*** DOLPHINS NEWS ***

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May 14, 1996: -- Derrick Oden Signs --

Free agent linebacker Derrick Oden was signed by the Dolphins yesterday to a one year contract for about $200K. Oden, at 5'11" and 237 lbs, is in his 4th year in the league and played his last 3 years with the Eagles. He is expected to play mostly on special teams.

In other news, former Dolphin Reggie Roby has been released by Tampa Bay for salary cap reasons and Roby's agent is talking with the Dolphins about the possibility that Roby may be back in Miami.

And the rumors about Michael Irvin's desire to be traded to the Dolphins have died down, even though CNN actually reported that the Dolphins had made an offer to the Cowboys. JJ, however, has told ESPN that the rumors were a "total fabrication".

My Comments:

I don't know anything about Oden, but JJ has said that special teams are going to get more emphasis this coming year and Oden may be part of that emphasis. Also, remember that Bob Ackles (JJ's right hand man for personnel decisions) was at Philadelphia before coming to Miami, so he's seen Oden play.

When I first saw that Roby was available, I got very excited. However, after comparing his stats to John Kidd's last year, I became less interested. Last year, Roby average 42.8 yards per punt with a net average of 36.2 yards. Kidd averaged 42.7 yards per punt with a net of 36.3 yards. These stats are nearly identical and Kidd is already under contract, so I'm not sure that Roby will be back.

Related Info:

USA Today:

NFL Daily News

The Miami Herald:

Costs would be too steep for Irvin; Roby is a possibility