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With Free’s Future Uncertain, Newly-Signed Tackle Will Create Competition

PHOENIX – Two weeks after reports surfaced that Doug Free intends to retire from football, the Cowboys signed six-year veteran Byron Bell for depth at offensive tackle this past Friday.

Speaking Sunday at the NFL Annual Meeting in Phoenix, Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones did not confirm that Free’s retirement is official. He did acknowledge Bell’s signing adds competition at offensive tackle if indeed the Cowboys will be without Free, a 10-year Cowboys veteran and longtime starting right tackle.

“Obviously that’s something that’s real in terms of his considering retirement,” Jones said. “We certainly respect that and we feel like we needed some more depth there to compete.