JJT reports that Andre Gurode is looking for the big money.
The Cowboys are somewhat in a bind here. Gurode definitely produced at center this year, and played better than backup Al Johnson did when he was the starter. But Gurode has only done it for one year. Now the Cowboys have to decide if he can continue to play at a high-level and reward him with a big-money, long-term contract or turn to Johnson - or someone else - to replace Gurode if they can't get a contract done. Just my opinion, but I would slightly over-pay to keep Gurode in the fold. Our line needs to develop some continuity, and having the same center again this year would be a big part of that. Still, $5 million a year sounds a bit high.
In the same article JJT mentions that MB3 might be in line for an expanded role. That may be true, so what would that mean for JJ? I don't think the Cowboys would think about moving him unless they could get a high pick in the draft. Over at FootballsFuture.com, they are speculating on that scenario.
Jones stayed healthy for the entire season, which is a plus, but the brother of the Bears' Thomas Jones isn't quite the runner that Dallas needs, it seems. Second-string back Marion Barber is continually being heralded as the better and tougher runner, and the team may look to Barber as the soon-to-be starter. Barber averaged more than half a yard more per carry and had ten more touchdowns because of his ability to pick up tough yards. If Barber is going to be given the main workload, Jones could be dealt away to a team willing to take a chance on a decent back. A third round pick may do the trick, and Jones is still relatively young at just twenty-five. A team like the Carolina Panthers might prefer Jones over their current running back DeShaun Foster, depending on DeAngelo Williams' readiness.
They also speculate about Drew Bledsoe. But I doubt anybody would trade for him, more likely the Cowboys will just release him sometime soon. Unless Bledsoe decides that he can be a backup now in the NFL. If he's still searching for a starter's role, I think he'll end up disappointed in his prospects. Of course, he could decide to retire.