Spending high draft choices to land franchise quarterbacks is necessary, but risky business for NFL teams.
For every Andrew Luck, Jameis Winston or Teddy Bridgewater, there is a Geno Smith, Brandon Weeden and EJ Manuel.
Though it's usually the best way to go, the draft isn't the only means available for teams looking to get their hands on a dependable backup or starting quarterback. Journeyman Ryan Fitzpatrick has been solid for the New York Jets. Blaine Gabbert is getting a chance to revive his career in San Francisco. Carson Palmer has been playing lights out for Arizona.
The Cowboys likely will be looking to shore up their quarterback situation in terms of finding a backup for Tony Romo, who's been unable to stay healthy in 2015. There are some intriguing names out there who could be available through free agency or trade in the offseason.
Mark Maske of the Washington Post listed four big-name QBs who could be available.
Here's a look at the four in terms of how they could fit - or not - with the Cowboys.
Colin Kaepernick, San Francisco 49ers: Kaepernick had a procedure on Nov. 24 to repair a torn labrum in his non-throwing shoulder. Hard to believe he's the same guy who had the 49ers within a questionable non-call of winning a Super Bowl a couple of years ago vs. the Baltimore Ravens. Kaepernick has a great arm and tremendous athletic ability. Accuracy has been a big problem for him. His future with the 49ers seems tenuous at best. He was benched and replaced by Blaine Gabbert. Not sure how interested the Cowboys would be, considering his rapid decline and injury situation. But he wouldn't cost Dallas much in a trade. And he may be released by the 49ers.
Robert Griffin III, Washington Redskins: What a story this would be. Griffin, the NFL's Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2012 and a No. 2 overall pick, certainly appears to have no future in Washington, where he's had a rocky relationship with head coach Jay Gruden. Griffin might welcome a return to Texas, having won a Heisman Trophy at Baylor and played high school ball at Copperas Cove. Leg and foot injuries have been a problem for RG III, and his confidence appeared to be at an all-time low during his last stint as a starter in Washington. He's in the last year of his rookie contract and definitely needs a new start in a new city. Kirk Cousins appears to have a lock on the starting job in D.C. Like Kaepernick, his legs are a vital part of his game and it's unsure how good Griffin's legs are these days.
Johnny Manziel, Cleveland Browns: Jerry Jones had to be talked out of drafting the Heisman winner from Texas A&M a couple of years ago. Jones might be difficult to talk down again if Manziel becomes available. Jones loves it when his team is in the headlines, and Johnny Football is certainly good for that. It's unclear what the Browns have in mind for Manziel. Every time he appears ready to step into a starting role, Johnny Football gets derailed by his off-the-field issues. Lack of discipline - on the field and off - have been a problem for Manziel. Yet he might make more sense for the Cowboys than the two mentioned above. At least he is healthy, and he certainly does not lack confidence. Manziel to the Cowboys will continue to be a hot rumor until the Browns make up their minds what they're going to do with their first-round pick.
Peyton Manning, Denver Broncos: If Brock Osweiler continues to play well and Manning is able to get healthy, the Broncos are going to have a big decision on their hands in the coming weeks. Manning is a sure-fire Hall of Famer. Osweiler is a big, strong young quarterback who appears to be a perfect match for the offense Denver head coach Gary Kubiak wants to run, one that Manning struggled in. Manning has already made it clear he plans to play again in 2016. But Manning is not going to be a Cowboy. He still has one year remaining on his contract in Denver. He's going to cost quite a lot and if he leaves for another team he'll want to be that team's starter. Manning is currently tied with Brett Favre for most regular-season wins all-time by a starting quarterback. He's not going to another team to be a backup.
For every Andrew Luck, Jameis Winston or Teddy Bridgewater, there is a Geno Smith, Brandon Weeden and EJ Manuel.
Though it's usually the best way to go, the draft isn't the only means available for teams looking to get their hands on a dependable backup or starting quarterback. Journeyman Ryan Fitzpatrick has been solid for the New York Jets. Blaine Gabbert is getting a chance to revive his career in San Francisco. Carson Palmer has been playing lights out for Arizona.
The Cowboys likely will be looking to shore up their quarterback situation in terms of finding a backup for Tony Romo, who's been unable to stay healthy in 2015. There are some intriguing names out there who could be available through free agency or trade in the offseason.
Mark Maske of the Washington Post listed four big-name QBs who could be available.
Here's a look at the four in terms of how they could fit - or not - with the Cowboys.
Colin Kaepernick, San Francisco 49ers: Kaepernick had a procedure on Nov. 24 to repair a torn labrum in his non-throwing shoulder. Hard to believe he's the same guy who had the 49ers within a questionable non-call of winning a Super Bowl a couple of years ago vs. the Baltimore Ravens. Kaepernick has a great arm and tremendous athletic ability. Accuracy has been a big problem for him. His future with the 49ers seems tenuous at best. He was benched and replaced by Blaine Gabbert. Not sure how interested the Cowboys would be, considering his rapid decline and injury situation. But he wouldn't cost Dallas much in a trade. And he may be released by the 49ers.
Robert Griffin III, Washington Redskins: What a story this would be. Griffin, the NFL's Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2012 and a No. 2 overall pick, certainly appears to have no future in Washington, where he's had a rocky relationship with head coach Jay Gruden. Griffin might welcome a return to Texas, having won a Heisman Trophy at Baylor and played high school ball at Copperas Cove. Leg and foot injuries have been a problem for RG III, and his confidence appeared to be at an all-time low during his last stint as a starter in Washington. He's in the last year of his rookie contract and definitely needs a new start in a new city. Kirk Cousins appears to have a lock on the starting job in D.C. Like Kaepernick, his legs are a vital part of his game and it's unsure how good Griffin's legs are these days.
Johnny Manziel, Cleveland Browns: Jerry Jones had to be talked out of drafting the Heisman winner from Texas A&M a couple of years ago. Jones might be difficult to talk down again if Manziel becomes available. Jones loves it when his team is in the headlines, and Johnny Football is certainly good for that. It's unclear what the Browns have in mind for Manziel. Every time he appears ready to step into a starting role, Johnny Football gets derailed by his off-the-field issues. Lack of discipline - on the field and off - have been a problem for Manziel. Yet he might make more sense for the Cowboys than the two mentioned above. At least he is healthy, and he certainly does not lack confidence. Manziel to the Cowboys will continue to be a hot rumor until the Browns make up their minds what they're going to do with their first-round pick.
Peyton Manning, Denver Broncos: If Brock Osweiler continues to play well and Manning is able to get healthy, the Broncos are going to have a big decision on their hands in the coming weeks. Manning is a sure-fire Hall of Famer. Osweiler is a big, strong young quarterback who appears to be a perfect match for the offense Denver head coach Gary Kubiak wants to run, one that Manning struggled in. Manning has already made it clear he plans to play again in 2016. But Manning is not going to be a Cowboy. He still has one year remaining on his contract in Denver. He's going to cost quite a lot and if he leaves for another team he'll want to be that team's starter. Manning is currently tied with Brett Favre for most regular-season wins all-time by a starting quarterback. He's not going to another team to be a backup.
