The trade deadline for the NFL comes at three o’clock PM local time, and though we doubt Dallas will make a move--Cowboys’ executive vice president Stephen Jones and a source in contact with ESPN Dallas have both said it was doubtful, in fact--we can’t help but wonder: is there a chance the team could part ways with a running back today?
We’ll go ahead and disqualify Felix Jones from the conversation, since the team has so consistently expressed a wish to get him more involved.
Tashard Choice seems to have a greater upside than Marion Barber, but Choice hasn’t so much as touched the ball in the team’s past two games. And, aside from that, Barber has been good this season, converting nine of nine third- and fourth-and-ones, while being used primarily as a short-yardage back.
Then again, many have wondered if Barber is long for this team once this season draws to a close. Barber was hampered by injuries in both of his first two seasons as the starter and the primary back and slowed drastically late last year, which caused many to wonder if the always-physical Barber wasn’t breaking down.
Granted, Barber’s been good this year, and remains the “starter” in name, but his effectiveness has come essentially as a third-down back. Choice is younger than Barber, and widely thought of as the most complete back on the Cowboys’ roster, but he has spent the season wasting away on the bench. To be sure, he’s not exactly content. Choice recently posted this on his Facebook page [all sic]:
"I couldn't tell y'all why I'm not playin but all I can do is work hard as I can everyday and be a great teamate for my team. Pray for me"
So is there a chance the team trades either one before the deadline today or, more importantly, should they? And if so, who?
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