NFC Notes: Cowboys, Eagles, Washington

Cowboys

Cowboys QB Andy Dalton called being Dak Prescott‘s backup “definitely a transition” but said he’s constantly gotten closer to the starting quarterback. 

“This is definitely a transition for me. I’ve started the last nine years of my career, but for me, I’m excited for the opportunity to be in here,” said Dalton, via Andy Morgan of KTSM. “Dak [Prescott] has been great ever since I signed here. I feel like our relationship has just gotten better and better. We have gotten to know each other really well and it’s been a fun working relationship.”

Dalton told Prescott that he is there to help “in any way that I can.” 

“I’ve told [Prescott] I’m here to help him and serve him in any way that I can,” said Dalton. “I just want to bring my experience to the quarterback room and I’m excited about the opportunities that we are going to have this year.”

Dalton said he’s using his experience as the Bengals’ former starting quarterback and implementing what he learned from his former backups in Cincinnati. 

“I’ve learned from those guys what it takes to be a backup and what it’s like to support the starter,” said Dalton. “I think that’s the biggest thing is you have to be his number one supporter and making sure that you’re helping him from the sideline on gameday. You have to be able to give him tips on anything you can see from the sideline that he might not be able to see from the field. I think that’s biggest thing — you have to be so supportive of the starter.”

• Todd Archer writes that the Cowboys restructuring OT Tyron Smith‘s contract was to create more cap space in 2021 instead of creating room to acquire Jadeveon Clowney or Earl Thomas. 
• Clarence Hill, citing a high-level source within the Cowboys, reports that their front office restructured Smith’s contract as “cap strategy” and are “always” looking to sign players.  

Eagles

Eagles rookie QB Jalen Hurts is still learning for now and is listed as the team’s third-string quarterback while QB Nate Sudfeld is currently holding the No. 2 spot.

“Nate is our No. 2 and obviously Jalen is still learning,” Eagles HC Doug Pederson said, via Reuben Frank of NBC Sports Philadelphia. “He’s done some really good things for us, he’s learning our system and he’s another one of our young players learning the game a little bit. He’s got some athleticism, we’ve seen that in practice, but Nate has come in and really done everything we’ve asked him to do from a backup position. Every position is being evaluated, but Nate right now is our No. 2.”

• The Eagles also put in a waiver claim for TE Andrew Vollert, who landed with the Colts. (Mike Jones)
• Ali Bhanpuri of NFL.com thinks that the rumors of Devonta Freeman going to the Eagles would work out well for both parties.

Washington

Washington tight ends Logan Thomas and Marcus Baugh are in a tight competition for the second tight end job, which may have led the team to waive TE Thaddeus Moss.

“He’s a young man that he wanted an opportunity to see where he is. He’s got a long way to go. He’s got a lot to learn. But he’s got the skillset that you’re looking for,” HC Ron Rivera said of Baugh, via JP Finlay of NBC Sports. “He’s quick, he’s got good speed, good hands. He’s got good strength. He plays with good leverage. But again, he’s got a long way to go, a lot to learn but he’s somebody we were interested in enough we wanted to take a second look at.”

Washington HC Ron Rivera said Moss (foot) has potential but is not “healthy enough” to practice and will continue falling behind. 

“Knowing what his potential is, knowing what he did in college football, knowing his skillset … he’s not healthy enough to get out there every day and he would just fall further and further behind,” said Rivera, via Nicki Jhabvala.