Offensive tackle Jammal Brown ended up with the Redskins, but reportedly not before a division rival gave Dan Snyder’s team competition for the oft-injured former Pro Bowler.
Per Jeff Duncan of the New Orleans Times-Picayune, the Cowboys “showed interest” in Brown prior to his Saturday trade to Washington. The extent of their interest was unclear, but Dallas’ pursuit of Brown may hint at a few different things:
1. The Cowboys were not overly pleased with Doug Free during spring workouts. Free is entering his first full season as a starter. Though he flashed promise in spot starts last season, Free remains something of an unknown.
2. Jerry Jones’ team is concerned with 31-year-old right tackle Marc Colombo’s possibly imminent decline. Colombo broke his right fibula last November. Upon return in the playoffs, Colombo was embarrassed by Vikings defensive end Ray Edwards. In the scenario that Dallas’ goal was to upgrade over Colombo, Free could kick over to his more natural right tackle position with Brown manning Tony Romo’s blind side. Alex Barron would remain the “swing” tackle and Colombo would be released.
3. The Cowboys threw their hat into the Brown bidding just because they knew the Redskins wanted him. Dallas and Washington are division foes. Even if the Cowboys’ roster looks to contain significantly more talent, the Redskins are a threat, and will be even more so if they keep new quarterback Donovan McNabb off the injured reserve list.
Ultimately, the Cowboys’ interest in Jammal Brown may have been minimal. Duncan does not provide details of a trade proposal, and the Redskins were able to snag an Opening Day starting offensive tackle for the relatively bargain price of a conditional third-round pick. But it’s a topic worth exploring, and indicates that Jerry Jones’ franchise will be active on the waiver wire following training camp cuts.