Cowboys Sign Versatile Ayodele

The Dallas Cowboys added a linebacker to their 2006 squad via free agency. Linebacker Akin Ayodele agreed Monday to a five-year deal.

Looking for another quality starter at outside linebacker, the Dallas Cowboys have agreed to terms with free agent linebacker Akin Ayodele on Monday, TheRanchReport.com has learned.

The deal is reportedly for five years at $17 million.

The New York Giants were another team that expressed interest in Ayodele, but nothing transpired between Ayodele's agent, Mike Sullivan, and the Giants after Ayodele visited Dallas this weekend.

A four-year veteran out of Purdue, Ayodele is a versatile player who play both strongside and weakside linebacker, as well as defensive end in passing situations.

He will likely take the place of unrestricted free agent Scott Fujita, who has now signed with the New Orleans Saints.

Last season for the Jaguars, Ayodele recorded 70 tackles and 2.5 sacks. In 2004, he ranked second on the team for the second consecutive season with 131 tackles (82 solo), surpassing 100 tackles for the third consecutive season. He also tallied two sacks, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and blocked one field goal.

Ayodele, a native of Irving, was a ballboy for the Cowboys growing up.

Ayodele is the second free agent to agree to terms with Dallas. Former Lions guard Kyle Kosier agreed to a five-year deal worth $15 million Saturday.


LB Akin Ayodele