Tag Archives: Dallas Cowboys

Former Browns backup lineman released by Dallas

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A former member of the Cleveland Browns has been released by the Dallas Cowboys. Takk McKinley is seeing his time in Dallas come to an end after signing to their practice squad last fall.

It has been a rough go as of late for McKinley as he has not been able to catch on anywhere for an extended period of time after leaving Atlanta. The Browns gave McKinley a chance in the 2021-22 season as Andrew Berry was on a quest to improve the defensive line. Unfortunately that quest was unsuccessful as nobody of note besides Myles Garrett remains from that version of Cleveland’s defensive front.

Takk McKinley really did not do a lot in his 43% of defensive snaps played. Registering just 18 total tackles to go with 2.5 sacks, this was not a meaningful contribution to a Browns defense that needed it. While McKinley did have 14 pressures and eight quarterback hits (including four knockdowns), the tangible production was not there, even though some of these secondary areas suggest a better performance that simply is not accurate.

As far any type of return to Cleveland goes, that answer is no. The Browns already supplemented their defensive line by adding Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, Za’Darius Smith, and Dalvin Tomlinson. Even if these players were not added to their defense the answer would still be a definitive no. There was just was not enough from McKinley’s time in the NFL to justify having him on what is supposed to be a competitive NFL roster at this point. The best bet for McKinley is to sign with a bad team in an attempt to rebuild value for this time next year and that is not Cleveland.

Dak Prescott to miss 6-8 weeks

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The Dallas Cowboys will be without their starting quarterback after having thumb surgery.

When Dak Prescott exited Sunday night’s game there was concern that he would miss some time. With Prescott set to undergo surgery on his right thumb, the expectation is that the Cowboys signal caller will be out 6-8 weeks.

The injury to Dak Prescott derails the start to an already rocky beginning to this season. Dallas’ offense was far from prolific with Prescott and will now have to turn to Cooper Rush with their backs against the wall. The Cowboys can look to bolster their quarterback situation, but with Prescott being able to return this season it is doubtful they acquire anyone of note.

The season is already off the rails in Dallas, a lackluster offensive outing in a 19-3 loss combined with losing Prescott does not bode well for Mike McCarthy. McCarthy was already able to secure this job under rather questionable tactics could find him in the crosshairs of Jerry Jones if the season is indeed lost.

Browns acquire Amari Cooper from Cowboys

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The Cleveland Browns have acquired wide receiver Amari Cooper in a trade with the Dallas Cowboys. Dallas had been fielding trade offers for Cooper for some time and eventually decided on Cleveland’s offer of two late picks. The Browns also acquired a sixth-round pick in the deal.

Cleveland is taking on the full contract of Cooper from Dallas. Of course a restructure could come into play. If it doesn’t, Cooper does not have any dead money that Cleveland would be responsible for after this upcoming season.

Amari Cooper is a talented player, but not a true number one receiver, something this offense still lacks. Cooper also has some improvisation to his route running, which is another term for freelancing, a significant problem for Baker Mayfield and his lack of chemistry with Odell Beckham Jr. Add that into an offense that does not have the best relationship historically with receivers and it is a bit of an odd fit. This could all change if there is a different quarterback in town and with recent reports surfacing it could happen.

Browns, Baker Mayfield, and Dak’s contract

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The quarterback situation for Cleveland Browns should not be impacted by the new deal for Dak in Dallas.

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott finally got paid and deservedly so. Prescott received a four-year $160 million deal which finally ends the will he stay or go saga in Dallas. Meanwhile in Cleveland, the conversation now shifts to how the Browns are going to deal with their own quarterback Baker Mayfield. While some are trying to connect the dots between the two quarterbacks, the situation between Dallas and Dak is not similar to Baker and the Browns.

First off, Baker Mayfield is still on his rookie deal and the team more than likely will pick up his fifth-year option. The Browns do not have entertain contract extension conversations at this time and nor should they. Secondly, Prescott is a more accomplished and consistent quarterback than Mayfield has been up to this point. More is known about what kind of quarterback Prescott is than Mayfield. There will be a much clearer picture of exactly what Mayfield is after next season than what is known now.

The next item to discuss is the dollar figure. Many were quick to rush out with knee jerk reactions suggesting that the Browns should lock up Baker Mayfield now for the sake of perceived savings. Well, that may not be the best idea. Contrary to what Andrew Berry said last week, there were two cautionary tales in similar situations that got premature contract extensions who were traded this offseason, Carson Wentz and Jared Goff. Both Los Angeles and Philadelphia thought they had their guy only to end up trading their once believed to be franchise quarterbacks because they turned out not to be. Based off what we know, there is a very good chance a premature extension with Mayfield ends up like the Rams and Eagles with the Browns being left holding the bag, a situation that nobody wants.

There is one thing that everyone knows about Baker Mayfield. The level of play seen last season is more of a product of Kevin Stefanski putting together a great game plan rather than Mayfield’s raw ability. Stefanski catered to his strengths and limited situations that were detrimental to his ability as much as he could. There was still inconsistency over the course of the season and some pretty ugly games, but overall Mayfield’s improved play is a direct result of an offense that was best suited for him.

So here is what it comes down to. Does the new deal for Dak Prescott impact Baker Mayfield at all? It doesn’t. Well, at least it shouldn’t at this time. There is just not enough known about what Mayfield is to back up the Brinks truck. The best play is to wait at least until the conclusion of the 2021 NFL season to think about contract discussions. If the Browns have to pay more after 2021 so be it, that would mean they have definitively have their long term option at quarterback.

With A Jimmmitude: Mike McCarthy and Dodgers

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Dallas hiring Mike McCarthy seems like a mistake

For some bizarre reason there was a campaign last season about how Mike McCarthy was changing and adapting to the modern NFL. People bought it and that was a huge mistake. McCarthy pretty much admitted he lied during the interview process during his introductory press conference. Six games in the Cowboys are a disaster with players anonymously making their shortcomings known. I knew this whole “New Mike McCarthy” was a sham from the start and I’m glad the Cleveland Browns dodged that bullet.

Dodgers take Game 1 of the World Series

Clayton Kershaw pitched well and helped the Dodgers take Game 1. Kershaw has had times where he has struggled in the postseason and that has become the first thing people talk about, even during the regular season. Seeing Kershaw being able to pitch at the level everyone knows he is capable of is encouraging. If anyone deserves to win a World Series it is Clayton Kershaw.

Tampa is definitely a good team and they will not simply roll over. The Rays are going to be able to put up one heck of a fight as they try to win their first World Series title in franchise history.

Blake Snell vs. Tony Gonsolin should be an exciting pitching matchup for Game 2.

Garrett Gilbert signed by Cowboys

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The Dallas Cowboys are signing the 29-year old quarterback off the Cleveland Browns practice squad following the injury to Dak Prescott.

Dallas was going to have to sign another quarterback one way or another. The Cowboys decided to sign Garrett Gilbert off the Browns practice squad after an injury to Dak Prescott.

Dallas turned to Andy Dalton in their time of need but they still need to have a third option, that is where Gilbert comes in. Dalton will be their starter with Ben DiNucci and Gilbert battling it out for the backup role. If Dalton were to suffer an injury that would certainly end any hope of Dallas making the playoffs, although the NFC East has been pretty poor this season.

Garrett Gilbert is 2-6 for 40 yards in his career. Gilbert’s two completions came in 2018 with the Panthers while he was 0-3 last season with the Browns.

Cowboys not interested in David Njoku

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The Dallas Cowboys are not interested in trading for Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku who has recently requested a trade.

It did not take long for long for one team to say they are not interested in acquiring David Njoku. After an initial false report they came out and refuted the reported interest.

Mark Fish even provided some information in regards to the rumor.

Fish shot it down as well pretty much ending any sort of connection between Cleveland and Dallas.

The Browns will have to find another suitor for David Njoku if they plan on moving him. Although there is a report that Cleveland is not actively shopping the former first rounder.

The fact that Njoku requested a trade is hardly surprising, he hired Drew Rosenhaus as his new agent. Rosenhaus’ specialty? Getting players out of Cleveland. Rosenhaus did the exact same thing a year ago in the form of Duke Johnson.

It really seems like Njoku’s time in Cleveland has a definite end date. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that the Browns have been aware of Njoku’s unhappiness for about a year.

If David Njoku is truly that unhappy, it is better to cut ties sooner rather than later. Navigating this particular situation will be the first real test for Andrew Berry to figure out. Figuring out how to handle a potential culture problem and unhappy player in Njoku will not be easy and it could have an impact on other players on the roster.