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.
Dallas likely hoped that a trade would happen. They signed veteran interior lineman Joe Looney in March, meaning they were covered if Leary departed. Even if they never expected to get a second-round pick for him, the Cowboys could still have negotiated any trade they wanted for a solid mid-round pick.
Clearly, Dallas didn’t get an offer they liked if they got one at all. However, things can happen this time of year that change the market. Injuries in OTAs can create new potential partners.
Leary’s hasn’t threatened to holdout but that is often the next step. Dallas would certainly rather get something for Leary than have to release him outright, so perhaps they’ll now drop their asking price. Still, any draft compensation for Leary would be decent given that he was originally an undrafted player.
Can’t say this was a surprise. He’s been making noise all offseason, and he knows better than most that his knee isn’t going to let him play forever. There was a lot of talk at the draft parties about the Cowboys packaging him in a trade for a pick, but it never happened. Shame too. But we need a solid backup at guard so I get it.
The Titans just lost a guy for the year so maybe their need has increased. Nonetheless there should be a willing trade partner soon though I don’t think they will get a 2nd round pick. There are a number of teams that need help on the O-line. I think a trade of Leary might be dependent on Chaz Green and whether Looney is ready.
Looney is a veteran so I wouldn’t worry about him. I think Dallas signed him because they hoped they would be able to move Leary for a draft pick.
I’ve got an article posting later today that outlines some Dallas-Tennessee trade possibilities. Stay tuned!