Tuesday, April 14, 1998

Cowboys project complementary role for running back Chris Warren

By Josie Karp

Knight Ridder Newspapers

(KRT)

IRVING, Texas - Running back Emmitt Smith is coming off two of the worst seasons of his career.

Monday, the Cowboys signed free-agent running back Chris Warren, who is two years older than Smith but has carried the ball nearly 1,000 fewer times.

Does signing Warren mean that owner Jerry Jones is ready to trade Smith? Or relegate him to the bench? Or prepare for his imminent departure?

Not quite, Jones said.

Not only is Smith still the starter, Jones and coach Chan Gailey said, but Warren's signing is intended to add to Smith's career, not detract from it.

"One of the things that we hope we can do is really give Emmitt some rest," Jones said. "Certainly he's our starter, but we're looking for a back that can step in here and complement what we do with Emmitt. Emmitt has taken a lot of hits over the years. ... We think we can prolong Emmitt's career by bringing in a player like Chris Warren."

To prolong his career, Smith, who has never been asked to share a significant amount of playing time with another running back during his eight-year career, might have to accept a less-is-more approach.

"Not taking anything away from Emmitt, and not being defensive about it at all, most football teams use two backs and they use them a lot," Jones said. "We think it's time we do that."

Jones said Smith is comfortable with the idea of giving up playing time to Warren, who carried 200 times for 847 yards and four touchdowns last season.

Smith was at the Cowboys' Valley Ranch training facility Monday and is expected to participate in Tuesday's practice session for veterans.

"Emmitt's well aware of what we're trying to do with our system, and we've communicated with Emmitt," Jones said. "He's for whatever it takes for us to have a2winning team and get back to the Super Bowl, and he really does understand how Chris can complement what he does."

Gailey said he envisions ample running plays to divide between the backs, when necessary.

"We're going to run the football," Gailey said. "... Emmitt's the starter and Chris will complement him and give us a good 1-2 punch when we need a 1-2 punch."

The adjustment could be harder for Smith than Warren, shared time at running back during the past two seasons in Seattle. Warren says he passed up the possibility of starting in Kansas City and New England to sign with the Cowboys.

"I wanted to come to an organization that's committed to winning and has won in the past," said Warren, who signed a three-year contract worth about $2 million with a signing bonus of $600,000. "It just seemed like a perfect fit."

Physically, Warren and Smith are complementary. Smith is 5-foot-9, 209. Warren is 6-2, 225.

And their running styles are complementary, as well. Throughout his career, Smith has gained much of his yardage running between the tackles. Warren runs off-tackle and has the ability to get outside. He can also catch passes out of the backfield. He was the Seahawks' third-leading receiver last season with 45 receptions.

"We're going to run the ball an awful lot," Warren said. "There are going to be plenty of chances for me to run the ball, and Emmitt, as well."

BRIEFLY - Restricted free-agent tight end Eric Bjornson did not receive an offer sheet from another team, and his exclusive rights reverted to the Cowboys last night. Bjornson's agent, Leigh Steinberg, said Bjornson decided he wants to stay with the Cowboys, and he expects an agreement to be reached soon.

- The Cowboys signed offensive lineman Todd Perkins and linebacker Nate Hemsley Monday.

- Searching for help to bolster the defensive line, the Cowboys are continuing to pursue free-agent defensive end Leslie O'Neal, Jones said.

(c) 1998, Fort Worth Star-Telegram

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