NFC East Notebook: Broncos and Redskins in play for Tony Romo?

Free-agency and the draft combine; the busiest part of the NFL offseason schedule is upon us. The New York Giants have their fair share of work to do, with an offensive line in need of tweaking and Johnathan Hankins up for a new contract. Let’s spin the rest of the NFC East to see what their division rivals are up to.

Dallas Cowboys

Broncos allegedly "In driver's seat" for Tony Romo | Blogging the Boys

The Broncos have long been linked to Romo, along with every other QB-needy team in the NFL, but a report from Mike Klis, Broncos reporter for 9News in Denver, says the Broncos would only be interested if he is released. That sounds like their "driver's seat" is at the very end of the queue, not the front.

Don’t book Tony Romo to the Denver Broncos just yet, not via trade at least. There aren’t any teams out there willing to absorb the oft-injured 36 year old’s $24.7 million cap hit in 2017. Shocking. The Cowboys can posture all they want, but they’ll eventually have to release Romo.

DeMarcus Ware interested in return to Dallas | Blogging the Boys

When DeMarcus Ware and the team parted ways three seasons back, #94 promised the faithful that when the time came for him to say his final farewell to the sport he would do so as a Dallas Cowboy. Now it looks more and more like DWare is wanting to do just a little bit more than say goodbye from Dallas.

Staying on Broncos/Cowboys, DeMarcus Ware is said to be in the process of choosing which team to sign with for next season. Dallas could use another pass-rusher and Ware still has something left in the tank.

RT Doug Free considering retirement | Blogging the Boys

Free just turned 33, and many players above 30 routinely take some time after the season concludes to ponder their future.

Another veteran enjoying his offseason and thinking ahead to the rigors of training camp, nothing to see here. I don’t doubt Free’s sincerity; I do doubt he follows through and walks away from the game. The Cowboys have something going behind Ezekiel Elliot and Dak Prescott. Expect the veteran to be back in the fold for at least another season.

Washington Redskins

Rumor: Three way trade sending Cousins to 49ers, Romo to Redskins, Picks to Cowboys | Hogs Haven

The Cowboys get rid of Romo, the aging injury prone QB with a huge salary cap, and McNabb him to the Redskins for picks. Kyle Shanahan and the 49ers get a franchise QB to build around. The Redskins get...nothing. Moving on.

At this point, the Redskins almost have to part with Kirk Cousins. They’ve carried him publicly like the annoying stepchild for the better part of last year, and that’s only intensified in recent weeks. Imagine your employer greeting you every morning, then turning and shaking his head in disgust?

GM Scot McCloughan not attending NFL Scouting Combine | Hogs Haven

This story has picked up steam over the last handful of days. McCloughan’s “family matter” keeping him away from the combine is the death of his 100-year-old grandmother — a month ago. Rumors emerged he’d been banished from the team since late-February. The Redskins have denied he’s been fired, only no one had asked if that were the case. Where there’s smoke, there’s certainly fire.

Daily Slop: 3/2 | Hogs Haven

In an appearance on NFL Network Thursday morning, Kirk Cousins' agent said he met with the Washington Redskins on Wednesday night at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis.

Again, Cousins and the Redskins just can’t get on the same page. I wouldn’t expect anything to come of these long-term contract talks, but even if something did, then what? The organization’s been non-committal on their QB the entire time, I’m not sure what there is to discuss. It seems fairly evident they don’t believe he’s their future under center.

Philadelphia Eagles

Eagles “likely landing spot” for Brandin Cooks | Bleeding Green Nation

Yesterday it was reported that the Eagles and Titans were in on discussions, and now it seems the Eagles have taken the lead. Cooks was originally drafted by the Saints with the 20th pick in 2014, after they traded up two spots ahead of the Eagles, who were widely reported to be targeting him in the draft.

Philly has wanted Cooks since he came out of Oregon State in 2014. They’re also in desperate need of play-makers at receiver. Whether or not they have the pieces to land Cooks remains to be seen.

Don’t expect DeSean Jackson back in 2017 | Bleeding Green Nation

According to Sirius XM NFL’s Alex Marvez, who appeared for a few minutes on 97.5 The Fanatic on Friday afternoon, Birds fans shouldn’t be expecting a reunion with DeSean Jackson any time soon.

"I wouldn’t get your hopes up too high about DeSean Jackson coming back to Philadelphia," Marvez said, deep into his segment. "I’ve been told that’s probably not going to happen."

The Eagles desperately need help at receiver. Just last year, they tried Rueben Randle. Jackson is still a solid option, he just isn’t a top-tier receiver these days. With Philly in the hunt for Cooks, Jackson is more of an afterthought.

Eagles listed as Alshon Jeffery suitors | Bleeding Green Nation

Philadelphia’s interest in Jeffery was first reported back in February. I wouldn’t say the Eagles signing him is an impossibility, but I don’t think it’s the most likely option for them. Besides, other teams with more cap room can easily outbid Philadelphia.

You might have heard this before, but the Eagles receiving corps is really bad. Alshon Jeffery is the top free-agent receiver out there and will likely command $10+ million per season. The price may not work for the Eagles in the end, but they have to at least make the call.