(Editor's Note: Each day we will take the 2 best questions for our staff writers to answer from the Mailbag. "Click here" to email questions now.)

CHARLES P. LETTERMAN - CANONSBURG, PA: What are your thoughts on DeMarcus Ware's contract extension? Good deal for the Cowboys?

Nick: I think it's a good deal for both. Yes, it's a lot of money but Ware provides a lot of production. He's worth the money and it's a great deal for Ware, or any player who is guaranteed $40 million.

Rob: It's good for both sides. The Cowboys knew they'd have to pay big for an elite pass rusher entering his prime years at 27. Ware didn't get franchise-QB money (like Eli's $97.5 million), but the $45 million in the first three years is a league record for a defensive player. He got paid a huge, deserving sum, and the Cowboys can move on to the next order of business. A relief for all parties.

Josh: Sure it is. As much as Ware and his agent might have had a case that he deserved more than he got because he is so good, the Cowboys just had a little more negotiating power since they would own his rights via the franchise tag for the next three years. They re-upped the best defensive player in the league for market value, and you've got to consider that a win. Everybody seems to be happy with it.

CLINT RAGSDALE - ATLANTA, GA: If Miles Austin averages just 50 yards and half a touchdown per game for the rest of the season he'll have over a 1,000 yards and 10 TDs. How much will it cost to re-sign him, since he's going to be a free agent?

Nick: He's only going to be restricted, but still the possibility is there to lose him. A few years ago, Crayton got a four-year, $14 million deal as the second or third guy. So you're probably talking about somewhere in the $25 million range . . . if Austin has a season like you're talking about it. And you could always say the Cowboys should go ahead and try to lock him up. But at this point, it's doubtful that Austin and his agent would do that.

Rob: Well if 2010 is uncapped -- a very good possibility -- Austin would be a restricted free agent again. I don't think they're in any hurry with Austin because he hasn't established a large body of work yet. And if you're Miles, why would you settle for a lesser deal now when there's a chance you could post huge numbers and command much more interest from other teams?

Josh: I think the Cowboys are done granting contract extensions for this season. Now, if we get into the off-season and Austin's people want to get something done long-term, the Cowboys will probably listen. If he had the kind of season you're talking about he might be in that $6-7 million a year range.

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