IRVING, Texas -- The Dallas Cowboys moved to keep starting left tackle Doug Free on Tuesday by offering him the highest contract tender, worth about $3.5 million.
The offer means that 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 a 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 weren't offered to wide receiver Sam Hurd, linebacker Leon Williams and quarterback Chris Greisen.
Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press
