*** DOLPHINS NEWS ***

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Apr 29, 1996: -- Kirby Signed, Weidner Back --

The Dolphins announced Saturday that they had signed restricted free agent running back Terry Kirby to a one year deal for undisclosed terms. Kirby started 4 games last year for the Dolphins after Bernie Parmalee was benched for fumbling. During all of last season, Kirby carried the ball 108 times for 414 yards and 4 TDs. He also lead the team in receptions with 66, gaining 618 yards and scoring 3 TDs.

The Dolphins also re-signed Offensive lineman Bert Weidner to a one year contract for undisclosed terms. Weidner was the starting right guard and backup center two years ago before being replaced by Chris Grey last year. Weidner did start one game last season after Grey went down with an injury.

Also in the news, the Dolphins waived offensive lineman Elbert Betts, who has been with the team since April 14th and signed free agent tight end Craig Keith. Keith (6'3", 262 lbs), was a 7th round draft pick of the Steelers in 1993 and played in 17 games for Pittsburght. Last year, he played in 11 games and had one start with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

And last, but not least, it has been announced that Dan Marino's new contract contains a "no-trade" clause. This should end speculation once and for all that Jimmy Johnson wants to trade Dan Marino.

Marino's new contract makes him the third highest paid quarterback in the league, behind Troy Aikman and Drew Bledsoe. It also reduces his salary cap impact from $4.45 million to about $3.4 million.

My Comments:

Kirby was expected to re-sign and while I doubt he can win the starting job back, he is still an excellent pass receiver and third down back out of the backfield.

Weidner has always been a steady, if unspectacular backup and can play both guard and center. I doubt if Weidner will make the team in the long run, but his presence right now certainly doesn't hurt anything.

The loss of Betts and the signing of Keith are basically non-issues.

Marino's new contract pretty much cements his relationship with the Dolphins for the rest of his career. And it should *finally* end the trade rumors.

Related Info:

Dolphins Official Site:

News Update

Nando.Net:

Marino's deal includes no-trade clause

USA Today:

USA TOday NFL News

Sportsline USA:

Dolphins Sign Rb Terry Kirby And Ol Bert Weidner