Saturday, August 24, 1996
Cowboys Add Depth By Signing Safety
By The Associated Press
(August 24, 1996)
IRVING, Texas (AP) - The Dallas Cowboys have bolstered their
defense with another former Green Bay player, signing safety
George Teague to a one-year deal.
The Cowboys hope Teague can strengthen a defensive backfield
that's been weakened by injuries. Dallas had already added middle
linebacker Fred Strickland, who started for the Packers last
season.
The Cowboys have two healthy safeties, including two-time Pro
Bowler Darren Woodson and Brock Marion, who tied for the team
lead with six interceptions last season. But behind Woodson and
Marion, Dallas has little depth.
Free agent Charlie Williams tore a knee ligament during off-season
drills. Roger Harper, acquired from Atlanta the day before the
draft, broke his arm in the first scrimmage. Harper won't be
able to play for about a month.
That's left Bill Bates and Chris Hall, who spent the last two
seasons in the World League of American Football, at safety.
Teague is expected to aid the Cowboys in their nickel defense
because he can cover slot receivers and provide deep help.
Teague was the Green Bay Packers' first-round draft pick in 1993.
He was a starter for the last three seasons and made 11 tackles
against the Cowboys in the NFC Championship Game last season.
He racked up 72 tackles, 13 pass deflections and two interceptions
in 15 starts last season.
The Atlanta Falcons traded for Teague in the off-season, but
released him during training camp.
Teague said he doesn't know why he fell out of favor in Green
Bay. Atlanta, he said, never gave him a chance to compete for
a job.
Ron Wolf, Green Bay general manager, said Teague never recovered
from a thyroid problem he had before the 1994 season.
Teague passed a physical exam Thursday that included an MRI exam
on his back.
He's had back problems, but not the symptoms that accompany them,
trainer Jim Maurer said.
Notes
Cornerback Kevin Smith, who is recovering from a ruptured
right Achilles' tendon sustained in the first game of 1995, said
he feels good and expects to play about a half against Houston
Saturday. ... Vice President Stephen Jones said the Cowboys
do not have enough to have a practice squad. The Cowboys currently
have about $280,000 under the NFL's salary cap. That's enough
to sign one NFL veteran with five years experience for the minimum
salary of $275,000. Each team may pay a maximum of five practice-squad
players. Each player earns $3,300 per week or $56,100 for an
entire season.
All content copyright 1996, AP, The Abilene
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