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IRVING (105.3 THE FAN) - Free-agent defensive lineman Cedric Thornton is at Valley Ranch this morning taking a physical with the Cowboys planning to add him as a play-making 1-Tech tackle, 105.3 The Fan is reporting.

Coach Jason Garrett and line coach Leon Lett hosted a dinner last night as part of the recruiting process, with Thornton - a 6-6, 300-pound run-stuffer - a centerpiece of Dallas' second-tier shopping focus.

Thornton, 27, is a likely replacement for free agent Nick Hayden, who has started 47 of 48 games since joining Dallas in 2013. Thornton has been a full-time starter in Philly for three seasons.

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