DeMarcus Ware signs six-year, $78 million extenison with Dallas CowboysSubmitted by admin on October 26, 2009 - 5:45pm |
On Monday, the Dallas Cowboys announced the signing of outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware to an extension.
Ware signed a six-year extension which runs through 2015, is worth $78 million, according to a source. The source said Ware received $20 million Monday just for signing the deal and will receive another $14 million in the first 12 months of the deal. He will be paid $6 million in the second year and $5 million in the third, the source said.
"I've been lucky to be around a lot of good ones," Cowboys coach Wade Phillips said Monday regarding some of the top pass-rushers he's coached. "He's at the top of the class, and it doesn't take long to call the roll. You know that statement. He's very special that way. But he's an all-around player, and he plays the run well too. That's what you really like about him."
Last season, Ware compiled 20 sacks and led the league in sacks. Since 2005, Ware has racked up 57½ sacks, which is the most of any linebacker.
The extension Ware signed on Monday makes him one of the highest paid defensive players in NFL history. Redskins nose tackle Albert Haynesworth tops the scale after signing a seven-year, $100 million deal with $41 million guaranteed this offseason. Vikings defensive end Jared Allen signed a six-year, $74.5 million deal two years ago with $34 million guaranteed. Baltimore linebacker Terrell Suggs signed a six-year, $62.5 million contract this summer, with about $38.1 million guaranteed.
Now with a new contract for Ware, the Cowboys continue towards putting together more wins this season. Ware and his agent, Pat Dye, had been looking forward to getting an extension for Ware to avoid the team placing the franchise tag on him.
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