IRVING, Texas -- It's one thing to be relatively young, an important trait over a grueling 16-game football season. It's another thing to be good, too.
After making a number of free agent decisions over the last month, the Cowboys hope they're both.
So far they have signed seven new free agents to essentially replace nine veterans: CB Brandon Carr for Terence Newman; Gs Nate Livings and Mackenzy Bernadeau for Kyle Kosier, Derrick Dockery and Montrae Holland; QB Kyle Orton for Jon Kitna; S Brodney Pool for Abram Elam; FB Lawrence Vickers for Tony Fiammetta; and ILB Dan Connor for Bradie James and Keith Brooking.
Eight of last year's nine veterans were at least 30 years old, and the average was 32.1 years old. Six of this year's seven replacements are under 30, and the average is 27.2 years old. It's 26.8 years old if you factor in second-year linebacker Bruce Carter, who will team with Connor in a rotation with Sean Lee.
The Cowboys aren't done. They need to find a third tight end and possibly a veteran third receiver. The draft will fill some more needs and further carry this semi-youth movement.
Time will tell if it means more wins.
