IRVING, Texas -- When the Dallas Cowboys coaches return from a week off on Monday, they will welcome two free-agent visitors.
Defensive tackle Henry Melton and quarterback Brandon Weeden will visit Valley Ranch on Monday, according to sources.
Melton would fill an obvious need with the departure of Jason Hatcher to the Washington Redskins. Weeden could offer the Cowboys protection in case Kyle Orton retires. Weeden could be looking for a place to rebuild his career after a two-year stint with the Cleveland Browns.
With the Cowboys back in the office, it will allow Melton to meet with defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli, who helped develop him into a Pro Bowler with the Chicago Bears. The Cowboys also liked Weeden coming into the 2012 draft.
Weeden had a 5-15 record after the Browns took him in the first round of the 2012 draft. He completed 438 of 784 passes for 5,116 yards with 23 touchdown passes and 26 interceptions.
The Cowboys believe Orton will continue to play in part because he is set to make $3.25 million. If he chose to retire he would have to pay back $3 million of a $5 million signing bonus he received in 2012.
The Cowboys have not carried a third quarterback on the roster since 2011 when they had Stephen McGee behind Tony Romo and Jon Kitna. They had Alex Tanney on the practice squad for much of last season before losing him to the Browns, and re-signed Kitna for the final week of the season after Romo got hurt.