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NFL Preview Lorenz, King discuss preseason news, notes
Sports Illustrated senior writer Peter King spoke with CNNSI anchor Bob Lorenz on July 23 about this week's goings-on in training camps on CNN's NFL Preview: Bob Lorenz: The reigning NFL MVP, Kurt Warner, is not real thrilled about having to settle for a one-year, $358,000 deal from the Rams just so he could get into camp on time. That's about $3.6 million less than his backup, Trent Green, is averaging this year. It looks as if Warner did the admirable thing -- even going against his agent's wishes-in taking the minimum, but why did he do it? Peter King: Well, he really had no choice because the Rams were adamant. They've got a bunch of guys like Kevin Carter, Isaac Bruce and Todd Lyght who are due for huge salary increases and St. Louis is right against the cap. Kurt Warner knew the Rams were going to be solidly against paying him a lot of money right now and the Rams have told him flat-out "Look, you're going to make your money. We just can't pay you right now because of our cap problems." Warner is also knowledgeable about one thing -- this feel-good story could have exploded if he sat out in a contract holdout after having one great year. So I think he did the smart thing as well as the admirable thing. BL: Redskins owner Dan Snyder is expecting a lot of bang for his buck from his team this year -- and that has nothing to do with what he's racking up in charging fans to attend training camp sessions. For instance, Brad Johnson had one of the best seasons of his life last year and his reward is Jeff George on the roster to compete with him. King: I sat down with Johnson on Thursday in Ashburn, Va., and I found him to be as easy-going and as cool as I've ever seen a guy entering what could be a very controversial season. In 2001 the city of Washington, D.C., isn't going to be big enough to hold both Johnson and Jeff George. George is being paid $4.5 million a year. When Johnson tried to get his contract re-done this year, off into the future, the Redskins didn't want to do anything. So if Johnson has a good year, they're either going to cut George or Johnson loose. Johnson would be a huge free agent on the market next year. I think the Redskins are going to go with George, if he plays well in relief this season. Lorenz: Speaking of the Redskins, what kind of impact will LaVar Arrington have now that he's signed and in camp? King: Norv Turner told me to look for Arrington to be used in three or four different spots on defense, including this intriguing one: over the shoulder of Bruce Smith, with both of them rushing the passer simultaneously. Lorenz: Rookie Ron Dayne reported to Giants camp on time after signing a five-year deal Friday. He was advised by his agent to wait for more money. But Dayne wanted to play more than he wanted to sit out. In fact, he took about $1 million less than the player drafted after him. Peter, you've already been to Giants camp -- what were your impressions of Ron Dayne? King: Giants fans have been waiting for an heir to Ottis Anderson for a long, long time. On Saturday they greeted Dayne with louder cheers than they gave Jason Sehorn, Michael Strahan or any other Giants player. The Giants think that Dayne isn't just a guy who's going to bowl over people; in their first practice session Saturday they were surprised, Dayne is quicker than they thought. He's not just a Jerome Bettis or Earl Campbell. Meanwhile the Jets had a scrimmage Saturday and the most impressive guy on the field by all accounts was third-round pick Laveranues Coles. He caught four passes, including a really neat nine-yard fade from Vinny Testaverde. The Jets think he's going to be a contender to start on the other side of Wayne Chrebet. This guy is a burner, he's the fastest guy to enter the NFL since Deion Sanders, 4.19 seconds in the 40. If he keeps his nose clean, the Jets have got themselves a keeper. Lorenz: A funny thing happened to Reggie White as he went to sign with the Titans -- he signed with the Panthers instead. What's the story there? King: When Reggie White called Jeff Fisher a couple of weeks ago and said he wanted to come back with the Titans, the one thing he said was "I want another ring -- that's why I'm coming back." But he chose a funny way to get back to Super Bowl contention by going to Carolina, a team in the middle of the NFL pack, instead of Tennessee, a team most think will be a Super Bowl contender this year. The Titans were offering $750,000 and probably would have gone a little bit higher. Even though he signed this gaudy six-year, $24 million deal, Carolina's only giving him $1 million in the first season. So for $250,000 he went to a mediocre team instead of a championship contender. Lorenz: Let's find out where Terrell Davis is in his rehab. He seems to be looking pretty strong, is that the general feeling at Broncos camp? King: Not only is Davis looking strong, but what he's doing right now is amazing in the eyes of the Broncos. Not only are his surgically knee and leg stronger than they were before the injury, but also his other knee and leg test stronger than before the injury. I think it's a tribute to what he's done in rehab -- he's been a maniac.
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