It was only a matter of time before Jerry Jones turned his wandering eye toward suspended defensive tackle Tank Johnson. Hashmarks upset the highly understaffed moral police department at Valley Ranch when we first reported the Cowboys' interest in Johnson.
Now, my pal Todd Archer is reporting that the loss of Cowboys nose tackle Jason Ferguson for the season has sparked renewed interest in the 6-3, 300-pound Johnson, who once ran a 4.7 in the 40-yard dash.
Johnson is eligible for reinstatement Oct. 29, and his agent told Archer, who is the centerpiece of The Dallas Morning News' new marketing campaign, that his client plans to be in the best shape of his life.
"He's very hopeful that this season that's off to an unpleasant start can end in a triumphant way," said Jerrold Colton.
It wouldn't be the first time Jones has gambled on a player with a checkered past. And quite honestly, it's not that big of a risk. Jones realizes that solid interior linemen are a precious commodity in this league, and the only thing the Cowboys stand to lose by signing Johnson is their integrity.
Surely they won't let that small hurdle stand in the way.
