Tony Mandarich says he would love to go to Dallas because of the flash, the dash and the cash.

The 6-6, 308-pound offensive tackle has not been signed by Green Bay and the Michigan State standout has dropped a broad hint that he would love to wind up in Texas.Mandarich told The Dallas Morning News that he likes the Cowboys because of new coach Jimmy Johnson's aggressive style, the talent in the offensive backfield and because owner Jerry Jones "pays his people a lot of money. And I'm worth a lot of money."

Jones will pay UCLA quarterback Troy Aikman $11 million over the next six years to play NFL football, and Mandarich, who some scouts felt was the top player in collegiate football, wants something close to that.

Green Bay thinks that's somewhat high, so neither side has budged. Moreover, the Packers have said they're not interested in trading Mandarich to any team.

"I'd sit out at Green Bay, but I'd rather go to Dallas and crush people," Mandarich said. "They'd like my style there."

Tom Braatz, Green Bay's executive vice president, said after the July 7 supplemental draft that the Packers "have no intention of trading Mandarich, even though a quarterback is one of the No. 1 needs of this team. We'd still like to sign Mandarich if we can."

Bob Ackles, Dallas' director of player personnel, said he's delighted that Mandarich thinks so highly of the Cowboys. But he declined to speculate on the chances of trying to accommodate his wishes.

"Even though Tony hasn't signed, even though he's not under contract, he's still the property of the Green Bay Packers," Ackles said. "Therefore, I prefer not to say anything other than that he is an outstanding football player."

Johnson, who has maintained he won't trade rookie quarterback Steve Walsh straight up for Mandarich, even though Dallas has an abundance of rookie talent at quarterback, agreed with Ackles Tuesday.

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In a telephone interview with the Associated Press, Johnson laughed about Mandarich's comments. "Yeah, I read what Tony is saying.

"And my response is ditto Bob Ackles'. Tony is one outstanding football player. But that's really all I want to address, he's one heck of a football player," Johnson said, chuckling.

But Green Bay remains on a short list of teams talking with Dallas about acquiring Walsh, and in exchange Dallas could use Mandarich's size and talent to augment their front line.

"I'd love to block for Troy and Hershel (Walker)," Mandarich told the Morning News from a gym in Whittier, Calif. "It might keep Troy from getting his teeth knocked out. Just kidding. But I would be good insurance for their investments."

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