Free Agency Begins... Muahahahahaa

Ok... I figured I would jump back on here and give a brief update of what's been happening in the early free-agency stages of the off-season. It's already been pretty busy around the league, for The Cowboys and others.

When I last posted on here, the news was that L.P. Ladoucear was given a 5 year contract extension and Pro Bowl Linebacker Zach Thomas was interested in joining The Boys.

Well, since then, Zach Thomas did indeed agree to terms with The Cowboys and was given a $3.3 million dollar 1 year contract. A Pro Bowler who spent his last 12 years with the Dolphins, Thomas has always been a Dallas Cowboys' fan as he grew up in nearby Pampa, Texas.

Other Cowboys were locked into place. Safety Ken Hamlin was franchised for a 1 year $4.3 million dollar deal.

Marion Barber received the highest restricted free-agency tender which is a 1 year, $2.562 million contract, and also guarantees that if Barber is propositioned by another team and The Cowboys can't match it, they would receive a 1st and 2nd round draft pick in exchange.

Defensive End Chris Canty recieved the 2nd highest tender of $2.017 million and Guard Joe Berger received the minimum tender of $927,000.

Yet, so far, not everyone has stayed put. Nose Tackle Jason Ferguson, who only played a few early games in the 07 season due to injury, was traded to Miami for undisclosed draft picks.

Jacquees Reeves was also signed to the Houston Texans, which greatly thins Dallas' Cornerback depth.

Julius Jones is also preparing his departure. Since free agency began and since he has not received a free-agency tender, he has already visited with Detroit, Tennesee and Seattle. He hasn't signed with anyone yet, but his departure is imminent, mark my words.

That's the extent, thus far, that The Cowboys have taken care of for next season. Why change greatness? The team only needs minor tweaking, and instead of going out and picking up a cornucopia of free agents, they instead worked hard to keep the best players in place... very smart.

There's been a lot of other moves in The NFL, including RB Michael Turner leaving San Diego and getting signed by The Falcons, who also released Warrick Dunn. Ben Rothlisberger got a contract extension of 8 years and $102 million. Asante Samuel was signed by The Eagles, and the Browns locked in Anderson with a new contact extension, leaving Brady Quinn on the bench once again.

And perhaps the biggest news thus far... Brett Favre has decided to retire after a 17 year, instant Hall of Fame worthy career with The Green Bay Packers. He is leaving on a high note, although being only a step away from the Super Bowl, he had one of his greatest seasons ever and broke more than a few records along the way. He will greatly be missed, as not only a great athlete, but a great person. Brett Favre... this Bud's for you... cheers.

Ok ok, so it's early March and there's still a lot of time between now and the draft, and even more time before things really warm up and teams get prepared for their pre-season exhibitions. When more news breaks, I'll update... so, see ya then.