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Monday, March 24, 1997

Broderick Thomas re-signs with Cowboys

By DENNE H. FREEMAN AP Sports Writer

IRVING, Texas (AP) - The Dallas Cowboys, who aren't certain Charles Haley will return, re-signed pass rush specialist Broderick Thomas on Monday.

"We had to have this guy," said coach Barry Switzer. "He was a priority for our staff. He can run people down from behind. He has natural pass rushing instincts."

Thomas moved from linebacker to defensive end in the last six games of the 1966 season and finished second on the team with 4.5 sacks. He also had 20 quarterback pressures.

Owner Jerry Jones, who said terms wouldn't be announced, said the Cowboys needed Thomas no matter whether Haley returns.

"We have to be respectful that Haley's decision is not made but we have to realize his limitations," Jones said.

Thomas won't play linebacker for the Cowboys this year and he said he is looking forward to being at defensive end fulltime.

"I'm happy with this franchise," Thomas said. "I had a chance to sign with other teams and it was close. But I decided to try to come back here and take another chance at a Super Bowl. I played with my hand on the ground at Nebraska and I'm ready do it here. I enjoyed playing at end the last part of the season."

Thomas has played for Tampa Bay, Minnesota and Detroit. He has been in 131 straight NFL games.

He has a career total of 44 sacks in eight NFL seasons and has made a total of 698 tackles.

Assistant coach Jim Bates said "Broderick is everything you look for as an edge rusher. I see even a better season for him this year with him being a pass rusher all the time and not being bothered by playing linebacker."

Thomas was the second "priority" signing by the Cowboys, who also brought fullback Daryl Johnston into the fold last week.

Dallas has lost punter John Jett, placekicker Chris Boniol, and safety George Teague to free agency.

Jones said the Cowboys still have room to maneuver under the salary cap.

"There is the school of though that says the Cowboys are in decline," Jones said. "We don't go to that school."

The Cowboys have the 25th first round choice in next month's NFL draft but nobody was talking about what Dallas would do.

There is still a gag order from Jones relating to all football matters. Jones told Bates "the gag order is off today" for the signing of Thomas.