Friday, February 27, 1998

Cowboys sign former Steelers starter

DALLAS (AP) - The Dallas Cowboys have added a new wide receiver familiar to new head coach Chan Gailey.

Former Pittsburgh Steelers starter Ernie Mills signed a one-year, $325,000 deal Thursday, reuniting him with Gailey. Mills is also a kick returner.

Mills, a college teammate of Emmitt Smith at Florida, was signed just hours after running several 40-yard dashes at the Cowboys' Valley Ranch headquarters to determine the health of his surgically repaired left knee.

The 5-foot-11, 192-pound Mills did not get a signing bonus, but could earn up to $200,000 in incentives once he reaches 20 receptions.

Mills was a bargain for the Cowboys, who have some free agency needs and financial room under the $52.4 million salary cap.

"I grew up a Cowboys fan, so this is an exciting day for me," said Mills, who has 138 catches for 2,130 yards and 15 touchdowns in his NFL career. "In my mind, there's no doubt about the talent on this team."

Gailey, who was Mills' position coach and offensive coordinator for three years with the Steelers before joining the Cowboys, decided to bring the veteran in for a visit Thursday and persuaded him to sign.

"I pretty much give Chan all the credit for my success," Mills said. "I owe my development to him."

Mills' health has been an issue since he injured his knee in the fourth quarter of Super Bowl XXX against the Cowboys in 1996. He has since caught only 18 passes for 219 yards in 17 games.

Mills signed a two-year, $2.8 million contract with Carolina last year, but was released this month after refusing a pay cut.

Mills passed a physical and ran the 40-yard dash in 4.5 seconds Thursday. He said his knee has completely healed.

"It really started feeling great toward the middle of last season," he said. "I'm getting my cuts back and feeling comfortable."