Dolphins sign Charles Rogers

MIAMI, April 11 (UPI) -- The Miami Dolphins Friday signed kick returner Charlie Rogers to a one-year contract.

Miami's AFC East rival, the New York Jets, were also interested in Rogers after losing kick returner Chad Morton to the Washington Redskins.

Originally taken in the fifth round of the 1999 draft by the Seattle Seahawks, Rogers has returned two kickoffs for touchdowns, and a punt for a score in his four-year career.

Rogers, 26, spent three seasons with the Seahawks before he was selected by the Houston Texans in the 2002 expansion draft. He was traded to the Bills last April for linebacker Jay Foreman, and is happy to be back in warmer weather.

"I was joking with (Player Personnel Director and Senior Vice President of Football Operations)Rick (Spielman) last week that I've probably had the toughest time adapting to weather. I've been in Buffalo with the snow and Seattle, where

it rains just about every day, so this is like a cakewalk for me."

The Dolphins have not had a kickoff return for a touchdown since 1989.

"That should change next year, especially with the special teams coach we have, coach (Keith) Armstrong," Rogers said. "I'm very familiar with his schemes and the things he's been doing in the league. They had a great return team last year. Unfortunately, they didn't have any touchdowns. The machine is already ordered up. I'm just hoping to be a part of that machine."

Ironically, while with the Bills, Rogers had kickoff TD return against Miami in 1999.