Cowboys sign Tyrone Crawford to 5-year deal

The Cowboys have locked up their 3-technique defensive tackle for the next five seasons. Tyrone Crawford broke the news Saturday by tweeting a photo of him signing his new contract.

The deal is worth $45 million with $25.7 million guaranteed, according to a source.

Word began to spread Friday that the two sides were closing in on a long-term extension.

“He represents everything we want to wear the star,” Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones said Friday. “He’s a really solid player on the field ... and even a better guy off the field.”

Crawford, a third-round pick in 2012, is entering the final season of his rookie contract. He would’ve become an unrestricted free agent after the season if a deal hadn’t been reached.

“I think everybody knows how much I love Dallas, love this team, love this organization, love the ownership, my teammates,” Crawford said Friday. “I’m just doing what I have to do today and not worried about anything else. I’m playing for something way bigger than just money. I’m playing for myself, my family, God and I definitely keep that in mind first. I have goals I want to accomplish.”

Crawford had three sacks in 15 starts last season. And the Cowboys believe that’s only the beginning. Jones said Friday that Crawford has shown the organization “everything we need to see to know that he can be one of the elite under tackles in this league.”

Crawford missed all of 2013 after he tore his left Achilles in the team’s first training camp practice. The 25-year-old, played in all 16 games as a rookie.

Staff Writer Brandon George contributed to this report.

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