Tank Johnson Signs With Dallas

By Benjy Lipsman in News on Sep 19, 2007 1:50PM

Well, isn't that convenient? After being cut by the Bears following his arrest for suspected DUI, Tank Johnson has signed on with a new team. And that new team just happens to be the Dallas Cowboys, who face the Bears this Sunday night.

Maybe it's truly coincidental, but the timing of Tank's signing sure does seem particularly beneficial for the Cowboys. As they head into their week of practice in preparation for this Sunday's game, they now have a recent insider from the opposition. And one who no doubt feels jilted after being cut for an incident that ultimately was a non-incident in the eyes of the law.

Was he brought in now so that he could spill his guts to coaches and players about the Bears' playbook and defensive schemes? After all, Tank's still weeks away from being allowed to actually step onto an NFL field. The punishment handed down by NFL Commish Roger Goddell following all of Tank's earlier legal troubles requires that he miss the first eight games of the season.

Other than the debriefing no doubt going on at Valley Ranch, we're happy to see Johnson get another chance. His two-year deal pays just a prorated amount of the league minimum this year, but includes a number of incentives that can increase his pay. Dallas took very little risk to see if Tank really has learned from his past, and Johnson gets a fresh start.

And perhaps Dallas is the best place for Tank to stay out of trouble. Aren't they pretty much required to own huge caches of guns down there?

Photo by AFP/Getty Images/File/Scott Halleran.