The Jets didn't want to part ways with a second-round pick as compensation for signing Austin. The Cowboys let out a sigh of relief. He is expected to be a key part of the team's offense next season, replacing the departed Terrell Owens as the primary deep threat.

Austin has until Friday to sign his $1.54 million restricted free-agent tender or the Cowboys can reduce the offer.

--The Cowboys' season of no excuses has been outlined, following the release of the 2009 NFL schedule.

The highlights include prime-time games to open the new Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, starting with the New York Giants Sept. 20 on NBC in Week 2 followed by an ESPN Monday night affair against the Carolina Panthers. The ever-popular Cowboys play five games in prime time.

"We're very pleased to have the opportunity to introduce the stadium to national and international audiences in our first two regular-season home games," Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones said. "Including the preseason opener (Tennessee on FOX, August 21), three of our first four games in the new stadium will be national broadcasts. I know the networks are eager to show the world our new venue, and we can't wait to open the doors."

--The season's outcome will likely be decided in part by a brutal late-season stretch that includes three of the final five games on the road against the Giants, Saints and Redskins and two tough home games against the San Diego Chargers and the Philadelphia Eagles to end the season Jan. 3.

The Cowboys have not had a winning record in December and January since 1997. They have not won a playoff game since that same season.

"At this time of the year, everybody's schedule is tough, because things change so much from season to season," coach Wade Phillips said. "You can't look at it like there are any soft spots out there. We've got seven games against teams that made the playoffs last year and we've got our work cut out for us."

--The Cowboys got what could be a break early in the season with four of their first seven games against teams breaking in new coaches in Tampa Bay, Denver, Kansas City and Seattle.

Even though the first three games are on the road, those teams will be breaking in new quarterbacks as well.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "I will have to be more of a leader. I talk when I have to. I am not much of a talker. I am more of a show my face and do what I am supposed to. But I will speak when I have to speak and I know how to lead a football team. If I have to, that is what I will do." -- Wide receiver Roy Williams on being more of a leader this season.