MIAMI, Oct. 19 (UPI) -- Cris Carter, the NFL's second all-time leading receiver with 1,093 catches, has reached a verbal agreement to play with the Miami Dolphins for the remainder of the 2002 season, it was reported Saturday.
ESPN reported Carter's signing a contract with the Dolphins is contingent on him passing a physical next week.
The Dolphins have not confirmed the report.
An injury to receiver Oronde Gadsden turned into the break Carter was looking for to get back into the NFL.
The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported Saturday that Gadsden decided to undergo season-ending surgery to repair a torn ligament in his left wrist after failing to agree on a contract extension. The fifth-year receiver is slated to become an unrestricted free agent after the 2002 season.
The Dolphins apparently were so incensed with Gadsden's demand for a new contract that they decided to pursue Carter, who caught 73 passes for 871 yards last season but turns 37 next month.
After playing with the Minnesota Vikings for the last 12 years, Carter expressed a desire to join a Super Bowl contender after the 2001 season but did not receive a suitable contract offer and reluctantly retired.
The Dolphins (5-1) are tied with the San Diego Chargers for the AFC's best record but will be without quarterback Jay Fiedler, who has a broken thumb, for at least the next month.
