Cowboys Reportedly Interested In Michael Sam
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Dallas Cowboys are reportedly interested in signing free agent defensive end Michael Sam. Last week Sam failed to make the St. Louis Rams 53-man roster and, despite three recorded sacks in the preseason, was not offered a spot on the team’s practice squad.
Twitter: @AdamSchefter
Twitter: @AdamSchefter
Twitter: @AdamSchefter
First off, Schefter’s choice of words is a little troubling. Sam has said he remains committed to earning a roster spot; the last thing he needs is to come to Dallas and have his career become collateral damage in a Jerry Jones marketing scheme.
Although there is no indication that the sentiment came from Jones or anywhere within the organization, despite seeming like something they would do. Most likely it was just an offhand remark by Schefter, commenting on the public perception of Jones and the way he operates as general manager.
Potential marketing schemes aside, Schefter is spot on with that Dallas D. The Cowboys were ranked dead last in the NFL in 2013 and their performance in the preseason doesn’t bode well for 2014. They gave up an average of 29 points in four preseason games.
That paints a bleak defensive picture, which sucks for the Cowboys, but could be the best case scenario for Sam. After years of mediocrity, reality for this team has finally set in and expectations, at least on this side of the ball, are basically in the gutter.
Assuming Jones doesn’t bumble this and does decide to bring in Sam—two very big ifs—the former SEC Defensive Player of the Year is in a no-lose situation. (A no-lose situation is way better than a lose-lose, but not quite as good as a win-win.)
If Sam sees any significant amount of playing time and the defense does anything besides embarrass itself, he could be seen as a difference maker—a contributor at the very least. And if the defense does embarrass itself, well we already knew they were wretched.
Considering the perpetual circus that exists in Dallas, it’s hard to imagine this being the perfect situation for a player as high profile as Sam. But, against all odds, that might be exactly what this is.
