IRVING, Texas - The Dallas Cowboys moved to keep starting left tackle Doug Free by offering him the highest contract tender offer, worth about US$3.5 million.
The offer means if Free signs an offer sheet with another team, the Cowboys have a chance to match it. If not, the team would owe the Cowboys a first- and third-round draft pick.
Defensive ends Stephen Bowen and Jason Hatcher received tenders worth about $1.9 million. Teams would owe the Cowboys a second-round pick if they lure away either player.
Safety Alan Ball received the original draft choice tender of about $1.2 million; he was a seventh-rounder.
Tenders were not offered to receiver Sam Hurd, linebacker Leon Williams and quarterback Chris Greisen.
