Josh Brent and Cowboys Agree on New Contract: Latest Details and Reaction

Defensive tackle Josh Brent has reportedly agreed on a one-year contract extension with the Dallas Cowboys.

According to Field Yates of ESPN, Brent's pact with the Cowboys is through the 2015 season and comes after he resumed practicing this week:

In a separate report for ESPNDallas.com, Yates noted the extension "includes no guaranteed money and a base salary of $745,000."

Brent hasn't played in a game since December 2, 2012. He was arrested and charged with intoxication manslaughter in a car accident that resulted in the death of teammate Jerry Brown Jr. days after his last appearance. 

The NFL conditionally reinstated Brent before the start of the 2014 season, mandating that he be suspended for the first 10 games of the year and not be allowed to practice with the team until after Week 6. According to Brandon George of The Dallas Morning News, Brent's suspension was modified so that he could work out with the team after Week 4 against New Orleans.

On September 30, Rainer Sabin of The Dallas Morning News reported that Brent made his first appearance at the Cowboys' facility. Cornerback Brandon Carr was quoted in the report, and he talked about how the defensive tackle's return will help the team:

"

It’s going to be big for us. From what I remember before he left the game, he was on his way to being one of the dominant defensive linemen in the game. Hopefully by getting him back sooner than later, he’s getting acclimated back to the game, just back to the pace of the game, to the locker room, to everything, just life with football again.

"

Brown's mother, Stacey Jackson, has gone on record supporting Brent. She told George in a separate report for The Dallas Morning News that she was happy the 26-year-old would have another chance to play in the NFL:

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My beautiful son is in Heaven now, and Josh has to be given a chance to live his life and do something for someone else! We all make mistakes, and we all have an entrance date and an exit day. Although I miss Jerry every day, I know he would be very happy that Josh has another chance to play football!

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This move is going to draw a lot of headlines and criticism given Brent's past. It's another public relations hurdle for the NFL, which has had several high-profile off-field issues over the last few months. 

Brent was suspended by the league and has served most of his sentence. Given the parameters put forth, he's been given the right to play again soon—with a contract extension, no less.