Dallas Cowboys’ QB Options Aren’t as Plentiful as They Seem

By Jeric Griffin

Cowboys’ Backup QB Options Fewer Than Originally Thought

Tony Romo Tom Pennington Getty Images — The buzz around the Dallas Cowboys’ QB situation has risen to an unhealthy level and will get worse as the 2016 NFL Draft draws near, especially considering they hold a top-five pick. Yes, Dallas needs to address the second signal caller slot on its depth chart, but the realistic options aren’t plentiful as you might think. On the contrary, the Cowboys must approach the draft and free agency very carefully when it comes to this position.

Draft Carson Wentz or Paxton Lynch at No. 4

North Dakota State v Iowa State

Draft Carson Wentz or Paxton Lynch at No. 4

North Dakota State v Iowa State — This is the most popular option among the fan base, but not the wisest. Both of these players expect to start from day one as the star of the show while the Cowboys will be all-in with Tony Romo for AT LEAST one more season and have every intention of sitting their young new QB for a couple of years. In addition, Dallas could really benefit from a drafting a defensive difference-maker with the fourth pick to aid their anticipated Super Bowl run.

Sign Chase Daniel in Free Agency

Green Bay Packers v Kansas City Chiefs

Sign Chase Daniel in Free Agency

Green Bay Packers v Kansas City Chiefs — Let’s get something straight: The Cowboys aren't getting a name like Johnny Manziel or Robert Griffin, and that's for the best. A more realistic, affordable and intelligent option is Daniel, who is a Southlake product and is still somewhat undiscovered, but is more than capable of keeping the wheels from falling off the bus if Romo were to go down again. He's been solid as a backup for the Saints and Chiefs and could be for the Cowboys as well.

Take a Gamble in the Second or Third Round of the Draft

Penn State-Christian Hackenberg

Take a Gamble in the Second or Third Round of the Draft

Penn State-Christian Hackenberg — Many teams will reach for QBs this year, so a second-tier passer would have to be taken in the second round or third at the latest. That includes guys like Connor Cook and Christian Hackenberg, who could go even higher if the top three QBs all go in the top 10. It's unlikely either of these rookies could lead the team in Romo's absence, and they would be rolls of the dice as potential replacements, so this also isn't a great option for Dallas.

Sign Colt McCoy in Free Agency

Washington Redskins v Indianapolis Colts

Sign Colt McCoy in Free Agency

Washington Redskins v Indianapolis Colts — Another realistic and affordable free agent option is McCoy, who's also a Texas native and shown that he can handle the reins as a secondary passer in the NFL. Washington will be preoccupied with Kirk Cousins' new contract and McCoy won't demand a huge contract on the open market, so getting a nice deal in Dallas would be great for him while also allowing the Cowboys more time to find their true franchise QB of the future.

Draft a Project in the Late Rounds

Brandon-Allen

Draft a Project in the Late Rounds

Brandon-Allen — This wouldn't be a sexy move, but it might be a wise one. The Cowboys will be gambling if they draft a QB this year, regardless of when, and this would lower the risk. Of course, they'd also be gambling on Romo's health in 2016 if a young passer like Brandon Allen or Cody Kessler was the primary backup as a rookie. But a late-round pick combined with a free agent like Daniel or McCoy would be a nice short-term move and give Dallas more time.

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