Tuesday, April 14, 1998

Warren's signing could hurt Walker and Williams

By DENNE H. FREEMAN AP Sports Writer

IRVING, Texas (AP) - Free agent running back Chris Warren agreed to terms to a three-year, $2 million contract with the Dallas Cowboys Monday, jeopardizing the jobs of Sherman Williams and Herschel Walker.

It could also mean a reduced workload for Emmitt Smith in coach Chan Gailey's offense because of Warren's ability to catch the ball, making him a valuable third down receiver. Warren caught 45 passes for 257 yards last year for Seattle.

"We think Chris has a lot more left in his career and he will compliment Emmitt," owner Jerry Jones said. "He has been in the league nine years like Emmitt, but he has 1,000 fewer carries and we feel fortunate to have a back of that caliber.

"We want to be smart about the number of carries Emmitt has over the next several years. We'll have Emmitt doing what he does best for the next couple years and he will be our starter."

Smith rushed for more than 1,000 yards last year for the seventh straight season but averaged only 4.2 yards per carry and scored just three touchdowns.

Jones said no decision had been made on the status of Williams and Walker for the 1998 season.

Warren was a fourth-round draft choice who became one of the NFL's best backs before Seattle released him last month in an economy move.

In eight seasons, Warren rushed for 6,706 yards, breaking Curt Warner's team record of 6,705 on last season's final play. He rushed for 1,000-plus yards for four straight seasons, including a team record and AFC-leading 1,545 yards in 1994. Last year, he had 847 yards and four touchdowns.

Warren played in the Pro Bowl in 1993, 1994 and 1995.

He became expendable when the Seahawks signed Ricky Watters, a five-time Pro Bowl running back, to a four-year, $13 million contract, including a $5 million signing bonus last month.

Clarence Shelmon, Warren's position coach in Seattle, now is the Cowboys' running backs coach. Warren also knows Cowboys offensive line coach Hudson Houck, who coached with the Seahawks in 1992.

"I saw what he could do at Seattle," Shelmon said. "He'll help our offense and give Emmitt some rest."

If the Cowboys release Williams, a former second-round draft pick, it would count only $150,000 against their salary cap.

Walker has spent the past two seasons as a kick returner and backup running back.