NFC East Notes: Cowboys, Eagles, Redskins

Cowboys

Cowboys HC Jason Garrett said that LB Jaylon Smith is expected to move to strongside linebacker next year.

“We’re really excited about him as a player,” Garrett said, via Charean Williams of PFT. “Again, his development has been significant. I think physically he will get better and better as we go. And certainly, he will learn from his experiences. He does have versatility. He can play any of the spots. You want to make sure you give him a chance to succeed.

“The SAM in our defense is an important spot but there is so much nickel defense being played in the NFL. Often times you only have two linebackers out on the field, so you want to give him more than just that role. He might be a SAM in base, but you want to make sure he has a role when we’re playing our two linebacker defense as well.”

• Todd Archer reports that the Cowboys are scheduled to meet with Jack Becky’s, who represents free agent LB Anthony Hitchens, on Friday.
• Dallas is hoping to keep Hitchens but he could have a big market when free agency begins.

Eagles

• Jimmy Kempski of Philly Voice takes a look at five potential landing spots for QB Nick Foles if the Eagles end up trading him this offseason.
• Kempski’s list includes: 1) Cardinals, 2) Vikings, 3) Bills, 4) Jets, 5) Broncos.

Redskins

Redskins HC Jay Gruden explained that after franchising QB Kirk Cousins in back-to-back seasons, “it’s time for us to move on.”

“We’ve been playing this tag game for a couple years now, it seems like and it’s time to get some stability at our position, the most important position in sports, quarterback,” Gruden said, via NFL.com. “It’s very important for us to move forward and to let Kirk move on if Washington is not a place he wanted to be, it’s time for us to move on, get some continuity with our quarterback.”

• Gruden mentioned that they could use a little “more juice” at wide receiver and could try to find a speed guy. (JP Finlay)
• According to Gruden, having the QB position locked in a workable price could allow them to be aggressive in free agency. (JP Finlay)
• Gruden said of the reports that they’re discussing a trade that would send S Su’a Cravens to the Broncos: “We’re not trading him from what I know. I just saw that (trade report) on the ticker. I think he’s still a member of this football team and we have every intention of seeing where he’s at. …The big thing is: Is this something that he wants to do?” (Kimberly A. Martin)