Corey Dillon

[Farm Implement]

from Michael Felger in Todays Boston Herald:

quote:

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Pats extend Dillon -- Locked in through 2006

By Michael Felger

Tuesday, April 12, 2005 - Updated: 06:57 AM EST

It was an experiment in name only and a risk only to those who didn't know the "real" Corey Dillon. In fact, the Patriots decision a year ago this month to trade a second-round pick to Cincinnati for the formerly oft-troubled running back has turned out to be such a rousing success, the sides have decided to continue the relationship.

Dillon's agent, Steve Feldman, announced yesterday that Dillon and the Pats have agreed on a two-year, $10 million guaranteed extension that could stretch to as long as five years and be worth as much as $25 million.

If Dillon, 29, has his way, it will be the last contract he ever signs.

``You bet. Absolutely. He wouldn't want to play for anyone else,'' Feldman said. ``He's absolutely thrilled with it. He wanted to end his career as a Patriot and this allows him to do it. . . . And he wants to win another ring.''

The deal was a ``win-win'' because it allowed the Pats to reduce Dillon's scheduled 2005 cap hit of $4.5 million while Dillon received a healthy raise from the $3.85 million he was due to earn this season.

Feldman wouldn't break down how the $10 million will be paid between bonuses and salary, but he did say it included ``skill and injury'' guarantees. That means the money is not guaranteed if Dillon suffers a non-football injury or has a spate of off-field issues.

What's more, the option bonus for years 2007-2009 is due after the 2005 season. In all probability, the Pats will pass on the option, let Dillon play out the 2006 season, then decide whether to re-sign him for additional years. In the meantime, the structure of the deal allows them to spread out the guaranteed money through the 2009 season for cap purposes.

The Dillon camp entered the negotiations in February using Curtis Martin's 2002 extension as a benchmark. Martin, who was 29 at the time and had rushed for 1,513 yards the previous season, received a $10 million signing bonus as part of a five-year, $30 million deal. Dillon broke Martin's Pats single-season rushing record with 1,635 yards last year. ``We wanted what was fair, and in the end the Patriots agreed with us,'' Feldman said. ``Corey is on the wrong side of 30, but the Patriots took care of him.''

Feldman was getting ahead of himself, because Dillon's birthday isn't until Oct. 24. Given Dillon's proven durability over his 8-year career, during which he's missed only six out of a possible 126 games (including playoffs), the Pats obviously feel comfortable he's got at least two good years left.

Feldman said Dillon has been training near his Los Angeles-area home and will be joining the Pats soon for their offseason conditioning program.

While the Dillon restructuring saves them cap dollars, the Pats will likely need more relief to sign all of their draft picks and make free agent moves before training camp.