Rumor: Dallas Cowboys Could Trade Ronald Leary For A Running Back

The Dallas Cowboys have been adamant about their comfort level surrounding the team’s current batch of running backs on their roster. But they have also been equally as vehement about the fact they would consider adding another player at the position if the right opportunity availed itself.

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According to DallasCowboys.com analyst Bryan Broaddus, the Cowboys are indeed looking to add another piece to their current running back group. And that they possibly have two specific runners in mind.

"“They’ve got two teams in mind, I believe,” Broaddus mentioned during the Cowboys Break Show on Thursday. “No, I can’t go there yet. Trust me, they are looking at some guys right now…I don’t want to throw out a name or two…”"

The statement was sparked following a question about a possible trade for current Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte. Broaddus dismissed that trade due to the amount of money involved. But show host Steve Dennis listed other running backs such as New Orleans’ Mark Ingram, Miami’s Lamar Miller and Kansas City’s Knile Davis. All of whom Broaddus seemed to react favorably to.

Broaddus also mentioned the fact that current starting left guard Ronald Leary could very well be on the table in order to make a trade happen.

"“I think you’ve done a nice job of identifying names. And if you want to go get that type of a back, absolutely. Does a team say if you are interesting in moving Ron Leary along, who is still young, he does have a little bit of an injury history, but he’s played through that, he’s cheap for an offensive starter, do you have that asset to move a guy like that along to get one of those names that you’re potentially talking about…Ronald Leary is your tradable piece.”"

Trading a player from their offensive line became more of an option after the Cowboys landed LSU offensive lineman and first round talent La’el Collins last week, in what could become to greatest undrafted free agency steal in NFL history. Some have projected Collins as a starter at left guard for Dallas, regulating Leary to the pine.

The 26-year old Leary is in the final year of his current contract. Scheduled to make just $585,000 in 2015, the Cowboys starting guard is quite a bargain. Especially considering Pro Football Focus ranked Leary as the sixth best run blocking guard and the eighth best overall left guard in the NFL last season.

But of course trading one of their o-lineman goes against what owner and general manager Jerry Jones was quoted saying just last week following the Collins’ signing.

"“No,” Jones told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram when asked about the possibility of trading an offensive lineman. “We’re going to have some great competition. I’m so excited…We’ve got a chance to really have our depth there…We’ve really got a chance to put together something very special relative to an offensive line.”"

Along with signing Collins, the Cowboys drafted offensive lineman Chaz Green in the third round of the NFL Draft earlier this month. Dallas also drafted offensive tackle Laurence Gibson in the seventh round.

With those talented rookie additions combined with the three-year contract signed by veteran right tackle Doug Free this offseason, Dallas suddenly has an influx of talent on what was already considered to be the most dominant offensive line in the NFL.

In my mind, it would certainly make sense for the Cowboys to consider a trade involving Leary since it is unlikely they would attempt to retain him following the end of this season.

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