Some quick updates and links.
Here's an article discussing new ILB Keith Brooking. Also, since he can't wear his usual #56 in Dallas, he'll go with #51 in honor of one of his idols, Dick Butkus.
Meanwhile, linebacker Kevin Burnett could compete for a starting position along side Stephen Cooper if he ends up in San Diego.
And finally, on the linebacker front, Anthony Spencer does some community outreach with the kids. Whatever happened to his arrest thing? Is the league going to look at that? Oops, shhh. Don't give Goodell any ideas.
More stories and links below, including updates on free agent defensive backs.
Our own Carl Shelton (GD88) laid out a ton of defensive back options in this article. But some of those options are visiting other places while the Cowboys wait with uncharacteristic patience. Shawn Springs is visiting Philly and the paper there makes it sound like he'll sign.
The visit started today and will continue tomorrow, with a media availability scheduled for the afternoon. That probably means a signing.
What does this mean? Good question. The Eagles have a roster spot, with Lito Sheppard finally traded, but they just paid Joselio Hanson handsomely to be their nickel corner; hard to see Springs being happy with Lito's old role. Can he play safety? That would be good. He did have six sacks in 2004, so he has to be able to play inside a little, right?
But the Washington Post says he still might visit other teams.
He also visited New England on his free-agent tour and Houston and New Orleans are options as well, a league source said.
The Buffalo Bills signed CB Drayton Florence, which may send CB Jabari Greer to another team. The Chargers say Antonio Cromartie is not on the trading block. The Seahawks may want S Jermaine Phillips but the Chargers might, too. S Jim Leonhard signed with the Jets.
For a hilarious look at GM Vinny Cerrato's email, go to SB Nation's Redskins blog, Hogs Haven.
I found this the other day in an interview conducted by SB Nation's Cleveland Browns blog, Dawgs By Nature, with OLB draft prospect Cody Brown from Connecticut.
DBN: "Which player do you try to mimic? Who is your favorite current player?"
Cody Brown: "I like Demarcus Ware's game. Getting after the quarterback is what I'll be paid to do."