Cowboys cornerback Orlando Scandrick parlayed a strong training camp into a five-year contract extension.
Scandrick and the Cowboys agreed to terms on a five-year, $26.2 million contract extension, including $10.7 million guaranteed over the first two years, according to a source.
"I always told myself if I got to a certain number I would take it," said Scandrick about taking a deal now rather than becoming a free agent at season's end. "They met my number. It's a great day. They always told me they have confidence in me, and they showed me."
Scandrick, a fifth-round pick in 2008 and in the last year of his rookie contract, has been largely a nickel corner. But he has wowed defensive coordinator Rob Ryan, who considers Scandrick a third starter along with Mike Jenkins and Terence Newman, who has been sidelined with a groin strain.
Scandrick certainly looked worthy of the new deal in practice Wednesday night when he had an interception, a blocked field goal, a sack and several pass deflections.
"I felt great," Scandrick said. "I was energetic. It was like a weight was lifted off of me. I got the contract. Now I want to step it up. I plan on having a tremendous year."
Growth process
The rehabilitation of wide receiver Dez Bryant remains a work in progress, according to wide receivers coach Jimmy Robinson.
"He's making progress, but it's not perfect," Robinson said. "He's doing a better job with being where he's supposed to be, on time and those types of things. But it's a day-to-day process."
Robinson has heard unflattering stories from Bryant's rookie season but said there have been no major problems this year.
"He's been very respectful of me in every case," Robinson said. "He's very, very compliant and wants to do it right. He's just hungry. He wants to be coached."
Any role is fine
Linebacker Keith Brooking is back on the practice field after being sidelined since the first week of camp with a strained hamstring.
But the question remains whether he will be in his regular role as a starter next to Bradie James.
Second-year pro Sean Lee has played well in Brooking's absence and is bidding for a larger role.
Coach Jason Garrett said the 14-year veteran will remain on the roster, smaller role or not.
Brooking says he is not worried about it. He's just glad to be back playing football again.
"You come out here every day and get the most out of each day. Work your tail off, put your blinders on," Brooking said. "You start worrying about what's going to happen and what they're thinking, you're going to drive yourself crazy."
Kicking himself
Kicker David Buehler didn't like the Cowboys signing veteran Shayne Graham. But even more frustrating has been his inability to take the job during a training camp battle with rookie Dan Bailey, and a hip strain that sidelined him in Sunday's game.
"I've just got to get healthy and get back out there," Buehler said. "I know if I get healthy it doesn't matter who they bring in. I can get the job done."
