Cowboys 2012 Free Agency: Schefter Says Dallas Reaches Three-Year Agreement With Kyle Orton

The Dallas Cowboys have made their first signing of the 2012 free agency period. Adam Schefter tweets that the Cowboys have reached a three-year deal with veteran quarterback Kyle Orton.

Dallas has been in the market for a veteran to back up Tony Romo since Jon Kitna was unable to finish the season in 2011 and eventually retired. Obviously the brain-trust in Dallas is not ready to lean on Stephen McGee in case of injury to Romo, so instead grabbed Orton who has proven to be a very competent QB in the league.

We don't have financial terms yet, but this is a very good move by the Cowboys. Having a player who can step in and hold the team together for a period of time if Romo is out is essential. Quarterbacks go down often in this league, Dallas just got themselves some insurance.

We're still waiting on the progress with cornerback Brandon Carr, negotiations are supposed to be on-going.

2:22 pm ET: Nick Eatman from dallascowboys.com reports that the Cowboys are close to signing guard Mackenzy Bernadeau. Bernadeau is a four-year veteran who has started 20 games for the Panthers.

3:10 pm ET: Charean Williams from the Star-Telegram reports that the Cowboys have reached a deal with Bernadeau.

3:38 pm ET: Josh Ellis from dc.com writes that fullback Lawrence Vickers is visiting the Cowboys today and that the Cowboys have liked him for a while.