Cowboys, Barber begin contract talks

Apr 17, 2008 - 12:50 PM DALLAS (Ticker) -- After making his first NFL Pro Bowl, Marion Barber is now seeking an elite contract.

The Dallas Cowboys have held preliminary talks with Barber's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, and are offering a financial package in the $30 million range, according to a report in Thursday's Dallas Morning News.

Barber, however, is reportedly seeking a package between $40 million and $60 million, more in line with contracts signed by the Kansas City Chiefs' Larry Johnson and LaDainian Tomlinson of the San Diego Chargers, who received $43.2 million and $60 million respectively.

Barber, a restricted free agent who scored 12 total touchdowns and rushed for a career-high 975 yards - despite not starting a single game during the 2007 regular season - was tendered a $2.5 million contract by the Cowboys in February.

Other teams are free to sign Barber as long as they are willing to hand over a first and third-round draft pick should the Cowboys choose not to match the offer.

According to the report, Rosenhaus and the Cowboys have a good working relationship and it is likely the two sides will reach an agreement.