*** DOLPHINS NEWS ***

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Feb 28, 1996: -- Coleman Signs Offer Sheet with San Diego --

According to ESPN, Marco Coleman has signed an offer sheet with the San Diego Chargers for a 3 year deal worth a reported $9.5 million. Perhaps more important, however, is the fact that the deal is front loaded to pay Coleman $4 million in the first year. This is designed to keep the Dolphins from matching the deal.

Coleman signed the deal on Tuesday, which gives the Dolphins until next Tuesday to match the offer or let Coleman go to San Diego.

The Dolphins are also deciding whether or not to attempt to match the offer that Troy Vincent received from the Philadelphia Eagles.

My Comments:

If it comes down to a choice between Vincent and Coleman, I believe that the Dolphins should keep Vincent. Vincent is clearly one of the best corners around and the best defensive back that the Dolphins have. It's not clear that Coleman is even the best Dolphins defensive lineman.

It's hard for me to imagine why the Chargers are willing to spend so much on Marco Coleman. He did have a good game against them in the playoffs following the 1994 season, but overall, Coleman has not stunned anyone with his devastating pass rush or outstanding run defense.

But I guess that's the way the football bounces these days - or should I say that that's the way the money bounces. Did you know that Larry Csonka made about $50,000 in 1972 playing for the SuperBowl Champion team?