Dallas keeps Barber with seven-year deal

By Neal Coolong  |   Wednesday, May 21, 2008  |  Comments( 6 )

Dallas Cowboys
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The Cowboys signed RB Marion Barber to a seven-year deal worth $45 million Tuesday, $16 million of it guaranteed.

The deal puts him in the same salary range as fellow backs LaDainian Tomlinson (Chargers) and Larry Johnson (Chiefs). Barber has split carries with Julius Jones his entire pro career. Jones is now with Seattle, and Barber will be the unquestioned featured back in Dallas even after it selected RB Felix Jones in the first round of April's draft.

Barber has 29 touchdowns in three seasons, and has yet to crack the 1,000-yard plateau. He also has averaged 4.8 yards a carry in each of the past two seasons.

Commentary: For the dollar, Barber has been one of the most productive players in the league at any position the last three seasons. With Jones assuming Barber's role, and Barber looking to get around 300 carries a season, Dallas' offense is going to be at least as good as it was last season, which was enough to win the NFC East.

Fantasy Impact: Barber has been Dallas' goal-line back since he came to the team, and an increased workload puts him comfortably in the top five of running backs available, probably even top five overall; he's likely to get around 1,300 yards and 13 touchdowns.
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About Neal Coolong

Neal Coolong is a freelance sports writer with contributions to Scout.com, AOL and Steelers Live. He lives with his fiance in St. Paul, Minn., and saves every dime (that she knows about) for their wedding next June. He's already made the prediction that the Steelers 2007 draft class will be one...
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