*** DOLPHINS NEWS ***

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Jul 13, 1995: -- Sanders and Weidner signed --

According to ESPNet, the Dolphins have finally signed Ricky Sanders to a 2 year contract for undisclosed terms. The deal is reported to have been for at or near the league minimum with incentives.

Also in the news, the Miami Herald has reported that the Dolphins have agreed to a 2 year deal with offensive guard Bert Weidner. Weidner, who is recovering from ankle surgery in the off-season, started in 14 regular season and two playoff games last year for the Dolphins.

According to the Herald, Weidner's contract will be for the league minimum of $ 178,000 with a $44,000 signing bonus. However, if he plays 75% of Miami's offensive downs this season, he will earn about $600,000 in bonuses.

If he stays with the team, he will earn $850,000 next season. For the time being, however, he is listed as a backup behind both Tim Ruddy at center and Chris Gray at guard.

My Comments:

We knew about the Sanders deal, but Weidner is a pleasant surprise. I had assumed that Weidner would be signed, I just wasn't sure when he would be added to the roster.

However, this is a necessary addition, because Weidner adds depth at both the center and guard positions. It is also the last unsigned veteran from last year that the Dolphins are going to keep, so that just leaves the two rookies, Milner and Mitchell to get signed.

Thanks go to PJ Bimonte and Brad DeRolf for supplying this information.