Dallas signed Brooks Bollinger, giving the Cowboys a third-string quarterback they lacked all last season.

Bollinger was released by Minnesota during the final cuts of the preseason. Bollinger has played 19 games over the last four seasons, two with the New York Jets and the last two with the Vikings. The first one of those he was the backup to Brad Johnson, now Dallas' second-stringer.

Bollinger was only 6-of-18 for 62 yards against Dallas in the preseason finale, but the Cowboys saw enough things they liked. They also like having the safety net of a veteran who can be turned to in case anything happens to starter Tony Romo and Johnson. Teams are allowed to suit up a third quarterback without counting him toward the 45-man game roster.

Bollinger is 201-of-343 for 2,155 yards with eight touchdowns and eight interceptions over his career. His passer rating is 75.2. At only 28, coach Wade Phillips called him "a fairly young guy that's got some experience."

To make room for him, Dallas waived receiver Mike Jefferson, who'd only been promoted from the practice squad on Saturday.