98.3.
In 2014 Kaep rushed for 639 yards with one TD and passed for 3369 yards with 19 TDs and 10 interceptions for a passer rating of 91.6.
Since then, he’s seemingly been exposed for his coverage recognition (or lack thereof) and has struggled with his decision making skills.
At only 28, Kaep still has a chance to right the ship as long as he plays to his strengths and has the right offense around him to work. The Dallas Cowboys would have a shot at him but much like the others, he’s much more inclined to go somewhere he can start from day 1 – again, like Philly.
Nick Foles, aka Napoleon Dynamite, is a man the Dallas Cowboys know all too well. The former starter for the Philadelphia Eagles has had his share of greatness as well as days he’d sooner forget. After signing a two year deal in St Louis this offseason, Foles has underachieved greatly and may be cut a year early.
Like Kaepernick and RGIII, Nick Foles does have some proven success on his resume. And also like those two, he has plenty of failures as well. Foles’ best season was in 2013 when he passed for 2,891 yards, 27 TDs, just two interceptions, for a passer rating of 119.2, all in just 13 games of work.
Since then, Foles has earned passer ratings of 81.4 and 69.0 and has thrown a combined 20 TDs and 20 INTs. The 26-year-old native Texan has shown two very distinct sides in his short career and seems the most likely of all the aforementioned candidates to willingly take on a backup role.
Next: The Rest of the Free Agents...
Nov 29, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback
Chase Daniel(10) warms up prior to the game against the Buffalo Bills at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
Dallas Cowboys possible QB Target: The Rest of the Bunch
The Dallas Cowboys love to make a splash with a big name in free agency but they may steer clear of that strategy when looking for a backup QB. Johnny Manziel may be an attractive option for Jerry Jones, but sending an immature recent party-boy to Big D to patiently develop and resist temptation seems like an idiotic idea at face value.
RGIII and Colin Kaepernick both desperately want to rebuild their young careers and won’t happily bow to a backup role with the Dallas Cowboys. There’s a possibility they could come here, but how content would they really be and how would it affect the team?
Foles may be a boring option but he’s also the most likely option of the bunch, should he be cut. But the even more likely option could very well be a lesser name on the free agent list. The backup then wouldn’t pull much media or fan attention and keep the Cowboys relatively controversy-free.
More from Sports Dallas Fort-Worth
- West coast, Texas coast, burnt toast: Cowboys don’t need more runs
- Brandin Cooks will change the way defenses play the Dallas Cowboys
- Why the Dallas Cowboys defensive X-Factor is EDGE Sam Williams
- Dallas Cowboys: 3 head coach options if McCarthy fails in 2023
- Dallas Cowboys: Is CB Jourdan Lewis a tradeable asset?
According to Spotrac.com, here are some more lesser-renowned 2016 QB free agents:
Chase Daniel
Mike Vick
Brock Osweiler will probably be re-signed in Denver as will Kirk Cousins in Washington. But Chase Daniel is an intriguing player that may have a nice blend of developmental possibility and veteran experience. Icing on the cake is that he’s not going to break the bank or start a controversy either.
Whatever the Dallas Cowboys decide, the move will certainly require a complementary draft investment. Free agents are usually free agents for a reason so while the Cowboys need to sign a veteran, they can’t ignore the draft.
Next: 5 QB Draft Possibilities for the Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys will probably draft a mid-round QB in the draft but they will also actively pursue a veteran free agent to fully cover themselves should the draft not unfold for them.