Dallas Cowboys: 5 Free agent tight end targets who could start in 2019
By Randy Gurzi
5. Charles Clay
At first glance, many would shrug off the idea of going after former Buffalo Bills tight end Charles Clay due to his age and poor production in 2018. Clay did just turn 30 and last season saw him record his lowest numbers since his second season in the league which was 2012.
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In 13 games, Clay had just 21 catches for only 184 yards and no touchdowns. It was the first time in his career that he had zero scores and his 8.8 yards per reception average was the worst of his eight-year career. However, those numbers may not all be on Clay as the Buffalo offense was just bad as a whole.
According to NFL.com, the Bills were No. 30 in the NFL in scoring with 16.8 points per game and 31st in passing yardage with just 174.6 per contest. They also struggled to keep a starting quarterback as they went through A.J. McCarron in the preseason and then Nathan Peterman, Josh Allen, Matt Barkley, and Derek Anderson in the regular season.
That kind of uncertainty under center took its toll on the offense and Clay who had routinely churned out 500-plus yards for the majority of his career. While he doesn’t have many years left, he does still have what it takes to contribute to an NFL team and the Cowboys could use his skill and leadership ability on their offense. He likely wouldn’t get a long-term deal but he could be a short-term option as they look for their next long-term starter.