When teams invite players for visits on the first or second day of the free agency process, it usually signals some pretty serious interest, and teams are usually intent on making the player an offer he can sign almost immediately.
Hopefully, that is what is happening with Brandon Carr right now in Dallas, but also with the other players the Cowboys have invited, like QB Kyle Orton, ILB Dan Connor, or TE Kellen Davis.
Similarly, some of the Cowboys free agents are in high demand and have garnered first or second day visits with different teams. Here's who's currently interviewing where:
According to Bryan Broaddus of ESPN Dallas cornerback Terence Newman will visit with the Cincinnati Bengals, where he would reunite with his former defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer. Newman was released by the Cowboys to create some much needed salary cap room. If fully healthy, Newman can be an asset to almost any defense in the league, as he showed in the first half of last season in Dallas.
More after the break.
- The Giants have a pretty serious interest in Martellus Bennet, and had him in for an interview yesterday. Looks like the Giants are willing to pay for potential over production. The only thing strange about this apparent mutual interest is that 'Tellus would choose to play for Tom Coughlin, a hard task-master who is likely to come down hard on the fun-loving MartyB. There are also rumors about a possible interest in Bennett by the Bears.
- Multiple sources report that Laurent Robinson visited with the Jacksonville Jaguars yesterday, and the Chargers, Cardinals, Dolphins and Jets are also interested. At this point, many consider Robinson the premier free agent wide receiver left unsigned, and demand for his services is picking up accordingly. It's unlikely he'll be back in Dallas.
- David Buehler is a cap casualty like Terence Newman. Buehler has not been contacted by another team, but is optimistic about his chances - and shows great class following his release: "As for my time in Dallas, I wouldn't trade it for the world...I want to thank the Jones family, all the coaches and all the players for all the support they have given me.''
- Tony Fiammetta and the Cowboys couldn't reach a deal after the Cowboys chose not to give him a restricted tender worth $1.32 million. The Cowboys and Fiammetta are still talking about a long term deal, but Fiammetta is now a free agent and could sign with another team at any time.
- Jesse Holley also did not receive a restricted tender and is free to look for opportunities elsewhere. Holley was a strong contributor on special teams and a reliable option on offense in the few times he was called upon. The Cowboys and Holley could still work something out, but a team with special teams needs could easily swoop in and sign him.