DeMarcus Ware has said that switching to defensive end could help him prolong his NFL career.

The 30-year-old will move from outside linebacker to defensive end as part of the Dallas Cowboys' new defensive system.

Ware, who is heading into his ninth season in the league, told reporters: "At outside linebacker, there is a lot more moving parts, so to me, I feel like it's easier to get hurt.

"But at defensive end, you're not moving as much, but the thing is you are using more of your technique, you're using more of your sort of savviness to make plays.

"For me, being able to be more fundamentally sound, I think for me should actually keep me more healthy during the season. Yes, I feel like [the move] could actually extend my career."

Ware played most of last season with a torn labrum his right shoulder, but was still able to make 56 tackles, 11.5 sacks and five forced fumbles for the Cowboys.