Cowboys Sign Irvin

Wide receiver Michael Irvin agreed to terms of a five-year, $15 million contract with the Dallas Cowboys.

“Michael has become tonight the highest-paid receiver in the history of the NFL, in the history of football,” Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said.

He said that Irvin, a four-time Pro Bowl selection who has led the Cowboys in receiving the past four years, gets a $5 million up-front bonus in the deal.

The salary tops that of Los Angeles Raiders receiver Tim Brown, who had the highest average salary at the position.

Dallas offensive coordinator Ernie Zampese withdrew his name from the Rams’ head coaching derby.

Raiders running back Harvey Williams was charged with felony aggravated assault and misdemeanor battery after an alleged confrontation with his ex-wife.

Mark Bortz, the only offensive player remaining from the Chicago Bears’ 1985 Super Bowl season, announced his retirement because of chronic back problems.