COWBOYS SQUAD SHOW: Would the Cowboys actually TRADE George Pickens before the NFL Draft?

Summary

Locked On Cowboys: Squad Show – April 7, 2026

“Would the Cowboys actually TRADE George Pickens before the NFL Draft?”

Hosts: Marcus Mosher, Glenn “Stretch” Smith | Guest Host: Jeff Biggs
Series: The Locked On Cowboys Podcast (Locked On Podcast Network)
Date: April 7, 2026

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Episode Overview

With under three weeks to go until the 2026 NFL Draft, rumors are swirling around the Dallas Cowboys—most notably, whether they might trade star wide receiver George Pickens before the draft. Hosts Marcus Mosher and Glenn Stretch Smith dive deep into the substance and silliness of these rumors, dissect the Cowboys' leverage heading into the draft, debate strategies around trading up or down, and review pre-draft visits and scenarios. The show offers expertise, insider perspective, and candid banter, delivering key takeaways for fans eager to understand the team’s mindsets and options as draft night approaches.

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Main Discussion Themes

1. Rumor Control: George Pickens Trade Speculation

[04:02 – 08:47]

• Rumor Origin: Reports circulating that the Cowboys might trade George Pickens before the draft.
• Hosts’ Stance: Both Mosher and Smith firmly doubt this will happen, citing a lack of substantive offers and no credible rumors involving Pickens’ agent, David Mulugheta.
  • Marcus Mosher: “I would be shocked if the Cowboys traded George Pickens, especially before the draft, because…they’re just not going to get the value there.” (04:02)
• Cowboys’ Leverage: The Cowboys could theoretically keep Pickens on the franchise tag for several years at below-market value, making them unlikely to feel pressured into a trade or extension.
  • Mosher (shoutout to KD Drummond): “They could basically pay George Pickens the equivalent of $111 million over four years by using the franchise tag three times, and that would still be well below market value.” (05:25)
• Glenn Smith: Emphasized Jerry Jones’ approach to leverage and patience, saying, “Jerry has the hammer right now in this situation, period. You can stomp your feet if you want to, but…get over and get stomping. Pretty soon your feet will get tired.” (08:55)

2. Jones/Mulugheta Dynamics and Draft Implications

[10:10 – 12:06]

• Strained Relations: Smith notes the Cowboys’ front office may hold some grudges over past negotiations with David Mulugheta (e.g., the Micah Parsons saga), potentially even factoring into their evaluations of Mulugheta-represented draft prospects.
  • Smith: “…the way that scenario went with Micah Parsons…it still burns in his pipe.” (10:53)
• Draft Impact: While it shouldn’t be a deciding factor, Mosher allows it could be a "tiebreaker" if the team is split on a player represented by a difficult agent.

3. Trade-Up, Trade-Down, or Stay Put? Draft Strategy Analysis

[12:45 – 18:32, 37:41 – 44:54]

• Debate: What’s the smarter play—making a costly move up for an elite defensive talent, staying put, or trading down to accumulate more picks?
  • Mosher: Points out that unless adding a generational player like Myles Garrett, a single impact addition may not push this Cowboys roster into contender territory.
    • “I do think they would be a top-five or top-six team, but I don’t think they’re a top-three team…It comes back to…coaching staff.” (14:44)
• Sticker Shock: Stretch warns that moving up (e.g., from 12 to a top-4 pick) will be expensive—and perhaps not justified for this year’s prospects.
• Alternative Approach: Accumulate picks in a draft loaded with depth between picks 30 and 100.
  • Mosher: “Are we better off…going up and getting David Bailey and filling our needs with third and fourth round picks or…trading down from 12 and trying to get another pick inside the top 50?” (17:56)
• Sensible Move: Marcus advocates for a “small trade up” (e.g., 12 to 9 or 10) to get a blue-chip defender, rather than a huge leap with massive cost.
  • “…You’re moving up three spots early, back nine spots late and giving up a late-round pick…If that’s Caleb Downs, you’re getting a blue chip player.” (43:49)

4. Veteran Trade Possibilities & Draft Night Surprises

[19:35 – 23:25]

• Veteran Additions: Cowboys are likely to wait until the draft plays out before considering a trade for a veteran linebacker or pass rusher.
  • Mosher: “I would not be shocked to see the Cowboys make a trade for a veteran, whether that’s a linebacker or another pass rusher…At this point, it probably makes more sense just to get on with the draft…” (22:27)
• Expect the Unexpected: Draft night is famous for left-field trades and picks; the Cowboys will be “working the phones like crazy” and remaining flexible. (23:25)

5. The Impact of the 2026 NFL Draft Class Structure

[25:36 – 31:46]

• Defensive Targets: Cowboys are rumored to be interested in one or two of the “big four” defenders expected to go in the top 12. However, unpredictability reigns—especially because offensive linemen usually get picked higher than most mocks anticipate.
  • Mosher: “NFL teams value offensive linemen more than media scouts do…That should free things up for the Cowboys to get a good player at 12.” (27:37)
  • Smith: “If you don’t protect your number one asset, your quarterback, you got problems.” (28:53)
• Draft Moves: A run on receivers or O-linemen in the top 10 could let a coveted defender fall to Dallas.

6. Trade Partners, Draft “Hot Zones,” and How the Board May Fall

[37:41 – 44:54]

• Trade Down Candidates: The Arizona Cardinals and Cleveland Browns, holding picks in the top 10, are prime candidates to move down.
  • Mosher: “Andrew Berry, the GM for the Browns, is notorious for trading down in round one…And I think for Arizona…it’s the same thing.” (37:41)
• Draft Board Depth: The draft is strongest between picks 30 and 100; expect more teams to try to gather picks in this range.
  • Smith: “I don’t see a lot of trade up once you get to about number 8. I see everybody then looking to get out.” (40:36)
• Positions Teams Might Panic For: O-tackle and wide receiver—shortages there could drive some trade activity.

7. Pre-Draft Visits: Significance & Surprises

[46:07 – 48:09]

• Son of a Legend? Cowboys hosted E.J. Smith (Emmitt’s son) for a pre-draft visit; both hosts saw him as likely a priority undrafted free agent if he lands in Dallas.
  • Mosher: “I think he’s somebody that I would keep an eye on; late day three, undrafted free agent.” (46:33)
• High Profile Visits: Cowboys brought in Arvell Reese and David Bailey—both projected early picks—signaling due diligence and possible trade-up deliberations.

8. Final Draft Lead-Up: What to Watch For

[52:26 – 53:18]

• Medical/Off-field Updates: Over the next two weeks, “drumbeats” about medical red flags, draft board risers and fallers will shape rumors and possible picks.
  • Mosher: “You’re going to start to hear over the next two weeks about guys falling on draft boards…All that stuff is going to impact who the Cowboys might draft at picks 12 and 20. So be on the lookout. Don’t believe everything you hear, but…if you’re hearing the same things over and over, that’s when you can start to put it into action.” (52:26)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On George Pickens trade likelihood:
  “I just don’t think there’s that kind of interest out there. I think if there were, you would hear some of those reports starting to trickle out, and we haven’t got any of that.” — Marcus Mosher (05:25)

• On Jerry Jones’ leverage:
  “Jerry has the hammer right now in this situation, period. And you can stomp your feet if you want to, but…get over and get stomping.” — Glenn Smith (08:55)

• On moving up for an impact defender:
  “If the Cowboys could get Myles Garrett…are they in the discussion to win the NFC Championship?” — Smith (13:15)
  “I don’t think they would be the favorites, and I don’t think they would be [top 3].” — Mosher (14:12)

• Draft unpredictability:
  “Most of the surprises on draft night are the ones that no one saw coming.” — Jeff Biggs (24:34)

• On O-line runs:
  “There’s just not enough quality offensive linemen; these teams value them more than media scouts do.” — Mosher (27:37)

• Patience advice:
  “…right now…the Cowboys need to exercise patience. I do think there’s absolutely a possibility that one of those guys could move down the board to them.” — Glenn Smith (31:13)

• On Troy Aikman’s Dolphins involvement:
  “Troy is one of the most professional people…I think he’s the best at what he does.” — Smith (59:30)

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Key Timestamps

| Time | Segment | |------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------| | 04:02 | Why a George Pickens trade isn’t on the table | | 05:25 | Financial/negotiation mechanics with Pickens & franchise tag | | 10:10 | Cowboys’ agent relationships possibly affecting draft picks | | 12:45 | Trade-up, trade-down, or stay put? Draft strategy debate | | 14:44 | Are the Cowboys one impact player away? | | 19:35 | Veteran trade targets—wait until after the draft? | | 25:36 | Impact of draft runs at WR and OL | | 31:13 | Patience as the best policy | | 37:41 | Cardinals & Browns as draft trade partners | | 43:49 | Best-case trade-up scenarios for Dallas | | 46:07 | Pre-draft visits: E.J. Smith, Arvell Reese, David Bailey | | 52:26 | Lead-up watch items—medical red flags, leaks, “drumbeats” | | 59:30 | On Aikman’s “conflict of interest” with the Dolphins |

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Final Thoughts

• The Cowboys will very likely not trade George Pickens barring a huge, unforeseen offer.
• The team is holding all the leverage in negotiations and roster-building scenarios this spring.
• Patience and flexibility are the order of the day—Dallas is prepared for multiple draft scenarios and will pivot as players fall or trades develop on draft night.
• Expect continued rumors, but only a consistent “drumbeat” of news should move fan expectations.
• The hosts urge fans to prepare for offensive linemen going higher than anticipated, and to not be shocked by last-minute pivots, whether it’s a subtle trade up or a surprise veteran move.

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For daily coverage, analysis, and up-to-date rumors, listeners are encouraged to follow Marcus and Landon on the daily Locked On Cowboys podcast and join the “Everydayer Club” for ad-free content and a community group chat.

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Your Team. Every Day. Locked On Cowboys delivers the insight you need as draft season reaches its wildest days.

Transcript

[A]

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[C]

I am Jeff Biggs and it is getting a little wild out there with all of the rumors so be careful.

[B]

I am Marcus Moser and I just want this draft to hurry up and get here.

[A]

Glenn Stretch Smith I wanted to hurry up and get here so we can quit talking about Max Crosby.

[B]

How about them Cowboys? It's the Cowboys Squad. Everything. Dallas Cowboys every week covering all the big hits and game changing plays from America's team the way only the Locked On Podcast network can get ready and squad up. It's the Cowboy Squad show starting now.

[A]

Right?

[C]

You gotta squat up. Get those Max Crosby rumors ready to go. And welcome to another edition of the Cowboys Squad show on this Monday night. Hope you had a great Easter and thank you for being with us tonight. We are now less than three weeks away from the NFL draft. Can't believe it, but it is true. And it can't, as Marcus said, can't come here soon enough as far as we can. We are concerned. We're looking forward to that. But in the meantime, we got a show for you tonight, Thursday night as well. And of course you have Marcus and Landon every single day on the daily Locked On Cowboys podcast. Be sure and check them out. They are loading you up every day with just phenomenal content. And I don't say that as flattery. It's the real deal. You guys know that. That's why you're tuning in here tonight. But be sure and check it out. All right, let's say hello to everybody. That of course is Marcus Mosier right there, co host of the daily Lockdown Cowboys podcast. Landon McCool will join us on Thursday. Aisha Morrison will be back with us later as well. And and we have former Cowboys coach, the one and only Glenn Stretch Smith. Coming up, the very latest on what is going on with the Cowboys, including lots, I mean, lots of pre draft rumors. It's getting out of control. We will try to kind of minimize the damage here a little bit tonight. But one, one of them, I, you know, I hate to do it, Marcus, but I feel obligated, like I have to do it because it's kind of spreading so fast. And I know you and Landon have been updating your show every day. I mean, every day, right. But we got less than three weeks to go. We got all the buzz. We had all the buzz, remember, about the Cowboys maybe trading down and kind of getting more picks and going that route. And then over the last week or so, it's been the other way with the Cowboys moving up and wanting to get more and wanting to make sure they get one of those elite defensive players. And now on top of all that, where are all these rumors coming from that George Pickens might be included in some kind of a trade with the Cowboys? Would they really trade George Pickens? Is that. Is there any smoke to that fire?

[B]

I don't see that happening. I mean, they're not going to get the trade value that's worth moving him. I mean, I understand the idea. Hey, if you're getting a King's Ransom or if you're even getting what the Dolphins got for Jalen Waddle, I think you have to consider it. But they're not getting those offers. I don't see them trading him before the draft. I think this is just a lot of content creators trying to come up with content to fill their websites in their YouTube channels. I would be shocked if the Cowboys traded George Pickens, especially before the draft, because number one, they need him on offense and number two, they're just not going to get the value there.

[A]

Okay, I don't. It doesn't make any sense. I mean, there's nothing to me that says it would make any sense to move on from George Pickens. Now that doesn't mean that somebody may not step up and offer you, you know, something that would blow your socks off. And if that happens, guess what? This football team ain't good enough to not move on from guys. So you know what you were. If you thought you were an NFC championship team, that's a different animal. Where they sit today, April 6th, I'm gonna give you a little hint. Hint they're not. So guess what? If. If somebody wants to call up and offer you, you know, a one and Something, hell, you. I'd absolutely listen to that.

[B]

But it's not. I mean, they haven't been offered that. We haven't even heard a rumor that David Mologhetta has been talking with other teams. Just because I. I don't think. I just don't think there's that kind of interest out there. I think if there were, you would hear some of those reports starting to trickle out, and we haven't got any of that. So as. As we stand here today, I'm just assuming that he's going to be on the team. And honestly, I want to give a little shout out to Katie Drummond over at the Cowboys wire, friend of the show who made the argument that the Cowboys are in a great position of strength here where they could basically pay George Pickens the equivalent of 111 million over four years by using the franchise tag three times, and that would still be well below market value and potentially like $40 million in total below market value over the course of that contract. So I. I don't think that the Cowboys are going to be in a rush to trade them. I don't think they're going to be in a rush to sign them. So I think this is more people just trying to, again, create content.

[A]

I mean, there's. There, again, there's no bang for the. For the buck to trade him. I just. I don't see that happening. But, I mean, I'm not saying that it isn't going to happen, because guess what? He is a hell of a football player. There's. You can't deny that. I mean, he is a hell of a football player. And you know, what if somebody maybe wants to see that, you know, the eyes of that beholder wants to. Wants to knock you around. And I mean, again, I can give you the phone number over there if you want it.

[C]

Let me ask you this. Any. This is just a hypothetical, but any chance that maybe Mulligetta had a talk with somebody in the front office and they had that initial conversation and maybe kind of a starting point or kind of where both sides are at, and maybe the Cowboys kind of looking at the writing on the wall or thinking, you know, we've seen this movie before, we're not going to do this dance again. I know it's. It's apples and oranges with his situation compared to Micah's, but, I mean, it's not out of the realm of possibility. Maybe. Maybe they don't feel like there's a common ground there. I don't know.

[B]

I. No, no, It's a good thought. I just. I don't think the Cowboys are in a rush here at all. It's. I, I just don't think they're going to be the ones picking up the phone here and calling David Mulligan. Now. If David wants to call the star and start offering contracts, I think the Cowboys would be open to it. I just don't get the sense that the Cowboys have any urgency here at all. For a couple reasons. Number one, they feel like Pickens on the franchise tag this year is a huge bargain compared to what the rest of the receiver market is. And then the second part of it is, you know, he had a really good 20, 25 season. Really good. But I think they want to continue to date him before they eventually decide to get married. Right. And that's. I, I don't think that's the worst strategy in the world considering what George Pickens was at Georgia, what he was like in Pittsburgh, the more data that you can get here on the player, his fit in the offense, how he fits in the locker room, I think that's how they're going to be trending here until maybe they find some common ground on a contract.

[A]

And it is. They're getting. They're getting big bang for the buck. Guess why. They're the only team that risk a year ago.

[C]

Correct.

[A]

The only team that stepped up to give you a three. The only one that he was available. We talked about this at nauseum. He. He. He was available to all these other teams. So, I mean, I. Guys, I mean, to me, we're. We're. We're to the point now where we're spurring and whipping on a dead mule. I mean, Jerry is in no hurry, zero hurry to do anything. He doesn't have to for. For what? He's put the franchise tag on him. Hey, he. He. Let me tell you something. If you don't think Jerry's not looking for the upper hand in any one of these situations, then you. You're not following what he does and how he operates. And right now, how many times you guys heard me say this? You're either the hammer or you're the nail. Jerry has the hammer right now in this situation, period. And you can stomp your feet if you want to, but I tell you, just like I used to tell Colby, when he get mad and he's about three years old, stomp his feet. Let's go over and get barefooted and stomp them. Let me know when your damn feet get started hurting. Get over and get stomping. And that's what I'd tell that agent. If you don't like it, get over and get to stomping your feet a little while. Pretty soon your feet will get tired of stomping, I'll promise you.

[B]

Coach, I do have a question about David M. Because it's clear that Jerry Jones and that agency do not have a great working relationship. Do you think that could impact the guys that they would potentially draft here in round one? Because Meloget represents a couple high profile draft picks who. Well, Jad McCoy is an example of this. Let's say that for what I.

[A]

Yes, I can go ahead and cross them off my board right now. Who's the other one?

[B]

Well, I, again, I'm more speaking generally. Right. Like if, if you have a guy that's ranked high and the tags are touching, is that something that you think could potentially make the decision for the Cowboys?

[A]

I'm telling you, Jerry Jones is competitive guy as there is. And, and, and, and I can tell you that the way that that scenario went with Micah Parsons is not it. It still burns in his pipe. I'm telling you it does. And so do I. Think it would make a difference? I can't say that, but I can say that not going to want to. I mean, he does not like how that scenario ended up playing out. He does not like where he sits today, the 6th of April. He didn't like. He didn't like where he sits with that particular situation, I can tell you that. And so, you know, I mean, I could, I could see him getting in a situation where he literally says, you know what, Stephen, you got this one.

[B]

I'm gonna be curious to see what happens if they just, if they decide to stay away from that agency. You can't really do that because you still want to draft the best players and the guys that you think can contribute right away and you'll worry about dealing with the agent three, four years down the road. But I think it could potentially be a tiebreaker. And if you've already got questions on a player, maybe it's something that you do avoid.

[C]

All right, well, for the record, I didn't think there was anything to that, but I felt like I needed to ask two of my favorite experts what they thought. So thank you guys for weighing in on that. So, all right, with that said, speaking of the upper hand. So what is the upper hand right now for the Cowboys? We thought maybe it was drafting down and getting better that way, but now a lot of different rumors and Things heating up about moving up. Marcus, I know you guys have been doing drafts every day. Any more clarity on where things stand from your perspective?

[B]

I actually want to ask coaches a question because I'm struggling with this a little bit, because on one hand, I do think it makes sense to go up, maybe if you can go up to pick 6 or 7 and like swap your pick 20 with an early second round pick so that way you're not necessarily losing, you know, a top 50 pick. I think that makes sense. But, Coach, do you think the Cowboys are one impact player away, let's say, in the front seven, away from being a good defense?

[A]

Well, I'm gonna. I'm gonna flip this and ask you this question. If. If. Let's take out. What the. We're not. Let's don't look at the cost right now. Let's not look at the cost If. If the Cowboys could get Miles Garrett. Never mind the cost. I don't care. That Gucci or whatever. Whatever. Who cares if they got him? Are they with him only right now on this football team? Are they in the discussion to win the NFC championship?

[B]

No.

[C]

No.

[A]

Okay. Okay. Well, that's not what your partner says. So I, I just said, I think,

[B]

no, no, no, no, no, no, no.

[A]

Don't catch lock. Joel asking him out on the radio.

[B]

And.

[A]

And he said yes.

[B]

Well, that's because he's way more optimistic than I am.

[A]

Not two of a kind looking to be a full house.

[B]

No, that's. That's why we make a good podcast here. I. I don't think they would be the favorites, and I don't think they would be the.

[A]

Say the favorite. I said, would they be in the discussion with Miles Garrett on this defensive line? Miles Garrett, Rashan, Gary Quinn and Williams. And then roll the other guys in there, pick it, whoever.

[B]

You're basically asking me, do I think they could be a top five team in the nfc?

[A]

Yes, I think. I think it's got to be a little better than that. And that's maybe. Would they be a top three team in the nfc?

[B]

And that's where I. I have a hang up. Because I do think they would be a top five or top 16, but I don't think they're a top three team. And honestly, it comes back to. I just don't trust the coaching staff the same way that I do Sean McVeigh and Kyle Shanahan and Mike McDonald in Seattle. Like, I just don't think they're there. And I think you have to have a ton more talent to beat those guys. And I just don't think they have a better roster than what Stan Fran in Los Angeles does right now.

[A]

You, what you're saying is you just picked it up and look at the price and put it back up on the shelf. You didn't like the price?

[B]

Not necessarily. Because I, I still think that helps you become way more competitive in a championship window. I just don't know if it would be enough. I think you'd be in the discussion, but I don't think you'd be a top three team yet.

[C]

Optimism. Optimism for sure. Definitely. You feel better.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

I mean, because going right, if things go right, break your way and the team takes off and gels and you get.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

Some surprises.

[A]

If you, if you become a team with a chance to, to get in the conversation, to get in the NFC championship game and you just looked at the sticker, you got a little bit of sticker shock when it said three ones. But if you, if, if that's the case, then you absolutely should pull the trigger.

[B]

I think the problem that I'm having with them trading up in round one, it's not that the cost is going to be expensive because I think you're going up and getting a good player like a David Bailey or an Arvell Reese, but they're not Miles Garrett, like, you're not getting a proven asset that's already ready to go. And I think my issue is, let's say you trade 12 and 20 to go get David Bailey at pick three or four again. That's fantastic. You still have massive holes at linebacker.

[A]

I'm telling you it's gonna, I'm telling

[B]

you it's gonna cost a lot.

[A]

I like playing the game and I think all that's great, but I think at the end of the day, to move from 12 to 4 is going to cost you. You're going to get that sticker shock again. It cost you a bunch.

[B]

Yes. And I wonder, I wonder in this year's draft if, because you're not trading up for a quarterback and the class is viewed to be weaker than usual, if it's not maybe 10% cheaper than it's been in previous seasons, but even so, it's still going to be expensive. And I, I can talk myself into it being worth it because you need an impact player like David Bailey, but you're also not one young rookie away from being a top flight defense either.

[A]

What you're really telling me is when you need that new suit, you're going

[B]

to men's Warehouse, more like Kohl's, but yes, go ahead.

[C]

So, I mean, I know I feel like I say this often, but I mean, come on, if we're, we're kicking this around, I mean, the, the cowboys have to know where they stand. They have to know realistically, no matter how much they, they hope and want to do this or do that, they have to know where those holes are as well and if they really want to compete, what they have to do to fix it.

[B]

Well, and that's where I think, Jeff, they're having these discussions probably right now about, okay, are we better off if we go up and get David Bailey and then fill in the rest of our needs with third and fourth round picks or are we better off trading down from 12 and trying to get another pick inside the top 50 and just using, you know, let's say it's like 16, 20 and, you know, 40. Are we better off just having numbers on defense? I think we could debate what's the best strategy here, but yes, absolutely, they are having those discussions about what's the best way to try to hurry up and fix this defense.

[C]

All right, well, there's another way that we mentioned last week to Thursday. On Thursday. I want to run it by you, Marcus. We'll do that when we come back. A lot of good comments already on the show. Thank you everybody for jumping in. We, we don't always get to read them, but we see them all and we appreciate it. And again, we're here for you and we want to hear from you as much as you can. So thank you. We appreciate it. All right. When we come back, more Cowboys talk. This is the Cowboys Squad show.

[D]

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[C]

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[B]

Yeah, it's possible. I would not be shocked to see the Cowboys make a trade for a veteran, whether that's a linebacker or another pass rusher. But we are getting close to the time that a lot of these teams just want to deal with the draft and handle the draft and they'll make trades afterwards. And we just got done talking about George Pickens and that's what happened last year. That the Steelers wanted to move George Pickens before the draft for a top 100 pick. Nobody was interested. The Cowboys were hoping Tedro McMillan was going to fall to them at 12. That didn't happen. And once he was off the board, the Cowboys basically knew in their back pocket, hey, we can go get a George Pickens deal done. Pittsburgh was interested in that before, and that's how it played out, I think, was two weeks later, the Cowboys made that move for Pickens. So I would not be shocked if they made a move for a linebacker before the draft. But I think at this point, it probably makes more sense just to get on with the draft, see how it plays out, and then if you got to go fill the need afterwards, go ahead and do that.

[A]

Yeah, I mean, I, I, I think where we're at again, sitting here today, I mean, I think this team is going to see what happens in this draft. I believe that they'll be, they'll be working the phones like crazy on both sides of it, either, either to talk about moving up or to talk about moving out. Because I don't believe where they sit today that even them being the Joneses being shot and Amber, they don't, they don't know what they're going to do. They're still look at it all in every scenario. And, you know, I think, I think that's the great thing about getting on these podcasts and having a radio show. I mean, you can talk about it every day leading up to the draft. And then I think, like you said, I mean, I think that there's still going to be action after all of it's over with. And I do think that a veteran, period, I wish I could point to who it was, but I'm not sure that I can.

[B]

We'll see. I'm still hopeful that that happens, but I am at the point where I kind of just want to draft and then we'll see from there.

[C]

Yeah. Although, as you both know, and everybody watching and listening knows that, I mean, most of the surprises on draft night are the ones that no one saw coming. So that's, that's the beauty of it as well. Heard all these different rumors, but there could be something completely out of left field that we have no idea was in the works or, And I think, would you agree, Marcus, too? Like, we've talked a lot about the three, four defensive guys at the top of the draft and that they'll likely be gone before 12. And so I think the other kind of X factor for me is we don't really know how the Cowboys view those players. Do they. Do they view them as just the top four in this draft? Do they view them, any one of them, as a guy that they really want to build as a. As a cornerstone of their defense for the future? You know, a transitional player? You know, we just. We just don't know that.

[B]

Yeah. And that's what we're trying to figure out, as we're about two and a half weeks away from the draft, is which. Which of these guys do the Cowboys like? Which one of the ones are they maybe hoping go off the board? Because, I mean, we, we could mention the names, right? David Bailey, Arvel Reese, Sonny Styles, Reuben Bain, Monsoon Delaine, Caleb Downs, and Jermaine McCoy. I can promise you there's going to be at least two of those guys that the Cowboys are not going to be interested in drafting at 12. And I think if you listen to this podcast carefully, you could probably figure out who those guys are, and you're just. Those guys are just not going to be, you know, ones that the Cowboys are targeting. So if you're. If you're sitting at 12, you want a couple of these guys to go early. So maybe a Sonny Styles does fall to you, or maybe he falls to you in a spot that makes it more attainable to go up and get him.

[A]

Yeah, I mean, you listen to what's out there right now. I mean, you know, there's a lot of people that think there could be an early run on receivers, and there's a lot of people that think that maybe one or two offensive tackles going, going this top 12. If you're a Cowboy fan, that's what you want to have happen. Yeah, you want to see a run on these receivers, and you want to see somebody get shot in the ass one way or other about a couple of these offensive tackles, because if that happens, then those guys are going to go early, and then guess what? That kicks those guys down the. Down the board to you. And now you do have a chance to get that impact player. I've said all along that I didn't think of the four guys that I like. Styles, Reese, Downs, Delane. I've said that I didn't think they'd be there, but the more you start listening to the way guys are stacking their boards up, I mean, we're just going to have to wait and see. I mean, I. I don't think there's any way of predicting or knowing one way or the other for sure. And that's four guys in the top 12 picks, you would think one of those guys would fall to you.

[B]

And here's the way that I always look at it. Coaches, it's always fun to do these mock drafts two, three weeks before the draft where there's a, you know, a bunch of defensive ends and linebackers and running backs inside the top 12. And then you get to the draft and there's always offensive linemen that go early because the NFL does not have enough quality offensive linemen. Like, they just don't. And these teams value offensive linemen more than media scouts do.

[A]

The number one. Yes, the number one position that needs to be developed, period. I mean, because how many colleges you got right now who have offensive linemen that don't even get in the three point stance?

[B]

Right? And I, I was looking at a lot of mock drafts from this time last year and nobody had Tyler Booker or Kelvin Banks, the, the tackle from Texas going inside the top 12. And what happens? Calvin Banks goes, I think, was it nine to the Saints, Tyler Booker goes 12 to the Cowboys, Gray Zable go 16 to the Seahawks. Nobody had him inside the top 20. There's just not enough quality offensive linemen. So I think by the time we get to that draft night, you're going to see at least two offensive linemen go inside the top 11 picks. And that should free things up for the Cowboys to get a good player at 12.

[A]

I mean, I agree I've said it in a different way because I'm not quite as polished as you. I said somebody will get shot in the ass about two of those guys. And that means they'll, that means for everybody out there, they will like one or two of these offensive linemen that will go sooner than what people think they should go. But simply because guess what? If you don't protect your number one asset, your quarterback, you got problems. And I know what they're going to say, that if you say, well, you, that guy was overvalued or you reached for me, you're not really reaching for need if you got a guy that's going to protect your $55 million investment.

[B]

Well, can I give you an example? Like the Chiefs, I don't see anybody.

[A]

No, no. I don't want the damn example I'm

[B]

giving it to anyways. It's free. I don't see anybody mocking offensive lineman to the Chiefs, but I look at that situation like their left tackle, Josh Simmons is coming off elbow surgery. They cut their right tackle in Jwon Taylor. Their left guard, Kingsley SUO Metia was awful. Last year, and you got a quarterback coming off a torn ACL like this seems like a prime spot for an offensive lineman because Andy Reid, he can, he can work on the receivers and the tight end stuff. He can scheme things open. He can't scheme pressure up front. If the, no, if the center's just getting killed up front or the left tackle can't handle speed, don't be surprised if the Chiefs are one of those teams drafting an offensive lineman early.

[A]

I mean, I think that absolutely could happen. And guess what? Everybody's got them either picking Delane or Bane or, or.

[B]

Or receiver.

[A]

Yeah. Yeah. So, yeah, I could, I could absolutely see. I, I could see them being one of those. One of those teams in that top, you know, in the top 11 guys that are in front of the Cowboys that would absolutely. And, and when one of them does it, all you gotta do is have one do it and then the other one says, oh, God, we had this guy ranked number two. And man, we gotta have, we got, we gotta have offensive line, we gotta do this, we gotta do that now. Boom. They draft the guy. That night falls down to you again. So I, I'm not a patient person, but, I mean, I would tell you that right now, at this point where they are, the Cowboys, they need to exercise patience. Because I do think, I do think there's absolutely a possibility that one of those guys could, could move down the

[B]

board to them and stretch. I think, I think where the Cowboys should maybe consider a trade up is if we get to pick eight, nine, and there's maybe only one guy left that you feel good about rather than crossing your fingers and hoping that he gets past all those teams, I think a trade up from like 12 to 9 is very feasible. But I think when you're going up from like 12 to 4 or 12 to 5, that's when it gets really tough. I do think they're going to be in a situation where they have at least one quality player available once we get past the first eight picks, and then we'll see.

[C]

Let me ask you this, coach. Back to my, My original intro to this. How often? I don't know if you can quantify this, but how often each draft or how often do teams come across a player in the process before the draft where they say, this guy is. This is a guy that we think can be a lifelong cornerstone. Transitional players. Is it frequent? Is it rare? Is it.

[A]

Well, you got to remember now, I mean, you, you have, you have area scouts that are out there scouting their area. Okay? And then you have a guy who's cross checking either positionally or they're cross checking that area. And so normally, you know, it all evens itself out. Especially when you're talking about these early, early first, second, third round draft picks. You talk about a hundred top hundred pick. There are going to be multiple scouts from your organization along with multiple coaches from the organization. Look at that guy. Okay? Now that doesn't mean that a guy in the fifth or sixth or seventh round down there couldn't come, couldn't come available where maybe only two guys specifically have seen him. I can remember Jason's dad, Jim Garrett, he loved Wayne Crabbat. He thought he was going to be. And he was. I mean, he was a hell of a receiver for the Jets. But I'm saying, you know, that kind of guy is usually the guy that, you know, somebody really champions and gets in position. Normally it's not these guys that are in the top hundred picks because there's too many guys that are looking at those guys. And then you got, you know, you got guys in the office who are cross checking them, guys that are just giving them film grades. So they're going to have ample looks at all of these guys that, that are early. I don't know if that answers your question or not, but very seldom would a guy come in and say, okay, this guy, this, this guy, we've got him as a third round pick and all of a sudden he's going to, because of what one guy says, he's going to get an overnight bat Lace. Well, used to call it a battlefield promotion where the guy just jumps up the board because one guy, you know, really, really puts his stamp of approval on him. It just doesn't happen like that anymore.

[C]

Okay, well, I think maybe a different way to cut it would be that if there's somebody they really love and they think he's that kind of a player, they'll move up to get him, do what they can. If they don't, they won't. If not, if they don't really like anybody else, maybe they'll go the other way. We'll see. I'm just, I'm just trying to kind of get behind the curtain here and try to put dots and connect dots and pieces together. That's all.

[A]

Be careful where you look back there. You might, you might get up on one in Zonk prices. You don't want one in zonks.

[C]

I do not. You're absolutely right. Okay, when we come back, I want to ask you, Marcus, where do things stand with maybe teams like Arizona and Cleveland possibly trading. What have you been able to kind of gather on that front? Also, the Cowboys have still been very quietly conducting their visits. One of them specifically I want to ask both of you about as well. We'll do that when we come back. Great to be with you. It's Monday night Squad show. This is the Cowboy Squad show. Hey, I want to talk to you about FanDuel because it's, as you know, it's that time of the year, tonight's night. But the NBA playoffs are here, and with every possession mattering, every matchup is magnified and every game can swing a series. And right now, FanDuel is giving new customers a great way to get in on the action. Now here's the cool thing. You can bet just $5 and get 250 in bonus bets if your first bet wins. How about that? And the app makes it really easy to follow the action with player stats, trends and matchups all in, in one place. And during the playoffs, that extra insight really matters when you're looking at stars, role players and the key moment. So it really, it just makes the entire playoff experience more engaging from start to finish. So here's what you do. You head to FanDuel.com to get started again. FanDuel, play your game. That's what you do. At FanDuel.

[D]

There's a reason Chevy trucks are known for their dependability. It's because they show up no matter the weather, push forward no matter the terrain, and deliver. That's why Chevrolet has earned more dependability awards for trucks than any other brand in 2025, according to J.D. power, because in every Chevy truck, like every Chevy driver, dependability comes standard. Visit Chevy.com to learn more. Chevrolet received the highest total number of awards among all trucks in the J.D. power 2025 U.S. vehicle Dependability Study Awards based on 2022 models. Newer models may be shown. Visit J.D. power.com awards for more details. Chevrolet together. Let's drive.

[C]

All right, we're back. Cowboy Squad Show. There it is. Marcus Mosher, co host of the daily Lockdown Cowboys podcast, former Cowboys coach Glenn Stretch Smith, Happy to be with you on this Monday night. We're going to talk about the visits in a moment. But Marcus, what what's going on with you and Landon this week? And then maybe you can segue into kind of where things are with Arizona and their rumors and Cleveland and what these teams at the top may want to do to trade down and who else may be wanting to move up if we know yeah.

[B]

So we did a show on Monday on all the different trade up scenarios that the Cowboys could potentially make. And we went with the Titans at pick 4, 4, the Browns at 6, the Chiefs at 9, and kind of discuss like why those teams would be willing to trade down, what it would cost and who the Cowboys would target. So if you missed it, I highly recommend that you go check it out later on this week's podcast. We're going to continue to talk about some running backs maybe the Cowboys could be interested in. We're going to look at some non need positions that the Cowboys could target in round one, including maybe a tight end. We're going to talk about some offensive lineman, so tune into that. But to answer your question about Arizona and Cleveland, let's start with Cleveland. Andrew Barry, the GM for the Browns, is notorious for trading down in round one. He does it just about every single year that they have a first round pick. He did it last year when it came to pick number two. They traded away from Travis Hunter, who he called a generational prospect. They traded down to number five. They have a long, long history of moving down in round one. And I think if you're the Browns who have needs that offensive tackle and wide receiver, I don't know if you're going to feel like there's a player at that spot that's worthy of consideration at 6, but they might be at 12, right? I think maybe Carnell, Tate, Makai, Lemon, those guys are much better values@pick12. And the same with the offensive lineman. Like a guy like Monroe Freeling from Georgia has been rumored to be a potential pick at 6. Nobody else has him that high. So maybe you slide down from 6 to 12, you pick up another first round pick at 20 and you're able to address those needs. And I think for Arizona, it's the same thing. They need offensive line help, they need wide receiver help. Maybe they would draft a quarterback. But ty Simpson at three, that's just way too high. But at 12, okay, suddenly that makes a lot more sense. You'd be drafting ahead of the Rams, who may be like Simpson. You'd be drafting ahead of the Jets. I think the Cardinals and the Browns are two of the most obvious tradeback candidates in this entire draft.

[C]

Okay. Anything jump out to you, Coach?

[A]

No, I mean, I mean I, you know, again, it let's. I think it's going to be such a last minute scenario. I mean, literally, what are they given for the first round this year? What's the time?

[B]

Eight minutes.

[A]

Eight minutes. I mean, you're going to see, I really do think you'll see a flurry of early looks because of where the draft is. I mean, I think you got six or seven guys. I'd like to know how many true first round grades they have. I don't know. I think it's, I want to say it's 10 or 11.

[B]

10 feels like the right number in this year class, give or take one.

[A]

Okay, so with that being said then, and I think, you know, one of our, one of, one of the guys comment and is talking about how heavy the draft is and it is, it's a very good draft, 30 to 100. I mean there's a lot of good players in there. I'm from the school that people are going to try to get themselves in position to see how many of that thirty to a hundred number, which means picks that they can get to in that situation. So I, I don't see a lot of trade up once you get to about number eight. I see everybody then looking to get out. So now you're going to see so many guys go in this draft that don't have true first round grades. I mean you, you could see some real, some real get rich or some real busted situations. I think in this draft. I think that's a real possibility.

[B]

And that's why I think the more interesting part of the draft is really picks like 15 to 30. Right. Because I would assume by that point you're going to be out of first run grades. So how does, how does the rest of the league kind of value those picks? Are you going to see teams coming up to try to get the guy that they feel like really fits their scheme and they don't worry about the depth? Or are you going to see a bunch of teams just kind of reaching because they can't trade out of that pick and you know, they're going wildly off the consensus. I, I, I think it's going to make for a fascinating Thursday night and I can't wait for it.

[A]

I mean there, there's going to be, there's going to be a lot of reaching because you're not going to have people that are going to be dying to get back into that say 15 to 30 area. You're just not, you're not may, maybe, maybe somebody want, you know, maybe somebody gets excited about the quarterback and, and Simpson and wants to get back in there. But after that I just don't see people really getting the itch to say, man, I got to get back up in the middle to the end of this first round. So you got to pick somebody. If the phone ain't ringing and your eight minutes is ticking, you got to turn the clock. You got to turn the card in at some point.

[B]

Now, there will be a couple positions where I do think teams are going to panic a little bit. It's offensive tackle. It's the same positions that it always is. It's offensive tackle and wide receivers. Because once you run out of those, there's just not any of those guys left. Like, you're not going to find quality offensive tackles on day two of the strep. You're just not. So if you're a team that desperately needs like let's say a left tackle at pick 24 or 24, 25, you can't wait to hope that a guy falls there. You might have to try to go trade up to 14 or 15 to get that guy. So that's where I could see a lot of movement in this draft.

[C]

So where, Marcus, where are you right now? Are you or is it just, you know, whistling in the dark? We have no idea. Like, where are you more inclined to see? The Cowboys making a move, moving up, moving down, staying put.

[B]

What I would like to see the Cowboys do is execute a small trade up to go get the guy that you think can be a day one starter. And I'm not saying trading up from 12 to 4 or anything like that. I'm saying trade up from 12 to 9 or 10 to lock yourself into getting one of those top defensive guys. And if that means like let's say it's the Chiefs, right, that's pick nine. Maybe you go from 12 to nine and then you move back from 20 to 29 and you give up a day three pick or something like that, right? You're moving up three spots early, you're moving back nine spots late and you're giving up a late round pick, I think that makes a ton of sense. And if that's Caleb Downs, well, at least you're getting a blue chip player. That can be a foundational part of your defense. I. I worry that if they stay at 12, they might have a good player fall to them that doesn't necessarily fit their scheme. And that's where things could get a little wonky for them. But I would like to see them do something small just to lock themselves into a great player.

[C]

What do you think, coach?

[A]

I mean, I just, I keep cutting this up a lot of different ways, but I mean, I could see, I could see this going any direction. I really Could, I could see him, I could see him trying to get up and I could see that the cost being too high and I could see him moving out. I really could. I could see if, if, if one of those four guys is not there, I could see them getting out of there. But I mean, you know, again, you guys hear me say this all the time. I mean, they air condition the desert for, for people that think they have the answer to this. And by the way, they'll, they'll let you turn your pockets inside out out there. If you want to bet as much as you want to bet, just ask Mattress Mac. He'll tell you

[B]

how many people you think know that reference. It used to be a big deal back in the day.

[C]

I think more than.

[A]

I think more than you think. I mean, every time I turn around, he's betting on the Astros. He's betting, betting on, betting on something coming out. You bet U of H Cougars. He's betting on something hopefully only at

[B]

FanDuel, the official sportsbook partner of the NFL.

[A]

And yeah, where, where, wherever. Hell, they'll. By the way, they'll take your bet too, the last I checked.

[C]

So let's talk about the, the visits really quick. Marcus. What, what have you heard on that front? One. One of them that I, I did want to ask you both about. The Cowboys did recently meet with E.J. smith, son of Emmett Smith. Brian Schottenheimer called it very cool. Could we see maybe the Cowboys pick EJ Bring him to Dallas. Like father, like son.

[B]

I'm not sure that they would need to pick him. I think he's maybe a guy that you're. You try to recruit as an undrafted free agent or something like that, but he is. And that's okay though. I mean there have been plenty of running backs, you know, throughout NFL history that have been late run picks or been undrafted that have gone on to have really good careers. He's an older running back. He'll be 24 after the draft. It's, it's. He's not a supreme athlete, but neither was his dad. And that's okay. I think he's somebody that I would keep an eye on. Late day three undrafted free agent. We'll see if the Cowboys bring him in.

[C]

Okay.

[A]

I mean I could see, I could see a late, real late pick or, or a priority free agent in that situation.

[B]

100.

[C]

He's got a great last name, right coach?

[A]

Last I checked, yeah.

[B]

It's all right.

[C]

Have you heard any Marcus, on a serious note, any of any other visits, anything? Stand out to you anything that, oh, that didn't see that coming or any surprises.

[B]

I gotta say it is interesting that Arvell Reese and David Bailey, two guys that are projected to be the number two and number three picks in this year's draft or at least inside that top four or both. 30 visits for the Cowboys. Usually the Cowboys use these 30 visits to gain information on players that are going to be drafted around where they're selecting. To me this does indicate that at least they're doing their due diligence on some players that could maybe be franchise changers. And if they get the right deal, if they have to pay 90 cents on the dollar to go up to 4 or 5 to go get them, maybe it's more likely than we think.

[A]

All right, but coach, I agree with that. I, I think you could see again, I think you could see you could sell me on any one of these options. I, I, and where they're at right now, they don't know. I, I, I, I truly believe that. I mean we're just, we, we probably know more about what the, the scenarios are or we probably talked more about these scenarios than, than what they've done so far. But I guarantee you it's fixing to get really cranked up here in the next week.

[C]

Yeah, it does seem right now like kind of the calm before the storm. Even with all those crazy rumors that we mentioned at the top does seem a little quiet. I don't know what that means.

[B]

If anything, it's the best time of the year. I, I love it. We get rumors, we get people saying out outlandish things. We get say people saying that this guy that's the third rider is going to go inside the top 15. It's great. I love all of it.

[C]

Yeah, you and I both. All right, let's, let's take our final super short timeout. We'll have our final segment coming up. This is the Cowboys squad show.

[B]

I checked Allstate first and saved hundreds

[C]

on my car insurance.

[B]

Really smart.

[C]

Unfortunately I didn't check if I, I

[B]

took the gas hose out of my car's tank.

[A]

Oh, not smart.

[B]

And I drove off while still attached to pump number three. Yeah, checking first is smart.

[D]

So check Allstate first for a quote

[B]

that could save you hundreds.

[D]

Potential savings vary subject to terms, conditions and availability. Allstate North American Insurance Company and Affiliates Northbrook, Illinois

[C]

we are back. We are now less than three weeks away from the NFL draft. The Cowboys squad show. That is former Cowboys coach Glenn Stretch Smith and the co host of the daily Lockdown Cowboys podcast, along with Landon McCool, Marcus Moer. Marcus, what do you got coming up the rest of the week on the Daily.

[B]

Yeah, we're going to keep looking at some prospects that the Cowboys have brought in for 30 visits, including Eli Stowers, a tight end from Vanderbilt. Would the Cowboys really consider drafting a tight end on Day 1 or Day 2 of the NFL Draft? How would he fit? What do you do with a tight end that has no interest in blocking? We'll tell you, so make sure you guys check it out.

[C]

That's a tease. I'm gonna tune in for that one for sure.

[B]

Okay, I gotta ask you, what would you do with a tight end that has no interest in blocking? What would you do with it?

[A]

I'd take his name off the board.

[B]

Yeah, but he runs like a four. Five over 200.

[A]

I don't give a damn. I don't give a damn if he runs like a wild hippie. He's off the board. If he can't. He. If you can't. If you won't block and.

[B]

And.

[A]

And you. I can't put you in a position to. Where. I mean, I feel that way about a receiver.

[C]

Yeah, that's.

[A]

What.

[C]

The same way.

[A]

I mean, the way today's game is. There's too many physical guys trying to knock your head off.

[B]

Yeah, but there's a pretty good tight end that's in Kansas City that has no interest in blocking.

[A]

Yeah. Yeah. Well, I mean, again, he's. He's. He's best friends with the quarterback. That's a whole different. A whole other animal.

[B]

Star wars could be best friends with Dak Prescott. I don't see why he couldn't be.

[A]

Do you ever. Do you ever take your right pinky finger and go up to the top of the keyboard on the right and just hit the delete key before it comes out?

[B]

Listen, I'm just saying that this is a really. I know.

[A]

You're just saying. You're just. You're just throwing out rip raff.

[B]

Well, I mean, we're at minute 50 of the podcast. Of course I am. What. What do you expect?

[A]

I know what you've done is sit up there in Erie and watch it snow all damn day.

[B]

And now it's driving me crazy in

[A]

this thing with the.

[B]

Have you ever seen the. The movies? The Shining with Jack Nicholson?

[A]

I have.

[B]

That's. That's exactly how I've been feeling the last couple days. Starting to go crazy up here a little bit.

[C]

Here's Marcus.

[A]

You're chasing Your wife around through the house.

[B]

That's how I feel.

[C]

Okay. All right, so I have a couple bonus questions that I'm gonna run by you guys, but final thoughts here on, on where we sit today. So we're. Anything you're looking for. We, we're just going to wait this out until we get to the draft. Anything you're kind of looking at, keeping your eye on that.

[B]

Usually, Jeff, this is the time and I'm being sincere here, where we start to hear about some players that maybe the Cowboys are considering early or some players that have maybe been pushed down their draft board. We usually start getting some of the recheck medical stuff from the NFL combine. A lot of these guys have to go back after being flagged back in February. You're going to start the year, I can promise you. You're going to start to hear over the next two weeks about guys falling on draft boards, medicals that came up, bad knees off field issues, and all that stuff is going to impact who the Cowboys might Draft at picks 12 and 20. So be on the lookout. Don't believe everything you hear, but we always like to say a drum beat. If you're hearing the same things over and over every single day, that drum beat of that's when you can start to put it into action.

[C]

Yeah, we need, we need some leaks, right? We need some teams.

[B]

We'll get some.

[C]

Don't you worry.

[A]

Nothing. If nothing else, we can make up something.

[C]

Okay, so since I have you both here, I, I think, I think I wanted to run these by you. So the NFL currently at odds with the officials, the NFL ra. The referees association, it's gotten pretty ugly, but they are going to get back to the table this week. My question is, though, in all sincerity, and hopefully that's a good sign, but I mean, can the league really afford to go into a season at this point with replacement referees? I mean, can they really do that?

[B]

You tell me. Scratch. Because I, we've seen it before. I think the answer is, yeah, they can. They clearly don't mind the controversy of having replacement referees who are going to mess things up, because you know what that means. More people talking about the games and talking about the calls and going to watch the games and talk about it. So I, I, I think they can. They've also put in a rule this year where they can use a replay from New York to correct some obvious missed calls. I think that helps gives you at least a little bit of a backstop. But to answer your question, yeah, I think they absolutely can go into the season with replacement refs.

[A]

You know, I mean, here's my take and you guys, I mean I'm open about it. I, I'm not a gambler on football. I think I'll gamble on the four leggeds all day. I'm not gambling on the two legged. But here's the thing. When, when the NFL is promoting all that has to do with gambling and all the proposition bets and all the things that are out there, I'm not real sure they can afford to then put somebody on the field who can, you know, who can affect that. I'm really from the school that they'll get something done. But here's the thing that I think a lot of people think, well, just make them full time employees. Let me tell you. Some of those guys don't want to be a full time employee. Some of those guys have great year round jobs. Some of them are, I mean I knew one when I was coaching at Northern Illinois who was a principal up there. He didn't want to be a full time official because you know, it would affect, it would have affected his retirement and all the teaching stuff and all the stuff that he had. So I don't know what, what they're really pushing for here one way or the other with the, with the, with the referees association or with the ownership group, but I would like to think that, that, that they can get together and get this fixed because to me there's way too much at stake.

[B]

Do you think they should just have full time employees? I mean, listen, I totally get what you're saying. There's, there are reps out there that have way better full time jobs, that pay more, that have better health insurance. But this is a billion dollar league. Why not go out and get full time employees and make, I mean I,

[A]

I agree with you 110%. I'm just telling you the flip side of it. That, that was always the argument. The flip side of it is some of those guys, you know, are in great positions because it has not been a, been a full time scenario. But obviously if you can get in the NFL retirement plan and there's things that you can do a hundred percent that's, I mean it's, it would be a great, it would be a great scenario for the league and the officials to get together.

[C]

I saw something over the weekend that they can, as part of their current CBA, they can hire up to at the moment 17 full time employees and they haven't done that. They don't even have 17 full time referees. So I don't know, you know, if it's because nobody wants it or they haven't offered. I, I don't know. My, my point is I, I just, I'm, I'm more with coach on this one. Marcus, I just think the game is, you got the golden goose here, and I just think you can't, and you can't mess around. I, I know the league wants to win, I know they want to win the negotiation, but, and you gotta, at some point you gotta get back to the integrity of the game. You got all this outside stuff going on, but you got to protect what's on the field. And I think that's, I don't disagree.

[B]

It's just for whatever reason, the NFL has not put a high priority on officials really at any point in the, the game's history. And I think if you really want to make the league more credible, I mean, it's already credible, but more credible and just improve the quality of the league. I do think having full time refs and like getting these guys in the off season where maybe they're using more like virtual reality so they can get even more reps so they can see things faster, they know the rules better inside and out, I just, I don't see how that would be bad for the league. And yeah, if it costs you a couple more million dollars on the bottom line, so be it. I feel like this is a trade off that's worth it for the NFL owners.

[A]

Yeah, I mean, I, I, I still think there's a human element to it. I mean, I don't want to feel like I'm watching Wimbledon and I, and, and I gotta, you know, I gotta give the. No, you clap while they, while they look to see if Absurd was in or out.

[B]

Hey, you. I didn't know you were a big tennis guy.

[A]

Just Marcus, you go to your church and I'll go to mine.

[B]

I was a big Andre Agassi fan back in the day. So. Listen, I get it.

[A]

I can see, I can see you with that hair, dude.

[B]

Yeah, listen, I would love that hair, dude, but all of a sudden it just disappeared for him. I don't know what happened.

[C]

All right, and one more. We don't have to spend too much time on this. I just, I, I feel like I'd be remiss in not bringing it up. Coach, that guy behind you on the wall there, number eight, is all over the place on social media right now, acknowledging his role with the Dolphins. And now he said that he's going to Root for the Dolphins. Everybody's calling it a conflict of interest. I, I, I, I tell, Please tell me. I, I don't know what the big deal is. I mean, Troy, I don't either.

[A]

Troy is one of the most professional people I've ever been around in life, period. And he, you know, he's, he loves the game. And guess what? He, if you don't know that he loves what he does, all you have to do is listen to one game that he, that he calls. I mean, he's, he's, he's, I think he's the best at what he does, and I get it. You could say, well, you're biased, and I probably am, but, I mean, I think when you, when you look at Troy, he, you know what? He, he has made it known multiple times that he would have helped this organization had, had they wanted help, and, and they chose not to do that. And guess what? Troy's, you know, gonna, gonna, gonna give his expertise to somebody who wants it. I, I don't think that's any different than what Tom Brady is doing. I mean, yeah, Mark Davis wanted him involved as whatever owner in that thing. And I mean, how do you know? Troy may not get in a position where, you know, he has a percentage of the Dolphins. I mean, nobody, nobody knows, but I mean, I just know this, that he's not going to, it's not going to affect the quality of the game, and certainly he's not going to do anything that's going to affect, you know, the competition side of it. I mean, he's, he's just, he's, he's a perfectionist with what he does and what he believes in. And guess what? He's got a lot of great point of reference, and he's going to get it, give it to somebody that wants it. And if Stephen Ross and the Miami Dolphins want it and they're opening their arms and letting him in that building, then I'm sure he's, you know, going to go put on that. What color is that? Aqua. What? What, what is the color that they wear?

[B]

Right, Teal?

[C]

Yeah, no, I, I just don't see what I mean. I, I, to say that he can't go into a broadcast booth and focus on the game and, and not be a cheerleader or not have a conflict of interest. It's a, just, to me, that's just a stupid take. I, I don't, I don't get that.

[A]

I'm with you.

[C]

All right, gentlemen. Well, we, the good news is, after this show, we're going to be even closer to the draft when we rejoin you on Thursday night. We'll be two weeks away exactly. To the NFL draft, which is great. And then a week, it's going to be here before we know it. In the meantime, I mean this sincerely. Check out Marcus and Landon on the daily Locked on Cowboys podcast. They are all over it. Check them out every single day. You can do that and join the everydayers club. So you can just do both. But you guys know, I mean, you're watching this. That's because of Marcus and Landon and what they do. So. Marcus, thank you. We look forward.

[A]

Let me ask you. We had a. We had a basketball school win a football championship. We got. We're going to have a football school win a basketball championship.

[B]

I certainly hope so. That. Well, I'm. Well, I hope Yukon wins. So. No, I hope it's not a football school. I've got, I've got Yukon in all my brackets. So let's go.

[A]

I hear you. Good luck. I thought. I think you gotta. I think you got a beat down coming.

[B]

That's right. If we win, I might not be doing this podcast anymore. We'll see.

[A]

Hey, get after it. I like that. I like the sound of that. Send me a hundred too, coach.

[C]

Have a great week. We'll talk to you on Thursday. Marcus. Thank you, brother. Thank you everybody for watching, watching and jumping in with your comments. We love you guys. This has been the Cowboys squad show.

[D]

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[C]

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