The Dallas Cowboys took another step in fortifying there offense and defense for years to come. Runningback Marion Barber III, and Cornerback Terence Newman both signed long-term contracts with the Cowboys. This came on the same day NFL owners unanimously voted to end the current collective bargaining agreement with the players union. Because of this, Jerry Jones was forced to act quickly. All contracts completed after 3 PM Tuesday would have to follow a new set or rules. The new rules would not allow the Cowboys to prorate signing and roster bonuses past five seasons. Instead of settling for this, Jerry acted quickly and signed his two stars to long-term deals totaling $96 Million.
Marion Barber III signed a seven year, $45 million contract which includes a $12 million signing bonus and $16 million guaranteed. Terence Newman signed a six year extention on his current contract with one year remaining, making this a seven year, $51 million contract which includes a $12 million signing bonus and $22 million guaranteed. Now before anyone goes and complains about the length of these contracts, listen up. The contracts being seven years actually works in the Cowboys favor. It allows Jerry Jones to prorate the signing bonus throughout seven years, thus lessening the cap hit on a yearly basis. It's also been reported that the majority of the guaranteed money for both contracts is in the first three years. Meaning, if after three years of play there is a severe drop off in performance, cutting either player would not mean cap suicide. I personally don't think that will be the case with either player, but better safe than sorry. Locking up these two players means the Cowboys can now turn there attention to Demarcus Ware, Terrell Owens, Chris Canty, Ken Hamlin, and Tank Johnson. It should be fun.
Faces at the U.S. Open
Comments (8)
Hard to get excited about the Boys with Romo's rep as a playoff choker.
Cassidy's House: Septk-kova | 05/20/08, 11:31 PM
Report Offensive CommentI guess people said the same thing about Payton Manning before he won his first Playoff game ( 6 years) or John Elway ( 4 years) Romo has a whole year and a half under his belt.
ThomasD | 05/21/08, 12:16 AM
Report Offensive CommentI just cant see Elway or Peyton getting butterfingers trying to hold on a gimme field goal attempt two years ago. With homefield and having swept the Giants there was no excuse for the Boys led by Romo to cave last year either. Peyton had to get past the Patriots. Elway had to do it without a running game for most of his career. What is really Tony's excuse? Giants and Seahawks were ripe for getting beaten and Tony and Co. couldnt step up: bottom line.
Cassidy's House: Septk-kova | 05/21/08, 12:32 AM
Report Offensive CommentI doubt Manning or Elway ever held a field goal attempt in their career. And exactly has does Romo's "butterfingers" with field goal attempts define him as a QB? How many starting QB's handle field goal attempts? Dallas did sweep New York in the regular season but neither game was a decisive win, including the playoff loss. At least Romo got Dallas close to winning both playoff games. Terrell Owens was not 100% and Crayton had his worst game of the year and Dallas still had a chance to win. Whats your point? This blog had nothing to do with Romo.
ThomasD | 05/21/08, 01:30 AM
Report Offensive CommentGetting back on task here, signing ALL of the latter referenced players will be difficult unless they truly want to be "career" Cowboys and are willing to compromise salary to do so. If the Cowboys win a SB this year that makes it even more of a bear! Signing Barber and Newman is significant to the present. Long term I'm more in favor of the investment in Newman than Barber. His reckless running style makes him susceptible to career threatening injuries regardless of the minimized hit to the cap.
Cowboystar | 05/21/08, 07:31 AM
Report Offensive CommentRomo was not the reason the Cowboys lost to the Giants last year. I know the Giants secondary was injury ravaged, but T.O, obviously his favorite target, was well under 100%, Patrick Crayton couldn't catch a cold, the defense gave up that back breaking drive right before the half, and although they would not be the last. the Cowboys O-line fell apart in the 4th quarter. Romo was not good that game, he was average, but the biggest culprit that day was Crayton
NYGiantsSBXLIICHAMPS | 05/21/08, 09:54 AM
Report Offensive CommentCassidy: Manning was 0-3 in the playoffs before winning his first game. But do you trash him? no. Quit hating on the Cowboys because they get more media hype than the steelers.
riceowls75 | 05/21/08, 05:16 PM
Report Offensive CommentI think tony is just getting used to being a starter. Heck it took Peyton a while to win a playoff game
Chris5 | 05/23/08, 07:34 PM
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