NFC East Notes: Cowboys, Eagles, Giants, Redskins

Cowboys

• Jane Slater notes that QB Dak Prescott was training with WR Dez Bryant on Thursday. Slater says that the two are working out again on Saturday as Prescott continues to look for a new long term contract, and Bryant continues his search for a team.
• Aaron Wilson reports that although he has been officially signed by Cowboys, Aldon Smith remains on the reserve-suspended list for now.
• Based on his conversations with scouts, Matt Miller says all signs point to Dallas adding either a receiver or cornerback at No 17 overall.

Eagles

Eagles WR DeSean Jackson says he has an extra chip on his shoulder after appearing in just three games due to a core muscle injury.

“Man, I’ll always have a chip on my shoulder, but, yeah, I definitely have an extra chip on my shoulder,” Jackson told Dave Spadaro. “One thing I can say is I’m always going to have my hard hat on, and I’m coming to work, and I’m going to work hard and I’m going to give my best effort. We’ve got a lot of light left, and I’m going to shine on it.

“Man, whew, it was a roller coaster ride and very frustrating,” Jackson added. “Humbling at the same time, too, because never in my whole career did I have to go a whole year without being able to play football and being out there with my teammates and brothers and to go to war. I tried everything I could to get back healthy and stay healthy. It was kind of like shooting myself in the foot. I could never really get through it.”

Jackson underwent surgery last November, but says he’s hoping to back faster and stronger than ever. 

“I’ll hopefully come back faster, stronger,” Jackson said. “I’m definitely ready to roll, man.”

• Matt Miller, citing sources with knowledge of the Eagles’ draft plans, reports that speed will be the priority for Philadelphia across the board this year.

Giants

Kyler Fackrell held a conference call with the media on Thursday, noting that two seasons ago he had 10.5 sacks, while only collecting one last season.

“It was obviously not ideal,” Fackrell told Scott Thompson of SNY.tv. “I think I played better this year than I did the year before, despite not getting the numbers that I would have liked. If you look at percentages and pressures per rush, I think I had 200 less rushes but ended up with more pressures than the year I had 10.5 sacks. I think as far as the way I play and getting better as a player, I think I took a step forward this year.” 

Fackrell also believes he can thrive next to the man that he was roommates with throughout his time in Green Bay, new Giants inside linebacker Blake Martinez. 

“I’m thrilled,” Fackrell said about playing with Martinez. “We came into Green Bay together and we were roommates all four years of training camp and during rookie minicamp. We have a good relationship and he’s a great player. I was really excited to hear that he was going to the Giants as well.” 

As for the upcoming season, Fackrell knows that he still has a lot to prove, and knows that his improved play will show he is better than his one sack in 2019.

“I think I view it kind of in a similar way. I believe that I’m better than a one-sack guy, so that’s really what I’m going to try to prove. Again, like I said, I got better this last year. I think I’m a better player last year than I was the year before, and I’ll be a better player this upcoming year just with continuing to work and trying to perfect my craft.”

• According to Matt Miller of B/R, the most recent buzz about the Giants is that they love Clemson LB Isaiah Simmons.
• However, there’s also been some “quiet buzz” building for Iowa OT Tristan Wirfs.

Redskins

• New Redskins CB Ronald Darby admitted that he has a lot to prove, after playing on his second straight one-year deal. (JP Finlay)
• Despite his recent injuries, Darby is confident he can return to his prior form: “I’m a great corner. “I had to battle obstacles … can’t always have excuses. I know I can be the person I am, that I have shown.” (John Keim)
• According to Matt Miller, the Redskins will take OSU DE Chase Young at No. 2 overall, barring a major change in the next three weeks.
• League sources have told Miller that Washington won’t consider taking a quarterback at No. 2.