2012 NFL Free Agency: Dallas Cowboys out to Prove Plan Remain Unchanged

With the start of free agency now officially underway, the Cowboys can now focus their attention on their offseason priorities instead of league mandated penalties. Although the Cowboys didn't make the Day One splash everyone expected, they certainly made significant progress.  After re-working the deals of Orlando Scandrick and Doug Free, they created more breathing room by severing ties with Terrance Newman and David Beuhler.

Not only was Jerry Jones able to free up some much needed cap-room by dumping Newman and Beuhler, but the Cowboys began their much anticipated pursuit of top rated corner Brandon Carr by bringing him to Cowboys Stadium. Locking up Carr long-term would be the first and most important sign that the teams' plans remain unchanged in light of what transpired with the salary cap ruling. Despite the pursuit of Carr, the Cowboys were just getting started as they now have multiple visits lined up with players who all fill needs at different positions.

Kyle Orton will also be making a visit to Dallas in what appears to be their attempt to solidify the backup quarterback position. Whether Orton is not generating any interest as a starter or he's content in a backup role is irrelevant at this point. The fact that the Cowboys are bringing him in shows me how serious they are about having a better insurance plan at quarterback than McGee.

A few other interesting tidbits from Day One of free agency has the Cowboys also lining up visits with inside linebacker Dan Connor and backup tight end Kellen Davis. Showing interest in Connor not only will provide depth but it seals the fate of any chance Keith Brooking had of returning and shows the Cowboys are committed to youth. Davis is interesting because he wasn't utilized much in fours years with the Chicago Bears, but at 6'7" and 260 pounds, he has similar measurables and attributes as Martellus Bennett. Showing interest in the amount of players the Cowboys displayed today continues to prove to me that it's business as usual, needs will be filled and the plan is well underway.

The league ruling that was handed down on the Cowboys could've crippled most of their free agency plans. By creating cap space, releasing players and showing hot pursuit of free agents like Brandon Carr and Kyle Orton, the Cowboys are taking some important steps towards their offseason promises. Let's hope Day Two results in some signed contracts. With a few other areas of concern such as Laurent Robinson, offensive line, defensive line and safety, let's also hope the plan remains unchanged.