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While Tim Tebow didn't sign with the Dallas Cowboys, his move to New England did have some implications on the Dallas organization. When the Patriots added Tebow to their roster, they needed to make room and were forced to make a move. New England opted to waive quarterback Mike Kafka.
According to Ian Rapoport, the Cowboys did put in a claim for Kafka.
Besides the #Jaguars, the #Cowboys also put in a claim for QB Mike Kafka. Others may have, too. But Jags had priority.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 11, 2013
If you listen to Bryan Broaddus on the mothership or follow him on Twitter, then you can pick up a lot of tendencies and insider information on what the Cowboys are doing. By simply checking his Twitter feed from yesterday, there was a conversation about quarterbacks available on the market and Broaddus was spot on about there being interest in Kafka.
Saw where Mike Kaifka got released from NE. Keep an eye on him. He has 24 hours to clear but really good option as a 3.
— Bryan Broaddus (@BryanBroaddus) June 10, 2013
The Philadelphia Eagles drafted him in the fourth round of the 2010 NFL Draft and he never really made an impression when he was there to land the starting job. Kafka isn't a future prospect with tremendous upside or anything like that, but he is a live arm that has some valuable NFL experience.
Consider the reasons that Dallas put this claim in. Management is looking for another quarterback to make consistent throws that get the backup players in sync.
With Tony Romo out nursing his injured back, the Cowboys are only left with one healthy veteran quarterback who can pick up the offense and actually get the ball down the field consistently. Other than Kyle Orton, there really isn't a quarterback on the roster who can give all of the young receivers and tight ends the opportunity to get high quality reps while learning the offense. If the reports from the OTAs and the first day of camp are any indication, Orton isn't exactly doing his part either.
Players like Nick Stephens and Dalton Williams haven't been lighting it up. This has actually been a problem for the Cowboys the past few years, and it was especially bad last year when the bottom-of-the-roster guys were throwing the ball all over the place.
When backups like Cole Beasley, Dwayne Harris, Terrance Williams, James Hanna and Gavin Escobar can't get decent passes thrown their way, it makes it difficult for the coaching staff to evaluate exactly what they have in their younger players. Also it hinders the development of those young guys trying to take the next step in learning the offense.
At the end of the day, this wasn't an attempt to bolster the roster with talent, but this was a move that was attempted to help our younger offensive players and keep the offense going in the practice sessions and pre-season. Of course this is just my opinion, though I do believe that this won't be the end of the quarterback hunt.
The Cowboys scouting department is doing their homework and don't be surprised if they eventually add another arm into the mix.