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Star receiver released by San Francisco because of salary cap concerns.
©Associated Press
© St. Petersburg Times, published June 5, 2001
LOS ALTOS, Calif. -- Jerry Rice appears headed across the Bay.
Rice, who set every significant NFL receiving record during 16 years with the 49ers, was released by the team Monday. He soon will sign with the Raiders, 49ers vice president Bill Walsh said at Rice's charity golf tournament.
But before teeing off at Los Altos Hills Country Club, Rice said he was still deciding between the Raiders and the Seahawks. Agent Jim Steiner said both teams submitted contract offers, and Rice planned to make his final choice Monday night.
"We hope to get something done real soon, so I can do what I've been doing over the years," Rice said. "I'm pretty close, and I'm excited about that, because this has been a long, long off-season. I'm ready to bring it to a close right now."
Steiner said Rice's new deal would include a "two-year commitment on both sides' part," though the actual contract may be longer because of salary cap machinations.
The 38-year-old Rice, who has a record 1,281 receptions and 187 touchdowns, had spent his entire career with the 49ers but was cut because of the team's salary cap problems. Rice anticipated his release since early last season, when he said he planned to play at least two more years.
"The closure of this is great, and I'm glad it's the Raiders," Walsh said. "I'm glad it's close, and that he doesn't feel he's being shipped to Devil's Island somewhere in the Midwest. I think he'll do very well over there."
Raiders spokesman Craig Long wouldn't comment "at the present time."
Although he lists team triumphs -- three Super Bowl titles and 14 winning seasons -- as top achievements, Rice had an unparalleled 49ers career.
Also among his NFL records are his 176 touchdowns on pass receptions; 12 seasons with more than 1,000 yards receiving; 1,848 yards receiving in a single season; and 22 touchdown receptions in a single season.
The 12-time Pro Bowl selection was the NFL Offensive Player of the Year in 1987 and 1993 and the Super Bowl MVP in 1989. He has 19,247 yards receiving, including at least one catch in his last 225 games, another record.
"I think I've had time to prepare for it, and I'm at peace right now," Rice said.
The 49ers offered Rice a $1-million bonus to retire. His release gave San Francisco about $2.5-million in cap room, which GM Terry Donahue will use to sign backup quarterback Rick Mirer and several rookies.