As expected, the Cowboys did not make a splash — nor even a ripple — on the first day of NFL free agency. Doesn’t mean, however, they won’t find a marquee addition at some point.
Still, the smart money is on them not signing an impact player that will crack this list of their Top 5 all-time free agents:
5. Terrell Owens – Despite an icy relationship with Bill Parcells, his production on the field was undeniable to the tune of three 1,000-yard receiving seasons and double-digit touchdowns.
4. Tony Romo – An undrafted afterthought out of tiny Eastern Illinois, he'll finish his career as America's Team's all-time leader in passing attempts, completions, yards and touchdowns.
3. Jay Novacek – A converted H-back from the Cardinals, he made five Pro Bowls and won three Super Bowls as Troy Aikman’s security blanket in the ‘90s.
2. Nate Newton – Signed after his time as a Tampa Bay Bandit when the USFL folded in ’86 he arrived to anchor one of the best offensive lines in NFL history, making six Pro Bowls, winning three Super Bowl rings and annually paving the way for all-time leading rusher Emmitt Smith.
1. Deion Sanders – If you can’t beat ‘em, steal ‘em. After losing to him and the 49ers in the ’94 NFC Championship, the Cowboys signed him and won the ensuing Super Bowl as he blanketed receivers, returned punts and even caught passes on offense. In five years in Dallas he lived up to the hype, making four Pro Bowls, recording 14 interceptions and scoring eight touchdowns on his way to the Hall of Fame.
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A native Texan who was born in Duncanville and graduated from UT-Arlington, Richie Whitt has been a mainstay in the Metroplex media since 1986. He’s held prominent roles on all media platforms including newspaper (Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Dallas Observer), radio (105.3 The Fan) and TV (co-host on TXA 21 and numerous guest appearances, including NBC 5). He lives in McKinney with his wife, Sybil, and two very spoiled dogs.
