NFL Free Agency: Grading the Dallas Cowboys Pick-Ups

If fans and pundits did not believe the Dallas Cowboys were serious about winning right now, their attack on free agency should serve as notice. Dallas overhauled their offensive line, improved their secondary, and gave themselves some offensive insurance.

Team owner Jerry Jones wants a Super Bowl and it’s easy to tell just how bad he wants it.

On Tuesday, the team cut cornerback Terence Newman for cap, age, and play reasons. To backfill Newman, they turned around and signed 25-year-old cornerback Brandon Carr. Last season, opposing quarterbacks had a 61.7 quarterback rating against him.

Dallas also signed another former Kansas City player in Kyle Orton. The well-traveled quarterback struck a deal to become the new back-up quarterback in Dallas.

In the past, Dallas has depended on a well-seasoned veteran or a young player to start in place of an injured Tony Romo. With Orton, Dallas has insurance in case Romo goes out with an injury.

They improved on paper and should compete for the NFC East crown in 2012. But just how good did they get?

Let’s grade them. Here are all the Cowboys' free agent pick-ups with a shiny, elementary letter next to them.

Brandon Carr, CB: B Plus

I won’t give it an “A” because I believe Carr benefited from his class of free agents. By no means am I suggesting that Carr is bad or overrated, but the same thing happened last season when the Eagles signed Nnamdi Asomugha.

At any rate, Carr is a very good cornerback who may be able to provide the Cowboys with stability in the defensive backfield for a decade or so. His deal is five years and once that’s done, he’ll just be 30 years old.

The team did itself a favor by signing Carr, and there should be a nice payoff in return.

Kyle Orton, QB: A Minus

How do I give a “B” to Carr, but an “A” to Orton? Simple: The Cowboys needed a new back-up quarterback and they overachieved by snagging Orton.

If Romo is injured in 2012 and Dallas had to depend on Stephen McGee, how far do you believe this team could go?

It is one of their most important signings this year because of the value this brings to the franchise. Orton will also serve as a great potential mentor for McGee.

Nate Livings, G: B

Livings is a big guard with great potential. He’s a veteran and will add depth, experience and leadership to the Cowboys offensive line.

His deal is worth $19 million for five years and he should have every opportunity to snag the starting job. Depth, depth, depth is what the Cowboys needed, and that is what they received.

Lawrence Vickers, FB: C Minus

Vickers is a six-year veteran with all the tools to aid the Cowboys running game. He’s played for the Browns and Texans throughout his career and brings that experience with him to Dallas.

I give this signing a “C” because the Cowboys did not keep fullback Tony Fiammetta. Jones called him the best fullback the team has had since Moose Johnston and they failed to offer him a tender.

A little baffling, but I understand the business.

Mackenzy Bernadeau, G: C

Bernadeau was a seventh-round pick back in 2008 and has turned into a pretty good guard. Odds are against him being a starter for Dallas, unless a player goes down with an injury.

But this goes a long way in revamping the line and adding younger players who have enough experience to provide leadership.

Dan Connor, LB: B Minus

The Cowboys needed help at the linebacker position, and Connor fills that hole. If Connor fails, no worry for the team as his deal is only for two years.

According to Charean Williams of Cowboys Corner, he’ll compete with linebacker Bruce Carter for the starting position.

Brodney Pool, S: C Plus

Pool adds depth and youth to the Cowboys secondary. There is still a high chance that the Cowboys go after safety Mark Barron in the first round. He’s talented, physical and disciplined.

It would be great to either swap them both or have Pool serve as a deep reserve.