The Cowboys claimed tight end Colin Cochart off waivers from the Bengals on Saturday. To make room, the Cowboys waived fourth-year quarterback Stephen McGee, who was informed of the move minutes before he was headed out to practice.
McGee, a fourth-round pick in 2009, spent the last three years as the No. 3 quarterback. When the Cowboys signed veteran Kyle Orton to back up Tony Romo this offseason, the writing was on the wall for McGee, who was in the final year of his contract.
Since McGee is not practice squad eligible, he can only return to the team on the active roster. Earlier this week, team owner Jerry Jones said the other teams around the league had expressed interest in McGee, but a trade never materialized.
As for Cochart, his signing might signal the Cowboys’ comfort level with Jason Witten, who did practice on Saturday in full pads. Cochart becomes the fourth tight end on the roster, along with John Phillips and James Hanna.
He played in 11 games last year with three starts as a rookie with the Bengals. Cochart caught five passes for 44 yards and a touchdown, although he was used more as a blocker.
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