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Cowboys covered at receiver with Brice Butler deal but can still do more

Brice Butler showed the ability to make impact plays, catching three touchdown passes in 2016. Tim Heitman/USA TODAY Sports

FRISCO, Texas -- The Dallas Cowboys have reached an agreement with wide receiver Brice Butler on a one-year deal, according to sources.

Butler was acquired in a trade from the Oakland Raiders in 2015 after Dez Bryant went down with a foot injury. He played in every game in 2016 with three starts and caught 16 passes for 219 yards and three touchdowns.

Terms: One year, financials not known.

Grade B: This is a "B" because the financial commitment will likely not be large and will not prevent the Cowboys from doing something else in free agency or in the draft at receiver. But it does protect them from being shut out at the position, with Terrance Williams expected to sign elsewhere for big money. Beyond Bryant, the Cowboys do not have a true outside receiver. Cole Beasley works the slot better than most in the NFL and led the Cowboys in receptions in 2016. Lucky Whitehead is largely a niche player.

What it means: The Cowboys have a big receiver with experience in their system who showed the ability to make some big plays. Butler missed some chances at big plays as well, but he will be entering his second full season with the Cowboys and has a good understanding of the scheme. Williams has served as the Cowboys’ No. 2 receiver for the past three seasons, but the Cowboys will not be able to afford his price tag in free agency.

What’s the risk: None. There is not a big financial commitment and will not keep the Cowboys from continuing to strengthen the position. Beyond some bigger deals they could give to some of their own players, like Barry Church or Brandon Carr, this is the type of depth deal the Cowboys have made good with the past few years on players like Jeremy Mincey and Jack Crawford.