Cowboys Working Out Jared Goff
The blockbuster Rams/Titans trade involving the first overall pick will have an impact on several of the teams picking after Los Angeles, and the owner of one of those clubs acknowledged as much. As Todd Archer of ESPN.com writes, the Cowboys, who pick at No. 4, may have to prepare for a different set of players to be available in the wake of the trade.
“Well, I don’t want to make any assumptions, but yeah, it does impact because that kind of movement up ahead of you in a lot of different ways it took a lot of the consideration out of the marketplace,” Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said. “If you think draft picks are consideration, then it is. It certainly made a difference below that No. 1 pick as to what might be available trading or in terms of making a decision with a player. It took two commodities out. It took picks, it took a player.”
As Archer details in a separate story, the Cowboys’ brass is headed to the Bay Area for a private workout with Cal quarterback Jared Goff, who may or may not be available at No. 4 — it’s possible Goff could be the Rams’ target at No. 1, but if L.A. opts for Carson Wentz and the Browns don’t select a quarterback, Goff would likely be on the board when Dallas picks. Of course, it remains to be seen whether the Cowboys prefer to target their QB of the future or a top defensive player.
Jalen Ramsey Visited Cowboys
The blockbuster trade that saw the Rams snag the Titans’ first overall pick in this year’s draft will have a significant impact on several other clubs around the NFL, and one of those teams is the Cowboys, who hold the No. 4 pick. If Carson Wentz, Jared Goff, and Laremy Tunsil are the top three picks in some order, it would give Dallas the opportunity to select any defensive prospect available, including Florida State defensive back Jalen Ramsey.
We’ve heard that the Cowboys like Ramsey, and Tom Pelissero of USA Today tweets that Dallas is one of four teams the ex-Seminole has visited since his pro day — Ramsey also made trips to Tennessee, Jacksonville, and Baltimore. While he no longer seems likely to land with the Titans, Ramsey could very well be snatched up by one of those other three teams, and the Cowboys would get the first chance of the three.
Cowboys To Work Out Darius Powe
- Cal wide receiver Darius Powe looked sharp in a recent workout for the 49ers, Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com tweets. Next up for Powe is a Saturday workout with the Cowboys.
Cowboys Sign Jeff Heath To Four-Year Deal
Restricted free agent Jeff Heath will be sticking with the Cowboys, as expected, but rather than simply signing his RFA tender, the veteran safety has agreed to a long-term deal with the club. According to Todd Archer of ESPN.com, the Cowboys have signed Heath to a four-year contract, locking him up through the 2019 season.
An undrafted free agent out of Saginaw Valley State, Heath started nine games during his first season with the Cowboys in 2013, compiling 60 tackles, an interception, and a fumble recovery for a touchdown. He has seen less time on defense in recent years, serving primarily as a special teams contributor, but he did grab a pair of INTs in his 206 defensive snaps in 2015.
Having spent three years in Dallas, Heath was eligible for restricted free agency this offseason, and the Cowboys tendered him a one-year offer worth $1.671MM. Had he signed that tender, he would have been on track to reach the open market in 2017, but his salary for 2016 would have been non-guaranteed.
Financial terms of Heath’s new four-year contract aren’t yet known, but there’s a good chance he exceeded that $1.671MM in guarantees alone, and his average annual salary may very well top that figure too.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
"Growning Sense" That Cowboys Target A QB
- There’s a “growing sense within the Cowboys‘ organization” that Dallas is seriously considering drafting a quarterback at No. 4, a source tells Cole (video link). Per Cole, some members of the organization prefer to target a defensive player or even a running back (Ezekiel Elliott) at that spot, but there are others who are arguing for a QB since they don’t believe the Cowboys will be drafting this high again for quite some time.
Cowboys Draft Notes: Joseph, Calhoun, Symmank
According to Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post (Twitter link), Joseph, who was in Pittsburgh on Monday, also has visits with the Cowboys, Vikings, Broncos, Bengals, Giants, Texans, and Colts on his pre-draft schedule. In Pro Football Rumors’ first 2016 mock draft, our Rob DiRe had Joseph coming off the board 21st overall, but there’s a good chance health concerns will drop him into the second round on draft day.
- Mississippi State cornerback Taveze Calhoun has or had workouts with the Cowboys, Lions, Jaguars, 49ers, and Buccaneers, and is visiting the Patriots and Dolphins (Twitter link).
- There usually aren’t more than a couple punters drafted in a given year, but Texas Tech punter Taylor Symmank is drawing some interest. He recently worked out for the Jets and participated in the Cowboys‘ local workout, and is meeting with the Lions today (Twitter link).
Baylor WR Jay Lee To Work Out For Cowboys
Connor Cook Visiting Cowboys
Cook will have a busy schedule this week, according to La Canfora, who writes that the QB is visiting the Cowboys, Dolphins, Broncos, and 49ers. Cook will also visit the Jets and Bears, and work out for the Rams. He has previously visited the Ravens and Bills, and met with the Browns.
Cowboys Interested In Sean Davis
Maryland corner Sean Davis is attracting a ton of interest around the league, according to Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post, who writes that Davis has met or will meet with 16 clubs, including the Texans, Cowboys, Saints, Cardinals, Dolphins, Lions, Browns, Colts, Seahawks, Ravens, Washington, Raiders, 49ers, Steelers, Bengals, Bills, and Titans. Wilson also confirms previous reports that Davis has met with the Patriots and Ravens.
Cowboys Interested In Michael Thomas
- While Washington may be down on Robinson and Reed, it has a high opinion of Ohio State receiver Michael Thomas, reportedly the top wideout on its board. In addition to Washington, Thomas is drawing interest from the Cowboys, Rams and Saints, per Mike Garafolo of FOX Sports (Twitter link).