*** DOLPHINS NEWS ***
Oct 03, 1997: -- Nedney Signed; Kidd Released --
ESPN is reporting this afternoon that the Dolphins have re-signed
kicker Joe Nedney and released punter John Kidd. Nedney was the
Dolphins' kicker last season after he beat out Pete Stoyanovich for
the starting job in training camp. However, he was himself beaten out
of a job this summer by kicker Olindo Mare'.
The injury to Olindo Mare' has made it necessary to bring on
another kicker to handle the kickoff and field goal duties.
John Kidd was released to make room on the 53 man roster for
Nedney. Kidd has been the Dolphins' punter since November of the
1994 season, when he was signed by the Dolphins as a free agent after
being released by the Chargers. Last year, he had an outstanding
season and was one of the top punters in the league. Many felt that
he deserved to be a pro-bowl selection.
However, Kidd has been hampered by a hamstring injury all
season and had been replaced as the starter by Kyle Richardson.
My Comments:
The NFL is a place where you can be a golden boy one day and a
bum the next. It shouldn't surprise anyone that Kidd was cut,
although I really think that JJ is making a mistake on this one.
Still, until Kidd heals, he's not likely to be signed by any
other teams, so the Dolphins may bring him back later in the season if
Richardson doesn't work out.
As for Nedney, at least we know he can boom those kickoffs.
However, if the game comes down to a long field goal, I know that many
people will be holding their breath.
Remember a few things, though - Nedney didn't miss any field
goals under 30 yards last year and only missed one extra point on a
screwed up snap. He also didn't miss any field goals under 40 yards
after the first Buffalo game. He ain't great, but he probably is the
best available guy right now.
Related Info:
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Curt Fennell,
curt@phins.com, DOLFAN in New Rochelle (almost)
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