The Dallas Cowboys have two tight ends on their current roster, Jason Witten and Gavin Escobar. To say that they could use some depth at the position is an understatement.
Luckily, Jason Witten is Mr. Iron Man. To keep him off the field would mean that he’s probably on death’s doorstep or close to it. He is Mr. Reliable and is as unselfish as it comes, but if something were to happen to him, Gavin Escobar would have to step into that starting role.
Escobar has been a disappointment so far during his time with the Dallas Cowboys and no one really knows what kind of player he might actually be. He has the athleticism to be a threat in the passing game, but nothing is really materialized in that area.
It would be a huge hit to the Cowboys offense if Witten had to be replaced with Escobar, and would likely change the entire dynamic of the team, at least on the offensive side of the ball.
That is why I think the Dallas Cowboys should to take a long hard look at the former first-round draft pick by the Detroit Lions, Brandon Pettigrew.
Pettigrew was the 20th overall pick by the Lions back in the 2009 NFL Draft.
The Lions surprisingly released Pettigrew last week when he had just returned to practice after recovering from an ACL knee injury that he suffered last December.
Honestly, Brandon Pettigrew makes a lot of sense for the Dallas Cowboys for a number reasons.
First off, I think he would be an upgrade over Gavin Escobar as both a blocker and a receiver. He has already done both at a high level in the NFL. Escobar on the other hand really struggles at the point of attack as a blocker and hasn’t really been utilized in the passing game so far in his career.
Secondly, Pettigrew already has experience in offensive coordinator Scott Linehan’s scheme.
Linehan served as the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions from 2009-2013, Pettigrew’s first five years in the NFL. During that time span, Pettigrew caught 284 passes for 2,828 yards and 16 touchdowns. That is definitely production the Dallas Cowboys could use from their #2 tight end.
Of course, this also makes sense when you think about the fact that the Dallas Cowboys still have the Detroit Lions on their schedule and will play them in a few weeks.
Pettigrew could provide some inside information about his former team. He probably would be more than happy to help out in anyway he could to stick it to the team that cast him aside after he was finally healthy enough to return to practice.
Bringing in Brandon Pettigrew really just makes too much sense not to happen, but doing the sensible thing isn’t always what the Dallas Cowboys tend to do.
Honestly, I think this would be a great addition for the Cowboys offense, but unfortunately I’m not one of the decision-makers.
Do you think the Dallas Cowboys should sign Brandon Pettigrew?
Please feel free to use the comment section below to share your thoughts and opinions on this topic.
I guess it would depend on the condition of his knee. He is a good blocking TE and in past years had some success running the ball. The circumstances around his release were a little strange. He comes off the PUP list band goes on the NFI list and the announcement around his release was rather curt with no best wishes for future success. There’s a story there somewhere
Randy, everything you said is true and would definitely have to be taken into consideration. If his knee is healthy he would be a tremendous asset. The Cowboys really miss Geoff Swaim’s blocking ability in the running game. Escobar is willing enough, but that’s just not one of his strong suits.
Yes why not think is good idea depending how healthy he is now can help going forward. Thanks
Emilio, the health of his knee is the only reason why he might still be a free agent. Pettigrew can still help a team this season and I hope that team is the Cowboys.
Thanks Brian for that information n you James Hanna is done 4 the year. Thanks
Anytime Emilio. I was actually hoping James Hanna would be able to make a return, but that’s not going to happen unfortunately.