Perhaps the most controversial bit of Cowboys news to come out of the 2014 NFL free agency period so far is the Dallas Cowboys' signing of former Cleveland Browns quarterback Brandon Weeden.
Speaking to David Moore of the Dallas Morning News, Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett defended the decision to bring in the oft-mocked 30-year-old two-year NFL pro --
“We want to develop a guy, and we feel like Brandon Weeden is a guy we can develop,’’ Garrett stated to Moore. “We feel like he’s got a lot of upside, and we want to get him in an environment where we can help him grow and develop."
Social media outlets have been blitzed by Dallas Cowboys fans mocking the Cowboys decision to sign Weeden, whose advanced age for his current NFL experience and propensity for throwing key interceptions has Cowboys fans worried about their possible future.
However, the Cowboys are only investing just over $1.2 million in Weeden over the next two years, with the Cleveland Browns putting in $2.1 million of his salary over that time frame -- making Weeden a possible low-risk, high-reward emergency option.
Brandon Weeden appeared in 23 games for the Cleveland Browns from 2012-13, making 20 starts (5-15 as a starter). His 52.8% completion percentage in 2013 ranked him dead-last out of 37 qualifying quarterbacks during the regular season.