Dolphins begin contract talks with Michigan’s Long
Published 10:37 pm Thursday, April 10, 2008
DOLPHINS: Bill Parcells has made a move in preparation for the draft.
It could be a fake.
Parcells and the Miami Dolphins have begun contract negotiations with the agent for potential top draft pick Jake Long, a person familiar with the talks said Thursday. The person did not want to be identified because the Dolphins have been coy about their plans for the No. 1 pick.
Negotiations with Long’s agent, Tom Condon, don’t necessarily mean Miami has ruled out other prospects. The new Dolphins regime, led by Parcells, could use the talks to increase contract leverage with other potential picks.
The Dolphins also are interested in trading the No. 1 pick, but so far no suitors have surfaced.
Long, an offensive tackle from Michigan, is one of at least five players considered candidates to be taken with the first pick by the Dolphins. They’re also believed to be interested in Virginia defensive end Chris Long, Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan, Ohio State defensive end Vernon Gholston and Louisiana State defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey.
JETS: New York and safety Kerry Rhodes agreed to a contract extension Wednesday that will keep one of the playmakers in their secondary for five more years. According to various media reports, citing anonymous sources, the extension is for $33.5 million, including $20 million guaranteed — making Rhodes one of the NFL’s highest-paid safeties. The Jets confirmed the signing on Thursday.
FALCONS: Atlanta linebacker Michael Boley signed a contract tender from the team, taking him off free agent market.
VIKINGS: Former Minnesota great Carl Eller was charged with two felonies after a scuffle with police officers trying to arrest him for possible drunken driving.
Hennepin County prosecutors charged the 66-year-old Eller with fourth-degree assault and making terroristic threats. He also was charged with driving while impaired and refusing to take a chemical test for alcohol, both gross misdemeanors.
Eller was let out of the Hennepin County Jail after posting $50,000 bail. He had been in custody since his arrest early Wednesday.
Eller was a member of the famed Purple People Eaters in his 15 years as a defensive end with Minnesota from 1964-78. He played in six Pro Bowls. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2004.
Associated Press
