Deal 'still likely' in the works to bring QB Green to Dolphins

[BP]

Deal 'still likely' in the works to bring QB Green to Dolphins

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By Greg A. Bedard

Palm Beach Post Staff Writer

Wednesday, March 21, 2007

A new contract for Trent Green is holding up a possible deal that would send the former Pro Bowl quarterback from Kansas City to the Dolphins, sources said Wednesday.

The Dolphins, like the Chiefs, want Green to take a major pay cut from the $7.2, $7.7 and $9.2 million the 36-year-old veteran is due over the next three seasons - the final three years on his current contract. Miami doesn't want to pay Green, who will turn 37 in July, much more than the NFL veteran's minimum, which is $820,000 in 2007.

To acquire Green, the Dolphins likely would trade the second seventh-round draft pick they obtained from New England for receiver Wes Welker. But, sources said, the sticking point for the Green deal is the money they would have to pay the quarterback.

The Dolphins have $10.4 million left under the salary cap, according to a source. But about $5 million of that figure will go toward signing rookies. The team also wants to keep some money in reserve in case an attractive player is cut by another team in the summer.

The Dolphins are continuing talks with Green's representatives and, a source said, the two sides are "in the same ballpark" and the deal is "still likely" to get done.

Dolphins coach Cam Cameron and quarterbacks coach Terry Shea have coached Green in the past and he is well-schooled in Cameron's offense.

But Green's return to Kansas City, while unlikely, has not yet been ruled out.

Chiefs coach Herman Edwards said Wednesday that Green "absolutely" would be willing to compete with Damon Huard and Brodie Croyle for Kansas City's starting job if a trade can't be worked out.

"I just think that Trent will do what's best for him, his family, and if that is the situation, he'll do it," Edwards told reporters. "Trent's not afraid of competition by any stretch of the imagination." Wednesday's reported trade of Atlanta Falcons backup quarterback Matt Schaub to the Houston Texans also could affect how the Dolphins approach their quarterback situation.

With Schaub on board, the Texans likely will trade or release David Carr, who has been their starter since they made him the first overall pick in 2002. A source said Houston might consider a fourth- or fifth-round pick for Carr, who played for Dolphins defensive coordinator Dom Capers when he was Houston's head coach from 2002-05.

But if Miami is interested, money again could an issue. Carr, 27, is set to earn $6.75, $5.5 and $6.0 million over the next three seasons.

Houston's trade for Schaub also could trigger another scenario. The Texans were considering Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn with the eighth overall pick, but Houston dropped to No. 10 with the trade.

That means one fewer team of ahead of the Dolphins (No. 9 pick) who might take Quinn.

The Oakland Raiders (first overall), Detroit Lions (second) and Minnesota (seventh) all could consider Quinn or the other top-rated quarterback, LSU's JaMarcus Russell.

The Dolphins would prefer to have any new quarterback in the fold by April 13, when the team begins its off-season practices with a mini-camp.

The acquisition of either Green or Carr would raise questions about the future of Daunte Culpepper. While he could be given a chance to prove himself during off-season practices, Culpepper is due to make $51.5 million in base salary over the next seven years.

Culpepper's right knee is not yet 100 percent, sources said, and although he's made progress, the Dolphins want to solidify the quarterback position as soon as possible.

Some inside the Dolphins organization still have questions about Culpepper's decision-making behind center and there remains concerns about his demeanor ever since last October's practice-field shouting match with former coach Nick Saban.

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[Jetlag]

That would be SWEEEEETTT!!!!!

Trent Green is old and crappy. I welcome him to our division with open arms if this goes through.

[Smizzy]

That would be SWEEEEETTT!!!!!

Trent Green is old and crappy. I welcome him to our division with open arms if this goes through.

He is good for 2 sacks a game.