July 16, 2008

More from PFW • What are the most intriguing games of each week of the 2008 season?, 8/20/2008 12:32:00 PM • PFW examines Hall of Fame prospects for NFL head coaches past and present, 8/20/2008 12:32:00 PM • PFW's Super 50: Our list of the top 50 players of 2007, 8/20/2008 12:32:00 PM • Third preseason draft board, 8/19/2008 6:32:11 PM • Cowboys' Austin could miss season opener with sprained MCL, 8/17/2008 2:05:25 PM Related Topics • Ken Hamlin • National Football League • Dallas Cowboys • National Football Conference • NFC East Division • Gibril Wilson • Chris Canty • Terrell Owens • Flozell Adams • Marion Barber

When the Raiders signed former Giants FS Gibril Wilson to a six-year, $39 million deal back in March, the Cowboys knew what they were up against when it came to keeping their own free-agent safety, Ken Hamlin. The team decided that the wise move was to franchise Hamlin first and then take care of would-be free-agent OLT Flozell Adams, along with getting key extensions for CB Terence Newman, WR Terrell Owens and RB Marion Barber. On Tuesday, Hamlin got what he was looking for — an extension that nearly mirrored Wilson’s deal (though Hamlin, it appears, accepted slightly less in guaranteed money: $15 million, including a $9 million signing bonus, to Wilson’s $16 million). The Cowboys’ next orders of business include finishing off the signings of draft picks, along with considering an extension for DE Chris Canty, the next-most logical player the team would like to lock up. Canty, who signed his restricted free-agent tender this offseason, might be on the verge of a breakout season and a big payday.