The Curious Case of Brian Waters
Back in early April, almost every Mock Draft showed The Cowboys taking a Guard with the 18th pick overall. As we know, the Draft didn’t turn out that way as history was made when six offensive linemen were taken before The Cowboys were even on the clock. We also all know what followed as The Cowboys traded down and took Center Travis Frederick with the 31st overall pick.
Jan 14, 2012, Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots guard Brian Waters (54) during an AFC Divisional Playoff game against the Denver Broncos at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Broncos 45-10. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports
At this point it seems like a good move as Frederick has held his own at the position that saw three different starters last season. With all that said, I don’t think these Cowboys ever lost sight of the desire for a “changing of the guard”. After all, Nate Livings and Mackenzy Bernadeau have spent more of their time injured than on the practice field.
If you read last week’s article you are well aware of my feelings towards Nate Livings but Bernadeau has come back to practice and surprisingly played well in Oakland. Though he has played well, it doesn’t seem as though these coaches or executives are ready to take him out of the rough yet. Why should they?
Fast forward to last week when The Cowboys made ploys to get Brandon Moore, only to have him decide to retire instead. It’s evident that this front office isn’t satisfied with the Guard situation and feels that a move is needed. It became public knowledge a few days ago that The Dallas Cowboys have a pending offer out to former six-time Pro Bowl Guard Brian Waters.
Brian Waters first came onto the scene as a Cowboy; he was signed as an undrafted free-agent Tight End out of North Texas. He was released by The Cowboys and sat out all of the 1999 Season. In 2000, Waters was signed by The Kansas City Chiefs and moved to the offensive line in hopes he could play Center. Waters excelled at Guard in Kansas City, he was also a Pro-Bowler five times in an eleven-year period.
After those eleven seasons, Waters was released; but on September 4th, 2011, Waters made his return this time as a New England Patriot. After no Training Camp practices, all Waters did was deliver yet another Pro-Bowl season at the ripe age of 34. What does this all mean in relation to The Dallas Cowboys?
Are we supposed to believe that a 36 year-old guy, who has been out of football for 18 months is going to suddenly come to Dallas and become a Pro-Bowler? Well, he has before, no reason to believe he can’t do it again. According to sources, Brian Waters don’t care too much for Training Camps and is doing to the Cowboys what he did to the Patriots.
After all, Waters left the Patriots because he wanted to play closer to his home in Dallas, Texas. The truth in all this is that Waters isn’t going to waste his time coming into Valley Ranch to back-up anyone on this roster. If Waters is their guy; he’s a starter from day one folks. Would that really be a bad thing though?
Ronald Leary has played his way to the starting Left Guard spot in Nate Livings absence, and Livings never really put up a fight. Mackenzy Bernadeau on the other hand, still has much to prove. Though many have commended him for his efforts; he has only been practicing for the past two weeks. We can assume that Waters is not going to Oxnard, and is said to wait for The Cowboys to return to Dallas after their exhibition game with The Cardinals.
At that point, I believe that Waters will make his decision and hopefully $2.5 million is enough to get him off the couch. The real question is what type of shape he is going to be in; I can tell you he’s probably already made that decision. If that decision is to become a Cowboy, than he is most likely trying to get into shape as we speak. Whether that translates to football shape remains to be seen.
In closing, I believe that Brian Waters will become the starting Right Guard for this team. Why? That is because this team has an owner that is desperate to win now. Not that bringing in a 36 year-old Guard is an automatic punched ticket to the Superbowl; however he has a proven track record and has been a part of some playoff teams. By signing Waters, this team has also upgraded their depth because now last year’s starters become this year’s backups. Is Brian Waters the answer? We don’t know that yet, but I’m willing to give it a shot.