Brandon Weeden: One of three to be signed in the last week
Brandon Weeden signed a contract with the Cowboys on Monday and makes the third free agent the Cowboys have signed since free agency began.
Weeden was let go by the Browns after just two seasons and is considered another Browns QB bust. Some experts say that it was Weeden’s true colors showing while others think it was just another in a long line of systemic failures by the Cleveland Browns. Although already 30 years old, Weeden is still “NFL young” and still has a chance to do something in the league.
Coming to Dallas could be just what Weeden needs to get him back on track. He’s not coming in to compete for a starting position (Sorry Romo Haters, it just isn’t happening). Weeden is coming in and learning from some of the best teachers in the league and is going to fight for the second string QB position. The signing also allows the Cowboys to trade Kyle Orton, if he doesn’t retire as reports speculate, or release him and save over $1 million in cap room.
And for fans who are screaming about cap numbers, have no fear. Weeden is only costing the cowboys about $75,000 against the cap this year because the Browns are paying half his salary.
As for the other Dallas signings so far, the defense received some much needed depth along the defensive line.
Terrell McClain:
Terrell McClain comes over from the Houston Texans having played in all 16 games last year at nose tackle for Wade Phillips in his 3-4 defense. McClain is expected to play the 1 technique and push Nick Hayden for a starting position.
Jeremy Mincey:
Mincey is coming off a season split between Denver and Jacksonville where he recorded two sacks this past season and is expected to provide depth at the Defensive End position. Mincey does have 20 career sacks, including a career high of 8 sacks in 2011.
Mincey is expected to play on the left side since his scouting report is saying his strong point is playing against the run which allows George Selvie to move over to the right defensive end position
Interesting note on McClain and Mincey:
Both have been teammates of current Cowboys DE George Selvie in the past. McClain was a teammate with Selvie at the University of South Florida and Mincey was a teammate of Selvie in Jacksonville.
The Cowboys are now hoping both McClain and Mincey can give them the same kind of production that Selvie put out last season. But we are still awaiting word on Henry Melton who visited Valley Ranch Monday and Jared Allen who wrapped up his visit in Dallas today.
