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| Tuesday, March 7 | ||||||
MINNEAPOLIS -- At least one team in the NFL doesn't think Dan Marino is washed up.
Marino's football future has apparently come down to a decision to retire or play for the Minnesota Vikings, NFL sources told ESPN's Chris Mortensen.
George's agent, Leigh Steinberg, said he assumed the Vikings would make a push for his client's return once they freed up enough cap room. Steinberg said he was flabbergasted by the Vikings' pursuit of Marino instead. "Do I understand what's going on in Minnesota? No," Steinberg said. "Usually when a guy goes 9-3 and takes his team to the playoffs, the team tries to extend his contract very quickly. It seemed like a marriage made in heaven." Cunningham has refused a big pay cut and probably will be jettisoned June 1. Marino, who has not attracted much interest from other teams, threw 12 touchdown passes and 17 interceptions in 1999, by far the worst ratio of his career. He also missed five games and most of a sixth because of a neck injury. In the playoffs, Marino led the Dolphins to a 20-17 victory over Seattle in the first round. But the team was embarrassed 62-7 the next week against Jacksonville, when the Dolphins trailed 38-0 before Marino even completed a pass. After the most lopsided loss in Dolphins history and the most miserable afternoon of his career, Marino said: "I've never experienced a game like this in my life. Even as a kid, I've never had a game like this." Marino is the most prolific passer in NFL history. In 17 seasons, he has completed 4,967 passes for 61,361 yards and 420 touchdowns, all NFL records. But injuries have taken a toll, and Marino's quarterback rating of 67.4 ranked 30th in the league. He became a free agent last month after voiding his contract with Miami. The Dolphins then signed free agent quarterback Jay Fiedler. The Vikings haven't had the money to do much in the free agent market. But Marino's agent, Marvin Demoff, had discussions with the team on a contract that would fit within the salary cap. Marino, who had a mediocre 1999, could sign a deal with easily reachable incentives that would not squeeze the Vikings too much. The Vikings, who have shaken up their roster and coaching staff this offseason, are hoping Marino won't pass up a shot at playing with Carter and Moss, who thrived last year with the equally strong-armed George. When the Dolphins signed Fiedler to a three-year, $3.8 million contract, it seemed clear Marino had played his last game in Miami. | ALSO SEE Legends on the move Dolphins run reverse: They want Marino back Marino to the Bucs is anything but a Dungy deal By George! QB could return to Vikings after all Vikings reportedly still might cut QB Cunningham Fiedler's deal with Dolphins might be bad omen for Marino Marino eyes other teams after voiding Dolphins contract Vikings advise George: You'd better shop around AUDIO/VIDEO Chris Mortensen describes Marino's next move. wav: 125 k RealAudio: 14.4 | 28.8 | 56.6 Dennis Green wants to put Marino in a QB-friendly offense. wav: 150 k RealAudio: 14.4 | 28.8 | 56.6 |