Word out of South Florida is that the Dolphins are prepared to proceed to training camp and the regular season without the 2003 AFC sack leader, defensive end Adewale Ogunleye.
Ogunleye, a restricted free agent, refused to sign a one-year tender in excess of $1.8 million. Based in part on threats by Ogunleye to show up anywhere from seven to ten games into the regular season in order to gain another season toward unrestricted free agency while participating in the minimum number of game, the Fins rolled back the tender two weeks ago, into the $400,000 range.
We're told that Ogunleye also will make $300,000 in incentives earned under his 2003 deal.
Despite a belief in some circles that the Fins won't want to embark on an arguably critical campaign without Ogunleye, the front office is by all appearances holding firm in its position -- refusing to cave in to Ogunleye's demands.
Questions also remain regarding Ogunleye's real value. Some of the personnel execs with whom we've spoken explained that Ogunleye benefits significantly from the presence of Jason Taylor on the other end of the line, and that consideration of a player's supporting cast is a fundamental component of any evaluation of his overall worth.
On the other hand, the decision of the Seahawks to pour a $14 million bonus into Grant Wistrom's pockets leads us to believe that Ogunleye could at least do that well if allowed to hit the open market.
The next topic to consider in the Ogunleye soap opera is whether the Fins will slap the franchise tag upon him -- like they did with Taylor -- when he qualifies for unrestricted free agency in March 2005. And with both sides digging in their heels deeper than ever, we have a feeling that this one still could be playing itself out next year at this time.
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