With a suspension for Randy Gregory, and uncertainty surrounding DeMarcus Lawrence, the Dallas Cowboys need to go after defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah
While the Dallas Cowboys had a very strong defensive line in 2018, they’re dangerously close to having a porous one in 2019. One issue causing them concern is the recent suspension of Randy Gregory, who is out of the league indefinitely. A much bigger problem is the lingering contract dispute with the leader of the line, DeMarcus Lawrence.
After playing on the franchise tag in 2018, the former second-round pick was hit with that designation once again this offseason after he and the team failed to come to terms on an extension.
Lawrence, unhappy with the tag, has refused to sign and is reportedly even considering delaying shoulder surgery — which is one of his few bargaining chips to try and convince the team to get this done quickly.
With no end in sight to this drama, the Cowboys need to start considering their options, and one potential move just presented itself on Wednesday as the Cleveland Browns began shopping former second-round pick Emmanuel Ogbah.
Browns are now shopping former defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah after acquiring Olivier Vernon, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 13, 2019
Ogbah, the first pick in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft, played high school football in Texas before going on to star at Oklahoma State. During the draft process, the Cowboys even showed interest in him and may have pulled the plug had the Browns not pounced on him when they did.
Now, they could have him for a fraction of the cost. It’s not likely that he would cost much more than a fourth-round pick, especially considering that the New England Patriots landed Michael Bennett — who has much more production than Ogbah — for just a fifth-round pick.
Of course, Ogbah is much younger than Bennett and counts for far less on the salary cap which is why it may be slightly more than what New England paid.
For Dallas, this feels like a no-brainer. Even if they do get Lawrence back in the mix, they need depth at the position. 2017 first-round selection Taco Charlton has done nothing to warrant his high selection and their only other experienced option is Tyrone Crawford — who has had to shift from tackle to end repeatedly throughout his career.