For five seasons, Ken Hamlin has been a standout NFL safety. During that time, he played in 70 games. In 2005, he missed 10 games, Otherwise he's been on the field for every regular season contest. From 2003 to 2006, he played with the Seattle Seahawks and in 2007, after signing a one-year contract as a free-agent with Dallas, he put in his best season ever.

During his five seasons, he made 362 tackles with 284 being solo. He gathered in 13 picks and had four sacks. Hamlin has a reputation for toughness, hard hitting and smarts. He's one of the best safeties in the league, showing excellent instincts, fine leadership skills and up tempo energy.

His athleticism is solid. Hamlin possesses quickness, excellent body control and balance, and great range. He's an impact player and the deal he signed with the Cowboys shows that they know that.

The Dallas Cowboys have certainly been laying out the cash in the off-season. They signed numerous players to big deals, including wideout Terrell Owens. Last year, Hamlin made $2.5 million. On Tuesday, July 15, he inked a $39 million, six-year contract that includes a $9 million signing bonus and a guarantee of approximately $15 million.

The Cowboys had offered him a one-year franchise player deal worth $4.4 million that he rejected. Hamlin did not participate in the Cowboys' training camp, but he did stay in touch with his coaches. It was clear that he wanted to play.

There was pressure on both parties as the Cowboys and Hamlin were running out of time. If they had not come to terms by Tuesday, Hamlin and the team would have a one-year deal based on the average salary of the five highest paid safeties in the NFL.