5 Backup QB Options the Cowboys Should Target in Free Agency

Brian Martin

EJ Manuel, Backup QB OptionsEJ Manuel

EJ Manuel is exactly the kind of player Dallas has shown interest in signing in the past. He’s a former first-round draft pick who hasn’t quite lived up to expectations. He would be a reclamation project in every sense of the word.

Manuel has all of the intangibles you look for in a QB, but for some reason hasn’t been able to put things together in the NFL. Of course, that could be because of the situation he has been in with the Buffalo Bills. EJ hasn’t had many good weapons at his disposal during his time in Buffalo, but that’s not the only reason he hasn’t found success yet.

For one reason or another, Manuel’s mechanics have regressed since leaving Florida State to enter the NFL. It could be all a matter of confidence, but he doesn’t trust what he sees on the field and often makes bad throws because of that.

If the Dallas Cowboys were to take a chance on him in free agency, it would likely mean they believe that a change in scenery/coaching could bring out the talent which made him a first-round pick to begin with.

He has the size, strength, and mobility to be a good backup QB option behind Prescott, but the Cowboys would likely have to start from the bottom to build his confidence. I don’t know if they’re looking for a reclamation project, but it could pay off in a big way if they are successful. Since Manuel would cost next to nothing, it’s not the worst idea I’ve heard.

6 thoughts on “5 Backup QB Options the Cowboys Should Target in Free Agency”

  1. Brian Martin: I think we are at the same place with K Moore as we were last year at this time. The Dallas management/coaches decided K Moore was their best option for 2nd team QB, all things considered. Scott Linehan had a lot of confidence in him. I truly believe if he had not got hurt he would have been the starter when Romo went down and would have done fairly well and won a bunch of games. He has a lot of the skills/abilities Dak Prescott has such as poise, QB smarts, accuracy, and game management skills. We would likely be talking about

    • George, I would be okay with the Cowboys bringing back Kellen Moore. But, I would also like to see them bring in someone to compete with him. Moore personally wouldn’t be my top choice to be the backup QB, but I think he probably could handle the job.

      • I agree with the idea of competition plus sometimes you want to keep three QBs if you don’t need the third position for someone else on the team.

        • George, I would actually be surprised if Kellen Moore isn’t back with the Cowboys in some capacity next season.

  2. here’s some craziness-
    we take Gar from N.E. for our #2 & a retro $1 Million “if he plays” kinda deal.
    Romo could get a ring & never have to play but if Tom goes down for a game Tony has a quick out 2 T,E, deal…. that could work.he already knows Marty B,he’d have J.E.,&then there’s Gronk. I could see nothing better……….

    • That’s definitely some outside the box thinking. The only problem with that is the only reason Romo wants to leave the Cowboys is because he wants to start somewhere.

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