NFC East Notes: Cowboys, Eagles, Giants, Redskins

Cowboys

During an interview with the media at the Combine, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said that he has at least considered the possibility of bringing back WR Dez Bryant. Bryant later responded with a tweet confirming his interest in re-joining the team.

“I haven’t talked to Dez, but I have been thinking about it a lot in the shower. I’m thinking about it,” said Jones about Bryant, per Jon Machota.

• Regarding free agent DE Robert Quinn, Jones said he’s hopeful they’ll be able to bring him back: “He really helped us last year. I’m hopeful that we can do something to keep him.” (Jon Machota)
• As for TE Jason Witten, Jones said he hopes Witten won’t play for another team: “I would hope that he would not ever be anything but a Cowboy. I do think he can play. I think he can make a real contribution to the Cowboys.” (Jon Machota)
• Jones reiterated that LB Leighton Vander Esch is expected to fully participate in training camp. (Michael Gehlken)
• As for other possible free agents, Jones said it’s going to be a “real challenge” to retain CB Byron Jones: “It’s not a given. But it’s certainly pretty plain to see when you have the players we have right now under contract, plus we have arguably three of the top free agents out there. It’s a real challenge.” (Michael Gehlken)
• Jones made it clear that they have no plans to move forward without Dak Prescott in place as their quarterback: “(It’s) the same that I feel about Stephen (Jones). There’s no going forward without Stephen or one of your family members, so you’ve got to get it figured out.” (Michael Gehlken)
• Michael Gehlken reports that the Cowboys met with WR Amari Cooper’s representatives on Thursday night. Dallas has insisted it was still their goal to reach long term deals with both Cooper and Prescott. Gehlken also reported that contract talks with Cooper will continue prior to the start of free agency and the franchise tag is likely no longer an option. 
• Jason La Canfora says the Cowboys are fully prepared to use the franchise and transition tags to keep both QB Dak Prescott and WR Amari Cooper, assuming they’re able to do so.
• North Dakota State edge rusher Derrek Tuszka said that the Cowboys have shown interest in him at the combine. (Christian D’Andrea)

Eagles

• Sources tell Ben Allbright of Pro Football Network that the Eagles are worried they may not land the wide receiver they covet in round one and they’ve started to explore the possibility of trading up to get ahead of the Broncos.

Giants

• OSU CB Jeff Okudah had a formal meeting with the Giants this weekend. (Art Stapleton)
• LSU CB Kristian Fulton and Louisiana Tech DB Amik Robertson have met with the Giants at the Combine. Ohio State S Jordan Fuller expects to have a formal meeting with the Giants. (Art Stapleton)

Redskins

New Redskins HC Ron Rivera defended the team’s decision to asset quarterback prospects in this year’s draft class, despite the team using a first-round pick on Dwayne Haskins last year. 

“I just think it’s what you’re supposed to do,” Rivera said on the Redskins Talk podcast, via NBC Washington. “Of course, that’s one thing that people want to jump on and sink their teeth into and create stuff. All we’re doing is our due diligence. If we don’t look at those guys and something crazy happened, then we’d sit there and look silly.”

Rivera added that he isn’t worried about how Haskins will respond to them taking a look at other quarterbacks. 

“I think Dwayne is smart enough to understand,” Rivera said. “I really do. It’s been a neat development of a relationship right now between he and I. I think the one thing that I really do appreciate is his hard work already. And I think that’s what everybody needs, to just take a step back and understand that all we’re doing is our due diligence.”

• Mike Silver reports that Rivera and owner Dan Snyder discussed Haskins and quarterbacks in this year’s draft class long before Rivera was hired. According to Silver, drafting a quarterback at No. 2 overall is a “very real possibility” especially if Tua Tagovailoa is deemed healthy. 
• Sources tell Ben Allbright of Pro Football Network that the Redskins are not interested in drafting a quarterback and they’re instead leaking this information to try to generate trade interest in their No. 2 overall pick.
• Jason La Canfora writes that it’s “more likely than not” the Redskins will use their franchise tag on G Brandon Scherff.