Greg Ellis gets contract extension

VALLEY RANCH, Texas, Sept. 29 (UPI) -- The Dallas Cowboys have signed defensive end Greg Ellis to a six-year contract extension.

Ellis, who was in the final year of his original six-year contract, signed a new deal that is worth $24 million, including a $4.2 million bonus.

"That was important to me because I really wanted to stay here," said Ellis, who finalized the deal over the weekend. "Especially now that I really like where this team is headed. With Bill (Parcells) here, things are a lot different. The guy is incredible. I think we're going in the right direction."

Selected eighth overall in the 1998 draft, Ellis led the Cowboys with 7 1/2 sacks while playing in 15 games at left end last season. The 6-6, 277-pounder has one sack in three games this season.

Ellis is part of strong defensive line that also includes tackle La'Roi Glover and end Ebenezer Ekuban.

In 79 career games, he has registered 28 sacks.