Rumors About The Dallas Cowboys And Free Agents

For the first time in league history, teams can start negotiating with agents (not the players themselves) before Free Agency begins. That means we can expect all sorts of (mis-)information to be leaked. But just because something appears in print or is said on TV or radio doesn't make it true. Especially not now, as the airwaves and interwebs are rife with unfounded speculation. But that's not going to stop us from looking at the various musings and rumblings anyway - just keep in mind to treat everything you read below for what it is: nothing but rumors and speculation - so far.

And of course, all free agent scenarios are contingent on the Cowboys being able to free up enough cap space to actually sign a couple of free agents, but that's another issue entirely.

Joshua Cribbs, KR/PR/WR, Browns: According to Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, five of the teams who have shown interest in Cribbs include the San Francisco 49ers, New York Giants, Dallas Cowboys, New England Patriots, and Arizona Cardinals. With the Cowboys, there'd be a connection with former Browns running backs coach Gary Brown.

Israel Idonije, DT, Bears: Probably nothing more than idle speculation, but Peter King writes that "The Cowboys need big people to keep litter away from DeMarcus Ware and Anthony Spencer. Idonije is the perfect fit." Of course, it doesn't hurt that the Cowboys just brought in Rod Marinelli, who was Chicago's defensive coordinator last season.

Louis Vasquez, OG, Chargers: Like King and Idonije above, this is probably nothing more than speculation by ESPN's NFC East blogger Dan Graziano. Yes, the Cowboys have needs on the interior O-line. Yes, Vasquez is a free agent. But that's about it.

Donald Thomas, OG, Patriots: Thomas' name was first floated by Gary Horton and Field Yates at the end of February in an In$ider article for ESPN, but his name resurfaced at the Texas A&M Pro Day. The Cowboys clearly have needs along the interior offensive line, and a below-the-radar prospect would be in line with the Cowboys' free agency activity of the past couple of years.

Nick Roach, SLB, Bears: Roach has primarily played strongside linebacker in Chicago since 2008. According to his agent, a half-dozen teams called Saturday morning to express interest in him. One of those teams may have been the Cowboys who have a need at SLB and have Rod Marinelli to give them a first-hand appraisal of Roach.

Victor Butler could be headed to Cleveland. Mary Kay Cabot reports that Butler could be on Cleveland's radar.

Mike Jenkins and Felix Jones are apparently drawing interest from other teams, per ESPNDallas. The article states that the Cowboys have no interest in re-signing Jenkins and only minimal interest in retaining Jones.