The Dallas Cowboys' 7 Best and Worst Moves of the 2012 Offseason

The Dallas Cowboys did a pretty good job of drumming up interest about the franchise this offseason. They made a big-splash signing, spent a lot of money and made headlines during the draft.

I would say that team owner Jerry Jones knows how to keep people talking about Dallas. But while the Cowboys were movers and shakers during free agency and the draft, did they make good decisions with their money?

From a fan's perspective, what move would you place on the good or bad list?

Well, I can certainly find a few that I believe will aid the Cowboys in their quest for a Super Bowl, and here are seven of them.

Note: If I did not mention a move or signing, it's because I did not feel it was good or bad.

Signing Brandon Carr

Yes, the Cowboys overpaid for Brandon Carr. Looking over the money and toward the talent, would you rather have Carr, only 26 years old, or an older cornerback in Cortland Finnegan?

The Cowboys made the right choice in picking Carr. A $25 million guarantee from Dallas is a large number for a corner, but the Cowboys were just about desperate in the defensive backfield.

Carr will bring toughness and versatility to the team’s secondary and may even turn that unit into a strength instead of a noted weakness.

Good Move

Failing to Draft or Sign a 0-Technique Nose Tackle

Because Dallas has no plans of making current nose tackle Jay Ratliff a permanent fixture at defensive end, adding a defensive lineman with girth wasn't too high on the list.

But I still believe the Cowboys would do themselves a mighty favor by getting a player to rotate in and out with Ratliff. Because the NFL is such a pass-oriented league now, having a nose tackle who is light and quick has worked to the Cowboys' advantage at times.

However, Ratliff can become engulfed by centers who are much larger than he, and that works against the team's defense at times. It's at least worth a look, but then again, I don't coach the defense. I just judge it.

Bad Move

Signing Kyle Orton

I really thought the Redskins would go after Orton pretty hard. He's a proven placeholder for the next starter and will actually win his fair share of games in the process.

In the right offense, he can flourish. As the Cowboys searched for someone to perform just in case Romo goes down with another injury, it was the team's choice to either draft a young quarterback or go after another veteran.

They chose the latter and it was such a great decision. Orton won't be the main signal-caller, but if his number is called, the Cowboys' offense is in good hands.

Good Move

Trading Up to Draft Morris Claiborne

Besides Claiborne, the Cowboys weren't champing at the bit to draft one single player. Many liked Alabama corner Dre Kirkpatrick, but the team didn't feel that he was worth the pick at 14.

Fans started to warm to safety Mark Barron, yet they never felt that they would receive the bang for their buck.

There were a number of players the Cowboys could have drafted that the team would have been comfortable with, yet none were like Claiborne.

He should turn out to be a franchise-defining player for Dallas or at least a player who will wear the star for years to come. Dallas gave up a second-round pick to get him and the hope is that he's worth every pick and penny.

I believe he will be.

Good Move

Releasing Terence Newman

For my "Family Guy" fans, you should get the reference. Remember when Peter and Louis took a vacation with Brian, and Peter drank and slept the entire weekend? Remember when Peter saw Brian at his awards dinner and said, "You've been a good son, Brian, and I'm sorry you're so sick."

That is kind of the feeling I get when talking about Newman. He was a good Cowboy during his time in Dallas, it's just too bad that injuries and age slowed him down.

You were a good Cowboy, Newman, but I'm sorry you are always so injured.

Dallas did right by releasing him and allowing him to start anew. The team needed to move on and Newman needed a new start.

Good Move

Swapping Doug Free and Tyron Smith

Free struggled last season protecting Romo's blindside after having a really solid 2010 season. With the addition of the younger, and more athletic Smith, it seemed natural to have the two players to switch positions.

Smith will now guard Romo's left side and Free on the right. Both players are more than capable of serving as anchors for the Cowboys offensive line for years to come.

Only time will tell as to if this is a good decision, but I believe Dallas made the right move.

Good Move

Failing to Add Significant Talent at Strong Safety

Dallas signed former Jets safety Brodney Pool to a one-year deal, hoping he'll fair better than Abe Elam did last season. Pool is just a placeholder, just as Elam was, as Dallas searches for either new talent through free agency or the draft in 2013.

I cannot judge Pool as a bust or a no-talent, as I just do not know enough about him. He's probably going to be the starter and will be looked upon as a leader early on.

The good thing about Pool is that he's only 27 and still has to grow and learn.

Bad Move