Dallas Cowboys sign Henry Melton at health-asterisk reduced price

Now there’s a free agent signing Dallas Cowboys fans can get excited about.

Defensive tackle Henry Melton, if fully recovered from last year’s knee surgery - and that's a big if, is exactly the disruptive force the team desperately needs in the middle of their wafer-thin defence.

Reunited with defensive co-ordinator Rod Marinelli, with whom the former Bear enjoyed his finest campaigns, 68 tackles, 13 sacks over the two seasons, Melton should be motivated to play well.

Melton returns to his hometown roots and is essentially on a one-year deal, worth a reported $5 million, with a club option for three more seasons worth $24 million. He's playing for his next big contract or the option on this one.

So there you have it Cowboys fans, your one and only bona-fide free agent for the upcoming season. There’s no money left for anyone else.

Melton is a bit of a medical risk, he may still miss part of training camp, but that is why the Grapevine, Tex., native comes at a discounted price.

Melton earned a Pro Bowl nod in 2012 and was franchised by the Bears in 2013, earning $8.5 million. At 27, the 6-foot-3, 295-pounder was athletic enough to play running back at Texas for his first two college seasons before switching to the defensive side of the ball. He offers size, quickness, productivity at a premium position in today's NFL.

But.

Ah, no buts today. Enjoy the signing. Adding Pro Bowl-level talent to the club can never hurt. Figuring out how to possibly add that $8 million hit in 2015 can wait for another day. As can the alleged biting incident at a Grapevine bar.