Cowboys sign Ware to long-term contract

Sports Network | October 26, 2009

Irving, TX (Sports Network) - The Dallas Cowboys announced the signing of linebacker DeMarcus Ware to a long-term contract extension on Monday.

Terms of the contract were not released, but the Dallas Morning News reported the agreement to be an extension through the 2015 season worth $40 million guaranteed.

Ware led the league in sacks (20) least year and has recorded consecutive two- sack games after beginning the season with none in the first four contests.

"We shook hands with DeMarcus before the game [Sunday]," Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said. "He's a cornerstone player of this franchise and will be for a long time to come."

The five-year veteran has never missed a game for Dallas after being taken with the 11th overall pick out of Troy in the 2005 draft.

In 70 career contests, the 6-foot-4, 262-pound speed rusher has logged 57 1/2 sacks and 323 tackles to go with one interception he returned for a touchdown.

"It's an honor and a privilege to be a part of America's Team," Ware said. "I feel like I worked really hard and am deserving of what they are giving me."

Ware was set to be a restricted free agent after the 2009 campaign.