JJT: Spending spree not expected

Spending spree not expected
Jean-Jacques Taylor

Don't expect Jerry Jones to go on a big-time shopping spree when free agency starts Friday. Expect a much more reserved approach.

That's not necessarily a bad thing.

The Cowboys need some help at a few spots, but they don't have any needs so glaring they need to be a big spender to fill their holes. Besides, guard and free safety, the Cowboys' two biggest needs, aren't positions where teams traditionally spend a lot of money.

So look for the Cowboys to try and strike a deal with former Arizona Cardinals tackle and UT product Leonard Davis, who's probably the third-best tackle in the free-agent market, which means he can be had for a reasonable cost. If the Cowboys can re-sign Marc Colombo, then Dallas would probably have a pretty solid offensive line without having spent a lot of money.

Then the Cowboys can turn their attentions to safety, where Ken Hamlin is a good option, if they can get him for the right price. If not, the Cowboys can wait for a safety to fall in the draft and grab a traditional free safety in the first or second round.

Last year, the Cowboys were pretty active signing players such as linebacker Akin Ayodele and guard Kyle Kosier, who contributed to a playoff season. But they also wasted money on guys such as kicker Mike Vanderjagt, tight end Ryan Hannam, offensive tackle Jason Fabini and linebacker Rocky Boiman.

Jones won't allow that to happen again.