IRVING, Texas � Dallas Cowboys safety Ken Hamlin won't have to wait until after the season for a long-term contract.

The Cowboys and Hamlin agreed today on a $39 million, six-year deal with about $15 million guaranteed, according to the team's Web site. The agreement was first reported by The Dallas Morning News.

As the team's designated franchise player, Hamlin had until today to reach a long-term deal or else play the 2008 season under a one-year contract for $4.4 million. That's the average salary of the five highest-paid safeties in the NFL.

He had a career-high five interceptions and 102 tackles last season, his first in Dallas after four years in Seattle. He was a starter for the NFC in his first Pro Bowl.

The team didn't immediately comment.