Cowboys released S Brodney Pool.

An old Rob Ryan favorite, Pool was signed to a one-year, $1.2 million deal in March. It was really just a "flier" deal though, as it included a mere $100,000 in guarantees. Pool was beaten out badly by Barry Church for the starting strong safety job.

Newly signed Brodney Pool is expected to replace free agent Abram Elam as the Cowboys' starting strong safety.

The Cowboys were originally expected to bring back Elam, a Rob Ryan favorite, but he may have priced himself out of the team's plans. Pool has also played under Ryan and is familiar the scheme.

Cowboys signed FS Brodney Pool.

The Cowboys tried to sign Pool last summer before he opted to return to the Jets. Pool wasn't wanted back in New York this time around, however, after he made just six starts in 2011. More adept in coverage than against the run, Pool will presumably join Gerald Sensabaugh in the starting lineup in Dallas. Pool played under Cowboys DC Rob Ryan with the Browns in 2009.