Tuesday, August 3, 2004
Fitzgerald's contract belies status as No.3 pick
NFL notebook
The Associated Press
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. - Being third was no handicap to Larry Fitzgerald.
The wide receiver from Pittsburgh, the No. 3 pick in the NFL draft, and the Cardinals agreed Monday to a six-year contract that could be worth up to $60 million.
"This is something I've been dreaming of for 20 years," Fitzgerald said. "To finally be able to come into training camp and line up ... with the likes of Emmitt Smith and Anquan Boldin and Freddie Jones, that's very exciting for me."
About $20 million of the contract is guaranteed, said a source close to the negotiations, who spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity.
Eli Manning, the No. 1 overall pick in the draft, also got $20 million guaranteed from the New York Giants.
DOLPHINS: Ricky Williams filed retirement papers with the NFL that probably will prevent him from playing this season, even if he changes his mind about quitting.
The Miami Dolphins were informed Monday that the papers were filed with the NFL Management Council on Williams' behalf late last week.
The papers aren't binding. But because Williams was in the league's substance abuse program, he can't return for one year without penalty.
COLTS: Edgerrin James has big plans this year. He wants to win a Super Bowl, prove he's still among the NFL's elite running backs and maybe win a third rushing title.
So Miami will have to wait.
James said Monday he intended to play out the final year of his contract with the Indianapolis Colts, dispelling any notion he would seek a trade to the Dolphins.
"When next year comes, I'll worry about next year," James said. "Right now, I'm here, so I'll worry about that."
BUCCANEERS: Joe Jurevicius had a major setback in his bid to return from a serious knee injury when Tampa Bay revealed that the receiver now needs surgery to repair a herniated disc in his back.
BROWNS: Hall of Fame wide receiver Paul Warfield has caught on again with Cleveland.
Warfield, who had two stints with the Browns (1964-69 and 1976-77) as a player, has rejoined the team as a scout and career planning consultant.
The 61-year-old's responsibilities will include scouting college players, evaluating talent for the NFL draft and special projects. Warfield worked in Cleveland's front office as player relations director from 1985-87.
PACKERS: Green Bay signed its first-round draft pick, cornerback Ahmad Carroll. Carroll was the 25th overall selection in the draft
BENGALS / NFL
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Fitzgerald's contract belies status as No.3 pick
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