CyclonePackFan
03-05-2007, 08:10 PM
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/football/nfl/03/05/bc.fbn.cowboys.johnson.ap/index.html
IRVING, Texas (AP) -- Brad Johnson signed a contract Monday night with the Dallas Cowboys, who wanted a veteran quarterback to team up with Tony Romo.
Johnson's agent, Phil Williams, said the quarterback got a three-year contract. Williams wouldn't discuss financial details of the deal.
Cowboys officials didn't respond to messages Monday night, and the team had not announced the deal. On their Web site, the Cowboys reported they were "close to adding" Johnson to the roster.
The 38-year-old Johnson became an unrestricted free agent last week when the Minnesota Vikings, in a long-expected move, released the 15-year veteran. Johnson won a Super Bowl with Tampa Bay after the 2002 season.
Romo replaced Drew Bledsoe as the Cowboys' starter in the seventh game last season and earned a spot on the NFC Pro Bowl team. Dallas made the playoffs as a wild-card team, but lost in the first round of the playoffs against Seattle after Romo's botched hold on a short field goal attempt in the closing seconds.
The Cowboys last week released Bledsoe, the first overall pick in the 1993 draft by New England. Bledsoe, due a $1 million roster bonus, would have made $4.5 million next season. He said he wasn't interested in being a backup.
Minnesota coach Brad Childress indicated at the end of last season that Johnson would be welcomed back in a mentoring role. But Johnson -- who has a fierce competitive drive that belies his easygoing demeanor -- said he still believes he can be a starter.
The Cowboys want Johnson to be a mentor to Romo, who didn't take a snap in his first 31/2 seasons before taking over midway through last season.
When Williams was asked what Johnson's role in Dallas would be, he responded, "He just signed the contract" and wouldn't elaborate.
IRVING, Texas (AP) -- Brad Johnson signed a contract Monday night with the Dallas Cowboys, who wanted a veteran quarterback to team up with Tony Romo.
Johnson's agent, Phil Williams, said the quarterback got a three-year contract. Williams wouldn't discuss financial details of the deal.
Cowboys officials didn't respond to messages Monday night, and the team had not announced the deal. On their Web site, the Cowboys reported they were "close to adding" Johnson to the roster.
The 38-year-old Johnson became an unrestricted free agent last week when the Minnesota Vikings, in a long-expected move, released the 15-year veteran. Johnson won a Super Bowl with Tampa Bay after the 2002 season.
Romo replaced Drew Bledsoe as the Cowboys' starter in the seventh game last season and earned a spot on the NFC Pro Bowl team. Dallas made the playoffs as a wild-card team, but lost in the first round of the playoffs against Seattle after Romo's botched hold on a short field goal attempt in the closing seconds.
The Cowboys last week released Bledsoe, the first overall pick in the 1993 draft by New England. Bledsoe, due a $1 million roster bonus, would have made $4.5 million next season. He said he wasn't interested in being a backup.
Minnesota coach Brad Childress indicated at the end of last season that Johnson would be welcomed back in a mentoring role. But Johnson -- who has a fierce competitive drive that belies his easygoing demeanor -- said he still believes he can be a starter.
The Cowboys want Johnson to be a mentor to Romo, who didn't take a snap in his first 31/2 seasons before taking over midway through last season.
When Williams was asked what Johnson's role in Dallas would be, he responded, "He just signed the contract" and wouldn't elaborate.