Ware, Cowboys agree to new contract
October 26, 2009 3:19 PM
Posted by ESPN.com's Matt Mosley
Ware
For that last few months, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones insisted that he would eventually sign All-Pro linebacker DeMarcus Ware to a contract extension. And according to ESPNDallas.com, it's finally happened.
We don't have the contract numbers yet, but it's safe to assume that Ware will become one of highest-paid defenders in the game. He got off to a slow start this season, but he's made up ground with four sacks over the past two games.
But Jones wasn't negotiating this contract game by game. Ware has already established himself as perhaps the most dynamic pass-rusher in the league -- as evidenced by his 20-sack season in '08. Opposing offensive coordinators have been game-planning around Ware since his rookie season in '05.
He took a patient approach to this negotiation, in part, because he said he grew up without money and has already made more than he ever imagined. Jones made it clear this past offseason that he would not use the potential of an uncapped season in 2010 as leverage in negotiating with Ware.
The Cowboys drafted Ware 11th overall in 2005 despite rumblings that Bill Parcells wanted Shawne Merriman. Five years later, it's pretty obvious the Cowboys made the right decision.
Ware is the rare player who can intimidate quarterbacks and then drop back and cover a running back in space. He's also turned himself into an excellent run defender. We all knew the Cowboys would eventually get this thing done.
Sometimes players are jealous of a teammate's money, but I think everyone in the locker room will be thrilled for Ware. The Cowboys will announce the contract extension at 5:30 p.m. ET this afternoon.
