CINCINNATI -- Cincinnati Bengals offensive guard Dave Lapham plans to sign a contract with the New Jersey Generals of the U.S. Football League, his wife says.
Lynne Lapham has confirmed that the 10-year veteran has reached agreement with the USFL team and will sign the Generals' contract when it arrives in the mail.
Lapham could not be reached for comment, but he told reporters last week that his negotiations with the Generals were going well and that he probably would leave the Bengals.
Lapham's salary with the Bengals was in the $150,000 range. Reports have said the Generals have offered him a salary starting at $250,000.
Earlier Friday, it was reported the Generals had contacted Washington quarterback Joe Theismann.
Lapham, a former Syracuse player, was a third-round pick by the Bengals in 1974. He generally is considered a team leader and was voted 'Man of the Year' by Cincinnati fans in 1980.
Lapham is one of several Cincinnati players expected to jump to the USFL next year, including tight end Dan Ross and linebacker Glenn Cameron.
