Johnson on inside, but he's looking out
Victim of 'business decision' studies his options
By TODD ARCHER / The Dallas Morning News
IRVING – Keyshawn Johnson's locker remains inside Valley Ranch, but the veteran receiver is preparing to make visits to a number of other teams this week.
Cut last week before he was due a $1 million roster bonus, Johnson didn't close the door on returning to the Cowboys, even after the addition Saturday of Terrell Owens.
"I'm just going to play football for my new team," Johnson said. "Are the Dallas Cowboys in the picture? They are. If it's not them, it's not them. No love lost. It's a business decision. I don't understand why people don't know that."
When told that Owens will receive $10 million this year, Johnson said, "Wow. Now you understand why they couldn't keep me."
Fabini signs three-year deal: Lost amid the Owens hoopla Saturday was the signing of Jason Fabini, who will have a chance to be the Cowboys' starting right tackle this season.
Fabini signed a three-year deal that included a $1.75 million signing bonus. He could make up to $7.5 million over the length of the deal if he hits certain incentives.
Fabini missed the last seven games last season for the New York Jets with a torn pectoral muscle, but he said that he is healthy.
Rosenhaus has his day: Drew Rosenhaus has been cast as the evil agent in the Owens saga, but he was all smiles Saturday as he sat next to Owens. Rosenhaus represents more than 90 players, but Owens is his only Cowboy. He said seven teams contacted him about Owens but that the Cowboys were the most ardent of the suitors.
"I just like to do a good job for my client," Rosenhaus said. "There's always pressure to get the best deal I can for my guys. That's why they hire me. A lot of people took shots at me publicly. That's OK. I can deal with that."
Roster needs remain: The Cowboys have filled holes on the offensive line, at receiver and at linebacker. But the team still has needs at safety and kicker as free agency enters its third week.
The Cowboys have a little more than $11 million in salary-cap room. The 2006 cap numbers for the six players signed – guard Kyle Kosier, linebacker Akin Ayodele, tight end Ryan Hannam, guard Andre Gurode, Owens and Fabini – equal $12.4 million.