The Cowboys are quiet on the free agent front and don't appear to be major players, at this stage.

While Dallas hasn't signed anybody or scheduled any visits, the rest of the NFC East is busy.

* The Eagles re-signed fullback Leonard Weaver to a three-year deal and wide receiver Jason Avant to a five-year deal this weekend.

Also, the bonus of quarterback Michael Vick was picked up. Expect the Eagles to bring in Colts cornerback Marlin Jackson for a visit.

* The Giants are searching for a backup quarterback and will bring in Jim Sorgi. New York got better in the secondary with the signing of Antrel Rolle. Pairing Rolle with Kenny Phillips could make things difficult for Cowboys wide receivers next season.

* It was interesting to see the Redskins show restraint in terms of spending money. They did sign right guard Artis Hicks to challenge Mike Williams. Willie Parker has plans to visit Dan Snyder today.

Washington really tried to upgrade the offensive line by trying to get Chad Clifton at left tackle, but failed when he re-signed with Green Bay.

So while everybody else in the division is trying to improve, I'm sure you have to wonder about the Cowboys.

Do they want to improve?

Of course they do. But remember the core group of this team has gotten better already the last year or so. Several moves made last year -- five new defensive starters -- made the Cowboys one of the best defensive teams in the NFC last year.

Also, when the Cowboys make moves, it's done for a need.

Example: When Chris Canty was let go in free agency, the Cowboys signed Igor Olshansky. When Zach Thomas was let go, Keith Brooking came in. When Roy Williams was cut, it allowed the team to sign Gerald Sensabaugh.

It's easy to say Dallas spends plenty of money on free agents. You'd be right: They spend money on their own free agents. They've kept players such as DeMarcus Ware, Tony Romo, Marion Barber and Jay Ratliff off the market by giving them long-term deals.

The Cowboys like their core group of players, but if there's someone else out there who can upgrade a position -- safety mainly -- then the team will do it.