Missing out on Nick Foles has led the Dallas Cowboys into the trade waters to find a backup quarterback.
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the Cowboys are now turning their attention to a potential deal for veteran Cleveland Browns quarterback Josh McCown.
With #Cowboys missing on QB Nick Foles, they’re expected to turn their attention to a pursuit of #Browns QB Josh McCown as the next option
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 4, 2016
The Cowboys attempted but failed to sign Foles, who was released by the Los Angeles Rams last week. He agreed to a deal with former head coach Andy Reid and the Kansas City Chiefs late Wednesday night.
With the best free agent quarterback off the table, the Cowboys have little other choice than to pursue a trade. The best remaining quarterbacks available include Michael Vick, Jimmy Clausen, T.J. Yates, Matt Flynn and Charlie Whitehurst—an undeniably unimpressive group of signal callers.
The need for a new backup quarterback in Dallas is strong because presumed No.2 Kellen Moore fractured his ankle during practice earlier this week. He needs surgery, which will knock him out for most of the 2016 season. Rookie Dak Prescott is not considered ready to be a primary backup in his first season.
Getting McCown would be a strong second option after Foles.
The 37-year-old quarterback played in eight games last season, throwing for 12 touchdowns and four interceptions. He completed almost 64 percent of his passes and averaged over 260 passing yards per game. McCown is also just a few years removed from throwing 13 touchdowns and just one interception as Jay Cutler’s backup with the Chicago Bears.
The Cowboys can either deal a draft pick to Cleveland for McCown or hope the Browns will at some point release him. Cleveland currently has Robert Griffin III, rookie Cody Kessler and Austin Davis on the roster at quarterback, but it can’t be certain if McCown is going to be the odd man out come cut downs.
More than likely, the Cowboys will have to send a pick to guarantee getting McCown as Tony Romo’s backup.