Guard Ronald Leary sought a trade out of Dallas last offseason because he was poised to serve as a backup in 2016. The Cowboys weren’t willing to oblige, which ended up being a plus for both them and Leary. After starting left guard La’el Collins went on injured reserve in late September, Leary took his place and thrived as part of an elite offensive line. The timing was great for Leary, who’s scheduled to hit the open market in March.
While Leary is open to staying in Dallas, the 27-year-old realizes Collins’ return to health will likely prevent that, according to Clarence Hill of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
“Going into the season I didn’t think I was going to be playing at all,” Leary said Monday. “As far as free agency, that’s one thing I’m just going to let it play itself out, see how things work out and talk with my agent and see how things go from there.”
Leary, who entered the NFL in 2012 as an undrafted free agent from Memphis, has spent his entire career with the Cowboys. He started in 35 straight appearances over his first three seasons, but he dealt with a groin injury in 2015 and Collins usurped his No. 1 role. With Collins on the shelf for most of this season, Leary made 12 starts in 13 games and ranked an impressive 25th in overall performance among Pro Football Focus’ 76 qualified guards.
I’d love to see the Giants take a run at him in FA. He could slide in at right guard and give them a very nice middle with Pugh, Richberg and Leary. Since he Giants like to run between the tackles and the running game has been less then impressive it would be a no-brainer. Also, would give them a nice young interior line (all would be under 28 years old). Investing $8m per for 4 years sounds doable and would let LeRy play twice a year against the team that let him go.
I don’t think you could call it “letting him go” as much as just not willing to match what he could gain on the open market (and gain a pick out of it). Part of his frustration came from them NOT “letting him go” last year, which as the article states was a win/win for both.
The Cowboys should resign since they don’t have another good option
la el Collins, zac Martin, they have a few options.
La’el Collins is a perfectly good option and a much better player than Leary.
Don’t have another good option, then how come he hasn’t been the starter for the past couple years? You don’t know what you’re talking about
I expect Coughlin and the Jaguars to make an offer.
The Cardinals need to get on the phone now