[ribosoma]

Cowboys Opening Up Money for a Miles Austin Deal, or Others

Since April, the Cowboys have lopped off $16.124 million from their 2010 payroll by either cutting or trading veterans.

First they cut Ken Hamlin ($5.596 million) and Flozell Adams ($5 million). Then Cory Procter ($1.759 million) and Pat Watkins ($1.176 million) were let go. On Friday, they traded Patrick Crayton ($2 million) and Pat McQuistan ($1.176 million).

Some of that has been chewed up when you look at the draft picks, especially Dez Bryant and Sean Lee, but the bulk of that money could end up going to Miles Austin, whom the Cowboys have had discussions about a long-term deal this summer.

I wouldn't say the Cowboys are being cheap, especially in this uncapped year. Call it a re-allocation of funds.

"It just factors into the big picture," executive vice president Stephen Jones said. "It's hard to say it's Miles' money or might potential be Doug Free's money or someone else's. It's just a matter of where your resources are not only for today but for the future."

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