kepdawg
03-11-2006, 05:33 PM
Cowboys agree to terms with Kosier
03:03 PM CST on Saturday, March 11, 2006
BY TODD ARCHER / Staff Writer
For the second straight year the Cowboys have started quickly in the free-agent market, agreeing to terms with free-agent guard Kyle Kosier on a five-year contract and re-signing Andre Gurode to a one-year deal Saturday.
Also, the Cowboys are also hosting free-agent linebacker Akin Ayodele, who played at Irving MacArthur High School and spent the previous four years in Jacksonville
Kosier agreed to a five-year, $15 million deal that includes a $5 million signing bonus. He met with coaches and the medical staff this morning.
In his four years, Kosier, 27, has started 43 games, including 11 last year in Detroit at left guard. He spent his first three seasons in San Francisco and played every position but center. His versatility is considered a big plus and coach Bill Parcells loves players who can play more than one position.
"He's really a Parcells' kind of guy," said agent Ken Zuckerman. "He was a Cowboys' fan growing up and really likes the tradition. Plus, he wants to go to a team that's a contender for a Super Bowl."
Kosier's signing could bring questions about Larry Allen's future. He is scheduled to count $7.5 million against the 2006 salary cap and is due a $2 million roster bonus on April 1.
Gurode received interest from San Francisco, where former Cowboys offensive line coach George Warhop now toils, and Atlanta.
"We're very enthused and excited about the opportunity to return to the Cowboys' organization," Gurode's agent, Kennard McGuire, said. "It presents a chance to finish what we started."
Gurode, a second-round pick in 2002, appeared to fall out of favor toward the end of 2004. He started two games last season, both at right guard, with Marco Rivera out with a neck injury, but coach Bill Parcells said he thought Gurode's best position was center.
With Gurode returning, he and Al Johnson would appear to be in a battle for the starting center spot in 2006.
As for Ayodele, he would be a replacement for Scott Fujita, who hit the open market at 11:01 p.m. CT Friday, at strong-side linebacker. Ayodele was credited with 70 tackles and 2½ sacks last year. He was the Jaguars' third-round pick in 2002, coming out of Purdue, where he played defensive end.
While the Cowboys negotiate with the agent for Ayodele, Fujita has lined up visits with New Orleans, Jacksonville and Oakland. He would be reunited in New Orleans with Cowobys linebacker coach Gary Gibbs, who is now the Saints defensive coordinator.
The Cowboys are also in the process of setting up a visit with tight end Ryan Hannam, who caught a game-tying touchdown against Dallas last season with Seattle, to possibly fill Dan Campbell's role. Campbell could receive interest from New Orleans, where he would be reunited with Sean Payton, the New York Jets and Washington.
E-mail tarcher@dallasnews.com
03:03 PM CST on Saturday, March 11, 2006
BY TODD ARCHER / Staff Writer
For the second straight year the Cowboys have started quickly in the free-agent market, agreeing to terms with free-agent guard Kyle Kosier on a five-year contract and re-signing Andre Gurode to a one-year deal Saturday.
Also, the Cowboys are also hosting free-agent linebacker Akin Ayodele, who played at Irving MacArthur High School and spent the previous four years in Jacksonville
Kosier agreed to a five-year, $15 million deal that includes a $5 million signing bonus. He met with coaches and the medical staff this morning.
In his four years, Kosier, 27, has started 43 games, including 11 last year in Detroit at left guard. He spent his first three seasons in San Francisco and played every position but center. His versatility is considered a big plus and coach Bill Parcells loves players who can play more than one position.
"He's really a Parcells' kind of guy," said agent Ken Zuckerman. "He was a Cowboys' fan growing up and really likes the tradition. Plus, he wants to go to a team that's a contender for a Super Bowl."
Kosier's signing could bring questions about Larry Allen's future. He is scheduled to count $7.5 million against the 2006 salary cap and is due a $2 million roster bonus on April 1.
Gurode received interest from San Francisco, where former Cowboys offensive line coach George Warhop now toils, and Atlanta.
"We're very enthused and excited about the opportunity to return to the Cowboys' organization," Gurode's agent, Kennard McGuire, said. "It presents a chance to finish what we started."
Gurode, a second-round pick in 2002, appeared to fall out of favor toward the end of 2004. He started two games last season, both at right guard, with Marco Rivera out with a neck injury, but coach Bill Parcells said he thought Gurode's best position was center.
With Gurode returning, he and Al Johnson would appear to be in a battle for the starting center spot in 2006.
As for Ayodele, he would be a replacement for Scott Fujita, who hit the open market at 11:01 p.m. CT Friday, at strong-side linebacker. Ayodele was credited with 70 tackles and 2½ sacks last year. He was the Jaguars' third-round pick in 2002, coming out of Purdue, where he played defensive end.
While the Cowboys negotiate with the agent for Ayodele, Fujita has lined up visits with New Orleans, Jacksonville and Oakland. He would be reunited in New Orleans with Cowobys linebacker coach Gary Gibbs, who is now the Saints defensive coordinator.
The Cowboys are also in the process of setting up a visit with tight end Ryan Hannam, who caught a game-tying touchdown against Dallas last season with Seattle, to possibly fill Dan Campbell's role. Campbell could receive interest from New Orleans, where he would be reunited with Sean Payton, the New York Jets and Washington.
E-mail tarcher@dallasnews.com