Todd Archer/ESPN.com - The Cowboys have signed nose tackle Jay Ratliff to a five-year, $40 million contract extension.

"I am excited to be a Cowboy for life," Ratliff said.

The deal includes $18 million in guaranteed money.

Ratliff had two years remaining on his contract with base salaries of $3.75 million and $4.875 million. In 2007 he signed a five-year, $20.9 million extension and has since played in the Pro Bowl the past three seasons.