Dallas Cowboys Rumors: Johnny Manziel Or RG3 Will Be On The Cowboys In 2016, According To Troy Aikman
Even in the offseason, the Dallas Cowboys are at the forefront of some of the most interesting rumors in the NFL. While Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo is locked in as the starter when healthy, the team is apparently looking for a better backup option. As every NFL fan knows, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones loves making a splash and being the center of attention. While he was talked out of it before, there is a chance that Jones brings in former Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel as the backup to Romo. If not Manziel, it could be Robert Griffin III, according to Troy Aikman, per Sports Illustrated.
“I believe, as I sit here today, either Johnny Manziel or Robert Griffin III will be in Dallas as the backup.”
After Romo battled injuries throughout the entire 2015 season, the Cowboys found out quickly that they did not have a competent backup quarterback. With a record of 4-12, the Cowboys finished last in the dismal NFC East, a division that they would have probably won if not for Romo’s health. While the Washington Redskins, Philadelphia Eagles, and New York Giants are likely to be improved in 2016, the Cowboys still have a great chance at competing for the division crown.
Former Cowboys great @TroyAikman thinks either Johnny Manziel or RGIII will end up in Dallas soon. His reasoning: https://t.co/h0aFP9Kdpq
— ESPN (@espn) January 27, 2016
While both Griffin and Manziel have shown flashes of brilliance throughout their young careers, the two former Heisman Trophy-winning quarterbacks have largely been disappointments. Griffin has found more success in his career, having led the Redskins to a 1st place finish in the NFC East in 2012 and a playoff birth. Injuries put the brakes on his progress though, and Kirk Cousins took his job permanently in training camp before the 2015 season. As previously reported by the Inquisitr, Griffin has been recently linked to the San Francisco 49ers, but Aikman believes that he could be a better fit in Dallas.
Since entering the league, Manziel has caused nothing but problems. While it was mostly self-inflicted, Manziel got to the point in Cleveland where his every move was being reported and put on Twitter. At this point, he has not proven that he can be a competent NFL starting quarterback, both on and off the field. Regardless, Manziel is only 23 years old and a change of scenery could help him to mature. As previously reported by the Inquisitr, Cowboys’ fans want Manziel in Dallas, and Jerry Jones has even spoken positively about him in the past.
“When we were on the clock, I said, if we pick the other guy — any other guy — it would be a ticket to parity, more 8-8 seasons. The only way to break out is to gamble — take a chance with that first pick, if you wanna dramatically improve your team. That’s why I wanted Manziel, but I was the only guy who wanted him. I listened to everybody… and I’m… not… happy…”
As reported by NFL, Cowboys backup quarterbacks Brandon Weeden, Matt Cassel, and Kellen Moore only produced a total of one win while Romo was injured. At the very least, Manziel or Griffin would have been able to pull out at least two or three more wins if they were under center. While wide receiver Dez Bryant also missed much of last year with a foot injury, the Cowboys did not have a bad roster overall. Poor backup quarterback play was a huge reason for their disappointing 4-12 finish.
Troy Aikman thinks Johnny Manziel or RG3 will sign with the Cowboys. He’s probably right.https://t.co/EPOLih43du pic.twitter.com/IGnYSHxmcg
— SB Nation NFL ? (@SBNationNFL) January 27, 2016
While Manziel and Griffin have their flaws, they still have time to turn it around. Even though each of them are expecting starting jobs in 2016, it is just not going to happen. Playing behind Tony Romo for a few years could really help their development and allow one of them to eventually take over as the starting quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys in a few seasons. One thing is for certain, and that is both Manziel and Griffin have a lot of maturing to do. While Jones has more patience than most NFL owners with problem players, Manziel and Griffin have been referred to as cancers in the locker room.
Until the Dallas Cowboys officially announce their next backup quarterback, Johnny Manziel and Robert Griffin III rumors will continue to spiral. Since Troy Aikman is close to the Cowboys and members of their front office, there is a real chance that either Manziel or Griffin will be in Dallas in 2016.
[Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images]
