The Dallas Cowboys made a controversial move last season when they opted to sign Greg Hardy despite the domestic violence charges against him. Many believed Hardy might never play another down of football again, but the Cowboys signed him to boost their defensive pass rush. All in all, Hardy's season was forgettable as off-the-field issues now cloud his future. With the No.4 pick in the NFL Draft, could the Cowboys simply seek out his replacement?
According to Jason Cole of Bleacher Report, Hardy's agent does not expect the Cowboys to re-sign his client in the offseason. There have been a lot of reports that have surfaced around Hardy and his time with the Cowboys. The defensive end was reportedly a locker room issues while many claimed he partied too much and was not in good shape. He was also late to team meetings and frustrated many of the players. Those reports paired with just six sacks on the season could mean Hardy's agent is right about his future.
The Dallas Morning News reports the Cowboys could be eyeing Hardy's replacement in the NFL Draft. With the No.4 pick, the Cowboys stand a chance at getting Ohio State star Joey Bosa who is quickly rising up the draft boards. Bosa has been predicted as an immediate starter and could fill a huge need for Dallas right away. He checks all the boxes in terms of talent and conditioning and yet comes with none of the headaches that Hardy has. He would be the better long-term solution for the Cowboys.
The drafting of Bosa means the Cowboys forego the idea of getting a quarterback right away. Owner Jerry Jones hinted this might be an option. While many believe the Cowboys will target someone like Carson Wentz or Paxton Lynch, Jones told the media that the Cowboys do not necessarily have to draft a quarterback and could look to the free agent market for that need instead. This is where Robert Griffin III and Johnny Manziel come in. The Cowboys need a quality backup to Tony Romo and someone to eventually replace him. If they do not grab that need in the draft, one of the two options will be in Dallas in 2016.
"There are many options," Jones said, via NFL.com. "There's free agency ... We have to (draft a QB) to do what? We have to win a Super Bowl next year? Do we have to compete for a Super Bowl in the future? Do you have to have it in place after this draft? There's no have-to here, in my mind, because we have the luxury of having Romo here for three, four, five more years."
Dallas is determined to keep everyone guessing. With such a high draft pick they can go a number of directions. The speculation will continue until April arrives.
