With the offensive line largely set in stone for the Dallas Cowboys, former starter Ronald Leary wants out. As luck would have a it, a potential suitor is ready and waiting.
Most expected time was short on Leary. Despite playing well up front the Cowboys, their acquisition of La’el Collins in undrafted free agency last year, a player most thought would go in the 1st round prior to an untimely off-the-field issue regarding the death of a pregnant ex-girlfriend, it made Leary expendable. Seems he knows this as much as anybody, which would explain his absence from team activities and reported request for a trade via ESPN.
"“Ronald Leary has requested a trade from the Dallas Cowboys and has been a no-show for the offseason program, including the start of organized team activities Tuesday, according to sources.Leary signed his restricted free-agent tender worth $2.553 million before the draft in hopes of facilitating a trade. Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones said the team received a few inquiries during the three-day draft but they would not just “give away” Leary. He is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent after the season.”"
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Normally such things are unlikely to happen this late in an off-season since other teams feel their rosters are set for the time being. However, Leary may have caught a break thanks a bit of unfortunate news coming out of Tennessee where their left guard Byron Bell was just lost for the season due to injury.
Titans left guard Byron Bell dislocated his ankle during the team’s first OTA and will miss the entire 2016 season.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 24, 2016
This is the sort of setback the Titans can ill-afford. Their offensive line was bad enough last season, allowing over 40 sacks and blocking for one of the worst rushing attacks in the league. So to lose an experienced, reliable veteran like Bell is a tough pill to swallow in their bid to improve up front. That in turn makes Leary, who has starting experience and is still just 27-years old look awfully attractive. With his contract set to expire it’s likely they could get him from Dallas for cheap too.
Sometimes trades are all about timing and the Dallas Cowboys couldn’t ask for a better opportunity if they are indeed intent on moving Leary out before he leaves next year.