Tuesday, March 07, 2000
Mitchell considers Cowboys
QB still expected to pick Bengals
BY GEOFF HOBSON
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Bengals officials went to bed Monday night with the fear of losing free agent quarterback Scott Mitchell to the Dallas Cowboys today.
A source close to Mitchell said Monday night he expected Mitchell to sign a one-year deal with the Bengals today.
But after Mitchell's agent indicated Sunday his client was set to sign with Cincinnati, the Cowboys lobbied him hard in Dallas on Monday and the Bengals were unable to reach him.
Mitchell got the America's Team treatment with a workout at the Cowboys' Valley Ranch facility, a visit in the office of owner Jerry Jones, and an offer that reportedly had team officials upbeat Mitchell would sign.
As late as Monday afternoon the Bengals were getting signals they were still in the driver's seat, but Mitchell told the Cowboys he hadn't made up his mind and hoped to have a decision today.
“I talked to him early (Monday) morning,” said Bengals coach Bruce Coslet. “We made an offer. If he takes it, fine. If not, we'll move on.”
Mitchell and the Bengals agreed on the financial part of a one-year deal over the weekend, probably for about $800,000. But Mitchell wanted to visit Dallas, where his college quarterbacks coach, Jack Reilly, has the same job with the Cowboys.
Mitchell reportedly indicated to Cowboys officials he was concerned about the stability of the Bengals' coaching staff if Cincinnati got of to a slow start. But he probably has a better chance of playing behind second-year quarterback Akili Smith rather than certain Hall-of-Famer Troy Aikman.
If Mitchell signs, the Bengals will have spent $7.7 million under the 2000 salary cap since re-signing left tackle Rod Jones on Feb.10. That's $700,000 more than they budgeted, which means they will play host to Giants cornerback Phillipi Sparks today but may not look to sign him right away.
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