Cowboys Agree To 4-Year Deal With Ex-Eagles DL Cedric Thornton

The Dallas Cowboys have added the first free agent to their roster, signing former Philadelphia Eagles defensive lineman Cedric Thornton on Thursday, just one day after the new free agency season began. The deal is a four-year contract worth up to $18 million.

Cowboys Agree To 4-Year Deal With Ex-Eagle DL Cedric Thornton

The Cowboys also re-signed middle linebacker Rolando McClain, as well as cornerback Josh Thomas to a one-year contract. Dallas fell to last place in the NFC East division last year, going 4-12 without quarterback Tony Romo, who was injured for most of the season.

Thornton, 27, currently has four career sacks, one in each of his past four seasons with the Eagles. He started 45 of 61 games in Philadelphia.

The DL is probably the replacement for Nick Hayden, a three-year starter who never had a single sack for the Cowboys. Dallas, who is seeking flexibility in their defense, may place Thornton as an interior lineman alongside defensive tackle Tyrone Crawford. 

Thornton was signed by the Eagles as an undrafted free agent in 2011 after playing college football for Southern Arkansas University. He had his best pro season in 2013, with career highs of 48 solo tackles and seven tackles for loss.

The Cowboys are still looking for a backup for Romo as well, after Brandon Weeden and Matt Cassel failed in that role last season. Former Miami Dolphins quarterback Matt Moore, who spent his first training camp with the Cowboys in 2007, is among the candidates.

Caption:PHILADELPHIA, PA – DECEMBER 26: Cedric Thornton #72 of the Philadelphia Eagles tackles Alfred Morris #46 of the Washington Redskins on December 26, 2015 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)