With the younger of the NFL’s two Connor McGoverns not locked into a starting role, the Cowboys offensive lineman has generated trade interest. While a market exists, the Cowboys do not sound eager to move him.
The third-year guard is competing with Connor Williams for Dallas’ starting left guard spot, but ESPN.com’s Todd Archer reports teams are eyeing the Penn State product in trade scenarios. Cowboys executive VP Stephen Jones attempted to throw cold water on the prospect of McGovern moving, citing the franchise’s desire for O-line depth. Jones said during an appearance on 105.3 The Fan (via The Athletic’s Jon Machota) McGovern is still “competing his a-- off” to win the Cowboys’ left guard job.
Considering what happened to the Cowboys’ offensive front last year, Jones’ stance makes sense. The team lost tackles Tyron Smith and La’el Collins early, with the latter missing the entire season, and played without stalwart right guard Zack Martin for a stretch. Martin’s injury gave McGovern playing time. After McGovern missed his entire rookie season, the former third-round pick stepped in and started eight games during Dallas’ disastrous 2020 season. Pro Football Focus graded McGovern just inside the top 50 at guard, but Mike McCarthy said the young lineman showed improvement down the stretch.
Williams is going into a contract year. He has started 37 games over the past three seasons, including 16 at left guard in 2020. PFF graded Williams as a top-20 guard last season. The Cowboys have Martin, Smith and Collins tied to big-ticket extensions. Williams playing well this season may make his second contract too expensive for the Cowboys. The team is not planning to negotiate with any of its current 2022 free agents until the season is over.
McGovern would naturally make sense as the successor to Williams at left guard next season. That is, if he does not win that job this year. The NFL moving to a 17-game season will only further drive teams to prioritize O-line depth, and it is quite possible the loser of the Cowboys’ left guard competition makes some starts this year.
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