Ware said he appreciates the Cowboys making him a priority because he makes them a priority. Considering he is the league's best pass rusher, Ware is expected to get more money than Haynesworth.

TEAM NEEDS/OFFSEASON STRATEGY

The Cowboys got a new inside linebacker in Keith Brooking and special teams player in Matt Stewart.

They also filled their need for a backup quarterback with Jon Kitna. The Cowboys still need to add a cornerback, safety and defensive lineman or two in free agency.

TEAM NEEDS

1. Safety: Roy Williams has been cut. Keith Davis is a free agent. The Cowboys don't have any answers and few options at a position that is arguably the weakest on the team. An upgrade is a must.

2. Defensive end: Chris Canty is gone in free agency so the Cowboys will be looking for a defensive end.

3. Receiver: The departure of Terrell Owens means the Cowboys will look at a receiver in the draft. Roy Williams will be the focal point, but they need another receiver to stretch the field.

MEDICAL WATCH: No updates.

FRANCHISE PLAYER: None.

TRANSITION PLAYER: None.

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

--QB Brooks Bollinger's future with the Cowboys was likely impacted by the signing of Jon Kitna.

--LB Kevin Burnett will test the market. The Cowboys don't know if he is a fulltime player or niche third-down guy.

--S Keith Davis wants to come back and the Cowboys want him back. Money won't be an issue.

--DT Tank Johnson walked off the field in Philadelphia saying "I'm a free agent." The Cowboys will likely let him keep walking.

--LB Carlos Polk was a good special teams addition. Will likely be resigned to minimum deal and brought to camp.

--LB Zach Thomas will look for a better fit, especially after the addition of Keith Brooking.

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (not tendered)

--TE Tony Curtis (not tendered as RFA) might be re-signed for minimum salary of $535,000.

--P Sam Paulescu (not tendered at ERFA).

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

--WR Miles Austin (tendered at $1.545M with second-round pick as compensation) showed enough flashes to earn that tender.

--DE Stephen Bowen (tendered at $1.545M with second-round pick as compensation) will be brought back as insurance for Chris Canty.

--WR Sam Hurd (tendered at $1.545M with second-round pick as compensation) was missed on special teams and could be squeezed out eventually by the addition of Roy Williams.

--OG Cory Procter (tendered at $1.545M with second-round pick as compensation) got an opportunity to play in 2008 but did not to cement himself as a future starter.

EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS

--RB Alonzo Coleman (tendered at $385,000) will certainly be brought to camp but the logjam at running back is pretty thick.

--TE Rodney Hannah (tendered at $310,000) showed some flashes at the end of the season and will finally get a chance to push out Tony Curtis as the third tight end.

PLAYERS RE-SIGNED: None.

PLAYERS ACQUIRED

--LB Keith Brooking: UFA Falcons; $6M/3 yrs, $2.5M guaranteed.

--QB Jon Kitna (trade Lions).

PLAYERS LOST

--OG Joe Berger: UFA Dolphins; 3 yrs, terms unknown.

--DE Chris Canty: UFA Giants; $42M/6 yrs, $8.5M SB/$17.25M guaranteed.

--CB Anthony Henry (traded Lions).

--QB Brad Johnson (released).

--CB Adam Jones (released).

--WR Terrell Owens (released).

--S Roy Williams (released).