MIAMI, Feb. 13 (UPI) -- The Miami Dolphins signed quarterback Jay
Fiedler to a five-year contract on Wednesday and possibly ended
speculation that the team will pursue Troy Aikman.
Financial terms were not disclosed.
Fiedler, who could have pursued free agency had he opted out of
his contract for 2002, now is signed through the 2006 season.
The Dolphins would have been able to match any offer by another
team.
The Dolphins also extended the contract of Coach Dave Wannstedt
for one year through the 2004 season.
The 30-year-old Fielder joined the Dolphins as an unrestricted
free agent from Jacksonville prior to the 2000 season, replacing
the legendary Dan Marino. A former Dartmouth star, Fiedler has
a 21-10 record as a starter for Miami and has led the Dolphins
to the playoffs each year.
Last season, Fiedler completed 273-of-450 passes for 3,290 yards
with 20 touchdowns and 19 interceptions. The Dolphins won 11
games last season and Fiedler engineered fourth-quarter
comebacks in five of them.
The Dolphins recently named Norv Turner, who was credited for
the development of Aikman when the two were with the Dallas
Cowboys, as their offensive coordinator. It was rumored that
the Dolphins might try to persuade Aikman to end his retirement
and return to the NFL.
Wannstedt has posted back-to-back 11-5 seasons since replacing
Jimmy Johnson. The Dolphins were eliminated by the Baltimore
Ravens, 20-3, in the wild card round.
