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Tuesday, April 8, 1997

Godfrey Myles expected to leave

Bart Hubbuch

The Dallas Morning News

(KRT)

IRVING, Texas - A busy Monday afternoon saw the Cowboys welcome back Brock Marion, prepare for the departure of Godfrey Myles and hold out hope of re-signing Darrin Smith.

Marion, a fifth-year free safety, surprised the Cowboys by signing a one-year, incentive-laden contract for far less than $1 million after an $8.4 million deal with the Baltimore Ravens fizzled over doubts about his left shoulder blade.

"It was an easy decision to come back," said Marion, a starter the past two seasons. "I've been here for four years, and they've always treated me with respect."

The Cowboys insist the 5-11, 193-pound Marion is healthy, but the Ravens say otherwise. Baltimore's stance prompted Jordan Woy, Marion's Dallas-based agent, to threaten a grievance with the NFL for backing out of what he claims was a signed agreement.

The oft-injured Myles, meanwhile, agreed to terms with the Denver Broncos, a source said Monday. Myles is expected to sign a one-year, $275,000 contract (including a $100,000 reporting bonus) Tuesday, the source said.

The Cowboys said they were not aware of Myles' intentions to sign with Denver.

There were indications Monday that Smith - the Cowboys' third-leading tackler in 1996 - might soon return after receiving scant interest in an extremely tight free-agent market.

Smith's agent, Brian Ransom, was unavailable for comment Monday, but Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said talks with the fifth-year linebacker continue.

Still, the bulk of the Cowboys' Monday activity - and wide smiles - centered on re-signing Marion at a bargain price, which was critical in light of Dallas' situation under the salary cap.

Jones said the Cowboys didn't restructure any contracts to make room for Marion, even though the club had only $300,000 or so under the cap before his signing.

Marion's return means the Cowboys won't need to replace the former seventh-round pick who had 114 tackles and six interceptions in 1995. Marion missed the final six games and the playoffs last season with a shoulder blade broken in two places Nov. 10 against San Francisco.

"We're surprised and excited to have him back," said an exultant coach Barry Switzer, who also has watched the Cowboys re-sign fullback Daryl Johnston and defensive end Broderick Thomas in the off-season.

Marion was in Baltimore on March 20 to announce a four-year contract that included a $2 million signing bonus. But with Marion in the room, Ravens owner Art Modell backed away because of sudden concern over Marion's shoulder.

Marion underwent three tests with the Ravens that he said cleared the injury, but Baltimore insisted on a new contract heavy with incentives. When talks broke down Friday, Marion immediately chose the Cowboys.

The Ravens and another unspecified team that tipped them off to the injury say a CAT scan shows his shoulder isn't healed. But the Cowboys showed their confidence by not requiring another physical before re-signing Marion.

"I've got full range of motion, and I feel real good about myself," Marion said.

Woy was more critical of the Ravens and indicated his grievance against them could come soon.

(c) 1997, The Dallas Morning News.

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