IRVING, Texas – The Cowboys added another two years to Orlando Scandrick's contract Friday afternoon.
The cornerback, a fifth-round pick by the Cowboys in 2008, had been playing on a six-year, $28 million contract that expired after the 2016 season. The new extension adds $9 million in guarantees and secures Scandrick's services through the 2018 season.
In exchange for the guarantees, the deal allows the Cowboys to reduce Scandrick's compensation and save $4.5 million on the salary cap over the next three seasons.
The extension comes at the tail end of what has been a career year for the veteran. Injuries in the Cowboys secondary, most notably to fellow corner Morris Claiborne, have forced Scandrick into extensive duty at both nickelback and outside cornerback.
His response to the circumstances has been impressive. With 59 tackles through 13 games, he has already bested his career high of 51. His two interceptions on the season are also a career high. He logged one interception in 2009, 2010 and 2011 before going without one last season. [embedded_ad]
Scandrick is tied with Brandon Carr for the team lead in passes defensed at 14. He is also the lone defensive back on the roster with a sack, which he logged on Rams quarterback Sam Bradford in Week 3.
The extension keeps Scandrick with the Cowboys until 2019, which currently gives him one of the three longest-running contracts on the roster. Tony Romo and Sean Lee are both under contract until 2020.
