NFL Rumors: Trading Mike Jenkins Makes Perfect Sense for Dallas Cowboys

With Morris Claiborne now a member of the Dallas Cowboys, it appears Mike Jenkins is the odd man out. That's why, despite less than stellar conditions, he is the perfect candidate for a trade. 

According to Pro Football Talk, via Twitter, the Cowboys are already actively shopping the 27-year-old corner.

"

Per league source, with Mo Claiborne in the fold the Cowboys are shopping Mike Jenkins.

— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) April 27, 2012"

I understand the allure of holding onto Jenkins.

The more capable cornerbacks that a team has, the better. That's especially true in today's NFL, which is becoming more and more of a passing league. 

When guys like Eli Manning are throwing 60 times in each game against you, twice per season, it's important to have depth.

Claiborne and Brandon Carr will line up on the outside, with Orlando Scandrick in the slot. However, even though Jenkins is likely the odd man out, he adds necessary depth in today's style of play.

What's more, with Rob Ryan at the helm of the defense, more depth will allow him to get a little bit more creative with his play-calling. 

Keeping Mike Jenkins, even though he has struggled at times, has plenty of appeal. Nonetheless, the Cowboys need to find a way to trade him.

They just have too many remaining needs, as ESPN's Calvin Watkins points out.

"

Needs for Day 2: WR, TE, OL, DE

— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) April 27, 2012"

Remember that Dallas' first-round trade means that they will no longer pick in the second round. Combine that with those four needs, and they have some serious work to do. 

Jenkins won't bring a ton of value in a trade, but his cheap contract—which only has one year remaining—means that teams lacking a corner will obviously be interested.

He'll likely bring in a third- or fourth-round pick, and that means Dallas will have a better chance at filling all their needs rather than holding on to Jenkins for depth.

At this point, that should be priority No. 1. 

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