By CARL KOTALA
Florida Today

The Miami Dolphins have been telling their fans for months that if they were patient, something big would happen. Wednesday looks like that day.

Miami is expected to announce it has acquired 11-time Pro Bowl linebacker Junior Seau from the San Diego Chargers, reportedly for a sixth-round draft pick in 2004 that could be escalated to a fifth-rounder depending on playing time.

Seau, who is in South Florida to take a physical, told the San Diego Union-Tribune a press conference would be scheduled for Wednesday. The Dolphins, however, have not officially announced that one will be held.

Miami has reportedly agreed to pick up a portion of the $2.7 million roster bonus Seau is due and has worked out a re-structured contract with agent Marvin Demoff that will keep the 34-year-old, 13-year veteran among the highest paid linebackers in the game.

"Unless something else happens that's out of this world, it looks like it's heading toward being done," Seau told the Union-Tribune. "Going to Miami was definitely something that I was hoping for, but now that it's about to happen, it's definitely bittersweet. I didn't think I'd feel this way, but I do. I'm excited about the new challenge, but disappointed about leaving my hometown and home team."

Seau will get a chance to see his old buddies on Oct. 27, when the Dolphins play in San Diego on Monday Night Football.

Once the deal is made, the Dolphins will likely trade or release linebacker Derrick Rodgers, whom Seau will replace. Rodgers will count ($1.85 million) against the cap this season. If Miami releases him before June 1, that figure would drop to $1.5 million. After June 1, it would be $750,00 this season and $750,000 the next.

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