Dallas Cowboys discussed signing Brian Urlacher, Jonathan Vilma to replace Sean Lee

After 13 years in the NFL, Brian Urlacher announced his retirement in May 2013. (John Biever/SI)

After Pro Bowl linebacker Sean Leesuffered a torn ACL during organized team activities last week, many expected the Dallas Cowboys to look for a replacement via the free agent wire.

The following morning, however, Dallas officials stated that they would be looking internally to replace Lee.

Maybe they didn't find anything to their liking. ESPN's Ed Werder says the Cowboys front office did indeed look at available players outside of the organization, including Brian Urlacher and Jonathan Vilma, but have little interest in either.

Urlacher hasn't played since the 2012 season and looked to be in a state of decline after playing 13-years of elite defense, though his experience makes him more serviceable than many of the available free agents.

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As for Vilma, he too has essentially been out of the league since 2012, as he only played one game last season due to injury. His agent reportedly reached out to the Miami Dolphins as well, though like the Cowboys, they showed little interest in signing the former Hurricane.