Vinny Testaverde signed a one-year contract on Thursday with the Dallas Cowboys, marking the reunion with head coach Bill Parcells that has been speculated all off-season.
The 40-year-old veteran was promised the opportunity to compete with incumbent Quincy Carter for the starting position. But his bigger influence could be as mentor to Drew Henson.
The one-year deal did not contain a signing bonus but does have a base salary of $1.1 million that could increase to as much as $5 million if he plays 14 games and achieves most of the incentives contained in the contract.
"The opportunity to compete as the starter excites me. I didn't have that opportunity in New York," Testaverde said. "I know what Coach Parcells desires to win. I know how he approaches the game, and I understand his philosophy."
The prospect of competing for a starting position with Testaverde doesn't seem to bother Carter.
"I'm excited about having someone like Vinny, who has so much experience and really understands X's and O's, come in here," Carter said. "I can benefit from his presence, and so can our team."
Parcells has openly stated that he will start the player who gives the Cowboys the best chance to win. Understanding the current philosophy is an advantage for Testaverde, since he knows that philosophy longer than Carter has.
But he knows that Carter comes into camp as the starter and could leave in the same position.
That does not appear to be an issue.
"I won't be disappointed at all," Testaverde said. "If there's somebody better, obviously they deserve to play and this team deserves for them to be their quarterback, and I will do anything that I can to help this team win football games whether it's on the field or the bench."
Testaverde had the best season of his career under Parcells, when he led the Jets to the AFC Championship game in 1998.
He passed for more than 3,200 yards with 29 touchdowns and seven interceptions that season.
"Three of those interceptions were my fault," Cowboys receiver Keyshawn Johnson said. Johnson and Testaverde were teammates in New York during that season.
"People think Vinny is used up, but he's not. He needs Parcells. He needs this offense."
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