No team tried to make a bigger splash in free agency than the Cowboys, who signed seven veterans, including five in the first two days of the signing period.
And not only did they sign veterans, they spread them around to different positions, adding key depth across the board.
Here’s a look at three of the team’s biggest free-agent signings and how they’ve performed so far in camp:
CB Brandon Carr: Signed on March 14 from the Chiefs, Carr is the starting left cornerback without much competition. And that’s despite having Orlando Scandrick and Mike Jenkins on the roster and the drafting of first-round pick Morris Claiborne. Carr is a smooth player who has held his own in one-on-one battles with receivers Dez Bryant and Miles Austin.
QB Kyle Orton: Signed on March 14 from the Chiefs, Orton is the clear-cut backup to Tony Romo. He’s not competing for a starting job and no one is competing with him. Orton gives the second-team offense a veteran presence, which is important for the backup group of receivers all trying to earn a spot.
G Nate Livings: Signed on March 16 from the Bengals, Livings immediately stepped in at left guard and had a good summer with the OTAs and minicamps. Livings suffered a small setback with a hyperextended knee that has developed into a hamstring injury. He shouldn’t miss much time and should be back in the mix. The reason the Cowboys worked out three veteran guards on Friday has nothing to do with Livings’ play; it's because the team has suffered a heavy dose of injuries on the interior line.
Other free-agent additions who have made some noise: Guard Mackenzy Bernadeau is expected to compete for a starting spot but has missed all offseason with a hip injury. He should be back in about 10 days. LB Dan Connor is competing for a starting spot with Bruce Carter. Both Bernadeau and Connor came from the Panthers.
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