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*** DOLPHINS NEWS ***
Jun 29, 1997: -- More Draftees Sign --
According to a report in the Sporting News, the Dolphins have
signed OL Brent Smith, DT Barron Tanner and CB Hudhaifa Ismaeli
sometime in the last week, bringing the total of draftees signed to 11
and leaving only three players still unsigned.
The three players still unsigned are all third round draft
picks, although one has been signed. DE Jason Taylor, LB Ronnie Ward
and LB Derrick Rodgers remain unsigned. Not coincidentally, the last
player signed in last year's draft was third round pick Kareem
Abdul-Jabbar.
While the terms of their contracts were not disclosed, Ismaeli
was the last player drafted and, as such, got a minimum salary of
$131,000 with a signing bonus that was probably in the $10-20,000
range. His deal was, most likely, for 3 years.
DT Barron Tanner also got a minimum salary, 3 year deal with a
signing bonus probably in the range of $80-100,000. OL Brent Smith is
a little more difficult to figure out. He was signed as a compensatory
pick late in the 3rd round, so his deal is probably for 3 years, at or
near the minimum salaray with a signing bonus somewhere between
$250-300,000.
My Comments:
First of all, let me make a small disclaimer. These reported
signings have not been reported in the online edition of the Herald or
at any other location that I could find, other than The Sporting News.
However, the Sporting News is a reputable publication, and the
signings make sense, so I believe that they did happen as the Sporting
News reports.
Of course, the signings of more draft picks is always good,
but we're getting pretty close to the start of training camp, so I
I won't feel completely at ease until we get the last 3 signed.
The key player in this puzzle is, of course, DE Jason
Taylor. Because he was taken in the middle of the 3rd round, his
salary is probably the most contentious. However, if they can get
him signed, that pretty much will set concrete limits for Rodgers and
Ward.
And in case you haven't heard, DE Dan Footman accepted a
contract with the Indianapolis Colts. My only comment is - that's his
loss...
Related Info:
[Return to Dolphins News]
Curt Fennell,
curt@phins.com, DOLFAN in New England
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