Cowboys keep Free, sign DE Hargrove
Doug Free agreed to a pay cut to remain with the Dallas Cowboys, who guaranteed a $3.5 million salary in 2013, a reduction of $3.5 million.
The Cowboys also signed free agent defensive lineman Anthony Hargrove to a one-year deal. Hargrove, 29, has played for five other teams, including the New Orleans Saints, and was suspended eight games for his alleged involvement in the bounty scandal before Paul Tagliabue rescinded the punishment. He replaced offensive guard D.J. Hall on the roster.
Free, signed to a four-year, $32 million deal in free agency two years ago -- when the Cowboys stretched their dollar to trump an offer from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers -- moved to right tackle when the Cowboys opted to shift first-round pick Tyron Smith to the left side.
Free was the most-penalized offensive lineman in the NFL in 2012 with 15 infractions. That performance coupled with a cap figure over $10 million entering the offseason led to speculation he'd be released.
The new two-year contract keeps Free with the team after his future was in doubt in the past five weeks amidst public comments from the team about ongoing contract talks. The Cowboys entertained signing veteran right tackles Eric Winston and Tyson Clabo and owner Jerry Jones said publicly "both sides have to give" in discussing Free's future.
