124 Posted May 21, 2008 Share Posted May 21, 2008 Pro Bowlers Barber, Newman sign extensions with Cowboys Associated Press IRVING, Texas -- The Dallas Cowboys signed running back Marion Barber and cornerback Terence Newman to long-term extensions Tuesday, just in time to beat a deadline that would've changed how the money is spread over the salary cap. It wasn't cheap, though, costing Jerry Jones roughly $95 million. At least he knows he'll have both players through 2014. Newman's deal is a six-year extension to the final year left on his initial contract. It's worth $50.2 million, with a $12 million signing bonus and $22.5 million guaranteed over the first three years. Barber, a restricted free agent, received a $45 million, seven-year contract that includes $16 million in guaranteed bonuses. It's worth $21 million over the first three years, all of which puts him in the salary range of LaDainian Tomlinson, Edgerrin James and Larry Johnson -- heady stuff for a guy whose only career start came in his last game. "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." The urgency to get both deals done stemmed from NFL owners voting unanimously Tuesday to end their labor agreement with the players' union in 2011. Deals signed after 3 p.m. Tuesday would've had to follow different rules. Because the Cowboys were expected to keep both players, the sense of urgency helped get the deals done. "It's going to be a little more complicated for teams to negotiate contracts going forward," Rosenhaus said. "It was nice to get a good deal and not have to worry about dealing with the new system we're going to have. It was a plus for both sides to get a deal done." Barber led the NFC in rushing touchdowns two seasons ago, then made an even bigger impression on the club last season despite backing up Julius Jones. His powerful style has earned him the nickname "Marion the Barbarian" and made him a fan favorite. And a Pro Bowler. He ran for 975 yards and 10 touchdowns last year, plus had 44 catches for 282 yards and two touchdowns. Acknowledging he'd be the starter in 2008, the Cowboys moved him into the lineup for a playoff game against the New York Giants. He responded with a career-high 129 yards and a touchdown on a career-high 27 carries. Barber split carries in college at Minnesota and with Jones, who left as a free agent this offseason, his first three seasons. Despite the big bucks, he still won't carry the full load as Dallas used its top draft pick on speedy Felix Jones of Arkansas. But Barber isn't being paid like a part-timer. Tomlinson is the only running back with more guaranteed money. It's also millions more than Atlanta paid Michael Turner, an unrestricted free agent. Now that he's got the job and the big contract, the only thing left is for the shy guy in the locker room to start showing off the personality friends rave about. "Now that he's going to be the starter and one of the highest-paid players at his position, you'll see his coming-out party," Rosenhaus said. Newman's contract also vaults him into the highest-paid range. Philadelphia gave Asante Samuel a six-year, $57 million deal, and Seattle re-signed Marcus Trufant for $50.2 million over six years. Newman is coming off his first Pro Bowl selection. He's been a starter and an anchor of the secondary since joining the team as the fifth overall pick in 2003. The Cowboys began organized team activities Tuesday and will continue working Tuesdays through Thursdays for the next several weeks. When Barber and Newman arrive, they'll be wearing big smiles and carrying lots of spending money. "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. Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobbyjet69 Posted May 21, 2008 Share Posted May 21, 2008 wow, that is big money for a rb with 1 start! esp with Felix Jones in the backround. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irish Jet Posted May 21, 2008 Share Posted May 21, 2008 Funny how Matt Ryan will make much more than both of these proven players, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Troll Posted May 21, 2008 Share Posted May 21, 2008 Newman is a good player, but, man, these cornerback contracts are stupid. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ghost Posted May 21, 2008 Share Posted May 21, 2008 Barber's contract is good, I'm not a Newman fan tho. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
124 Posted May 21, 2008 Author Share Posted May 21, 2008 Newman is a good player, but, man, these cornerback contracts are stupid. Indeed. He's not a shutdown corner by any means. When I think Terence Newman I think solid return man and a good #1 Cornerback, not a Top 5 or even Top 10, IMO. 6 years, $50.2 million for him? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Troll Posted May 21, 2008 Share Posted May 21, 2008 Indeed. He's not a shutdown corner by any means. When I think Terence Newman I think solid return man and a good #1 Cornerback, not a Top 5 or even Top 10, IMO. 6 years, $50.2 million for him? No one is a shutdown cornerback. It no longer exists. I'd take Newman over a couple guys with bigger contracts, though, namely Nate Clements and DeAngelo Hall. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
124 Posted May 21, 2008 Author Share Posted May 21, 2008 I'd take Newman over a couple guys with bigger contracts, though, namely Nate Clements and DeAngelo Hall. I'd take you over DeAngelo Hall. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Troll Posted May 21, 2008 Share Posted May 21, 2008 I'd take you over DeAngelo Hall. Stop turning me on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
124 Posted May 21, 2008 Author Share Posted May 21, 2008 Stop turning me on. I'm sorry, but you turn your hips faster than Hall. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
raffyD Posted May 21, 2008 Share Posted May 21, 2008 Funny how Matt Ryan will make much more than both of these proven players, I really don't understand how they can allow this to keep happening. Unbelievable. I will say this, it's a good time to be a sports agent. Newman is a good player, but, man, these cornerback contracts are stupid. Revis' contract, which I personally thought was insane last year, is already starting to look like somewhat of a bargain. (though I have to admit I don't remember the specifics) Basically, contracts for every year going forward will make the previous year's contracts seem like bargains. Seems like a recipe for disaster (or at the very least, a disaster for the fans' pockets). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thai Jet Posted May 21, 2008 Share Posted May 21, 2008 Funny how Matt Ryan will make much more than both of these proven players, Exactly, and THAT'S what's wrong with the big picture. Can't blame the Vets for wanting a bigger piece of the pie. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sperm Edwards Posted May 21, 2008 Share Posted May 21, 2008 I really don't understand how they can allow this to keep happening. Unbelievable. I will say this, it's a good time to be a sports agent. Revis' contract, which I personally thought was insane last year, is already starting to look like somewhat of a bargain. (though I have to admit I don't remember the specifics) Basically, contracts for every year going forward will make the previous year's contracts seem like bargains. Seems like a recipe for disaster (or at the very least, a disaster for the fans' pockets). The problem with Revis' contract wasn't whether or not it's in line with the likes of Clements or Newman or Hall. The problem was that the going rate was 5 years $13M and we gave him 5 years $21M or something like that. That 6th year is going to be voided anyway, or he's going to get a new deal if he's really all that. His cap number in year 6 (assuming there is a salary cap) will be at least $12M and could be as high as $16M (after which he's a UFA or franchise him for as much as $18M - a 20% raise over the prior season - for one more year). In the end it means we're giving him an extension after year 5 instead of year 4. It doesn't buy an extra year; it merely puts off the extension by a year. Of course the extension is then that much more expensive with the way contracts keep rising. So in the end we probably saved nothing and lost money overall. When we did our little line-in-the-sand and then the eventual contract with Revis, it was amateur hour in Hempstead. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
raffyD Posted May 21, 2008 Share Posted May 21, 2008 The problem with Revis' contract wasn't whether or not it's in line with the likes of Clements or Newman or Hall. The problem was that the going rate was 5 years $13M and we gave him 5 years $21M or something like that. That 6th year is going to be voided anyway, or he's going to get a new deal if he's really all that. His cap number in year 6 (assuming there is a salary cap) will be at least $12M and could be as high as $16M (after which he's a UFA or franchise him for as much as $18M - a 20% raise over the prior season - for one more year). In the end it means we're giving him an extension after year 5 instead of year 4. It doesn't buy an extra year; it merely puts off the extension by a year. Of course the extension is then that much more expensive with the way contracts keep rising. So in the end we probably saved nothing and lost money overall. When we did our little line-in-the-sand and then the eventual contract with Revis, it was amateur hour in Hempstead. Had a feeling I'd be hearing from you. No doubt about the amateur hour. Just saying that contracts are getting so ridiculous every new year that rolls around that Revis' deal will be considered welfare in about 2 years. (of course, he'll probably just hold out and ask for more cash). It's a never-ending vicious cycle. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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