Associated Press
The NFL notebook …
IRVING, Texas ó When Terrell Owens signed with the Dallas Cowboys two years ago, he announced, “Get your popcorn ready.” When he signed an extension Tuesday, the club had the popcorn ready for him ó a giant bowl of the buttery stuff, big enough to feed the entire offensive line.
“That’s funny,” Owens said, scooping a few kernels into his mouth.
The bowl was so big it took two people to carry it into the room. Owens knew a surprise was awaiting him. Seeing what it was, he walked up laughing, smiling and getting a bit hungry.
“This is your signing bonus,” team owner Jerry Jones cracked.
Jones wishes he got off that cheaply. Owens actually cashed in a $7 million bonus, plus a three-year extension worth around $27 million.
Coincidentally, he signed his deal the same day the Cowboys got their first look at their newest standout pass defender, Adam “Pacman” Jones. Although he’s still technically suspended, he’s allowed to do everything up to the regular season, and he went through his first practice Tuesday.
He capped it by intercepting a pass ó from third-stringer Richard Bartel, not starter Tony Romo ó and returned it 80 yards for a touchdown.
“I would’ve prevented that in a second,” said Owens, who missed the workout because he was flying back from New York, where he had business with the NFL office.
Team owner Jerry Jones plainly said he wants Owens to finish his career wearing a star on his helmet.
As for his new cornerback, Jerry Jones wouldn’t say whether he was surprised by commissioner Roger Goodell’s decision Monday to let Pacman ó who has been suspended since April 2007 ó practice and play in preseason games. Goodell will decide Pacman’s regular-season status by Sept. 1.
“I think we should be careful creating a graduation scenario here,” Jerry Jones said. “He wasn’t reinstated, but he’s getting (a) chance. That’s a plus, but nothing more. … I had hoped that we could create enough at the league office that the way we’re doing it would allow him to do that.”
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IRVING, Texas ó Jones wants receiver Terry Glenn to agree to accept a $500,000 injury settlement if he can’t play this season. His base salary is $1.74 million.
CARDINALSTEMPE, Ariz. ó Matt Leinart is the Arizona Cardinals’ first-string quarterback.
Kurt Warner has been taking some snaps with the first-string offense in voluntary workouts.
Confusing? Coach Ken Whisenhunt doesn’t think so.
“Same thing I said back at the end of the season: Matt’s our starter,” Whisenhunt said after Monday’s practice. “Kurt’s going to be there pushing him.”
In the NFL, it’s never too early for a quarterback controversy. The Leinart vs. Warner debate has simmered since the Cardinals drafted Leinart out of USC with the 10th overall pick in 2006, and there’s no reason to believe that will change when the club goes to the tall pines of Flagstaff for training camp next month.
Whisenhunt selected Leinart as his starter as soon as last season ended. But Warner, a two-time NFL MVP, said he expects to have a chance to win the job.
“That’s basically what has been shared with me, that the best player’s going to play, and that’s how I look at it, and I believe everybody else is looking at it the same way,” Warner said.
JETSNEW YORK ó The New York Jets have hired Scott Cohen for their newly created position of assistant general manager, according to a person with the team.
Cohen will work with general manager Mike Tannenbaum on day-to-day operations.