NFC Notes: Buccaneers, Cowboys, Redskins

Buccaneers

• According to Jenna Laine, the Bucs are considering moving Ali Marpet back to guard.
• This explains the Buccaneers’ reportedly interest in free agent C Ryan Jensen. (NFLTR)

Cowboys

• Todd Archer reports that the Cowboys declined to tender a contract to restricted free agent FB Keith Smith.
• Even so, Archer says that the Cowboys are hoping to re-sign Smith to a multi-year deal at a lower rate.
• As for exclusive rights free agent QB Zac Dysert was not tendered an offer.

Redskins

Redskins HC Jay Gruden said acquiring QB Alex Smith from the Chiefs was a “no-brainer” given he is a successful and established quarterback.

“It became about how, going into free agency, are we going to chase Kirk around or go after Teddy Bridgewater,” Gruden said. “You have a chance to get an established quarterback who has been as successful as [Smith] has been, consistently. So really it was a no-brainer.”

Gruden complimented Smith’s ability to throw out of the pocket and escape pass rushers as an added reason to trading for him.

“That’s something you can’t coach,” Gruden said. “Some quarterbacks are better than others, and Alex is one of the best at it. His off-schedule plays are well-documented. He’s a problem when he gets outside the pocket. You have to be well aware of your rush lanes when you’re playing Alex Smith. You have to be aware of the coverages you play. You can’t have your defensive backers and safety and corners with their backs to the quarterback covering receivers in two-man because he’ll gut you.”

• Kimberly A. Martin reports that the Redskins like free agent DT Dontari Poe, but he’s looking for a multi-year deal and garnering interest from “quite a few” teams.
• JP Finlay reports that the Redskins and free agent CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie both enjoyed their recent visit and Washington believes he could help them. However, Finlay reports that the holdup is over money.