Ogunleye changes tune, hopes to make deal
By Alex Marvez
Staff Writer
Posted May 1 2004
DAVIE · Although he is the only veteran player not attending this weekend's minicamp, Dolphins defensive end Adewale Ogunleye said Friday that he is "very confident" about having a lengthy career with the franchise.
"I'm 90 percent certain I will be a Dolphin with a long-term contract," said Ogunleye, who isn't attending minicamp because he is unsigned.
Ogunleye's comments are in contrast to those he made earlier this week about his contract status with the Dolphins. Ogunleye threatened a lengthy holdout while expressing unhappiness about the Dolphins not having offered more than a one-year, $1.82 million contract as a restricted free agent.
Ogunleye also was quoted by the Chicago Tribune as saying he would be a "good fit" for the Bears. Ogunleye said those comments were misconstrued.
"I wasn't talking about me per se but a player of my caliber," said Ogunleye, referring to a Bears team that logged only three more sacks (18) in 2003 than he had individually. "I want to be in Miami. I love being here."
Because he is a restricted free agent, Ogunleye has almost no leverage other than a holdout when it comes to trying to land a contract with an eight-figure signing bonus. Ogunleye needs to report for at least six games to receive a credited season toward becoming an unrestricted free agent in 2005.
Ogunleye told The Associated Press on Wednesday that he would be willing to miss the first 10 games if not given a new contract. But in a telephone interview Friday, Ogunleye had softened his stance considerably.
"Right now, the Dolphins are doing what they're supposed to do from a business standpoint," Ogunleye said. "But I'm very optimistic about something getting done. They're not going to let me sit around or anything like that. It makes no sense. I want to help this team win a lot of games and try to win a Super Bowl."
Coach Dave Wannstedt also was optimistic about a deal.
"He's a smart guy," Wannstedt said. "It will work out."
Ogunleye is spending the weekend with family in New York, but he called agent Drew Rosenhaus during practice for an update.
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