White Mike
Guru
Schlesinger agrees to deal with Dolphins</font>
By Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com
Twelve-year veteran fullback Cory Schlesinger, who played his entire career with the Detroit Lions before becoming an unrestricted free agent two weeks ago, has reached agreement with the Miami Dolphins on a $2 million, two-year contract.
Schlesinger visited with Miami officials last week.
A prototype fullback during most of his Detroit tenure, and regarded leaguewide as one of the NFL's premier lead blockers, Schlesinger's role was dramatically diminished in the offense installed by Lions' offensive coordinator Mike Martz last season. The Martz system rarely employs a fullback and Schlesinger did not log a single carry and registered only eight receptions.
The eight "touches" in 2006 were the fewest for Schlesinger since 1996.
In Miami, though, first-year coach Cam Cameron feels that Schlesinger, even at age 34, can be an effective escort for tailback Ronnie Brown. During his time as the San Diego offensive coordinator, Cameron witnessed the importance of standout fullback Lorenzo Neal to Chargers' tailback LaDainian Tomlinson, and feels Schlesinger can fill that same role.
Schlesinger never carried more than 49 times in a season in Detroit and never rushed for more than 154 yards. But his value as a blocker and a receiver twice made him a Pro Bowl alternate. In 2001, he notched 60 receptions.
For his career, Schlesinger has 167 carries for 473 yards and five touchdowns. He also has 197 catches for 1,445 yards and nine scores.
The former Nebraska star was a sixth-round choice in the 1995 draft. He has played in 181 games, including 87 as a starter.
Senior writer Len Pasquarelli covers the NFL for ESPN.com.
By Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com
Twelve-year veteran fullback Cory Schlesinger, who played his entire career with the Detroit Lions before becoming an unrestricted free agent two weeks ago, has reached agreement with the Miami Dolphins on a $2 million, two-year contract.
Schlesinger visited with Miami officials last week.
A prototype fullback during most of his Detroit tenure, and regarded leaguewide as one of the NFL's premier lead blockers, Schlesinger's role was dramatically diminished in the offense installed by Lions' offensive coordinator Mike Martz last season. The Martz system rarely employs a fullback and Schlesinger did not log a single carry and registered only eight receptions.
The eight "touches" in 2006 were the fewest for Schlesinger since 1996.
In Miami, though, first-year coach Cam Cameron feels that Schlesinger, even at age 34, can be an effective escort for tailback Ronnie Brown. During his time as the San Diego offensive coordinator, Cameron witnessed the importance of standout fullback Lorenzo Neal to Chargers' tailback LaDainian Tomlinson, and feels Schlesinger can fill that same role.
Schlesinger never carried more than 49 times in a season in Detroit and never rushed for more than 154 yards. But his value as a blocker and a receiver twice made him a Pro Bowl alternate. In 2001, he notched 60 receptions.
For his career, Schlesinger has 167 carries for 473 yards and five touchdowns. He also has 197 catches for 1,445 yards and nine scores.
The former Nebraska star was a sixth-round choice in the 1995 draft. He has played in 181 games, including 87 as a starter.
Senior writer Len Pasquarelli covers the NFL for ESPN.com.
