The Dallas Cowboys are keeping an important piece to their secondary by signing cornerback, Orlando Scandrick to a new deal.

According to ESPN, the contract is worth $20 million dollars, and keeps Scandrick on the team through 2019. Scandrick, who was one of the highlights of a Dallas defense that ranked 19th overall last year, was very appreciative.

"I think this was a special circumstance," Scandrick said. "Two years ago when I signed an extension it was essentially a pay cut. It's not normal you see guys take pay cuts in the prime of their career. A lot of people look at the overall numbers and think you signed a new deal and it was something I wanted to do to essentially stay with the team and have some stability. Looking back on it I don't know if it was the best decision, but now waking up here today it's all irrelevant and I've moved past it. I can't put into words how appreciative I am of the Jones family and the organization." [via ESPN]

Scandrick was a 5th round draft pick by the Cowboys in 2008. Last season he was one of the only bright spots in the secondary with 54 tackles, one sack, two tackles for loss, two picks, 11 pass deflections and two forced fumbles.

The Cowboys have definitely revamped their defense this year by drafting cornerback Byron Jones and linebacker, Randy Gregory. Plus, with the addition of defensive end, Greg Hardy, and the return of linebacker, Sean Lee, the Cowboys might be a top defensive unit next season.

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