NFC East Notes: Cowboys, Eagles, Giants, Redskins

Cowboys

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones believes their front office structure of not having a general manager helps them make “quicker, more succinct and more responsive decisions.” 

“I’ve always thought that when you cut out the person between the decision-maker and the people doing the recommending, then you can make quicker, more succinct and more responsive decisions,” Jones said, via ProFootballTalk. “The very first press conference I was ever involved in I explained to everybody how I was going to run the Dallas Cowboys since I owned them. The very first one. I said that I would be involved in everything from this to socks and jocks, and I’m not trying to be cute. There has never been any doubt in anybody’s mind how I run the Dallas Cowboys and how I ran the Cowboys from the day I got here.”

Jones said that the Cowboys will never make a trade, draft a player, or do any sort of deal without his final approval.

“Nobody can exchange a player, nobody can do anything unless I have approved it tacitly or otherwise. Nobody can have the authority to make a trade or a change or deal a draft pick since I owned the Cowboys, unless I approve it. Within the organization some people like a coach or some people like a player personnel director or some people like a marketing manager, they may have decision-making authority above people below them, but as far as having any authority to do that above them as it pertains to me, that has never been the case with the Dallas Cowboys. Never. . . . Nobody never has had the final say but me. Now, you really know I don’t like to say that. But that’s a fact. And, so, when we don’t do good, we all know who the ultimate total responsibility is.”

• CBS Sports analyst and former agent Joel Corry identifies Cowboys QB Dak Prescott as a prime franchise tag candidate. 
• Corry adds the Cowboys could consider using the transition tag on WR Amari Cooper if they can’t agree to a deal with Prescott in time. 
• According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Cowboys are strongly considering using the tag on Prescott. 
• ESPN’s Todd Archer lists formers Panthers HC Ron Rivera, former Packers HC Mike McCarthy, Patriots OC Josh McDaniels, Chiefs OC Eric Bieniemy, Saints OC Pete Carmichael and assistant HC Dan Campbell, Colts DC Matt Eberflus, Ravens OC Greg Roman, 49ers DC Robert Saleh, Oklahoma HC Lincoln Riley, Baylor HC Matt Rhule and former Ohio State HC Urban Meyer as potential candidates for any Cowboys head coaching vacancy. 
• Prescott has a sprained left wrist and an injured right index finger, though he says neither will affect his ability to throw or play. (David Moore)

Eagles

• The Athletic’s Mike Sando writes the Eagles will likely exercise the fifth-year option for DE Derek Barnett this offseason.
• Eagles placed WR Alshon Jeffery on injured reserve. (NFLTR)
• Eagles promoted WR Robert Davis to their active roster.
• Eagles signed WR Deontay Burnett to the practice squad.

Giants

• Per ESPN’s Jordan Raanan, Giants HC Pat Shurmur said he spoke to CB Janoris Jenkins about his insult he tweeted at a fan, calling them “inappropriate and offensive.” Jenkins apologized publicly and Shurmur declined to say if there was any team punishment. 
• The Athletic’s Mike Sando writes the Giants will likely exercise the fifth-year option for TE Evan Engram this offseason.
• Sando adds the Giants are certain to pick up the fifth-year option for S Jabrill Peppers as long as GM Dave Gettleman is there. 
• Giants G Kevin Zeitler missed practice again, meaning Nick Gates will likely step in and start at right guard this week. (Dan Duggan)

Redskins

• CBS Sports analyst and former agent Joel Corry identifies Redskins G Brandon Scherff as a potential franchise tag candidate. 
• The Athletic’s Mike Sando writes the Redskins will likely exercise the fifth-year option for DL Jonathan Allen this offseason.
• Sando says Washington will probably decline the option for LB Reuben Foster after he tore his ACL this spring. 
• The Redskins worked out RBs Derrick Gore, Mark Thompson and David Williams on Tuesday, signing Gore to the practice squad. (Howard Balzer)