Newman can taste upcoming payday
By MAC ENGEL
Star-Telegram staff writer
STAR-TELEGRAM/RALPH LAUER
Terence Newman has 12 interceptions in 64 games with the Cowboys. IRVING -- Terence Newman has since wiped the drool from the side of his mouth. But the Cowboys cornerback admitted to a little drool when he learned cornerback Nate Clements had signed an eight-year, $80 million contract with the San Francisco 49ers in March, including $22 million in guarantees.
"That was impressive," Newman said.
Newman can't become a free agent until after the 2009 season, but admitted he's already eyeing the day. Not because he wants to leave the Cowboys, but because he knows what the day could be worth.
His agent has been at Valley Ranch to engage in preliminary discussions with the Cowboys about a contract extension.
The Cowboys want to keep Newman. In the past year, the team has been proactive about not allowing their core players, such as Roy Williams, Jason Witten and Bradie James, to become free agents by signing them to extensions.
Newman compares himself favorably to Clements, who signed the richest contract ever for an NFL cornerback.
"I want to be in the upper echelon of the [defensive backs]," Newman said. "[Clements] was in the same position I was; one Pro Bowl, I think. Our stats are similar, he's played longer. So you do that math."
Clements, 27, has played six NFL seasons and has 23 interceptions in 96 games.
Newman, 28, has played four NFL seasons and has 12 interceptions. He has yet to make a Pro Bowl.
"The biggest goal I can say is being recognized as one of the top cornerbacks in the league," Newman said. "To do that I have to get to the Pro Bowl. So whichever comes first."
More on Ellis
Coach Wade Phillips said as long as linebacker Greg Ellis is healthy, he's starting.
One day after Ellis said he wants his contract re-structured or to be released, Phillips commended the linebacker's character and believes the situation will sort itself out.
"It's a situation between the GM and the player," Phillips said. "Usually things work out, especially with good people involved. Greg Ellis is one of the best guys I have been around."
Post-Rivera era
While few were surprised at the release of guard Marco Rivera on Thursday, disappointment was expressed around the locker room Friday, the first day of minicamp practices.
Rivera, 35, was widely respected by his teammates.
"I had known him in Green Bay," quarterback Tony Romo, who grew up in Wisconsin, said of Rivera's days as a Green Bay Packer, with whom the lineman played the majority of his career. "It was sad to see him go. He was a father figure around here. He felt it might be coming, but he wants to play again. He helped me in a lot of different ways."
Flozell Adams update
Wade Phillips said he expects left tackle Flozell Adams, who is out after having minor surgery on his knee, to be ready by the start of training camp. The same goes for linebacker Akin Ayodele, who had his knee scoped recently.
Rookie receiver Isaiah Stanback, who had surgery last fall on his injured ankle, has been held out thus far, but expects to be cleared for training camp.
Star-Telegram staff writer
STAR-TELEGRAM/RALPH LAUER
Terence Newman has 12 interceptions in 64 games with the Cowboys. IRVING -- Terence Newman has since wiped the drool from the side of his mouth. But the Cowboys cornerback admitted to a little drool when he learned cornerback Nate Clements had signed an eight-year, $80 million contract with the San Francisco 49ers in March, including $22 million in guarantees.
"That was impressive," Newman said.
Newman can't become a free agent until after the 2009 season, but admitted he's already eyeing the day. Not because he wants to leave the Cowboys, but because he knows what the day could be worth.
His agent has been at Valley Ranch to engage in preliminary discussions with the Cowboys about a contract extension.
The Cowboys want to keep Newman. In the past year, the team has been proactive about not allowing their core players, such as Roy Williams, Jason Witten and Bradie James, to become free agents by signing them to extensions.
Newman compares himself favorably to Clements, who signed the richest contract ever for an NFL cornerback.
"I want to be in the upper echelon of the [defensive backs]," Newman said. "[Clements] was in the same position I was; one Pro Bowl, I think. Our stats are similar, he's played longer. So you do that math."
Clements, 27, has played six NFL seasons and has 23 interceptions in 96 games.
Newman, 28, has played four NFL seasons and has 12 interceptions. He has yet to make a Pro Bowl.
"The biggest goal I can say is being recognized as one of the top cornerbacks in the league," Newman said. "To do that I have to get to the Pro Bowl. So whichever comes first."
More on Ellis
Coach Wade Phillips said as long as linebacker Greg Ellis is healthy, he's starting.
One day after Ellis said he wants his contract re-structured or to be released, Phillips commended the linebacker's character and believes the situation will sort itself out.
"It's a situation between the GM and the player," Phillips said. "Usually things work out, especially with good people involved. Greg Ellis is one of the best guys I have been around."
Post-Rivera era
While few were surprised at the release of guard Marco Rivera on Thursday, disappointment was expressed around the locker room Friday, the first day of minicamp practices.
Rivera, 35, was widely respected by his teammates.
"I had known him in Green Bay," quarterback Tony Romo, who grew up in Wisconsin, said of Rivera's days as a Green Bay Packer, with whom the lineman played the majority of his career. "It was sad to see him go. He was a father figure around here. He felt it might be coming, but he wants to play again. He helped me in a lot of different ways."
Flozell Adams update
Wade Phillips said he expects left tackle Flozell Adams, who is out after having minor surgery on his knee, to be ready by the start of training camp. The same goes for linebacker Akin Ayodele, who had his knee scoped recently.
Rookie receiver Isaiah Stanback, who had surgery last fall on his injured ankle, has been held out thus far, but expects to be cleared for training camp.
posted by The Gryphon at 8:50 PM
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