NFC East Notes: Cowboys, Eagles, Redskins

Cowboys

According to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, the Cowboys never planned to be highly involved in this year’s free agent class because of a host of players of their own eligible for extensions in the near future.  

“It’s what you want. You want to draft players like this,” Cowboys COO Stephen Jones said. “I saw somebody write, ‘They’ve drafted well, they’ve got a bunch of players who’ve made Pro Bowls and All-Pros.’ What more do you want? You want to win a Super Bowl, and that’s hard. But other than that, you couldn’t ask for a better problem—to have young players that are homegrown, that, you know how they’re going to react. There are no surprises. In free agency, you get guys in and you find out a lot about them that you didn’t necessarily know. I mean, when we let players go, there’s a reason.”

• Clarence Hill reports that the Cowboys are not close to agreements with either free agent WR Randall Cobb or S Clayton Geathers are both are likely to leave Dallas without deals in place. 

Eagles

• According to Mike Kaye, Eagles RB coach Duce Staley was at Temple’s pro day to scout RB Ryquell Armstead.  
• Temple WR Ventell Bryant will take part in the Eagles’ local Pro Day. (Mike Kaye)

Redskins

According to Eric Bickel, a source tells him the Redskins have not consulted HC Jay Gruden on any of their free agent moves as of Friday.  Gruden reportedly heard about the team’s signing of S Landon Collins because a media member texted him.  

“He’s super frustrated, (team president) Bruce (Allen) is calling all the shots. They’re not consulting Jay at all,” Bickel said. “As of Friday, Jay was like, ‘We have so many needs. We need linebackers, we need outside receivers, we have all these (needs).’ And they had basically signed a backup quarterback (Case Keenum) and Landon Collins. That’s about what they had done so far in free agency.” 

“I’m telling you they’ll all deny it. And I’m just telling you up front because it’s the kind of information that’s not a good look for them,” Bickel continued. “I’m telling you this is true. I know this to be true. That Jay’s super frustrated, the quote I heard was, ‘He wants to jump off a bridge.'” 

Bickel speculated this could mean Gruden might be on his way out following the 2019 season.  

“It’s indicative, this is what happens when a coach is on their way out. They kind of get iced out of decisions,” said Bickel. “The organization is kind of planning without them. And barring a miracle, I think we all know this, it doesn’t take any insight, I think Jay will be gone at the end of this year.” 

• John Keim of ESPN reports that the Redskins will move newly signed OT Ereck Flowers to guard.