The Dallas Cowboys are expected to address the backup quarterback position this offseason and players like Carson Wentz, Jared Goff and Robert Griffin III could be potential options to come in behind Tony Romo.
The Cowboys have the fourth overall pick in the draft after going just 4-12 last season and one of the biggest reasons that happened was lack of talent at the backup quarterback position. Romo only played in four games while dealing with injuries last season and that showed a glaring need for the Cowboys to develop someone to potentially take over for Romo. Romo is going to be 36 by the time next season starts and that could lead to the team adding a young quarterback at the backup position.
The Cowboys have the opportunity to add a prospect in the draft at quarterback and while many around the league expect the team to do just that, Jerry Jones has said that the team does not "have to" go that route. Jones may simply be keeping his card close to his vest, but the Cowboys could look at free agent options or trades if they feel the quarterbacks in the draft are not worth going after. Robert Griffin and Johnny Manziel are expected to be available this offseason and those players could be potential targets for Jones. Manziel is dealing with some off the field issues and it's unlikely that the Cowboys will make a move on him at this point.
Jones spoke with the Dallas Morning News earlier in the offseason and said the team could take a chance on a "young quarterback" with "risk," and while he did not mention the QBs by name, he likely meant Griffin and Manziel. ESPN Dallas reporter Todd Archer writes that he does not think that the Cowboys will end up adding Manziel or Griffin and that a pick in the drafts is more likely to address the backup position behind Romo. The team would be thrilled if either Jared Goff or Carson Wentz are available at number four in the draft and likely would consider taking a QB if they were on the board.
The Cowboys do not usually end up picking in the top five of the draft, so the team may want to take advantage of being in that position this year. It could be a good year to do it, as NFL scouts see Jared Goff and Carson Wentz as players that could develop into starting quarterbacks in the pros. Goff is coming into the process as the top rated quarterback in the class, but Wentz is starting to generate some buzz based on his size and his performance during the Senior Bowl.
