The Cowboys re-signed right tackle Marc Colombo to a four-year, $22 million contract that could keep him in Dallas until 2012.
The deal, announced Thursday, was agreed to weeks ago, but it wasn't finalized until Wednesday because of some technicalities. The guaranteed money is $11.5 million.
"We had a couple of road bumps with some of the new rules," Colombo said Thursday. "We worked through it. It is a relief to have this finished. Now I can focus completely on football."
The Cowboys (9-6) play Sunday in Philadelphia and would be assured a playoff spot if they win. It also will be Colombo's 48th straight start since former Dallas coach Bill Parcells gave him a chance to revive his career.
Colombo was a first-round draft pick by the Chicago Bears in 2002, but he hurt his knee and never lived up to expectations. He was cut in 2005, then signed by the Cowboys. Parcells gave Colombo the rest of the season off to rehabilitate the knee so he could come back strong in '06. Colombo made Dallas' starting lineup and hasn't come out since.
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"I love being a Dallas Cowboy," said Colombo, who would have been a free agent after this season. "This is where I got my second chance, and I just love being part of this team, being part of this offensive line. We're all connected together, and we're here for a little bit, so it's a big deal for me."
Left guard Kyle Kosier is signed through 2010, but everyone else on the Cowboys' offensive line is under contract for several more years. Colombo and center Andre Gurode are signed until 2012, and Flozell Adams and Leonard Davis have deals through 2013.
Cowboys coach Wade Phillips praised Colombo for consistently grading out near the top of the offensive line and for his toughness. Phillips said Colombo also is a leader.
"He's a guy that helps everybody else as far as keeping their focus and keeping their concentration," Phillips said. "As far as the cohesiveness of the offensive line, he's a strong leader in that area. All of those things combined makes it great to have him back."
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
