Veteran free agent offensive lineman would be a 'smart signing' for the Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys are in the middle of an offensive line limbo with the news regarding La'el Collins. Outside of right guard Zack Martin, there's nothing but uncertainty. In addition to Collins, left tackle Tyron Smith can't stay healthy and isn't getting any younger. Connor Williams is a free agent, and likely outside of the […]
The Dallas Cowboys are in the middle of an offensive line limbo with the news regarding La'el Collins. Outside of right guard Zack Martin, there's nothing but uncertainty.
In addition to Collins, left tackle Tyron Smith can't stay healthy and isn't getting any younger. Connor Williams is a free agent, and likely outside of the Cowboys price range. Tyler Biadasz got better as the season progressed, but isn't a lock to be the starter moving forward.
Between now and next season, this offensive line is going to look entirely different.
The upcoming NFL Draft is going to be the most likely avenue to fix the line, but that shouldn't stop the Cowboys from improving the overall depth. You can never have too many good offensive linemen.
In the case of Jon Feliciano, he's got 39 career starts under his seven-year belt, splitting his time with both the then-Oakland Raiders and Buffalo Bills. He has experience starting at both the left and right guard spots.
Injuries have piled up for Feliciano, so his days as a full-time starter might be up. As he begins his eight season, he's now starting the swing guard phase of his career.
He's still a plug-and-play starter however, which allows the team he's on to develop their incumbent player who'll eventually start. Think of it like a Ryan Fitzpatrick for guards. You also might not find anyone more protective of their quarterback.
The Dallas Cowboys have a good history of this route. Going from Ron Landry to La'el Collins, or Johnathan Cooper to Connor Williams. Given the need for a new starting right guard, it's likely Dallas will do this again.
Injuries aside, Feliciano is a good spot filler who's a reliable run blocker and pass protector. Expect the Dallas Cowboys to draft a guard high come April. And having a player of this caliber able to play until their rookie pick is ready would be a comfortable luxury.
His price over the last few seasons has gone between $3.5-$5 million per year. Assuming Dallas can get his asking price closer to the former, this would be a smart signing.
Featured image via Troy Babbitt-USA TODAY Sports
