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2017 NFL Free Agency: Backup Quarterback Options for Dallas Cowboys

By Stephen Forsha

Aug 25, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Schaub (8) hands the ball off during the second half against the Miami Dolphins at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 25, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Schaub (8) hands the ball off during the second half against the Miami Dolphins at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 1, 2017; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback EJ Manuel (3) drops back to pass against the New York Jets during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback EJ Manuel (3) drops back to pass against the New York Jets during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

1. EJ Manuel

What if the Cowboys free agent search sends them to take a good look at former Buffalo Bills starter EJ Manuel? After a rookie season of 2013 where he passed for nearly 2,000 yards, 11 touchdowns and nine interceptions in 10 starts, Manuel has started in a total of seven games since, while playing in 18 games.

The former first-round selection won’t be wowing anyone on the stat sheets, but he’s still young at 26 years old. Manuel has proven he can play in the NFL and most likely won’t break the bank for the Cowboys. There is still some untapped potential with Manuel, and playing in Buffalo the past four seasons probably wasn’t the most consistent franchise to be a part of with two head coaches in Doug Marrone and Rex Ryan.

Adding a quarterback like Manuel would give the Cowboys a player with some potential, but maybe not the steadiness or easiness as a journeyman veteran quarterback would.

Manuel wouldn’t be a terrible option for this season or the next couple seasons as a backup to Prescott. It could be a win-win for each party with the Cowboys having their backup they need for a season or two, while Manuel could rebuild his career while working with an offensive coordinator like Scott Linehan and a head coach who was an NFL backup quarterback during his playing days, Jason Garrett.

Next: 5 Possible Free Agency Destinations for Mike Glennon

This is an idea that could be beneficial to Manuel and one that could put him back on the NFL map as a potential starter one day for another NFL team, all while giving the Cowboys security with their backup quarterback situation in 2017.

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