“I’m ecstatic.” Carr responded when asked about his new team. “It’s been a long, long time and I’ve been waiting for this opportunity to not only secure myself financially, but also to elevate my game to be at the highest level, which is the Dallas Cowboys. Now it’s time to turn my game up another notch.”

Nov 13, 2011; Kansas City, MO, USA; Denver Broncos wide receiver Eric Decker (87) is unable to catch this pass while defended by Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Brandon Carr (39) in the first half at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-US PRESSWIRE

Carr was a fifth round pick by the Chiefs back in 2008. In his four years in the league, the Grand Valley State alum recorded 237 tackles and eight interceptions. He grabbed four of those picks last season. Carr has also never missed a game in his tenure with Kansas City and is considered to be a great up-and-coming young player. At 6′o, 207 pounds, he also brings a more physical presence at corner than Newman provided. And he’ll need that size going up against the likes of Hakeem Nicks (Giants), Vincent Jackson (Bucs), Brandon Marshall (Bears) and Roddy White (Falcons) next  season.

@AdamSchefter: Over past two seasons, new Cowboys CB Brandon Carr has knocked down 28 passes, second in the NFL, behind only Joe Haden and his 30.

Luckily, the Cowboys were able to sign Carr relatively quickly. The other top-rated free agent cornerbacks were mostly all taken prior to Carr’s signing. Cortland Finnegan agreed to a five year deal with the St. Louis Rams worth an estimated $50 million. And Carlos Rogers agreed to remain with the San Fransisco 49ers by signing a four year deal worth a max of $31.3 million.

Carr’s salary numbers are similar. He signed a 5 year deal with the Cowboys for an estimated $50 million.

And there is no reason to think Dallas is done adding to their defensive backfield.  Obtaining yet another cornerback and a safety in either free agency or through the draft is not only expected, but needed. Dallas received visits today from free agent LB Dan Connor and TE Kellen Davis. They signed fullback Lawrence Vickers to a two year deal to possibly replace free agent Tony Fiammetta.

And QB Kyle Orton, who meet with the team Tuesday night, also signed a three year deal today to back up Tony Romo.  All of these moves address the various team needs. But Dallas is also trying to make these additions under a limited salary cap situation, so future signings my be few and far between. I’d expect Carr to be the biggest free agent signing  by the Boys, salary-wise.

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So what happened? Brian at PhinPhanatic says the Dolphins cuts are no surprises. But this is. Why was Davis cut after signing a contract with Miami? No one seems to know.

With the Cowboys signing him, another person will have to be cut. As of right now, it is unclear who that player will be.

In other news, Danny Amendola and Mike Jefferson both cleared waivers and are now part of the Cowboys practice squad. The Kansas City Thiefs signed Erik Walden.

Maybe most surprising was the cut of sixth round pick Erik Walden, a Middle Tennessee State linebacker whom Dallas Morning News said was one of the most under rated guys in the draft. Oh really?

It will be a mystery who fills the third quarterback slot as the Cowboys also released Richard Bartel. Those who loved undersized Danny Amendola are disappointed to see he did not make the team, leaving with receivers Todd Lowber and Mike Jefferson. Amendola had a lot of chances to shine and he just didn’t do it. The fumble on special teams in the first game was a killer. Also cut was running back Keon Lattimore, which was expected because Tashard Choice easily won that third slot.  Remi Ayodele is also gone, which was expected.

Overall, no huge surprises. Believe it or not, football is one week away! Bring it on Cleveland!

UPDATE: The Bucs cut quarterback Chris Sims. I wonder if the Cowboys have already been in contact with him and have him ready to sign, which explains cutting Bartel.