I do expect Claiborne to be a high caliber fixture on the Cowboys’ defense for years to come. However, his immense value was widely recognized by all teams, and the cost was a probable future starter lost by way of the forfeited 2nd round pick. (more…)

August 10, 2012; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Brandon Jacobs (45) carries the ball during the first quarter at Candlestick Park. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-US PRESSWIRE

Jacobs currently sits third on the depth chart in San Francisco, behind Frank Gore and Kendall Hunter. The 49ers also picked up running back LaMichael James in the second round of this year’s NFL Draft.

Although he hasn’t requested a trade out of the Bay area, Jacobs can not be happy with his current situation. The eight year veteran has exactly “zero” carries so far this year after injuring his knee in the pre-season. Jacobs claims he’s health enough to play and has been for about a month. Still, the 49ers coaching staff continues to place him on the inactive list. Jacobs is clearly just insurance for the often injured Frank Gore. But a mid-round draft pick or two may be just enough to pry him loose.

Dallas is rumored to have inquired about the availability of  St. Louis Ram’s veteran running back Steven Jackson. Ram’s head coach Jeff Fisher all but dispelled that rumor earlier this week be proclaiming they intend to keep Jackson for the rest of the season. Jacobs would be a logical alternative. A power back like Jacobs would make a nice  complement to the shifty DeMarco Murray.

The former fourth round pick out of Southern Illinois has rushed for nearly 5,000 yards and has had 60 touchdowns in his seven year career. Jacobs turned 30 in July. He was released by the Giants earlier this year after a contract despite. New York then drafted rookie running back David Wilson in the first round of  this year’s NFL Draft. They also found a hidden gem in journeyman back Andre Brown.

Salary-wise,  Jacobs signed a one-year, $1.575 million contract with the 49ers in March. This is a steal for a veteran running back of his stature.

With the recent play of back-up Felix Jones,  Dallas should really consider making this deal. Jacobs would be an immediate upgrade to their ailing backfield and should make the easiest of transitions. At 6-4 and 264 lbs., Jacobs would also be an tremendous asset in the short yardage game, which the Cowboys have struggled with.