Aikman eyes return

Three-time Super Bowl winner could play for Dolphins

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By Keith Olbermann, CNN

ATLANTA (CNNSI.com) -- Troy Aikman is finalizing his return to the NFL ... with the Miami Dolphins.

Sources close to the discussions say Miami and Aikman made informal contact long before the playoffs began. They say Aikman may join the Dolphins regardless for next season, but that the deal would be cinched if Miami were to hire Aikman's old offensive coordinator, Norv Turner.

Turner, offensive coordinator of the San Diego Chargers, is a leading candidate to succeed Chan Gailey as the Dolphins' offensive coordinator. Gailey has been hired as head coach at Georgia Tech.

One source close to Aikman says the ex-Cowboy's back injuries are healed, his head is clear, and he is 99 percent certain he wants to play next season in Miami.

Dolphins head coach Dave Wannstedt said he wants Jay Fiedler back and denied that the Dolphins have talked to Aikman. But Wannstedt, who was defensive coordinator in Dallas during Aikman's prime, declined to say whether Miami would be interested in him if he wants to play next season.

Aikman, 35, led the Dallas Cowboys to three Super Bowl titles in a 12 seasons before retiring last April. Ten concussions and problems with his back contributed to his decision, and Jan. 6 he said it was "extremely doubtful" he would play next season.

Aikman's agent, Leigh Steinberg, said Monday he's not heard from the Dolphins -- but he would listen if they called.

"He's a year away from the bumps and bruises of his last season in Dallas," Steinberg said. "If the right opportunity came along, he would certainly listen. ... He feels he's in good health, and he never lost his desire to play in the NFL."

Fiedler, 30, can opt out of the final year of his contract, but Miami can keep him by matching any offer. He said his preference is to remain with the Dolphins, and he shrugged off the possibility that they'll sign Aikman.

Keith Olbermann's report first appeared on ABC Radio.

 

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The Associated Press contributed to this report.