Cowboys News: Mike McCarthy ends DeAndre Hopkins speculation, Tony Pollard health update, Matt Waletzko
By Jerry Trotta
WIth the Dallas Cowboys all-in on winning a Super Bowl next season, a large contingent of talking heads and fans have made it clear they want the team to pursue DeAndre Hopkins, who's suddenly a free agent after the Cardinals released him after failing to find a trade partner.
While Hopkins would give the Cowboys another premium playmaker, they aren't exactly crying out for help at wide receiver.
The addition of Brandin Cooks is one thing, but Dallas is expecting a bounce-back year from Michael Gallup, who's received rave reviews at the start of OTAs.
In a vacuum, a trio of CeeDee Lamb, Cooks, and Gallup -- plus a talented trio of tight ends and a rejuvenated Jalen Tolbert -- should be more than enough weapons.
While Dallas has the requisite cap space to afford Hopkins (more than enough, actually), Mike McCarthy all but confirmed the team isn't interested. Per McCarthy, the Cowboys are happy with their current group of wideouts.
Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy when asked if any interest in free agent WR DeAndre Hopkins: “I really like the look of our group.” Added Hopkins is a “hell of a talent” whom he has long respected, but he sees no good in discussing players not currently in building. pic.twitter.com/phN5CeKWJt
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) June 1, 2023
Cowboys' Mike McCarthy shuts down DeAndre Hopkins buzz
Call it posturing to the media. Call it following Jerry Jones' orders. McCarthy is merely taking the approach several head coaches around the league have in regard to their team's pursuit of Hopkins: compliment the player while acknowledging there really isn't room on the roster.
Some of Cowboys Nation won't like reading McCarthy's quote. The team has ample cap space leftover after Ezekiel Elliott's post-June 1 cap savings hit the books, but Hopkins would be more of a luxury signing than anything else.
Perhaps Dallas revisits signing Hopkins if he's still available come training camp, but McCarthy's comments should end any and all speculation.
In other Cowboys news, Tony Pollard addressed the media on Thursday for the first time since suffering a high-ankle sprain and fractured fibula in the playoffs. The team has been thrilled with Pollard's recovery, and the Pro Bowl running back was adamant he'll be cleared for training camp.
Pollards is already running and cutting at full speed, folks.
Cowboys RB Tony Pollard said he’s running and cutting full speed: “I’m a little bit ahead of schedule. … I’m not really limited at this point, it’s just being smart with it.” pic.twitter.com/lUelOGdqy6
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) June 1, 2023
Cowboys' Tony Pollard to be cleared for start of training camp
That's great to hear. Pollard even added that he feels faster, which isn't uncommon among athletes who undergo major surgery. While Pollard is getting in limited work at OTAs, fans should expect him to be all systems go at camp in late July.
The final takeaway from Thursday's practice featured another unexpected shuffle along the offensive line. Per reporters, Matt Waletzko didn't spell Tyron Smith at right tackle, but kicked inside to guard.
Drafted as a tackle, it appears the Cowboys are giving Waletzko a long look at multiple positions, which indicates they believe he's ready to contribute in 2023 after a shoulder injury cost him most of his rookie season.
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