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The cash-strapped Dallas Cowboys finally did something right along the lines of player contracts by giving superstar linebacker Sean Lee a six-year, $42 million extension (with a $10 million signing bonus and the opportunity to earn up to $51 million) on Wednesday. Last week, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones hinted Lee’s new deal was coming soon and the fourth-year veteran inked his name to ensure he’ll be playing with a star on his helmet for at least the next half a dozen years.
Congrats to SEAN LEE for agreeing to a 6 year extension with the @dallascowboys
— Mike McCartney (@MikeMcCartney7) August 21, 2013
Lee was entering the final year of his rookie contract after having his 2012 season cut short due to a toe injury. During his time in Dallas, he’s cemented himself as the unquestioned leader of the Cowboys’ defense and fortunately for the team’s fans, Jones and his coaching staff recognized that.
To say the Cowboys were wise to lock up Lee for the remainder of his prime is an understatement. The 27-year-old will undoubtedly play in multiple Pro Bowls and if there’s any chance Dallas returns to being the powerhouse it once was, Lee will be extremely instrumental in making that happen.
Lee’s new deal also makes the Cowboys’ ugly salary cap situation a little better for the next couple of seasons. Dallas is still in a serious bind for 2014, but getting Lee’s new deal out of the way allows Jones to focus on fixing that glaring problem without worrying about the core of his defense.
Lee is arguably the purest tackler in the NFL and he’s a quiet superstar, which is exactly what the country club-like Cowboys need to get this franchise headed in the right direction.
Jeric Griffin is the Director of Content for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @JericGriffin, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google