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IRVING, Texas – The Cowboys are in the “off” part of the offseason now that the mandatory minicamp is over.

As a result, we offer up another look at the 53-man roster before the team heads to Oxnard, Calif., next month for training camp.

PODCAST
Cowboys cornerback Morris Claiborne joins Fitzsimmons & Durrett to discuss this week's minicamp and Dez Bryant. Claiborne will join the show to discuss the latest Cowboys news all season. Listen

QUARTERBACKS (2)

Tony Romo
Kyle Orton

There’s no change here, but I can see the Cowboys adding a quarterback for training camp with a better resume than Nick Stephens and Dalton Williams.

RUNNING BACKS (4)

DeMarco Murray
Joseph Randle
Lance Dunbar
Phillip Tanner

No change here either. I will be interested to see how Randle works into the mix. If the Cowboys go with a true third-down back, then I think Dunbar gets that role and Randle will work mostly as Murray’s true backup.

TIGHT ENDS (4)

Jason Witten
James Hanna
Gavin Escobar
Dante Rosario

No change here either, although Colin Cochart bears some watching in the battle with Rosario. He did some good things in the offseason and can play some special teams, too. I reiterate my point on the need for a more blocking-oriented tight end behind Witten.

WIDE RECEIVERS (5)

Dez Bryant
Miles Austin
Terrance Williams
Dwayne Harris
Cole Beasley

I debated going with a sixth wide receiver again, but I just don’t see the need with how I expect the offense to be structured this year. That’s not good news for Anthony Armstrong, Danny Coale and whoever else gets in the mix here.

OFFENSIVE LINE (9)

Tyron Smith
Nate Livings
Travis Frederick
Mackenzy Bernadeau
Doug Free
Jermey Parnell
Phil Costa
Ronald Leary
Darrion Weems

Finally a change on offense. I knocked Kevin Kowalski from the list and did so with hesitation, but he brings a lot of duplication with Costa. And Bernadeau can play center in a pinch. The Cowboys usually go heavy on the offensive line, so I would expect this to go back to 10 during training camp. You’ll see later as to why I dropped down to nine guys.

DEFENSIVE LINE (9)

DeMarcus Ware
Jay Ratliff
Jason Hatcher
Anthony Spencer
Tyrone Crawford
Sean Lissemore
Kyle Wilber
Ben Bass
Nick Hayden

I took Anthony Hargrove off the list and added Ben Bass, who had an excellent minicamp, and Hayden, who has done a nice job on the interior. It’s a little heavy, but Rod Marinelli will have a lot of say on the roster. Bass has the ability to be that “quick-twitch” guy on the interior, but I still think he will have to fight for a job. Hayden’s experience helps him.

LINEBACKERS (6)

Bruce Carter
Sean Lee
Justin Durant
Alex Albright
DeVonte Holloman
Brandon Magee

Ernie Sims loses the final spot here, but carrying six linebackers isn’t the smartest of moves. Think of it this way: With the way teams use their nickel defense, the Cowboys will have three linebackers on the field for 45 percent of the snaps, so do they need to have a seventh linebacker who will likely be inactive on game day? I think they can cover themselves from injury by carrying two or three linebackers on the practice squad.

CORNERBACKS (5)

Brandon Carr
Morris Claiborne
Orlando Scandrick
B.W. Webb
Sterling Moore

No change here and if there aren’t any surprise additions, I don’t think this will change during camp, although Brandon Underwood made some plays the final couple of days of minicamp.

SAFETIES (6)

Barry Church
Will Allen
Matt Johnson
J.J. Wilcox
Danny McCray
Jakar Hamilton

McCray is on the bubble for me only because of his price tag. Could they go with four safeties? Seems risky. By going light at linebacker, they’ll need some special teams’ bodies. Hamilton’s chances weren’t helped by a hamstring injury that forced him to miss most of the OTAs and minicamp, but he got the benefit of the doubt.

SPECIALISTS (3)

Dan Bailey
Chris Jones
L.P. Ladouceur

No change here.

IRVING, Texas – One offseason practice is left before the Cowboys break until training camp, but here is a review of what happened on Wednesday at Valley Ranch:

** Dez Bryant was featured in a blog post Wednesday afternoon, but the most dominant defensive player in the workout? How about DT Ben Bass? The second-year defensive lineman was all over the field, penetrating, getting to the quarterback for a sack, blowing up running plays and even forcing an interception. On the pick, Bass tipped a QB Kyle Orton pass into the air, which allowed DT Sean Lissemore to come down with the turnover. Later on the goal line he bulled G David Arkin back into RB DeMarco Murray that was a sign of his strength.

**Rookie WR Terrance Williams had an effective day. He came down with a jump ball over CB Brandon Carr in one on one drills. In seven-on-seven work he made a leaping grab over CB Sterling Moore for a touchdown, nicely getting his feet down for the score.

** Overall, however, the defense won the day. LB Sean Lee was able to stop TE Jason Witten short of a first down on a fourth-down play. Later S Barry Church stopped WR Cole Beasley short on a fourth-down play. The defense was able to blitz to force quicker throws short of the marker to end the drive.

** LB Cameron Sheffield had two sacks. Might be a guy to keep an eye on for a practice squad role depending on what he does in camp.

** Rookie LB DeVonte Holloman made an athletic pick of a Nick Stephens throw in the end zone that as to Beasley. Holloman dropped nicely into his zone and was able to leap and make the catch with two hands. He took the ball out of the end zone instead of taking the touchback, but the coaches urged him to go score so maybe he did the right thing.

** Rookie S J.J. Wilcox is around the ball a lot. He dropped an interception in red-zone work but was able to break up a pass later in team-blitz drill.

** Counted four drops by the offense: one each by James Hanna, Anthony Amos, Murray and Dwayne Harris.

** LB Brandon Magee did a nice job on back-to-back run plays stopping Kendial Lawrence. On the first one he was able to square up the ball carrier to make the tackle and on the second he was able to shrug off a blocker to get to Lawrence.

IRVING, Texas – With two more days of minicamp action still to come from Valley Ranch, let’s take a quick look at come observations from Day 1:

Since Morris Claiborne was out with a migraine, rookie CB B.W. Webb worked with the first-team nickel package. He came up with a sack and was able to stick with WR Anthony Armstrong on a go-route in seven-on-seven drills.

Nate Livings missed practice with a sore knee, so Ronald Leary took all of the left guard snaps with the first team. Don’t be surprised if Leary is in that mix with Livings early in training camp.

Practices are supposed to be noncontact, but LB Brandon Magee isn’t shying away from contact. The undrafted rookie knows he has to make an impression. He knocked down TE Andre Smith in an OTA practice and wiped out RB Kendial Lawrence near the sideline Tuesday.

WR Cole Beasley was beaten badly while blocking in the slot on a running play in which his defender made the tackle. That’s one of the cons of having the undersized Beasley on the field a lot.

LB Sean Lee was able to meet RB DeMarco Murray in the hole after C Travis Frederick was slow to get to the second level. But maybe it was less about Frederick being slow and more about Lee diagnosing the play quickly.

TE Jason Witten had another excellent practice, with his best catch coming down the middle of the field as he made space between safeties Matt Johnson and Barry Church by arcing his route some to give QB Kyle Orton more room.

CB Sterling Moore had good back-to-back plays, first breaking up a Nick Stephens throw to Eric Rogers and then intercepting a Stephens throw to Armstrong. In two-minute work, however, he tempted Dez Bryant close to the line and was beaten badly on a slant that eventually led to a winning field goal by Dan Bailey.

It was a good day for the interior defensive linemen in terms of getting pressure. Jay Ratliff participated in more team drills than he has this offseason and was difficult to block, as was Jason Hatcher. Even Sean Lissemore came up with a would-be sack.

Orton’s best throw came on a deep ball in seven-on-seven drills when he perfectly led Bryant, who got past Brandon Carr. But later Orton was off on an in-cut to Bryant and forced a throw into double coverage when Bryant was bracketed by Justin Durant and Orlando Scandrick.

IRVING, Texas – With one rookie minicamp down, 10 organize team activity practices over and the mandatory minicamp starting Tuesday, what better time is there to take an early look at the Cowboys’ 53-man roster?

PODCAST
ESPN NFL Insider John Clayton joins Fitzsimmons & Durrett to discuss the Cowboys and Tony Romo missing OTAs. Listen

Tim MacMahon put together his first projection on May 1, so we bring you the second round here:

QUARTERBACKS (2)

Tony Romo
Kyle Orton

The Cowboys would like to keep a third quarterback, but there isn't one on the current roster worth keeping. They could look for a younger arm to keep after cuts with Orton’s cap number moving to $4.37 million next year.

RUNNING BACKS (4)

DeMarco Murray
Joseph Randle
Lance Dunbar
Phillip Tanner

I thought Tanner would be the odd man out, but he has had a strong offseason. The job is not a lock. I believe Kendial Lawrence could give him a run for his money in camp and in the preseason games. The Cowboys really like Dunbar as a third-down back and he could be a pleasant surprise after showing well last year as an undrafted free agent. Lawrence Vickers has to get healthy after back surgery, but the writing appears to be on the wall because of the next position you’ll read about.

TIGHT ENDS (4)

Jason Witten
James Hanna
Gavin Escobar
Dante Rosario

The need for more of a blocking tight end remains, but with the heavy two-tight end sets that are expected, the Cowboys have to go with four tight ends. Rosario has experience and can play some special teams. Hanna has had a good offseason and will be part of packages during the year, even with Escobar being picked in the second round.

WIDE RECEIVERS (5)

Dez Bryant
Miles Austin
Terrance Williams
Dwayne Harris
Cole Beasley

Really thought about going with a sixth receiver, which would be Anthony Armstrong right now. Injuries over the summer could impact the position too. Beasley had a really good week last week but he has limitations. He can be effective in the slot, which is why he is ahead of Armstrong and Jared Green. A guy to keep an eye on is Eric Rogers. He’s caught everything but just doesn’t have great speed.

OFFENSIVE LINE (10)

Tyron Smith
Nate Livings
Travis Frederick
Mackenzy Bernadeau
Doug Free
Jermey Parnell
Phil Costa
Ronald Leary
Kevin Kowalski
Darrion Weems

The first eight picks are pretty easy. The last two are a little more difficult. Kowalski got the edge over Ryan Cook only because of money. Kowalski is set to make $555,000; Cook $1.1 million. Both guys can play center and guard. Weems got the final spot for now, but I think the Cowboys will be scouting hard for players over the summer. They took Weems late last year as a project and he can still play his way into contention.

PODCAST
ESPN senior NFL analyst Ed Werder joins Fitzsimmons & Durrett to discuss another busy week for the Cowboys at Valley Ranch. Listen

DEFENSIVE LINE (8)

DeMarcus Ware
Jay Ratliff
Jason Hatcher
Anthony Spencer
Tyrone Crawford
Sean Lissemore
Anthony Hargrove
Kyle Wilber

I wondered whether I should go with nine linemen here, but kept it at eight. Hargrove is the most intriguing addition. He is believed to be a favorite of Rod Marinelli, so that will help his cause provided he can knock off the rust and get into better shape. Crawford and Wilber have had some good moments in the offseason.

LINEBACKERS (7)

Bruce Carter
Sean Lee
Justin Durant
Alex Albright
DeVonte Holloman
Brandon Magee
Ernie Sims

Sims gets a spot because of his experience and versatility. He can play weakside or middle linebacker. Albright can play strongside and middle and maybe some defensive line if necessary. Holloman and Magee have to be major special teamers. I also considered Tank Reed for one of the final spots, as well as Caleb McSurdy, who could be a short-yardage fullback as well.

CORNERBACKS (5)

Brandon Carr
Morris Claiborne
Orlando Scandrick
B.W. Webb
Sterling Moore

Moore gets the nod for the final cornerback spot, but it’s hardly a lock. Moore is helped that he can play some safety in a pinch. Brandon Underwood, Devon Smith and Xavier Brewer will be in the mix when things start to get real when the pads come on. The top four corners are set, and don’t expect Webb to push Scandrick out just yet.

SAFETIES (5)

Barry Church
Will Allen
Matt Johnson
J.J. Wilcox
Danny McCray

McCray has been the team’s best special teamer, but at $1.3 million that could be a little pricey in the Cowboys' eyes. Allen is guaranteed $620,000 this year, so he sticks but will have to hold off Johnson for a starting spot. With Allen nursing a hamstring strain, Johnson has worked with the first team and done a decent job. Wilcox has shown he will be around the ball but there is a lot for him to learn.

SPECIALISTS(3)

Dan Bailey
Chris Jones
L.P. Ladouceur

No surprises here. The best thing the Cowboys can do in camp is keep them fresh.

The Cowboys conclude their offseason work with a three-day mandatory veteran minicamp that starts Tuesday.

PODCAST
ESPN senior NFL analyst Ed Werder joins Fitzsimmons & Durrett to discuss another busy week for the Cowboys at Valley Ranch. Listen

Who will participate: It's mandatory, so if you don't have an excused absence, players will be fined. So expect 89 players in attendance. Why 89? Defensive tackle Josh Brent is on the reserve/non-football illness list and didn't attend any of the organized team activities this offseason. Brent is awaiting trail for an intoxication manslaughter charge resulting in the death of practice squad player Jerry Brown. Fullback Lawrence Vickers (back surgery) will be in attendance, but will be limited to rehab work. Quarterback Tony Romo (back) and defensive end DeMarcus Ware (shoulder) are not expected to practice as they continue to heal. Several others might also be given some time off, including WR Miles Austin, DT Jay Ratliff and guards Nate Livings and Mackenzy Bernadeau. RB Joseph Randle, the team's fifth-round pick, has a cast on his thumb and is out.

Who needs the minicamp? Center Travis Frederick was getting first-team reps over Phil Costa during OTAs and that might continue this week. Frederick is projected as the starter, and the more practice time he gets, the better. Safety Matt Johnson, who missed all of last season with hamstring injuries, got first-team reps with Barry Church during OTAs over veteran Will Allen, who was getting some rest. Johnson has to prove he can become the playmaker the Cowboys thought they had when he was drafted in the fourth round last year. With Ware out, DE Kyle Wilber needs snaps as he was moved from outside linebacker to end this offseason to add depth. Wilber's ability to play end will dictate how much playing time he receives in 2013.

So the playcaller is? The biggest offseason secret was revealed last week when Bill Callahan confirmed he'll call the offensive plays. One problem: Coach Jason Garrett hasn't confirmed it, despite owner/general manager Jerry Jones implying it last week. Garrett most likely will be asked about the play-calling situation again this week. It will be interesting to see if he confirms anything.

Players worth watching: Guards Ronald Leary, Kevin Kowalski and David Arkin; wide receivers Danny Coale, Eric Rogers and Cole Beasley; running back Phillip Tanner and tight end Dante Rosario; right tackles Doug Free and Jermey Parnell.

IRVING, Texas -- The final organized team activity open to the media came and went Tuesday with Jerry Jones kicking off a storm that led to an awkward announcement of Bill Callahan as playcaller, but there was more to the day than just that.

Here are some observations from the practice.

PODCAST
Todd Archer joins Fitzsimmons & Durrett to discuss what he's looking for during the third session of OTAs, a potential Sean Lee contract extension and why people underestimate Miles Austin's value. Listen

In three straight goal-line plays in one-on-one drills, Dez Bryant, Terrance Williams and Dwayne Harris came up with touchdowns on Brandon Carr, Morris Claiborne and Sterling Moore. Bryant’s touchdown was the best of the lot, with him leaping high to pluck a Kyle Orton throw over Carr, who was in terrific position. Williams beat Claiborne on a slant. Harris cradled an Orton pass that was just out of Moore’s reach with his left hand while keeping his feet in bounds.

With Jay Ratliff sitting out and Robert Callaway done for the year because of knee surgery, Nick Hayden was the starting 3-technique Tuesday. Hayden signed with the Cowboys after last season, and has played for Carolina and Cincinnati.

(Read full post)

IRVING, Texas – Here are some observations from the second session of organized team activities that was open to the media Tuesday:

Kyle Wilber worked with the first team at right defensive end with DeMarcus Ware out. Tyrone Crawford handled that spot in the first week that was open to the media. Wilber had a productive day. He was active and was around the ball. Remember, he was going against Tyron Smith, too. Wilber did a nice job reading a reverse to WR Terrance Williams.

Dwayne Harris turned into a tremendous punt returner last year and he took the first-team work on Tuesday, but he was later joined by Cole Beasley, B.W. Webb and Anthony Amos.

Teams sometimes shy away from putting starters on special teams, so it was interesting to see Sean Lee and Bruce Carter on the punt coverage team. Lee served as the personal protector.

Morris Claiborne came up with a nice interception of a Kyle Orton throw on a slant-and-go to Miles Austin. Claiborne did not bite on the fake and was able to stay underneath the route to come up with the turnover.

Orton struggled in one-on-one throws, especially the deeper throws. Maybe it was the wind, but he was unable to get the ball to open Dez Bryant a few times. Bryant won every rep he had against Brandon Carr.

When the Cowboys ran their two-minute drill, Williams served as the No. 3 receiver over Harris and did not come off the field. He caught a nice corner route from Orton, tapping his feet just inside the sideline.

Jason Witten caught seven passes in team and seven-on-seven drills. He ended the first-team two-minute drill with a touchdown down the seam after beating Matt Johnson at the line. Witten was able to bend his route a little to the outside to throw Johnson off balance before coming back to the middle with added separation.

Speaking of tight ends, James Hanna had the play of the day with a one-handed grab down the seam as a defender closed quickly. Hanna continues to be the second tight end behind Witten when the Cowboys use their 12 personnel group over Gavin Escobar. It’s not that Escobar isn’t doing well, it’s that Hanna is doing better.

In the battle of No. 2 offense vs. defense, J.J. Wilcox ended the day with an interception of Nick Stephens on a pass across the middle. Stephens was looking for Beasley, who appeared to slow down on his route.

With Justin Durant out with a hamstring injury, Alex Albright was the starting strong-side outside linebacker. He also played some inside linebacker.

IRVING, Texas – Danny Coale is hoping to return to practice from a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in time for the organized team activities later this month or the June minicamp.

PODCAST
With the Cowboys opening rookie minicamp, Galloway and Mosley discuss the incoming rookie class and who will make the biggest impact. Listen

“Right now I’d say we’re pleased where it’s at and maybe a little ahead to be five months out and running and cutting and doing the teaching sessions,” Coale said. “When we started this the June mini-camp and OTAs were a possibility. Now they seem more of a reality, so that’s a good sign it’s going along well.”

Coale suffered the injury in a late-season practice, capping a rookie season that did not go well. He suffered a stress fracture in his foot and missed most of the offseason and early part of training camp. Once in camp he was slowed by a quadriceps strain. He was among the final cuts and was re-signed to the practice squad.

Coale, a fifth-round pick last year, is eligible to take part in this weekend’s mini-camp but is focusing more on his rehab.

“You look at the year and yeah I had some injuries and setbacks but I remember being in their shoes, coming in, digesting the playbook and going out there and trying to compete,” he said.

When he gets on the field, he will face significant competition with the Cowboys drafting Terrance Williams in the third round this year and the end-of-season performance from Dwayne Harris in 2012. Cole Beasley earned a backup role last year as an undrafted free agent. Tim Benford, Jared Green and Carlton Mitchell are also in the mix for a backup spot.

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant isn't a kid anymore.

PODCAST
Fitzsimmons & Durrett discuss the latest Cowboys news, including DeMarco Murray's running style, Miles Austin's new exercise routine and Jason Hatcher's confidence in the defensive line. Listen

He's 24 as he enters his fourth NFL season as one of the veterans on the Cowboys' young receiving corps.

"It's a whole different mindset going in," Bryant said. "No more games. No more wondering. I know what I'm doing. I got to come in and do what I did at the end of last year, and I hope to build on that."

Bryant was a dominant force in the passing game for the Cowboys in 2012. He compiled career-highs in catches (92), yards (1,382) and touchdowns (12). Bryant had five games with more than 100 receiving yards, including a 224-yard performance against New Orleans in December. He caught a touchdown pass seven consecutive games, only to have the streak snapped in the regular-season finale at Washington.

Bryant's maturity away from the field has also been noticeable. Those around Valley Ranch hope it will lead to bigger things on the field.

The Cowboys receivers are led by Bryant and Miles Austin and also include Dwayne Harris, Terrance Williams, Cole Beasley and Danny Coale. The Cowboys will fill out the receiving corps with an array of younger players.

"I feel like we have a great receiving corps," Bryant said. "We're good if someone goes down. We have great enough receivers who can go in and contribute and make plays for this team."

IRVING, Texas – Over the years the Cowboys have excelled in landing undrafted free agents that make the 53-man roster, so it stands to reason a few of the 15 signings will make the club in 2013.

Last year, Cole Beasley, Ronald Leary and Ben Bass spent time on the active roster.

Here is the up-to-date list:

LB Brandon Magee, Arizona State
QB Dalton Williams, Akron
S Jakar Hamilton, South Carolina State
RB Kendial Lawrence, Missouri
CB Devin Smith, Wisconsin
CB Dustin Harris, Texas A&M
LB Cameron Lawrence, Mississippi State
WR Greg Herd, Eastern Washington
FB Paul Freedman, Virginia
LB Tank Reed, SMU
DB Jeff Heath, Saginaw Valley State
K Spencer Benton, Clemson
WR Eric Rogers, Cal Lutheran
CB Xavier Brewer, Clemson
LB Deon Lacey, West Alabama

Interesting to note the Cowboys did not sign an offensive lineman. Perhaps some could come in on a tryout basis for the May 10-12 rookie mini-camp. One tryout player, who is expected to sign is tight end B.J. Stewart from Cumberland.

» NFC Eight in the Box: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South

How do the Cowboys look at wide receiver and what still needs to be done?

Dallas Cowboys: Dez Bryant broke out in a huge way in the second half of his third NFL season and finished the year with 92 catches for 1,382 yards and 12 touchdowns. If he can keep himself in one piece, he's one of the top wideouts in the league. Miles Austin is the perfect complement on the other side -- good enough that defenses have to pay attention to him but not the kind of guy who's going to complain if Bryant gets more catches. Austin has to keep his hamstrings healthy, and if he does the Cowboys have a top one-two wide receiver combo. Dwayne Harris came on strong last year as a No. 3 wide receiver, and guys such as Cole Beasley and Danny Coale could provide intriguing depth. Dallas could look to add a veteran wide receiver to its mix heading into training camp in case the young guys don't produce, but it's not a high-priority issue.

To see what the other NFC East teams look like at WR, click here.

PHOENIX -- Here are a few thoughts about the Cowboys as we enter the final day of the NFL owners meetings.

Derek Dooley impresses: While Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is impressed with his new defensive coaches, he praised new receivers coach Derek Dooley in his chat with reporters Tuesday. Jones said he loves the ideas Dooley brings and says he has a fresh set of eyes for the offense.

"I like the fact Dooley is coming in here with college ideas, been around a lot of that fast-moving college game," Jones said of Dooley, who was fired after three seasons as the head coach of the University of Tennessee. "Jason (Garrett) has a lot of respect for him. He’ll end up having a lot of input in our passing game."

Slot receivers catching Jones' eye: Jones was asked if he regretted letting Danny Amendola go in 2008 when the Cowboys cut the slot receiver and re-signed him to the practice squad. Amendola eventually ended up with the St. Louis Rams and last week signed a five-year, $31 million deal with the New England Patriots to replace Wes Welker.

"No, I just see Welker. I regret Welker," Jones joked.

Jones, however, did praise young receiver Cole Beasley, who is built like Amendola and Welker and has the potential to become a good slot receiver. "Beasley's got some of that," Jones said. "You know Amendola and you know Welker, and he's neither of those two, but he can really create some problems for those guys over on defense. (Tony) Romo thinks a lot of him. He's got a shot for us."

Training camp dates: The Cowboys are still in the process of finalizing the training camp schedule. The veteran minicamp is tentatively scheduled for June 11-13. Training camp would start July 20 in Oxnard, Calif. After three preseason games, the Cowboys would return to Valley Ranch possibly on August 17 or 18, depending on the date of the third preseason game.

Safety working out for Cowboys: University of Texas safety Kenny Vaccaro tweeted he's going to work out for the Cowboys on Wednesday. Vaccaro is projected as the best safety in the draft and, with the Cowboys selecting No. 18 overall, there's a good chance he might be around. The Cowboys currently have Barry Church and Matt Johnson as their starting safeties, but the team is open to bringing in a veteran or drafting a safety. Jones said the Cowboys are not drafting for need, but for best player available.

Paying a franchise quarterback: The Cowboys are in the process of sealing a deal with Romo. Team officials won't go into specifics about how much it would cost, but you could assume Romo's new contract will average between $15 million to $18 million a season. It's a steep price at one position. Just ask the Baltimore Ravens, who signed quarterback Joe Flacco to a six-year deal for $120 million. "I’d say it’s a good problem to have," Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. "It’s the problem everybody wants to have. When you’ve got the young quarterback and you just drafted them and he’s playing well ... When you look at some of the teams that have the young quarterbacks, their cap situation is really good because they’ve got a player for a couple years that’s not going to be making top dollar. But you get to the fifth year of that contract and now it’s time for some of those things to change. We’re very willing to do what we need to do. It’s the nature of the league to have a quarterback like Joe Flacco."

In the early days of free agency we've seen slot receivers become a hot topic.

Wes Welker left the New England Patriots and signed a two-year deal with the Denver Broncos.

The Patriots found his replacement before Welker got his new deal when they signed Danny Amendola from St. Louis.

The Cowboys haven't really had a typical No. 3 slot receiver with the body type of Welker and Amendola.

Patrick Crayton, Kevin Ogletree, Laurent Robinson and Dwayne Harris were No. 3 receivers who played in the slot, but didn't have that small frame.

Last year, the Cowboys found one in Cole Beasley, a player who fits Welker's and Amendola's body type. Beasley is 5-foot-8, 177 pounds. In his rookie season, Beasley finished with 15 catches for 128 yards with no touchdowns. He made a bulk of his catches out of the slot and going forward the Cowboys should use him more often from this area.

New England utilized Welker for several years from the slot to beat teams in the middle of the field. His speed allowed him to get past defenders for yards after catch.

Maybe Beasley can be used in the same fashion in 2013.

Dez Bryant and Miles Austin can stretch defenses deep with their speed and Jason Witten can also command the middle of the field. What about Beasley? If defenses take Bryant and Austin out of the game with their coverages, which has happened, Beasley is a player who should get some run.

There have been teams who have used short receivers from the slot to make plays in different areas of the field and the Cowboys have Beasley who might fit that role.

[+] Enlarge

AP Photo/Kevin TerrellCole Beasley was active for 12 games and finished with 15 catches for 128 yards while working in the slot.

Cole Beasley

Position: Wide receiver

How acquired: Undrafted free agent, SMU

What he did: Beasley quickly made a name for himself in the offseason but walked away from the team for a few days in training camp when he was not sure he wanted to continue. The Cowboys welcomed him back and he made the 53-man roster.

Beasley was active for 12 games and finished with 15 catches for 128 yards while working in the slot. He earned the trust of Tony Romo during the preseason and the quarterback pitched for Beasley to play more as the season went on when the Cowboys went to an empty look.

Where he fits in the future: At 5-8, 177 pounds, Beasley lacks the size you want in a receiver to play on the outside, so he is limited mostly to being a slot receiver. He has the quickness and savvy to play on the inside and he is not afraid.

With the way the game is played today there is a spot for Beasley going forward, but he will face competition at the spot. He does not play on many special teams units, so that lack of versatility could work against him as the Cowboys define their backup wide receivers.

IRVING, Texas – Among the two groups of futures signings the Cowboys have announced since the season ended one name is missing: wide receiver Andre Holmes.

Last year Holmes was anointed by owner and general manager Jerry Jones as a possible candidate for the No. 3 wide receiver job.

At 6-4, 223 pounds, Holmes had the build of a top-end wide receiver although he came from Hillsdale College. The Cowboys were hoping Holmes would grow the way Miles Austin did from Monmouth, but it never happened.

He failed the conditioning test in training camp and while he had a couple of moments in Oxnard, Calif., he never took advantage of the opportunity they way Kevin Ogletree, Dwayne Harris and Cole Beasley did.

The Cowboys kept him in the active roster through Thanksgiving but he dressed for only seven games and caught two passes for 11 yards. He was inactive four times before he was cut and re-signed to the practice squad.

Since the season ended the Cowboys have signed receivers Anthony Armstrong, Jared Green, Carlton Mitchell, Tim Benford and Danny Coale. Holmes has not put pen to paper to return in 2013 and it doesn’t look like he will be back.

It’s quite a fall from 13 months ago.