With training camps opening around the league very soon, the Dallas Cowboys are one of many teams still facing a common issue that is plaguing the league for the first time.
It's the well-known problem of second-round picks still not having their rookie contracts signed, and Donovan Ezeiruaku is firmly entrenched in that situation. But, the San Francisco 49ers just announced the signing of their second rounder, Alfred Collins, which should give Dallas exactly what they've needed: clarity.
Why is this significant? For those who might not remember, the 49ers selected Collins just before the Cowboys drafted Ezeiruaku with the very next pick. But, let's back up just a bit for even more context.
Before Collins, only two second rounders had signed their deals, with Jayden Higgins and Carson Schwesinger getting fully-guaranteed contracts from the Texans and Browns, respectively. They were also the first two picks of the second round.
Jerry Jones now knows what he needs to do in order to get a deal done with Donovan Ezeiruaku
Collins' deal was a 4-year, $10.3 million contract and he got $9 million guaranteed. That's roughly 84 percent of his money being guaranteed. So, for the Cowboys and Ezeiruaku, the blueprint has been officially laid out and the former Boston College standout could, indeed, be on the field for the start of training camp after all.
Ezeiruaku could easily argue to get the exact same deal as Collins, being the pick right after him. Of course, it be much more convoluted for the rest of the second rounders and their respective teams.
But, when it comes to the Cowboys? Shoot, the 49ers just made things pretty easy. And, of all teams to help the Cowboys gain clarity in this situation, it's sort of comical that it ended up being San Francisco.
Aside from fellow NFC East rivals, we know good and well that Cowboys fans are especially familiar with their hatred for San Francisco after many, many postseason battles that have not been forgotten.
At least, for now, it appears as though John Lynch and the 49ers have done the Cowboys a bit of a favor. The question is, will Jerry Jones extend his hand and accept the gift?