Dallas Cowboys: Doug Free Reaches Contract Agreement

Reported by ESPN analyst Adam Schefter via Twitter, the Cowboys and Doug Free have come to terms on a four-year, $32 million contract.

Bob Sturm of Sportsradio 1310 The Ticket tweeted that Free was the first player to arrive at Valley Ranch Tuesday. The Cowboys made it known that signing Free was the first contract they wanted to complete upon the ratification of a new CBA.

It is likely that this was the main reason behind the dismissals of Marion Barber, Leonard Davis and Roy Williams. It was speculated that the Cowboys may be after someone in free agency, possibly Nnamdi Asomugha, but re-signing Free was the first signing they wanted to solve.

According to ESPN Dallas' Calvin Watkins, the Cowboys will clear more cap space by parting ways with Marc Colombo, who will officially be released Thursday. Colombo may come back under a lesser deal.

Free's contract contains $17 million in guaranteed money. It is still unclear how much more the Cowboys will have to tweak their roster in order to get under the cap, following Free's new contract.

The actual contract was smaller than some might have thought, as Free has proven that he can play at a high level in the most prized position on the offensive line. Free's youth also makes him valuable, as he is only 26.

The details of Free's contract will likely be finalized soon. Cowboys training camp starts Wednesday.