Cowboys sign Ryan Leaf to $2 million contract

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IRVING -- Quarterback Ryan Leaf signed a three-year, $2 million contract today with the Cowboys, completing a courtship that began in March as Dallas looked for Troy Aikman's replacement.

Team owner Jerry Jones said Leaf will be in uniform for Monday night's game against the Washington Redskins.

"This is what we wanted," Jones said. "We were able to do this because of the opportunity we have at quarterback."

Coach Dave Campo said Leaf will come in as the No. 3 quarterback but could move up the depth chart.

The Cowboys were interested in signing Leaf seven months ago, when the San Diego Chargers dumped him after three disappointing seasons. San Diego made Leaf the No. 2 pick in the 1998 draft.

Leaf turned Dallas down and went to Tampa Bay, where he failed to make the roster. The Cowboys again tried to sign him in September, but a damaged ligament in his throwing wrist caused him to fail a physical.

He worked out with team officials again Thursday.

"We had him throw and we felt real good about what we saw," Campo said, adding the wrist injury was not a big concern.

"What he did today, there doesn't look like it's a big problem," Campo said. "We like the potential he gives us."

Anthony Wright will start his third game of the season Monday, backed up by Clint Stoerner.

Rookie Quincy Carter, the starter, will be out 4-to-6 weeks after tearing his left hamstring Sunday at Oakland.