June 9, 2000
By Jarrett Bell
USA TODAY
IRVING, Texas - Even in this musical-chairs era of free agency, you'd hardly expect an NFL owner to hop on his private jet and personally recruit a backup quarterback. But that's exactly how Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones got the ball rolling to land Randall Cunningham as Troy Aikman's newest understudy.
Cunningham, released by Minnesota last week after refusing a pay cut, has agreed to a three-year deal with the Cowboys that includes a $500,000 bonus and $500,000 base salary for the 2000 season. With a contract value that could increase with incentive clauses that include playing time, the 15-year veteran is expected to report to the Cowboys this weekend and participate in Monday's minicamp.
"At first, I didn't think we could get him, playing behind Troy," Jones said Thursday. "I'm glad it worked . Randall's proven to be a player who can win games , rather than just not lose them."
Jones flew to Las Vegas last weekend and met with Cunningham at his home. When Cunningham, 37, expressed serious interest, Jones brought in coach Dave Campo and offensive consultant Ernie Zampese to address more of the football details.
The Cowboys were seeking a backup after losing Jason Garrett to the New York Giants as a free agent. But landing Cunningham - who just two seasons ago led the NFL with a 106.0 passer rating and won NFL player of the year awards - appeared to be a long shot.
Cunningham could have stayed in the NFC Central with perhaps a better chance to play. Tampa Bay, a legitimate Super Bowl contender, starts a second-year quarterback in Shaun King. The Bucs offered a one-year deal. And Detroit tried to lure Cunningham after starter Charlie Batch was sidelined this week with a broken leg .
"In my heart, I want to be in Dallas," Cunningham told The Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
Jones acknowledges that in the event that Cunningham has to replace Aikman for an extensive period, the Cowboys' offense would undergo significant changes because of the difference in styles between the quarterbacks.
"In our system, it will create a change of pace," Jones said.
Although Cunningham's arm strength was questioned in Minnesota and he was benched for Jeff George early last season, the Cowboys think he has enough left to have an impact on the team's added emphasis on speed in the vertical passing game.
