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Wednesday, March 19, 1997

Cowboys to announce agreement with "Moose" Johnston today

DALLAS (AP) - The Dallas Cowboys have reached an agreement with their top off-season priority, free agent fullback Daryl Johnston.

Team spokesman Rich Dalrymple said the deal will be announced at a news conference this afternoon.

Team owner Jerry Jones, team vice president Stephen Jones and Leigh Steinberg, Johnston's agent, spent several days last week in California working on the deal, The Dallas Morning News reported in today's editions.

"We made progress last week at the NFL meetings, and we've gotten closer," Steinberg said. "We've continued to make progress."

Johnston, who has made his reputation as a devastating lead blocker, caught 43 passes last season for 278 yards and gained 48 yards on 22 carries. He also caught 43 passes for 176 yards.

No matter where the Cowboys are playing, fans chant "Moose" whenever Johnston touches the ball or makes a good block.

Running back Emmitt Smith, usually the beneficiary of Johnston's blocking ability, said Johnston was the team's offensive MVP last season.

Johnston graduated from Syracuse in 1988 and joined the Cowboys in 1989.

Dallas is about $850,000 under the NFL's $41.45 million salary cap.

Meanwhile, safety Brock Marion appeared to be close to leaving the team today as he and the Baltimore Ravens work toward a multiyear contract. On another front, Jerry Jones has heated up negotiations to re-sign free safety George Teague and linebacker Broderick Thomas.

Talks between Thomas and Ravens owner Art Modell apparently have broken down. With the possible loss of defensive end Charles Haley because of back problems, the Cowboys are considering using Thomas on its defensive line.