Cowboys All-Pro linebacker DeMarcus Ware won’t be leaving Dallas anytime soon.
According to a Twitter report by Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has agreed to shell out $40 million guaranteed over the next six years to the 27-year-old Ware, who led the NFL with 20 sacks last season.
Ware got off to a slow start in 2009, but has really come on of late, piling up four sacks in the last two games. The Cowboys are confident that the dynamic pass rusher can sustain that level of performance well into his thirties, and if he does, Ware could earn up to $78 million, or $13 million per year.
In his career, Ware has amassed 323 tackles and 57.5 sacks in 70 games, while forcing 20 fumbles and intercepting one pass. The 6-foot-4, 262 pound Ware is the unquestioned leader of the Cowboys’ defense, and arguably the best 3-4 linebacker in the league.
Ware is currently playing through a stress fracture in his foot, but that is not a long-term concern. He has been extremely durable since being selected 11th overall out of Troy University in 2005, starting 70 straight games.
