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Cowboys show interest in Stanford Routt

The Cowboys have expressed interest in cornerback Stanford Routt, who was released by the Oakland Raiders on Thursday.

Vann McElroy, Routt's Houston-based agent, said Friday morning his client is scheduled to visit the Buffalo Bills on Saturday with another trip planned for next week to see the Tennessee Titans.

McElroy said no other visits have been scheduled. However, Minnesota, Kansas City and Dallas have reached out to the agent about Routt's services.

Last year, Routt signed a restructured contract for five-years worth $54.5 million with the Raiders, with at least $20 million in guarantees the first two seasons of the deal.

According to STATS LLC, opponents were held to a 47.4 completion percentage against Routt. But he allowed eight touchdown passes, tied for the second-most in the NFL, and led the league with 17 penalties committed. The Raiders had to make a decision regarding Routt because if he was still on the roster Friday, he would have been guaranteed a base salary of $5 million.

The connection to Routt comes from defensive coordinator Rob Ryan, who coached him in Oakland. Ryan is partial to players he's coached in other places; for example, the team signed safety Abram Elam last year.

Cowboys owner/general manager Jerry Jones has said there will be new faces to the secondary, and Mike Jenkins and Orlando Scandrick are expected to return. However, cornerbacks Alan Ball and, Frank Walker are free agents.

Veteran corner Terence Newman, still under contract, could be released in a cost-saving move.