Dec 18, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Ladarius Green (89) runs against Cincinnati Bengals outside linebacker Vontaze Burfict (55) during the second half at Paul Brown Stadium. The Steelers won 24-20. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports

Dallas Cowboys: 2017 will be both better and worse by Tyrone Starr

With the future of the tight end position still unclear, should the Dallas Cowboys consider signing veteran free agent Ladarius Green?

The Dallas Cowboys are in the middle of preparing for training camp and the team must figure out which players will make their 53-man roster.

Some names are more obvious than others but important position battles will determine whether or not specific fringe/role players make the cut. Before all of that gets underway, the team might be thinking about adding a veteran or two to help bolster a very young roster.



The Pittsburgh Steelers finally released injury plagued tight end Ladarius Green this week, which brings up an interesting question for the Cowboys. Should Dallas take a chance on the 26-year old tight end who has shown the ability to be incredibly productive?

It was concussions and ankle issues that kept Green off the field last year. So his medicals are a big concern for any team willing to take a chance on him. Last season, Green recorded 18 receptions for 304 yards and one touchdown in six games.

During his previous four-year stint with the San Diego Chargers, backing up legendary tight end Antonio Gates, Ladarius posted a total of 77 repetitions for 1,087 yards and seven scores in 47 games.



The Cowboys are currently pretty light at the tight end position. 35-year old Jason Witten just signed a five-year, $29.6 million extension. But it’s unlikely Witten will play out that contract. And the depth behind him is relatively thin.

Both James Hanna (knee) and Geoff Swaim (foot, pectoral) are dealing with injury issues that will likely have them both out until training camp. Or possibly longer.

Former basketball player Rico Gathers has made significant strides this offseason and seemingly has become the favorite to play a big role in this offense. The main issue is his lack of experience. Gathers has barely played pro football and that could set him back a bit in terms of his productivity on the field again this season.

A veteran Green could come in and immediately contribute if he is cleared medically. And if the Cowboys can bring in the five-year veteran on the cheap, he could end up being a terrific addition to this offense.

Green should draw little to no interest from other NFL teams as he has yet to fulfill his potential as an NFL player. The Cowboys could capitalize on this and offer him a team friendly contract. Regardless, if they add Green or not, the Cowboys need to look ahead at the future of the position.

In such a deep tight end class, the Cowboys outright ignored the position during the 2017 NFL Draft last month. Signing a player like Ladarius Green could be their opportunity to add some quality depth.