On Tuesday, a report from CBSSports suggested the Cowboys "really like" offensive tackle Tyson Clabo and remain in contact with the free agent.
Today, Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun reports that the Cowboys are also interested in another free agent offensive tackle:
Bryant McKinnie update, per source, offers from Chargers, Dolphins; Cowboys have made inquiry about left tackle as well.
— Aaron Wilson (@RavensInsider) May 2, 2013
The 33-year old McKinnie is a former first-round pick for the Vikings and has spent the last two seasons with the Ravens, where he started at left tackle in 2011 and again for the Ravens' playoff run in 2012.
The Cowboys' interest in an offensive tackle is not new, given the situation at right tackle for the Cowboys, but the timing of these reports is a bit odd.
According to Stephen Jones, the Cowboys want Free to remain with the team, albeit at a reduced salary. The only problem is that outside of the goodness of his heart, there's no reason for Doug Free to agree to a pay cut, and the Cowboys can't release him without having a suitable alternative in place. Similarly, they can't get Free to take a pay cut without the credible threat of a suitable alternative.
Perhaps that's the reason why Jerry Jones, in a conference call with season ticket holders yesterday, was effusive in his praise of backup tackle Jermey Parnell saying Mike Woicik thought Parnell had the strongest punch of anyone he has ever coached. Which would be great news, if we can take it at face value.
Perhaps that's the reason why the Cowboys emerged as possible suitors for two free agent offensive tackles in the last three days. Which would be great news, if we can take it at face value.
Except we don't really know what's going on right now, as these two tweets demonstrate:
Cowboys made a call to Bryant McKinnie camp yesterday, no immediate offer at this point, though
— Aaron Wilson (@RavensInsider) May 2, 2013
A cowboys source said the team is not pursuing free agent tackle Bryant McKinnie
— Clarence Hill (@clarencehilljr) May 2, 2013
In the end, all of this may not even be about the Cowboys, but about interested parties trying to drive up prices by namedropping the Cowboys. Who knows? Things have a way of sorting themselves out. We'll just have to wait and see.
UPDATE: Well, it was fun while it lasted:
The Ravens have reached a two-year agreement in principle with LT Bryant McKinnie.
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) May 2, 2013