Football: The newest Cowboys
San Antonio Express-News The Cowboys didn't make a big splash in free agency, but that doesn't mean the team's talent level wasn't upgraded. A controlled, smart approach by owner Jerry Jones and new coach Wade Phillips brought in three capable veterans, including one former Texas standout. Express-News Cowboys beat writer Tom Orsborn takes a look at each signing and offers his grade on the haul:
The Big One
It's a fitting tag for Leonard Davis, both in terms of his size (6-foot-6, 366 pounds) and contract (seven years for nearly $50 million, including a club-record $16 million signing bonus). Yes, the Cowboys overpaid for the underachieving UT alumnus and former Arizona left tackle. But he's an upgrade over Marco Rivera at right guard, a spot that hides Davis' weaknesses and should allow him to maximize his strengths. Davis also can play left tackle next season if Dallas decides not to re-sign Flozell Adams.
The Old One
Quarterback Brad Johnson bristles at the suggestion the Cowboys gave him a three-year, $7.5 million deal to mentor Tony Romo. The 38-year-old Johnson isn't as sharp as when he guided Tampa Bay to a Super Bowl title in 2002, but Jones and Phillips are confident he can lead Dallas to the playoffs should Romo go down with an injury or prove to be a one-year wonder. Johnson would relish the chance to prove them right.
The Smart One
The Cowboys signed free safety Ken Hamlin to a one-year deal worth $2.5 million as much for his brains as his brawn. He's a hard hitter who can also cover, a must if Phillips wants Pro Bowl safety Roy Williams to play closer to the line of scrimmage. But Phillips also wants Hamlin to be his coach on the field. It should be an easy task for the Arkansas alumnus, who often required his fellow Seattle defensive backs to work overtime studying film.
The Grade: B
For filling all their major needs without breaking the bank and for re-signing Pro Bowl center Andre Gurode, right tackle Marc Colombo and kicker Martin Gramatica, Jones should take a bow.
What's next?
The Cowboys have 10 picks in the 2007 NFL draft on April 28-29, including three in the top 87. Jones says they'll use the first-round pick, No. 22 overall, on the best player available. Early reports suggest it will be either a defensive back or a receiver.
The Big One
It's a fitting tag for Leonard Davis, both in terms of his size (6-foot-6, 366 pounds) and contract (seven years for nearly $50 million, including a club-record $16 million signing bonus). Yes, the Cowboys overpaid for the underachieving UT alumnus and former Arizona left tackle. But he's an upgrade over Marco Rivera at right guard, a spot that hides Davis' weaknesses and should allow him to maximize his strengths. Davis also can play left tackle next season if Dallas decides not to re-sign Flozell Adams.
The Old One
Quarterback Brad Johnson bristles at the suggestion the Cowboys gave him a three-year, $7.5 million deal to mentor Tony Romo. The 38-year-old Johnson isn't as sharp as when he guided Tampa Bay to a Super Bowl title in 2002, but Jones and Phillips are confident he can lead Dallas to the playoffs should Romo go down with an injury or prove to be a one-year wonder. Johnson would relish the chance to prove them right.
The Smart One
The Cowboys signed free safety Ken Hamlin to a one-year deal worth $2.5 million as much for his brains as his brawn. He's a hard hitter who can also cover, a must if Phillips wants Pro Bowl safety Roy Williams to play closer to the line of scrimmage. But Phillips also wants Hamlin to be his coach on the field. It should be an easy task for the Arkansas alumnus, who often required his fellow Seattle defensive backs to work overtime studying film.
The Grade: B
For filling all their major needs without breaking the bank and for re-signing Pro Bowl center Andre Gurode, right tackle Marc Colombo and kicker Martin Gramatica, Jones should take a bow.
What's next?
The Cowboys have 10 picks in the 2007 NFL draft on April 28-29, including three in the top 87. Jones says they'll use the first-round pick, No. 22 overall, on the best player available. Early reports suggest it will be either a defensive back or a receiver.
posted by The Gryphon at 6:13 PM
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