The Cowboys aren't messing around this year. It appears that they are fully aware of what everyone else has noticed about the 2011 roster as well. There were holes all over the place. And they couldn't sit back and wait this year if they want to be a real contender next season.
After signing 4 players on Wednesday (Brandon Carr, Kyle Orton, Lawrence Vickers, Mackenzy Bernadeau) they have also added Dan Connor (ILB), Brodney Pool (S), and Nate Livings (G). That is now 7 players that are directly addressing the obvious needs that the Cowboys had heading into the offseason.
In Dan Connor the Cowboys got an inside linebacker with starting experience who can push Bruce Carter this offseason. And he will act as insurance if Bruce Carter doesn't turn out to be what the Cowboys are expecting him to be. This moves seems to signal that Bradie James and Keith Brooking won't be coming back next season. They assigned Connor jersey #56 so that says everything you need to know about Bradie James coming back.
Brodney Pool is a decent safety with experience in Rob Ryan's defense. He isn't the ball hawking type of safety we are all hoping for, but he does appear to be a slight upgrade over Abe Elam. I'm not sure if the Cowboys are counting on Pool to start or provide depth but he does make the safety position much deeper heading into the draft. He only got a one year deal for the Cowboys so it is likely that the Cowboys aren't done at safety and have plans in the draft.
The surprising move to me took place today. The Cowboys signed a sure-fire starter to shore up the interior line with Nate Livings. He has size (6' 5", 332 lbs) and he has started every game for the last two seasons for the Bengals. I have a feeling that Kyle Kosier is about to be shown the door after this signing. The Cowboys have now signed two guards and they have several on the roster who appear to be capable of developing into starters.
I have to say I am very impressed with the results the Cowboys have had early in free agency. They have managed to address many of the most glaring roster needs without destroying the salary cap this year or in the future. They are signing solid players, many who will start, and aren't breaking the bank to get them. It appears Jason Garrett and Jerry Jones are planning to get this team turned around next season. Last years roster purge / mini-rebuilding is over and it is time to start focusing on playoff victories again.
It really seems as if Jerry Jones has taken a step back and let Jason Garret handle business. Which is about the most refreshing thing about all of this. I feel a wind of change blowing through our beloved team, how about you?
ReplyDeleteFirst off, great article, I know you here it a lot, but please keep up the good work! I agree with what you and Darnell have said- it appears the Cowboys are addressing needs without breaking the bank and going after high end free agents and that is good to see.
ReplyDeleteWith the signings you have listed plus the franchising of Spencer it really makes me think they are going to target a DT who can play NT or DE in our 3/4 defense. Given the fact that there is for sure going to be 2 QBs, 1 WR, 1 OT, 1 CB, and maybe another QB, WR, OT, and maybe 1 RB, taken BEFORE Dallas picks that should mean one of the top 3 Dlinemen should be available by the time Dallas picks. Heck maybe 1 of the top 2 Dlinemen might be available. It is still possible that they draft a CB in the first and you can never have enough of those, but I would rather see a big nasty DT drafted that can play DE in our 3/4.
WDA
How would you feel about Dontari Poe? Kid looks like the real deal but I wonder why he never stuck out in college... Could just be a workout warrior. But I agree that we need to draft a true DT and let Ratliff slide to end. Two birds with one stone!
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