4 Things We've Learned from NFL OTAs so Far

Most NFL teams began their OTAs this week, and there are already a few major storylines developing. 

As teams assemble, some squads are missing big pieces, while others already look much improved over last season. Meanwhile, the Super Bowl champs are back together and appear focused and ready for another big run.

Here is a look at all the big stories that have emerged from the first round of OTAs.

Cowboys Don't Think Their Window Is Closing

The Dallas Cowboys got together for OTAs this week, but the big news came out of the NFL spring meetings. Owner Jerry Jones told the NFL Network (via ESPN) that he doesn't believe the window for his team to win a title is getting smaller. 

Quarterback Tony Romo agreed, claiming that, while he feels a sense of urgency, he doesn't believe the team's window is closing.

The Cowboys have just one playoff win in the last 15 years. Meanwhile, Romo is 32 years old, while Jason Witten (30) and DeMarcus Ware (29) are still in their prime. But those guys will start to fall off due to age within the next few seasons. So yes, that window is getting smaller.

Dallas was aggressive this offseason, trying to get better. The Cowboys inked free-agent cornerback Brandon Carr to a five-year, $50.1 million contract and surrendered their top two draft picks to acquire LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne. Clearly, Jones knew he had to make some drastic moves to improve his roster.

If the Cowboys want to win a Super Bowl with Tony Romo under center, they better start pushing to do that now. 

Jim Harbaugh Loves His New Toys

The San Francisco 49ers finished 29th in the NFL in passing offense last season, averaging just 183.1 yards per game. This offseason, they aggressively picked up wide receivers to help improve their passing attack. Apparently, head coach Jim Harbaugh likes what he sees so far.

The 49ers went out and signed Randy Moss and Super Bowl hero Mario Manningham, then drafted Illinois wideout A.J. Jenkins.

Harbaugh told ESPN that quarterback Alex Smith has been spreading the ball all over the field to his new targets. 

ESPN's Adam Schefter claimed that the 35-year-old Moss has been particularly impressive thus far after sitting out the entire 2011 season.  

If Moss, Manningham and Jenkins can immediately jump in and make an impact, the 49ers will be incredibly dangerous in 2012.

Mike Wallace Situation Not Improving

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Mike Wallace was a no-show at OTAs as expected, and he has yet to sign his $2.742 million restricted free agent tender. Attendance for the team's voluntary workouts was high, but Wallace's absence was clearly felt.

According to an ESPN report, the Steelers and Wallace have continued talks about a long-term contract, but there doesn't appear to be much movement. The article further states that, until Wallace gets that long-term deal, don't expect him to be in uniform. 

The problem with Wallace's absence is that new offensive coordinator Todd Haley is bringing in a completely new system with a ton of new terminology. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger claimed that the new system is like learning a completely new language. 

Wallace is coming off of a Pro Bowl season, but missing all this time with his teammates in the offseason will surely set him back. At some point, he's going to need to sign his tender and get on the field. Given Pittsburgh's difficult cap situation, the kind of big, long-term deal he's interested in may not be possible right now.

Manning, Giants Not Relaxing After Super Bowl Win

Eli Manning and the New York Giants had a miracle run in the 2012 playoffs that culminated with a win in Super Bowl XLVI. Now, that group is back together at OTAs, and the Giants claim they want to turn their success into a dynasty.

With Osi Umenyiora still holding out and not practicing with the team, the Giants still managed to sound upbeat about the coming campaign. They seem to really be focused on moving towards yet another big season.

We're just a few months removed from watching the G-Men celebrate their championship. The fact that they seem so focused on repeating leads me to believe they aren't still resting on the laurels of that title. 

Manning commented that a big part of OTAs was the process of incorporating new players, and that will be a huge part of New York's success in 2012. Getting a guy like rookie running back David Wilson to feel comfortable and involved early on will be huge. 

Right now, the Giants look like they are serious about becoming the NFL's next dynasty.