With free agency entering the final stages, we'll review the Cowboys' last five free-agency classes.

We'll start with 2009.

Players signed: Keith Brooking, Igor Olshansky and Gerald Sensabaugh.

Starts earned: 43

Analysis: The Cowboys signed three defensive players to help then-coach Wade Phillips in a critical third season. The Cowboys were coming off a playoff-less 2008 season and Phillips maintained his job, despite calls for him to get fired. Brooking was signed as a veteran inside linebacker in the 3-4 defense and he finished second on the team in tackles to Bradie James. Sensabaugh was signed to a one-year deal to become a playmaking safety. He had one interception, but finished third with 10 pass breakups. Olshansky was supposed to be a run-stopping defensive end and started 14 games in 2009. Olshansky finished the final five weeks with 22 tackles, six quarterback pressures, a half sack and a tackle for loss. Phillips' defense posted shutouts in consecutive games to finish the regular season, outscoring opponents, 41-0, and holding the Redskins and Eagles to 446 combined yards. The Cowboys clinched the NFC East, won a playoff game for the first time since the 1990s, and opened the new stadium, which gave fans high hopes for things to come.

Grade: B