The window for restricted free agents to sign offer sheets with their teams has closed, leaving Cowboys Guard Ronald Leary with two options:
- Sign his 2nd round tender offer with the team
- Or, sit out the 2016 season
Leary decided to sign the tender today, which comes with around a $2.5 million salary for the 2016 season. Leary has been a viable starter for the Cowboys since 2013, but was replaced mid-way through last season by rookie sensation La’el Collins.
Collins has shown no sign of slowing down as the Cowboys starting Left Guard, and should be cemented on the line for many years to come. Realizing this, and realizing his own ability, it is right for Leary to want to look elsewhere around the league where he could possibly be a starter.
From the organizations perspective, however, Dallas has now done one of two things. Either they have reassured some depth along their already strong offensive line, or they have given themselves an extra piece to work with during the Draft this weekend.
With rumors swirling around the league about the Cowboys possibly moving back up into the late first round for a quarterback, like Memphis Tigers QB Paxton Lynch, Leary signing his tender is a big deal.
Ron Leary is now able to be traded by the Cowboys, who may look to package him with their 34th overall pick to add another first rounder.
Teams like the Seattle Seahawks and Arizona Cardinals may be prime candidates for trade partners at the end of round one. Both teams need some Offensive Line help, which Leary can provide, and they both select before the Denver Broncos, who would be the Cowboys’ last competition for a Quarterback.
The possibilities for the Cowboys tonight seem endless, and there has been some type of story written for just about every one of them. Ronald Leary has now opened up their options even further, and given the Cowboys a shot to possibly add another draft pick through a trade.
Tonight is going to be a ton of fun.
