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Cowboys Sign Kosier; To Re-Sign Gurode

Nick Eatman reports that the Cowboys have shored up their offensive line by signing free agent guard Kyle Kosier and agreeing to terms to re-sign guard/center Andre Gurode.

On the first day of the free-agent signing period, the Cowboys are quickly addressing their biggest problem area of last season: Offensive Line.

The Cowboys have added some depth here Saturday, not only agreeing to terms with free-agent on a five-year deal, but also set to re-sign for another year as well. Kosier has agreed to a five-year, $15 million deal that includes a $5 million signing bonus. As for Gurode, the four-year veteran gives the Cowboys versatility at both guard and center. In fact, don’t be surprised to see Gurode and Al Johnson compete for the starting center position again during training camp.

Like Gurode, Kosier also brings some versatility to the table, starting 43 games in four years, at four different positions. Kosier started 11 games for the Lions last year at left guard, but has started at both guard and tackle spots during his career.

Now adding Kosier and Gurode, coupled with the presence of Marco Rivera, who signed a five-year deal last year, does suggest Larry Allen’s future with the Cowboys could be in jeopardy. Allen, the longest tenured player on the roster having spent the last 12 seasons in Dallas, is scheduled to count $7.5 million against the salary cap this season. Allen is due a $2 million roster bonus on April 1. If Allen is released, the Cowboys would save about $3 million in cap room.

If the team can restructure Allen’s deal so that he’s making something more on par with his actual value at this stage in his career, I’d love to have him. Despite the fact that he keeps getting elected to the Pro Bowl on his reputation, he’s not an elite player anymore and it makes no sense to pay him like one.

DMN’s Todd Archer adds more insights on the goings-on around Valley Ranch.

For the second straight year the Cowboys have started quickly in the free-agent market, agreeing to terms with free-agent guard Kyle Kosier on a five-year contract and re-signing Andre Gurode to a one-year deal Saturday. Also, the Cowboys are also hosting free-agent linebacker Akin Ayodele, who played at Irving MacArthur High School and spent the previous four years in Jacksonville.

[...]

In his four years, Kosier, 27, has started 43 games, including 11 last year in Detroit at left guard. He spent his first three seasons in San Francisco and played every position but center. His versatility is considered a big plus and coach Bill Parcells loves players who can play more than one position. “He’s really a Parcells’ kind of guy,” said agent Ken Zuckerman. “He was a Cowboys’ fan growing up and really likes the tradition. Plus, he wants to go to a team that’s a contender for a Super Bowl.”

[...]

As for Ayodele, he would be a replacement for Scott Fujita, who hit the open market at 11:01 p.m. CT Friday, at strong-side linebacker. Ayodele was credited with 70 tackles and 2½ sacks last year. He was the Jaguars’ third-round pick in 2002, coming out of Purdue, where he played defensive end.

Adding Ayodele would be nice, to be sure, although keeping Fujita would be a bonus. The team needs depth at linebacker now that it has shifted to the 4-3.

 
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