The Cowboys never got in on the Carl Nicks' sweepstakes, and the Saints are hoping to replace Nicks with the second-best guard on the market in Ben Grubbs. But Dallas has gotten a guard, albeit for a lot less money and with a lot less fanfare.
Former Carolina Panther Mackenzy Bernadeau has reached a deal with the Cowboys, according to a source.
Bernadeau, 26, has 20 starts in four seasons, including 12 in 2010. He started one game last season, though he appeared in 15.
The money for Nicks was out of reach for the Cowboys. The top guard available in free agency signed a five-year, $47.5 million with the Buccaneers, making him the highest paid at his position. He got $31 million in guarantees.
The Cowboys will pay far less for Bernadeau, a 6-4, 308-pounder. He will compete with other young guards, including Bill Nagy and David Arkin. Nagy started four games before going on injured reserve with a fractured right ankle. Cowboys coach Jason Garrett called Arkin's first season a "redshirt season."
Veterans Montrae Holland and Derrick Dockery are unrestricted free agents, though starting right guard Kyle Kosier has two years left on his deal. Holland started 10 games at left guard last season, while Dockery started two.
Many mock drafts have the Cowboys selecting Stanford guard David DeCastro with the 14th overall choice.
-- Charean Williams
Im gonna say now the Vickers signing was as important to the offence as the Carr signing was on defense. Vickers is probably the best fullback in the league. Improved running game and pass protection.
Posted by: ralph | March 15, 2012 at 10:09 AM
Now that they have a decent corner they really should go after another high profile rusher like D'Ware and that could propel them to divisional champions.
Posted by: David Lamon | March 15, 2012 at 04:58 AM
GO COWBOYS!!!
Posted by: TARRELL BALL | March 15, 2012 at 12:18 AM
ABOUT TIME MR.JERRY JONES DID SOMETHING RIGHT. HOPEFULLY THIS YEAR WE CAN MAKE THE PLAY OFFS. TARRELL BALL FACEBOOK.COM
Posted by: TARRELL BALL | March 15, 2012 at 12:17 AM
In case you don't know or watch a lot of tv.. This is the lead blocker for the best running game in the NFL. Major major upgrade here. Another thing is this guy isn't the injury risk Fiametta is with the head issue.. Don't forget that. Good day for the boys!! We probably just got the best FB in the NFL
Posted by: Lord Sugar Bear | March 14, 2012 at 04:25 PM
Its progress.. And Im Diggin It !! Carr And Orton were great signings, But signing a Fullback lets me believe that they are not going to keep Fiammetta which could be a costly mistake. The man can open holes !!
Posted by: CowBoy4Life | March 14, 2012 at 03:49 PM