Deion Finally Makes Decision, Signs Prime Deal With Dallas

Deion Sanders abandoned the world champion San Francisco 49ers on Saturday to become the second highest-paid member of the rival Dallas Cowboys.

Sanders spurned the 49ers’ best offer for a big chunk of Jerry Jones’ empire. According to the Dallas Morning News, Sanders signed a seven-year, $25 million contract that includes a no-trade clause and an NFL-record signing bonus of almost $13 million. Only Troy Aikman, who has a $50 million deal that he restructured so Sanders could slip under the salary cap, will be making more than Sanders.

Sanders signed the contract early Saturday in Chicago, where he was playing outfield for the San Francisco Giants. After the game, he refused to comment, preferring to concentrate on baseball for the moment.

However, he told Cowboys vice president Stephen Jones: “I’m glad to get it done. Now I won’t have to cover Michael Irvin anymore.”

Sanders, lured away from the Atlanta Falcons last year by the 49ers, will fly to Valley Ranch on Monday for his first appearance with his third NFL team.