Cowboys And Rams Swap Former First-Round Draft Picks

By Justin Worsley

The Dallas Cowboys have officially traded underachieving linebacker Bobby Carpenter to the St. Louis Rams in exchange for offensive tackle Alex Barron.

Carpenter, who was never able to cut it in Dallas' 3-4 defense, only started two games in his career, playing behind Zach Thomas and Keith Brooking during his career. The former Ohio State star was selected 18th overall in the 2006 NFL Draft. During last month's draft, the Cowboys selected Penn State linebacker Sean Lee.

Barron has played in 76 career games, making 74 starts, but has been plagued by offsides penalties, but has shown improvement. Last season, Barron was only called for offsides five times, a career low. Barron, who was selected 19th overall in the 2005 NFL Draft, has played both right and left tackle for the Rams, but became expendable when the Rams drafted Jason Smith with last season's second overall pick as well as Roger Saffold this season with the first pick in the second round. Both players will compete for left tackle.

Carpernter will reunite with fellow Ohio State alums James Laurinaitis, Na'il Diggs and Larry Grant. The change of defense may benefit Carpenter, who will operate in a 4-3 defense.

Three of the Ram's first-round draft selection in the last six seasons are no longer on the team. Barron could start at left tackle for Dallas, who released franchise left tackle Flozell Adams last month.