2012 NFL Free Agency: Cowboys Achieve Early Goals but More Work Remains

Heading into March 13th, the Dallas Cowboys found themselves with a laundry list of needs to fill. Not only have they already accomplished two of their primary goals in free agency by upgrading their secondary and signing a capable backup quarterback, but they also signed a bruising fullback and added an interior offensive lineman. Not bad for the second day of the free-agency bonanza and it also appears some additional visits are lined up as well.

Cornerback Brandon Carr, the Cowboys top target, agreed Wednesday to a five-year contract, and quarterback Kyle Orton agreed to a three-year deal that will make him Tony Romo’s backup. The Cowboys also announced the signings of offensive lineman Mackenzy Bernadeau from the Carolina Panthers to a four-year deal, and fullback Lawrence Vickers from Houston Texans to a two-year deal.

The first day of free agency the Cowboys were busy laying much of the groundwork that brought the day two haul. Brandon Carr was whisked to Cowboys Stadium and the courtship began. Signing Carr was going to be the key to the entire offseason for two reasons. He fills the most dire need on the Cowboys and also gives the team major flexibility heading into the draft.

With the Cowboys being levied by the NFL salary-cap fiasco I didn't think Kyle Orton would be attainable. However, not only were the Cowboys able to land him, but in my estimation he was the best possible fit for the backup quarterback position. Orton brings a career resume that includes a 58 percent completion rate, 14,532 yards passing, 80 touchdowns and 57 interceptions, while playing for the Chicago Bears, Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs.

Vickers, a bruising fullback who helped Arian Foster achieve greatness, has played in 90 games, with 38 starts the past six seasons with the Cleveland Browns and Houston Texans. He was originally drafted by the Browns in the sixth round of the 2006 draft. I was a little surprised the Cowboys failed to reach a deal with Tony Fiammetta but landing Vickers will provide DeMarco Murray with a true fullback that's just as capable.

At 6'4" and 308 pounds, Bernadeau has played in 47 games while starting 20 over the past four seasons for the Carolina Panthers at guard. After starting 12 games in 2010 he saw that drastically reduced to one start in 2011. With the Cowboys clearly not being able to afford Ben Grubbs or Carl Nicks, they turned their attention to other alternatives and Bernadeau will now be counted on to provide depth and play a significant role.

Day two of free agency brought a sigh of relief to all Cowboy fans. Brandon Carr is signed, sealed and delivered along with Orton, Vickers and Bernadeau. But is the work complete for the Cowboys?  Absolutely not. The Cowboys still have scheduled visits with ILB Dan Connor, SS Brodney Pool and OG Nate Livings lined up this week. All three players fill needs and would be welcome additions.

After coming off a disappointing season, this early free-agency haul has provided a renewed optimism heading into the rest of free agency and the draft. Let's hope the Cowboys keep working on the offseason makeover. Although work still remains, I'd say it's off to a great start.