Cowboys Sign Suspended DT Tank Johnson

Chicago Bears defensive lineman Tank Johnson speaks at a news conference at the Bears football minicamp in Lake Forest, Ill., in this May 18, 2007 file photo. Johnson, released by the Bears after receiving an eight-game suspension for violating probation on a gun charge, has signed a two-year contract with the Dallas Cowboys. (AP Photo/M. Spencer Green, file) (M. Spencer Green - AP)

IRVING, Texas -- Suspended defensive tackle Tank Johnson signed a two-year contract Tuesday with the Dallas Cowboys. Johnson, who played the last three seasons for the Chicago Bears, can't play for the Cowboys and won't be paid until he completes his eight-game NFL suspension for violating probation on a gun charge.

He has served the first two games of that suspension and will still have to apply for reinstatement.

Johnson signed after visiting with the Cowboys and taking a physical. He will make about $255,000 this season, the prorated portion of a minimum contract.

"For a lot of reasons, he really just felt the Cowboys were the right fit," said Johnson's agent, Jerrold Colton. "He's so thankful to them for giving him this opportunity. He is very determined to prove they made a wise decision in believing in him."

The team issued a news release confirming the signing and announcing that Johnson will discuss the signing in a conference call Wednesday.

The Cowboys also said that Calvin Hill, a former player who is now a consultant specializing in monitoring troubled players, will be available for comment Wednesday, as will coach Wade Phillips, owner Jerry Jones and Johnson's new teammates.

NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said the earliest Johnson would be eligible to play is Nov. 11 at the New York Giants, the Cowboys' ninth game of the season. Dallas has an open date in the NFL's eighth week.

Johnson could provide late-season depth on a defensive line that lost starting nose tackle Jason Ferguson for the year because of a torn right biceps in the opener. But Johnson will have to adjust to Cowboys' 3-4 scheme, which is different from what he's played in Chicago.

Although Johnson can't work out with Dallas until the week of the Giants game after his suspension ends, the team had to make room for him on the 53-man roster. The Cowboys released backup cornerback Nate Jones on Tuesday.

The Cowboys will place Johnson on the reserve/suspended list Wednesday, the earliest that move can be made. That will create a roster opening.

Jay Ratliff, a third-year player, replaced Ferguson as the starting nose tackle. Ratliff has five tackles, a sack and a fumble recovery for the Cowboys (2-0). Coincidentally, Dallas plays at Chicago on Sunday night.

In 46 games (15 starts) with the Bears, Johnson had 63 tackles, nine sacks and a forced fumble. He was a second-round pick out of Washington in 2004.