IRVING, Texas - Marcellus Wiley and his father finally can agree that the Cowboys are their favorite team.
The elder Wiley has long been a Cowboys fan, even the past seven years when his son played defensive end for the Bills and Chargers. Thursday, Marcellus made his dad proud by signing a $16-million, four-year deal with Dallas that includes a $4.5-million signing bonus.
"My father beat it into my head that the Cowboys were the best and only team in the NFL," Wiley said. "They've won it all before, and now they're a team on the rise with an opportunity to do it again. I just wanted to be part of that."
Owner Jerry Jones and coach Bill Parcells are thrilled to have Wiley, too. He gives them the pass-rushing end that was missing from a defense that ranked No.1 in the NFL anyway.
Although Wiley has gone from 13 sacks in 2001 to six, then three last season, team officials believe the drop wasn't a dip in ability.
They chalk it up to factors such as scheme changes and more double teams because offenses weren't as concerned about his linemates. That's not as likely to happen with Wiley playing alongside Pro Bowl defensive tackle La'Roi Glover and opposite end Greg Ellis.
Wiley said he's on a mission to prove he can still be a dominant player. He said he's not as banged up as most seven-year veterans because he has started only the past four seasons.
"It's a great situation," he said. "I can contribute without knowing the load is on my shoulders."
Wiley replaces Ebenezer Ekuban, a former first-round pick who never lived up to expectations.
A graduate of Columbia, Wiley also brings a colorful personality to Dallas.
Once a judge for the Miss Universe Pageant, he's an aspiring musician with a clothing line and an extensive collection of arcade games. His Web site (www.datdude.com) is named for the nickname he used to call others but since has been turned into his own moniker.
BRONCOS: Defensive end Marco Coleman signed, giving Denver an experienced pass rusher.
EAGLES: Free-agent defensive tackle Paul Grasmanis signed a three-year contract to stay in Philadelphia. Grasmanis appeared in two games last season before going on injured reserve with a torn Achilles' tendon.
JAGUARS: Defensive back Donovin Darius signed a $4.1-million deal as the team's franchise player, meaning he will be on this fall's roster unless he is traded. Darius was third on the team with 118 tackles, 65 solo, while starting all 16 games for third time.
PACKERS: Linebacker Marcus Wilkins, an exclusive rights free agent, re-signed. The third-year pro was the backup on the weak side and a special-teamer.
PANTHERS: Carolina released left tackle Todd Steussie, who had two years left on a five-year deal and was to count $5.8-million against this year's salary cap. The move freed up $1.3-million in cap room.
PATRIOTS: Restricted free-agent defensive end Rodney Bailey officially joined the team after the Steelers declined to match an offer sheet. Bailey agreed last week to the offer sheet that guarantees him $650,000.
REDSKINS: Free-agent center Cory Raymer signed a three-year, $3.1-million contract. Raymer, who agreed to the deal late Wednesday, returns after two seasons with San Diego.
SAINTS: Veteran running back Lamar Smith re-signed. Smith, who signed in late November after injuries left New Orleans thin in the backfield, rushed for 61 yards on 11 carries in four games.
STEELERS: Running back Amos Zereoue was cut, an expected move after the team's worst rushing season in three decades and the signing of running back Duce Staley. Running back Dee Brown also was released. Zereoue was due to make $2.2-million as part of a deal that runs through 2005.
VIKINGS: Safety Tyrone Carter agreed to a one-year contract. Carter was released last week by the Jets, where he played for new Minnesota defensive coordinator Ted Cottrell. Carter started the final 10 games last season and had a career-high 95 tackles.
