The Dallas Cowboys may consider a Morris Claiborne trade this year if first round draft pick Bryon Jones starts for the team, as they did not pick up his fifth year option and this comes as the team could look at the release of Brandon Carr if he doesn't take a pay cut and heading into training camp wideout Dez Bryant could look at a contract holdout.
The Cowboys are confident in the moves they have made this offseason and coming into OTA workouts they are looking for rookies like Byron Jones, Randy Gregory and La'el Collins to distinguish themselves. According to ESPN Dallas, the Cowboys think that Jones has the potential to start and he comes in after being a first round pick out of UConn. The team also has high hopes for Gregory, who is a first round talent that slipped out after dealing with off the field issues.
Todd Archer at ESPN Dallas reported that the team did not pick up the contract option on Morris Claiborne for his fifth year and his future is up in the air in Dallas. The team has been disappointed with how he has played over the course of his career and with Jones coming in, Claiborne could be a potential trade target.
The Cowboys also have Brandon Carr and there is a chance he could be released, as the team wants to lower his cap number. Carr is making $8 million base salary and is worth over $10 million on the cap. The team also has the Dez Bryant contract situation to deal with and he could consider a contract holdout in training camp.
The Cowboys also may look at adding another running back on the free agent market or in a trade before the season starts. While a trade is unlikely for someone like Adrian Peterson or Matt Forte, owner Jerry Jones left the door open to a deal in an interview with Fox Sports. According to Fox, Jones said that while the team is satisfied with the running backs on the roster, he added that is "the right situation came along" the team would consider it. Jones also said that with Tony Romo getting older and the team the way it is, that now could be a "a good time to go for it."
Earlier in the offseason Peterson was mentioned as a target for the Cowboys, but now it appears that even if they wanted to make a deal, the Vikings are not willing anymore. The Vikings reportedly would have made a deal if they were "blown away" by an offer, but the Cowboys did not want to give up high draft compensation in 2015. Now that the draft has passes, Jones could be more willing to give up a pick.
Jones said he would be reluctant to do so, but as the article points out, the team got three first round type players this year in the draft. Getting Jones, Randy Gregory and La'el Collins out of this draft class is almost like having three first round picks this year and that could mean Jones is more willing to give up one for next year, especially with everyone on the team getting another year older. The Cowboys offensive line is top notch and Romo is still playing at a high level and that could lead Jones to make some moves.
