Tyson Clabo has a lot of fans within the Dallas Cowboys organization

Dec 9, 2012; Charlotte, NC, USA; Atlanta Falcons tackle Tyson Clabo (77) come off the field in the fourth quarter. The Panthers defeated the Falcons 30-20 at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

The Dallas Cowboys are now squarely focused on their right tackle situation. Doug Free is currently at the right tackle position, and they want him to take a pay cut. His play in 2012 certainly merits him taking a pay cut, but he has been playing hard ball.

Yesterday, I wrote that the Cowboys were investigating the possibility of adding Bryant McKinnie, which would lead to Doug Free’s release. However, Mike Fisher, Cowboys insider for 105.3 The Fan in Dallas told me that was just a tactical move on the Cowboys part.

But Bryant McKinnie signed a two year deal worth up to $7 million with the Baltimore Ravens, which effectively ends that discussion, like Mike Fisher said. That leaves unsigned free agents like Tyson Clabo or Eric Winston as viable options at RT or pawns to force Free’s hand.

Todd Archer of ESPN Dallas says that Clabo has “lots of fans inside Valley Ranch.”

"“Clabo has a lot of fans inside Valley Ranch. He has received interest from some other tackle-needy teams, like Miami. The Cowboys made a call to Clabo’s agent after he was released by Atlanta to get a feel for what they were looking for. The same call was made to Winston’s agent, though there are fewer fans inside Valley Ranch for his services.”"

Winston is requesting $3-4 million a season, and Archer says that is too rich for the Cowboys, meaning he is being used as a pawn like Fisher said. Clabo might be a legitimate option though.