IRVING, Texas -- The Cowboys have re-signed two exclusive rights free agents, including starting guard Ron Leary, one of the key components of the team's dominating offensive line last year.
The Cowboys also re-signed offensive tackle Darrion Weems.
Exclusive-rights free agents are typically players who were not drafted. Once their teams extend the qualifying offer, they have no bargaining power for that season. Next year, Leary and Weems will be restricted free agents, assuming they remain with the team in 2015.
Last week, the Cowboys re-signed their other exclusive rights free agent, linebacker Cam Lawrence.
In 2014, Leary played in 15 games, only missing the Arizona game due to a groin injury. He's the only regular starter on the offensive line who was undrafted. Tyron Smith, Travis Frederick and Zack Martin were all first-round picks while Doug Free was a fourth-rounder.
Still, Leary is one of the team's best run blockers and had arguably his best game of the season against the Texans when he went toe-to-toe with J.J. Watt, the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year.
Leary is expected to remain as the starting left guard in 2015, but the jury is still out on Weems, who missed all of last year with a shoulder injury. However, with both Free and Jermey Parnell unrestricted free agents this offseason, Weems has a legitimate shot to at least compete for the swing tackle position as the primary backup to both spots.
