Cowboys eying contract extension for DT Tyrone Crawford
Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones confirmed Friday that a deal is in the works to extend Tyrone Crawford past the 2015 season -- emphasis on "in the works."
"We're working on it," Jones said. "Obviously, when you get involved in a negotiation like this, you'd like to hope that -- the players do and we do too -- like to get the done before the season starts. That's always the goal, but we'll see."
Word surfaced Friday morning that the Cowboys were working to extend their fourth-year defensive tackle, who is widely expected to have a breakout year this season. Crawford switched from defensive end to tackle early on in the 2014 campaign, and he took to the position with three sacks and 29 quarterback pressures.
"He represents everything we want to wear the Star. He's a really solid player on the field and plays the way we want to play the game, and a better guy off the field," Jones said. "We're working hard to ensure that he'll be here."
From the time Dallas locked up Dez Bryant to a five-year, $70 million contract in July, it's been suspected that Crawford might be the next Cowboys to get a new deal. Asked about it Friday in the Cowboys' locker room, Crawford said he'd let his agents take care of the situation.
"I think everybody knows how much I love Dallas, love this team, love the organization and love the ownership," Crawford said. "My agents are working on it right now. I'm just letting them do their job."
It's a bit of a delicate balancing act for the Boise State product. He could obviously attain some immediate financial security if he signs before the season, but he could also dramatically raise his asking price if he produces in the weeks to come.
"Definitely, it's tough for anybody," Crawford said of the decision to get a deal now. "It's always in your head. But like I said, if it fits, it fits. That's how it's going to go."
Regardless of whether he gets the extension this weekend, the Cowboys will be counting on Crawford to help drive the pass rush Sunday night when the season opens at AT&T Stadium.
