After nearly twelve hours of speculation as to the identity of the "mystery player" involved in a proposed deadline trade, ESPN's Chris Mortensen has reported that it was, in fact, Dallas's second tight end Martellus Bennett.
Bennett, according to Mortensen, was the target of the Cincinnati Bengals, who have struggled at tight end since a string of injuries veritably devastated the position in the preseason.
The proposed deal was said to involve a "young player," who would be sent to the team in question for a "premium" draft pick and, possibly, another, NFL-ready player. Owner Jerry Jones said yesterday in a press conference that the team wasn't interested, but declined to identify the player or the inquiring team.
So much for secrecy, I suppose.
"The bottom line is this," Jones said Wednesday. "Had I not thought that we needed that player right now as opposed to pushing forward in consideration for picks in the future, then I would have taken the pick option on it rather than the player."
Responding to the rumor today via Twitter, Bennett said (all sic, of course), "Ha the bengals tried to trade for me?ochocinco Marty b woulda been a ruckus. I love being a cowboy tho this is home I love this team."
