Hot Off The Press: Joey Harrington agrees to terms with Dolphins

[DolFan619]

     Here's the article.


Harrington agrees to terms with Dolphins

By Harvey Fialkov
Staff writer
Posted April 19 2006, 10:11 PM EDT

 
Detroit quarterback Joey Harrington said he has agreed to terms with the Dolphins to be their backup quarterback as soon as the Lions either agree to trade or release him.

Harrington's agent David Dunn released a statement from his client to several media outlets in which he prefaced: "Thank you for your patience throughout this process. Below is a statement from Joey Harrington on his decision to sign with the Miami Dolphins.''

 
"I look forward to joining the Miami Dolphins whenever I am released or a trade is completed,'' Harrington said. "The Dolphins are an ascending team with great coaching and I can't wait to get started."

Because of the unknown timetable for the recovery of Dolphins projected starting quarterback Daunte Culpepper (knee) the Dolphins are in dire need of a veteran backup quarterback who could readily step in and play the preseason games as well as the first few games of the season if necessary.

The Lions gave Harrington permission to seek a trade after they decided to sign free-agent quarterbacks Jon Kitna, Josh McCown and Shaun King this offseason. However, Lions GM Matt Millen has been insistent on at least getting a fourth-round draft pick in return for Harrington, which neither the Bengals nor Dolphins were interested in dealing.

If the Lions don't release or trade Harrington by June 15, they'd have to pay him a $4 million roster bonus. If that occurred, the Lions would lose Harrington for nothing.

A source said that the Dolphins have offered Detroit a sixth-round pick. That pick would have to be for next season because the Dolphins have already traded away their second-, fifth- and sixth-round picks. Millen has said he would take a future pick for Harrington.

The Dolphins have first, third, fourth and three seventh-round picks for next week's draft.

Harrington, 27, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2002 draft, had an 18-37 record as a starter with the Lions. He has thrown 60 touchdowns and 62 interceptions for a career 68.1 passing rating.

Harrington made it clear that he prefers the Dolphins' situation to the Bengals.

"I certainly appreciate all that the Ford family and Matt Millen did for me. I learned so much in Detroit and I will always value those relationships and that experience,'' Harrington added. "At the same time, I am eager to get to work with my new team, whether that happens in a day, a week or a month."

[jtex316]

Just saw this.

IMO, he's a bum, but probably a very capable NFL Back-up QB.  Not a good starting QB.

[YoFuggedaboutit]

Just saw this.

IMO, he's a bum, but probably a very capable NFL Back-up QB.  Not a good starting QB.

Right now, a backup who can spot start is what we need.  I say wait for him to be released.  I don't want to give up another pick for this guy.

[Brian Fein]

I'm hearing Matt Millen is on crack and asking for a 3rd for him.  We paid a 2nd for Culpepper.

Saban is offering up a 6th.

Its not a done deal yet.

[bsfins]

I saw that the Bengals Signed Wright to be ther back up QB,and the Giants signed Brandon short LB.So I thought someone was making a move....Either the Dolphins Signed Joey or Lavar...(or they both went somewhere else)

I think we're in a slight pickle,if we wait them out till july...Joey MAY not be ready for opening day,if we need for him to start....The faster we get him,the better he can start learning the playbook,getting work in minicamps,etc,etc....

[crazy_scar_man]

If this is true... then the Dolphins went from the one of the worst teams QB wise, to one of the strongest.

Harrington was a big deal not too long ago. I think he was the victim of a losing franchise.... kinda like David Carr.

[CF DolFan]

They (Miami and Joey) agreed to terms a while ago.  It has become a stalemate between Miami and Detroit.  Joey is just trying to push Matt's buttons...IMHO!

[BeefStewert]

The real news isn't that they agreed to terms, but that Harrington has now stated that the Dolphins are the only team he will QB for in 2005.  He has essentially declared himself a Dolphins while still a Lion.  That's kind of ballsy.

[Spider-Dan]

The real news isn't that they agreed to terms, but that Harrington has now stated that the Dolphins are the only team he will QB for in 2005.  He has essentially declared himself a Dolphins while still a Lion.  That's kind of ballsy.

It's quite ballsy to retroactively declare that MIA is the only team you'll QB for last year.

[BeefStewert]

It's quite ballsy to retroactively declare that MIA is the only team you'll QB for last year.

Ooops.  2006.  Thanks for making me feel like a stupid bastard.

[Jim Gray]

I think the Lions have no intention of resigning him, so we should wait it out and  don't offer up too much.   I would be happy with a 6 round pick. 

I hope Harrington ends up in a Dolphin uniform.  I think he will benefit greatly from a change of scenery and will take advantage of a 2nd chance.    We will go from having 3 second string QB's to having a solid starter, a young backup with 4 years of starting experience, and a 3rd stringer that shows some promise and may develop in the future. 

I was never all that excited about Culpepper, but the combination of Culpepper and Harrington appeals to me.

[YoFuggedaboutit]

We will go from having 3 second string QB's to having a solid starter, a young backup with 4 years of starting experience, and a 3rd stringer that shows some promise and may develop in the future. 

Talk about a dramatic upgrade at the QB position.  Additionally, Feely is toting a clipboard in San Diego while Phillip Rivers gets turned loose.  Frerotte is backing up Marc Bulger in St. Louis, and Sage is backing up David Carr in Houston. 

Man, I am getting some MOJO for the upcoming season!!!!

[The_Phinatic]

Anthony Wright is signing with Cincy which leaves Detroit with no choice but to hand him over and take anything they can get. 

How any dolfan can not be excited about Culpepper is beyond me.

Jay Fiedler
AJ Feeley
Gus Frerotte

DAUNTE CULPEPPER


Wake up America 

[reticent]

yeah, daunte and joey, pretty damn good! i think those guys both have talent and potential.

jay fiedler was never ever exciting. okay, slightly. once. for about half a quarter.

[NYFan204]

I was just reading through the press confrence of Coach Saban, and he said that we aquired a quarterback with a sith round pick. It must be a done deal!!
Sweet.