WestPlano006
05-20-2008, 04:34 PM
Using the salary cap loopholes created by Tuesday's decision to have a possible uncapped year in 2010, the Dallas Cowboys locked up two of their key young players -- cornerback Terence Newman and halfback Marion Barber.
Newman
Barber
Newman received a six-year extension without around $50.2 million, similar to the deal Marcus Trufant received from Seattle. Barber agreed to a seven-year $45 million deal that included $16 million in guarantees.
On a conference call early Tuesday, NFL Players Association executive director Gene Upshaw talked about the last uncapped year in 1993.
Upshaw said teams ended up spending 70 percent of their revenue on player costs instead of the current 60 percent, and teams like the Cowboys locked up as many players as they could without the restriction of cap.
"Once we shortened the current labor deal, a new set of rules started involving the cap," Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said. "A new way of accounting for cap dollars started with that decision and we used them in getting these deals completed."
A year ago, Barber was considered one of the most dangerous runners coming off the bench, forming a great one-two punch with then starting running back Julius Jones.
Now, he's one of the highest-paid running backs in football. The highlight of his deal, though, was his payout over the first three years. Barber will receive $21 million over the next three seasons.
"He kept repeating the numbers over and over," agent Drew Rosenhaus said. "He sat there at least an extra 20 minutes after we got the deal done in a state of shock."
Barber is coming off his best season even though he didn't start a game. He rushed for 975 yards on 204 carries for a 4.8 yard per carry average. Jones would start games while Barber would make the big finish.
His relentless style wore down defenses. Though he's a strong inside runner, Barber has a unique ability to bounce outside and run over defenders.
Near the end zone he was even more dangerous, rushing for 24 touchdowns over the past two years.
Jones left for the Seattle Seahawks, but the Cowboys remain a two-back team. Though Barber will move into the starting role, first-round pick Felix Jones from Arkansas will be used as a pass-catcher and a runner off the bench.
After three seasons of being the closer, Barber finally hit paydirt with his new contract. He was in his restricted free agent season.
"Marion said he was happy Terence Newman also signed because it would deflect some of the ribbing he's going to get from his teammates," Rosenhaus said.
Newman
Barber
Newman received a six-year extension without around $50.2 million, similar to the deal Marcus Trufant received from Seattle. Barber agreed to a seven-year $45 million deal that included $16 million in guarantees.
On a conference call early Tuesday, NFL Players Association executive director Gene Upshaw talked about the last uncapped year in 1993.
Upshaw said teams ended up spending 70 percent of their revenue on player costs instead of the current 60 percent, and teams like the Cowboys locked up as many players as they could without the restriction of cap.
"Once we shortened the current labor deal, a new set of rules started involving the cap," Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said. "A new way of accounting for cap dollars started with that decision and we used them in getting these deals completed."
A year ago, Barber was considered one of the most dangerous runners coming off the bench, forming a great one-two punch with then starting running back Julius Jones.
Now, he's one of the highest-paid running backs in football. The highlight of his deal, though, was his payout over the first three years. Barber will receive $21 million over the next three seasons.
"He kept repeating the numbers over and over," agent Drew Rosenhaus said. "He sat there at least an extra 20 minutes after we got the deal done in a state of shock."
Barber is coming off his best season even though he didn't start a game. He rushed for 975 yards on 204 carries for a 4.8 yard per carry average. Jones would start games while Barber would make the big finish.
His relentless style wore down defenses. Though he's a strong inside runner, Barber has a unique ability to bounce outside and run over defenders.
Near the end zone he was even more dangerous, rushing for 24 touchdowns over the past two years.
Jones left for the Seattle Seahawks, but the Cowboys remain a two-back team. Though Barber will move into the starting role, first-round pick Felix Jones from Arkansas will be used as a pass-catcher and a runner off the bench.
After three seasons of being the closer, Barber finally hit paydirt with his new contract. He was in his restricted free agent season.
"Marion said he was happy Terence Newman also signed because it would deflect some of the ribbing he's going to get from his teammates," Rosenhaus said.