Jess Haynie

Cowboys fan since 1992, blogger since 2011. Bringing you the objectivity of an outside perspective with the passion of a die-hard fan. I love to talk to my readers, so please comment on any article and I'll be sure to respond!

Rumor: Ronald Leary Wants to be Traded

Reputable sources are reporting that Cowboys guard Ronald Leary has requested a trade. Though they are voluntary, he has to report to the team’s practices or activities this offseason. We thought that Leary could get traded sometime before or around the NFL Draft. After all, he was given a Restricted Free Agent tender with a specific trade value of a second-round pick. Though he has degenerative knee issues, Leary has remained healthy thus far and was starter for the Cowboys much-praised offensive line in 2014.

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We May Never See Gavin Escobar in 2016

Earlier today I looked at the precarious job security of running back Lance Dunbar. Now we’re going check out fourth-year tight end Gavin Escobar, who finds himself in a very similar situation. While Dunbar joined the Cowboys as an undrafted rookie, Escobar was a second-round pick in 2013. With that come a much higher expectation and a relative potential for disappointment. Though it may not be through much fault of his own, Escobar has yet satisfy that high draft pick.

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We May Never See Lance Dunbar in 2016

The majority view right now is that running back Lance Dunbar, who was re-signed to a one-year deal in March, will begin the season on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) List. He is still recovering from a major left knee injury that occurred in Week 4 last year. Dallas chose to bring back Dunbar despite this injury, no doubt due to the major role he was starting to find in 2015. He had 21 catches from Weeks 1-3, tying Jason Witten for the team lead during those weeks. Five days after re-signing Dunbar the Cowboys also added veteran running back Alfred Morris.

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Emmitt Stands Above Aikman, Irvin in Fan Poll

I recently saw a conversation between Cowboys fans that involved a passionate, unyielding defense of Emmitt Smith as the greatest running back of all time. It went beyond just the stats; Emmitt’s defender spoke about his character, endurance, and love for the game. He would’ve made any member of Cowboys Nation proud. It got me thinking about the way we remember the Cowboys of the 90s, and particularly the Triplets.  I’ve been a Dallas fan since 1993 and I’ve heard that same defense of Emmitt many times.

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Cowboys Sign TE Austin Traylor, Cut Long Snapper

The Cowboys invited several undrafted rookies to their camp last week and have now signed one to the 90-man offseason roster. Tight end Austin Traylor out of Wisconsin will now join Geoff Swaim and Rico Gathers at the bottom of the depth chart. To make room for Traylor, Dallas released long snapper prospect Brandon Hartson. Don’t be surprised if they add another one sometime soon so that L.P.

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Tyrone Crawford Needs to Reward Dallas’ Faith

Tyrone Crawford is a bit of an enigma for this Cowboys defense. He has a top-10 salary for defensive tackles and is one the highest-paid players in Dallas. The Cowboys had enough faith in Crawford to restructure his deal last March, decreasing their flexibility to release him down the road. Despite what his contract says, though, Crawford has yet to really perform at a top level. The circumstances aren’t his fault, but nevertheless the Cowboys have been paying and handling Crawford based on the expectation for what he will become.

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2016 Breakout Candidates: Brice Butler

If you weren’t sure why the Cowboys didn’t have a fifth-round pick in this year’s draft, it’s because they traded it to Oakland last year to acquire wide receiver Brice Butler. Now in the final year of his rookie contract, Butler could be in a position to have a significant impact on the coming season. Butler wasn’t traded for until September 15th of last year, meaning he missed all of the offseason and preseason opportunities to work with the Cowboys offense. His opportunities were limited throughout the season but finally opened up in the final two weeks when Dez Bryant went out with injury. Taking passes from Kellen Moore in Weeks 16 and 17, Butler had eight catches for 134 yards.

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Dak Prescott Probably Isn’t the Future

I don’t blame you for getting excited about the Cowboys’ drafting of quarterback Dak Prescott. It had been seven years since the Cowboys spent any draft pick on the position, going back to Stephen McGee in 2009. With rising concern about Tony Romo’s longevity, any addition of new talent at quarterback was a welcome sight. However, we really need to check our enthusiasm. Like McGee before him, Prescott is just a fourth-round pick.

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Could Maliek Collins be a Week 1 Starter?

This year Dallas selected Maliek Collins, a defensive tackle out of Nebraska, with their third-round pick. Defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli was audibly excited about the selection, telling Collins that he “fit us to a T.” An immediate scheme fit is a great thing for any rookie, but especially with the opportunity that presents itself on the defensive line. With defensive ends DeMarcus Lawrence and Randy Gregory facing suspensions to start the year, Dallas will be looking for the best temporary solutions. They have several DE options in free agent addition Benson Mayowa and returning players David Irving, Jack Crawford, and Ryan Russell.

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Is 2016 Doug Free’s Last Year in Dallas?

Doug Free probably feels like the odd man out at times. When people are effusing praise on the Dallas Cowboys’ offensive line they always mention the three first-round picks; Tyron Smith, Travis Frederick, and Zack Martin. They will also often talk about La’el Collins, the first-round talent who went undrafted due to unusual circumstances. Free may get a token mention as an experienced veteran, but often he is taken for granted. Entering his 10th season, the veteran right tackle is still solidified in his position.

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