IRVING, Texas - Call it coincidence or call it cunning, but the Cowboys just acquired some expert knowledge about their season-opening opponent.
The Cowboys signed safety C.J. Spillman on Monday. Spillman played the last four seasons with the 49ers, who just happen to be the Cowboys' first opponent Sunday.
Cowboys coach Jason Garrett said it was mere coincidence that they signed Spillman. This isn't the first time the Cowboys have signed a player from an upcoming opponent, nor did the Cowboys invent the move.
"We've all been in those situations where we've had a coach or a player from another team," Garrett said. "You have conversations with those guys about different things. But for the most part, I think teams do best when they trust their preparation that they would do off the film... and the traditional way to evaluate. Sometimes those things can be helpful to you, sometimes they can kind of confuse the issue."
Spillman also downplayed his value to divulge secrets about the 49ers' plans for the Cowboys.
"I can help them to a certain extent, but things change every week," Spillman said. "They don't run the same things week in and week out, so schematically things will be a little different probably."
Spillman is known as a special teams standout. Garrett said Spillman was signed because of his special teams ability but he could also be used at safety if needed.
"We brought him in here because we think he's a good football player and can help our team," Garrett said.
The 49ers apparently didn't think Spillman could help their team anymore when they released him, but Spillman says that doesn't give him extra motivation for Sunday's game.
"I really don't get into things of that nature," Spillman said "At the end of the day I know I came here to do a job. That's what I'm focusing on, regardless of who I play against."
Follow Keith Whitmire on Twitter: @Keith_Whitmire
