NFL Rumors: Free Agent CB Brandon Carr Again Linked to Dallas Cowboys

We can add a fourth voice to the ever-growing speculation pot that says the Dallas Cowboys will pursue free agent cornerback Brandon Carr once the NFL's free agency period begins on March 13.

ESPN's Adam Schefter, while appearing on Sportscenter (via Rotoworld), said that the Cowboys "are expected to have a heavy interest in Brandon Carr."

Three others—Tony Pauline of Sports Illustrated, Calvin Watkins of ESPNDallas.com and Pro Football Weekly—had previously linked Carr to the Cowboys towards the end of February. Schefter, who is among the most plugged-in NFL reporters available, obviously has confirmed what those three had heard a couple of weeks back.

Pauline wrote on Sunday of the NFL combine that the Cowboys were widely believed to be the front-runners for Carr if he hit free agency.

"

Teams here in Indianapolis feel when the dust clears in free agency cornerback Brandon Carr will be the newest member of the Dallas Cowboys.  The team will then look to use their first selection on an offensive lineman, but who?  Last night we reported the Baltimore Ravens would likely target Cordy Glenn.  They may need a back-up plan as word is Glenn continues to sky-rocket up draft boards and ending up with Dallas in the top half of round one is a real possibility.

"

Watkins wrote on Feb. 28 that the Cowboys would target both Carr and Tennessee Titans free-agent cornerback Cortland Finnegan. 

Pro Football Weekly said that the Cowboys are prepared to go "all-in" to acquire Carr if he hit free agency unsigned.

"

Sources have said the Cowboys would love for Chiefs CB Brandon Carr to hit the open market, so they can make a run at him. The expectation is that the Chiefs could franchise Carr and are said to be in fine cap shape, but they also have WR Dwayne Bowe to worry about. If Carr somehow makes it to March 13 unsigned, expect the Cowboys to go all in for him and worry about a high-profile guard (Carl Nicks or someone else) thereafter.

"

On Monday, the Chiefs franchise-tagged receiver Dwayne Bowe, which likely means that Carr will get to free agency without a new contract. Kansas City also signed Stanford Routt to a $20 million deal, so there's a backup plan in place for the Chiefs should Carr walk. 

Carr, 25, is likely to hit free agency as the No. 1 or 2 cornerback available. He'll battle Finnegan, who is also scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent on March 13, for the top cornerback money. 

While Finnegan (14 career interceptions) is more of playmaker, Carr is younger and better fitted to play to press coverage.

The fourth-year cornerback has eight career interceptions since the Chiefs drafted Carr out of Grand Valley State in 2008. He teamed with Brandon Flowers to make one of the game's best young cornerback duos since each were taken in '08 draft.

If Carr signs with Dallas, the Cowboys can cross off one huge need from their offseason wish list. Dallas would also be able to look towards acquiring pass-rush help or an interior offensive lineman with the No. 14 overall pick in April's draft.