Cowboys to sign Michael Sam to practice squad

The Dallas Cowboys are reportedly planning to sign Michael Sam to their practice squad on Wednesday if the former St. Louis Rams defensive end passes a physical, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Sam was released by the Rams last week in a move that surprised some after he played well in the preseason and showed his ability to get to the quarterback. It was even more surprising that St. Louis didn’t keep Sam on its practice squad, but the former co-SEC Defensive Player of the Year was not on the unemployment line very long.

There have already been rumblings that Jerry Jones is bringing in Sam as a public relations stunt, especially after it was recently revealed that the Cowboys owner desperately wanted to draft Johnny Manziel in order to assure his team’s relevance. However, the Cowboys need all the help they can get on defense and are very thin at defensive line — especially after losing DeMarcus Ware in the offseason.

We’re not saying Sam is or ever will be anything close to Ware, but he has a legitimate shot at getting on the field if he impresses on the Cowboys practice team. I’m sure Jones will enjoy selling Sam jerseys, but signing Sam is almost certainly a football move.