Cowboys sign Tank Johnson.

Just as I was about to make a post about the Cowboys showing interest in former Bears defensive tackle and avid gun collector Tank (real name Terry) Johnson, I check out the recent news headlines, and look at that, they signed him!

Johnson is currently serving an eight-game suspension due to multiple legal issues (having a warehouse’s worth of guns, being too closely involved with some shady characters, including one who was murdered, and running afoul of the law in general), and won’t be eligible to play until the Cowboys take on the Eagles in Philly on Nov. 4 (or possibly when Dallas faces the Giants at the Meadowlands the following Sunday), but when he does come back, his hefty 6′3, 300 pound frame will immediately slot in at a position where depth is currently lacking. There will, no doubt, be some rust, given that he won’t have played since the Super Bowl, and will not have very much practice under his belt, considering he can’t practice with the team until his suspension is up.

The injury to Jason Ferguson means that there’s definitely a need for quality depth at DT, and Johnson, who was a starter for the Bears before all of the criminal issues cropped up, certainly will provide it, once he’s able to play.

There are, of course, questions about his character. But, I’m a strong believe in second chances and fresh starts, because sometimes all it takes is a change of scenery or a new opportunity to get and keep your head on straight. And so far, Johnson has done the right things, and is saying the right things (or at least his agent is).

“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.”

(courtesy of CBS Sportsline’s report on the signing)

There was that potential DUI during the summer, but thankfully, he’s kept his nose clean since. And, that’s the key here. If he keeps his nose clean and stays off Roger Goodell’s bad list, and makes the most of his new start both on the field and off, then this will turn out to be a great signing. But, you’d have to think that if he messes up even a little, he’ll be gone. But, we know Jerry Jones’ history with players with controversy or checkered pasts surrounding them.

So, we’ll see how it goes. Here’s hoping that Dallas proves to be the right fit for Johnson, not only for his athletic ambitions, but also for his life. And, here’s hoping that he’s a good fit for the Cowboys, and can be a significant contributor and help bolster the defense this season, and be a difference maker on into the future.

Tank Johnson’s Career Stats

2004: 12 tackles, .5 sacks (16 games)
2005: 25 tackles, 5 sacks (16 games)
2006: 26 tackles, 3.5 sacks (14 games)