LKelley67

assorted blurbs out today...

Negotiations between the Miami Dolphins and free-agent quarterback Drew Brees continued Monday evening, as agent Tom Condon and General Manager Randy Mueller began discussing a potential contract after Brees' all-day visit to the team's facilities.

No decisions have been made, a source close to the negotiations said. Ultimately, Brees still is weighing whether he will take more money to play with the New Orleans Saints or go with a more immediate opportunity to win with the Dolphins.

Both teams remain devoted to signing the former San Diego Chargers starter, who is considered the top free-agent quarterback on the market.

"We'd like to think something will happen expeditiously," said Condon, who represents Brees. "The economics are certainly a consideration, but there's a lot of other things that go into this, too — like where he can have long-term success."

Condon said he had hoped a decision could have been reached as soon as Monday night, but it seemed more realistic that it won't materialize until today.

That said, Condon still couldn't rule out the possibility of it taking longer.

From the Dolphins' standpoint, the team needs to finish the deal quickly so it can begin making other moves in free agency. As of Monday night, three agents with players who also visited South Florida had yet to hear back from anyone in the organization.

"I haven't heard from them," said Brad Blank, the agent of wide receiver David Givens, who visited the Dolphins on Saturday. "They know my phone number. Maybe they decided not to pursue them."

That could be the case. Or the team could also be wrapped up in a numbers game with Brees, which appears to be a difference in guaranteed money between the Saints' and Dolphins' offers, two sources said Monday.

When the Dolphins' first three free-agent signings were mentioned, coach Nick Saban laughed.

"That might be all we get," he joked Monday night during a short appearance at the annual Make-a-Wish Foundation Sports Banquet in Hollywood. Saban declined to be interviewed at the event.

Because it is rare for a Pro Bowl-caliber quarterback, such as Brees, to hit the free-agent market, it wouldn't be a surprise if either the Dolphins or Brees took their time on a deal.

The Chargers' Web site said Brees turned down a contract proposal of $50 million over six years. The offer included $2 million up front, with the opportunity to earn as much as $8 million more this season if he took 75 percent of the snaps.

"This whole thing with San Diego, when I went into the off-season, I thought for sure I'd still end up with the Chargers," Brees said. "I think that was a shocker for everybody, including myself. Even up to recently, I thought something was going to happen."

Apparently leery of his injuries, a partially torn rotator cuff and torn labrum in his throwing shoulder, the Chargers' offer was mostly based on incentives with less guaranteed money.

Although the Dolphins and the Saints are willing to offer more money, both teams remain cautious about the injury. During Monday's visit, Brees had a full physical examination, which included his injured shoulder.

Brees said he expects to be able to throw by mini-camp, even if he won't be able to throw any deep passes.

"Obviously, you gradually work toward being full strength," Brees said.

By Jeff Darlington

Palm Beach Post Staff Writer

Tuesday, March 14, 2006