*** DOLPHINS NEWS ***

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Aug 18, 1996: -- Kirby Trade Agreed Upon --

Even though the exact details are still a little fuzzy, both the Miami Herald and ESPN are reporting today that the Dolphins have traded running back Terry Kirby to the San Francisco 49ers for a conditional 1997 draft pick.

The Herald reported that a trade deal had been made as early as 9 AM on Saturday morning, but hadn't been confirmed until Saturday night. Apparently, even though the deal has been agreed upon, it hasn't been signed yet because the 49ers still have to figure out what to do about RB Johnny Johnson, who left the 49ers camp a while back but hasn't been officially cut.

The trade will deal Kirby to the 49ers for either a 4th or a 3rd round draft choice, depending on how much Kirby plays for the 49ers. If he plays more than 65% of the offensive downs for the '9ers, the Dolphins will get a third round pick for him, otherwise they'll get a 4th rounder.

Kirby, who was considered a steal when he was drafted in the 3rd round in 1993, was second on the team in rushing last season, carrying the ball 108 times for 414 yards and 4 rushing TDs. He also caught 66 passes for 618 yards and 3 receiving touchdowns.

My Comments:

This should not come as a surprise to anyone, but despite all the warnings, hints and rumors, I'm still a little taken aback by the suddenness of it all. Kirby was once considered to be the future of the Dolphins running game, like so many others before him and actually was a very effective receiver out of the backfield.

He never quite showed the natural running ability of either Bernie Parmalee or Irving Spikes, but perhaps if he hadn't been knocked out of the 1994 season, he would have become the starter and would still be in Miami.

At this point, it appears that all 4 of the remaining running backs will make the team.

Related Info:

Sportsline USA:

Dolphins Reportedly Trade Terry Kirby To 49ers

ESPNet Sportszone:

Dolphins Deal Kirby to 49ers

Miami Herald:

Kirby trade settles RBs

Miami Herald:

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