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Tuesday, March 4
 
Anderson reunites with former coach Parcells

By John Clayton
ESPN.com

A few days ago, Jets fullback Richie Anderson appeared to be set to sign with the New England Patriots. But people can't forget that the Bill Parcells is in the league.

Anderson didn't. He decided Tuesday that he would rather join Parcells in Dallas than Bill Belichick in New England. Anderson agreed to a three-year, $3.9 million deal that included an $800,000 signing bonus.

Richie Anderson
Anderson
The door closed on Anderson returning to the Jets on Monday when the team re-signed Jerald Sowell, Anderson's back. Sowell received an $650,000 signing bonus to stay with the Jets.

Knowing that the cap was too tight to keep two pricey fullbacks, the Jets informed Anderson that his stay with the Jets was over.

The decision by Anderson, who had deliberated it for several days, ended a compelling tug-of-war for the onetime Pro Bowl performer. Anderson was set to sign with the New England Patriots last Friday evening, the first day of free agency, until Parcells contacted him and convinced him to visit with the Cowboys before making a decision on his future.

Anderson backed out of the deal in New England, where Parcells' son-in-law Scott Pioli is the personnel director, and made the trip to Dallas. It is not known how similar the contract offers were. The deal in New England was to have paid Anderson a $750,000 signing bonus.

The Cowboys continue to be among the busier teams in free agency. Along with signing Anderson on Tuesday, the Cowboys had visits Tuesday from Texans right tackle Ryan Young, who reached agreement on a three-year deal, and Saints quarterback Jake Delhomme.

John Clayton is a senior writer for ESPN.com. Information from ESPN.com's Len Pasquarelli was used in this report. Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.






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