[Crown Royal]

Originally Posted by Cowboy from New York

Cowboys ready to open checkbook

By Jennifer Floyd Engel

Star-Telegram Staff Writer


IRVING - Free agency began at 12:01 a.m. today. Don't be surprised if the Cowboys did, too.

In fact, don't be surprised if right now, while you are eating your Wheaties and reading this sentence, they are finalizing the details of deals to make defensive tackle Jason Ferguson and cornerback Anthony Henry Cowboys. They could be introduced as early as today.

Unlike last season, when they were about as active as Anna Nicole Smith's library card, the Cowboys are going into free agency with checkbooks blazing.

They have more than $15 million in available salary-cap space and players they believe are worth spending it on.

[View Full Quote]"You can't go out and pay Rolls-Royce dollars and end up with a '70 Chevy," Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said. "The players that are out there this year are at an age and stage of their careers where it could be appealing to us to make a big commitment."

Let the spending begin.

High five

Five top free agents who might fit the Cowboys' off-season agenda:

Jason Ferguson DT, Jets

--A big, physical, run-stopping presence in the middle. The Cowboys' No. 1 target.

Anthony Henry CB, Browns

--Henry, 28, could be a bargain. His best days are in front of him.

Mike Wahle OL, Packers

--Plays tackle and guard. He is also relatively young at 27, but he'll have lots of suitors.

Marques Douglas DE, Ravens

--Held his own as a DE in a 3-4 defense despite being somewhat undersized.

Dwight Smith S, Buccaneers

--Might have cost himself some cash after being arrested for pulling a pellet gun on some fans.

MIKE WAHLE IS ONLY 27?!?! My God, please please please Jerry, go get him for me. He would be my favorite FA aquisition. By FAR