According to plan, the Dallas Cowboys spent the first weekend of free agency quiet, as the teams around them in the NFC East took to wheeling and dealing, moving and shaking. Indeed, that Dallas made no moves over the weekend makes them unique to the division--no visits scheduled, no signings, no hint of any activity whatsoever.
Their competition, on the other hand, wasted little time in jumping in the free agency pool.
The Washington Redskins struck a three-year deal with guard Artis Hicks on Saturday; and this appears to only be the tip of the iceberg. Free agent defensive tackle Maake Kemoeatu, linebacker Larry Foote and running back Willie Parker are all scheduled to visit Redskins Park in the coming week.
The New York Giants upgraded in the secondary with a five-year, $37 million deal for former Cardinal Antrel Rolle. Now, their focus seems to be on finding a new back-up for Eli Manning. Jim Sorgi and Jeff Garcia are just two of the names--though the most likely ones--currently in the mix for the team.
In Philadelphia, the Eagles signed fullback Leonard Weaver and wide receiver Jason Avant to a three-year and five-year deal, respectively, ensuring the return of two key pieces on the offensive side of the ball. They granted Michael Vick his $1.5 million bonus in order to, as ProFootballTalk.com put it, "buy time." The team was also in the running for former Packers' defensive end Aaron Kampman, before he signed with Jacksonville on Sunday.
Given this action in the division--which Dallas won last season--it's only natural to feel that the team is missing out around this time of year. But the brass at Valley Ranch seems steadfast in adhering to the old truism, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it;" and judging by Stephen Jones remarks last week, the team doesn't believe it has many broken pieces.
