The Cowboys talked a big game prior to free agency, but after the first wave, fans feel let down.
Dallas Cowboys fans approached this offseason with cautious optimism and thought that the winds of change had blown through The Star.
To an extent, they have.
Dallas has been proactive in signing key players for Christian Parker's defense, including P.J. Locke, Jalen Thompson, Cobie Durant, and Rashan Gary.
That presents a change with Gary and Thompson, two starters for Parker.
But why did I say that things had changed to an extent?
Because Dallas hasn't busted the budget, as owner Jerry Jones told Cowboys Nation he would.
Granted, Dallas' budget could have only been $30 or $40 million. So in that context, the budget is busted.
But as free agency continues, fans aren't happy that they've been told one thing and, once again, the front office has done another.
Of course, that could change, with the Cowboys signing George Pickens late last offseason. Not to mention the franchise having two first-round picks.
And for Sports Illustrated's Eva Geitheim, promises in Dallas are hard to keep.
"Between the 30-year championship drought and the lack of spending, promises remain hard to keep in Dallas," Geitheim wrote. "After Jerry Jones suggested the Cowboys could “bust the budget” in free agency, they had a relatively quiet first week.
"Their biggest move was signing safety Jalen Thompson; otherwise they’ve primarily brought in players on one-year deals. Perhaps the Cowboys will be more aggressive in the second wave or capitalize in the draft, but either way, Jerry Jones is satisfied with where the defense is headed."
The Cowboys do appear to be content with their work in free agency.
As we know, the time for signing players hasn't magically stopped. The franchise could easily land another one or two players in the next couple of weeks ahead of the draft.
So all is not lost just yet. As our own Mike Fisher often states, let the cake bake.
And yes, I hear you, that cake has been baked for long enough, and fans were promised a slice in free agency. But there's no slice ... yet.
Should Cowboys fans keep waiting on some "next big mystery move'' from Jerry Jones?
Make no mistake, Dallas has moved differently this offseason, just not in the way fans had hoped. The franchise has to be applauded for being proactive.
But more is needed.
So again ...
Will Dallas "actually" bust the budget in the coming weeks or months?
I wouldn't hold your breath.