DALLAS, US - The Dallas Cowboys have signed linebacker DeMarcus Ware to a six-year contract extension, the team said on Monday.

The Cowboys did not disclose financial details, though local media said Ware would receive a guaranteed US$40 million for the contract that will keep him with the team until 2015.

"This is a Cowboy, for all practical purposes, for the rest of his days," Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said at a news
conference to announce the agreement.

The 27-year-old, who led the NFL in sacks last year, was the 11th pick in the 2005 draft out of Troy University.

"I feel I have worked really hard and am deserving of what they have given me," said Ware, who has had four sacks in the last two games.

Jones said the deal had been agreed "with a handshake" before Sunday's 37-21 win over the Atlanta Falcons. --REUTERS