The Cowboys worked out wide receiver Quincy McDuffie today, a return specialist from the Canadian Football League. McDuffie, who spent the last three years in the CFL, was with the Denver Broncos in 2013 as an undrafted rookie. McDuffie played last season with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and was with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats from 2014-2015.
The workout with Dallas was announced by McDuffie’s agent today on Twitter:
WR Quincy McDuffie of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers just finished a workout w/the Dallas Cowboys… Top return man in the CFL last year.
— Brett Tessler (@TesslerSports) January 31, 2017
McDuffie led the Canadian Football League with a 27.7-yard average on kickoff returns last season. He scored two kick return touchdowns; the only player in the league to even score one. Quincy also returned punts for Winnipeg but did not have any exceptional statistics there.
While he did spend the 2013 camp and preseason with the Denver Broncos, McDuffie has never played a down in the NFL. A hamstring injury got him released that August and he’s never been back to the big show.
McDuffie was a prolific return man in college, playing for the University of Central Florida. As a senior he led the nation with a 34.2-yard average on kickoffs.
Is Lucky Whitehead’s roster spot in trouble?
The kick and punt return jobs haven’t been discussed much in Dallas but probably should be. Lucky Whitehead is signed through 2017 but has yet to really break out as a return man. Whitehead has shown flashes the last few years but has hardly secured the role. The Cowboys still use Cole Beasley at times as well; a sign that they don’t fully trust Lucky yet.
This could also have something to do with Lucky Whitehead’s benching in Week 14. He did not travel to play the Giants that week because he was late for a team meeting. However, he resumed his usual duties the following game.
Given Quincy McDuffie’s time away from the NFL and lack of offensive production in Canada, it’s fairly clear that Dallas is actively considering other options for a return man. Lucky Whitehead hasn’t been able to find a consistent offensive role and is now simply a return specialist himself. Dallas must be wondering if they can do better.
Quincy McDuffie may not be their guy, of course. McDuffie actually had a recent workout in December with the New York Jets but was not signed. He is already 26-years-old, also.
—– UPDATE: 2:17 PM —–
It is now being reported that Quincy McDuffie has signed with the Cowboys.
Cowboys have signed CFL standout WR/returner Quincy McDuffie, who worked out for Dallas today. https://t.co/Lx4Q5jl5cu
— Brandon George (@DMN_George) January 31, 2017
Whitehead: You miss one f’ing meeting and… ;^)
Oddly this can play out maybe better for Lucky, who lived his name even making an NFL roster. The Cowboys developed him to a point that somebody who needs a slot WR, will like the idea of signing him.
Then he can start producing in the NFL, beyond just the jet sweeps that showed his speed and some fumblitis. Right now Beasley is in the way of that for him.
I don’t think he has gifted ability exploiting his blocking in the return game. Some guys have it, and we’d have picked up on that by now if Whitehead did. But if I don’t have an impact slot WR and I can get that speed from the waiver wire or low end / conditional draft pick, I’m doing it.