By Kate Hairopoulos , Staff Writer Contact Kate Hairopoulos on Twitter: @khairopoulos
It's not how anyone expected it to go down, but the Cowboys are once again in need of a backup quarterback. Last season, Dallas drafted Dak Prescott in the fourth round, thinking he'd be a developmental project. Now, he's established himself as the present and future of the franchise. But the unique and diverse quarterback room he learned in last season could be in for an overhaul. Ten-year starter Tony Romo is expected to sort out a new path, via trade or release. Backups Kellen Moore and Mark Sanchez will be free agents when the new league year starts March 9. Let's look at five possible quarterback options for the Cowboys once free agency begins. You can peruse the full 2017 QB free agent list here.
Keep in mind, Dallas isn't likely to be a player for the higher-priced free agents, considering Prescott is 23 and durable and it has more pressing needs elsewhere.
Mark Sanchez, Cowboys
The 30-year-old didn't help his chances of being re-signed when he was tasked with getting the Cowboys through their final regular-season game at Philadelphia. With the playoff positioning secure, Dallas rested its starters for most the game on New Year's Day. Sanchez floundered against his former team, including throwing two interceptions. But Sanchez, who was cut by Denver and signed by Dallas just before the season started, did find a role during 2016 as a mentor and supporter of Prescott. He offered insight he'd learned while starting as a rookie for the Jets in 2009. Still, will that be enough for the Cowboys to risk having to see more of what they witnessed in Philly?
Kellen Moore, Cowboys
Moore makes a lot of sense for Dallas, considering it was willing to enter the 2016 season with him backing up Romo. Moore never got the chance, of course, breaking his ankle early in training camp, being placed on season-ending injured reserve and opening the door for Prescott's emergence. But Moore has an extensive relationship with offensive coordinator Scott Linehan and knows the ins and outs of the offense. He showed flashes of potential in his two games started in 2015, though they both ended in losses. His lack of game experience could make the Cowboys uncomfortable, though they might be tempted to overlook it because of his affordable salary.
Josh McCown, Browns
Cleveland released its veteran QB last week as it once again revamps the position. The 14-year veteran out of Sam Houston State was due a $750,000 roster bonus March 11 and was set to make $3,625,000 this season, according to Cleveland.com. McCown, who broke his collarbone in September, started three games last season for a team that limped to one victory. He finished 1-10 as a starter in his two seasons in Cleveland. He has said that he plans to continue playing. He's also been a willing mentor to younger players, including to Johnny Manziel when he was with the Browns. Dallas had shown a previous interest in McCown, 37, and some speculation centered on Dallas considering finding a way to add him last season after Moore broke his ankle, but it didn't make economic sense then.
Case Keenum, Rams
The University of Houston product is coming off a rocky ride with the Rams in the team's first year in Los Angeles. He started nine games and served as the backup for five before finishing the final two games on the inactive list. He passed for 2,201 yards and nine touchdowns to 11 interceptions. He'll turn 29 this week, but he may not be ready to accept a clear backup role.
EJ Manuel, Bills
Maybe the Cowboys could be intrigued by the former first-round pick who was considered a bust in Buffalo? It would be a different approach than securing a journeyman veteran backup. The former Florida State star will turn 27 next month and has started 17 games over the last four seasons, including just three over the last two after starting 10 games as a rookie in 2013.
It's not how anyone expected it to go down, but the Cowboys are once again in need of a backup quarterback. Last season, Dallas drafted Dak Prescott in the fourth round, thinking he'd be a developmental project. Now, he's established himself as the present and future of the franchise. But the unique and diverse quarterback room he learned in last season could be in for an overhaul. Ten-year starter Tony Romo is expected to sort out a new path, via trade or release. Backups Kellen Moore and Mark Sanchez will be free agents when the new league year starts March 9. Let's look at five possible quarterback options for the Cowboys once free agency begins. You can peruse the full 2017 QB free agent list here.
Keep in mind, Dallas isn't likely to be a player for the higher-priced free agents, considering Prescott is 23 and durable and it has more pressing needs elsewhere.
Mark Sanchez, Cowboys
The 30-year-old didn't help his chances of being re-signed when he was tasked with getting the Cowboys through their final regular-season game at Philadelphia. With the playoff positioning secure, Dallas rested its starters for most the game on New Year's Day. Sanchez floundered against his former team, including throwing two interceptions. But Sanchez, who was cut by Denver and signed by Dallas just before the season started, did find a role during 2016 as a mentor and supporter of Prescott. He offered insight he'd learned while starting as a rookie for the Jets in 2009. Still, will that be enough for the Cowboys to risk having to see more of what they witnessed in Philly?
Kellen Moore, Cowboys
Moore makes a lot of sense for Dallas, considering it was willing to enter the 2016 season with him backing up Romo. Moore never got the chance, of course, breaking his ankle early in training camp, being placed on season-ending injured reserve and opening the door for Prescott's emergence. But Moore has an extensive relationship with offensive coordinator Scott Linehan and knows the ins and outs of the offense. He showed flashes of potential in his two games started in 2015, though they both ended in losses. His lack of game experience could make the Cowboys uncomfortable, though they might be tempted to overlook it because of his affordable salary.
Josh McCown, Browns
Cleveland released its veteran QB last week as it once again revamps the position. The 14-year veteran out of Sam Houston State was due a $750,000 roster bonus March 11 and was set to make $3,625,000 this season, according to Cleveland.com. McCown, who broke his collarbone in September, started three games last season for a team that limped to one victory. He finished 1-10 as a starter in his two seasons in Cleveland. He has said that he plans to continue playing. He's also been a willing mentor to younger players, including to Johnny Manziel when he was with the Browns. Dallas had shown a previous interest in McCown, 37, and some speculation centered on Dallas considering finding a way to add him last season after Moore broke his ankle, but it didn't make economic sense then.
Case Keenum, Rams
The University of Houston product is coming off a rocky ride with the Rams in the team's first year in Los Angeles. He started nine games and served as the backup for five before finishing the final two games on the inactive list. He passed for 2,201 yards and nine touchdowns to 11 interceptions. He'll turn 29 this week, but he may not be ready to accept a clear backup role.
EJ Manuel, Bills
Maybe the Cowboys could be intrigued by the former first-round pick who was considered a bust in Buffalo? It would be a different approach than securing a journeyman veteran backup. The former Florida State star will turn 27 next month and has started 17 games over the last four seasons, including just three over the last two after starting 10 games as a rookie in 2013.
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