TrippleX has resigned

Friday, June 20, 2003
Robert Henderson

Oronde is back - for now. Gadsden was signed today by the Dolphins according to CBS4 News in Miami. He agreed to the veteran minimum of $530,000. He will have to pass a physical, and then the Dolphins' clutch will officially be in the NFL again. This happening after Gadsden tested the free agent market and found there were no takers.

"I'm looking forward to getting back with the guys and contributing in any way I can to help this team win and win the grand prize," Gadsden said Thursday.

The five year veteran has been intending on resigning with the team for the last few days, but personal reasons have interfered. Gadsden and wife Bianke are due their first child on Sunday, and Gadsden has been busy trucking family members from the airport. Dave Wannstedt and Rick Spielman are not in town presently because they are attending Wannstedt's oldest daughter Keri's wedding.

Gadsden turned down a contract offer by the Dolphins at the beginning of the 2002 season which included a $750,000 signing bonus. His reason for doing this was because he was to become a free agent at the end of the season, and he wanted to test his value on the market. Unfortunately for Gadsden, he suffered a season ending wrist injury in the Dolphins' regular season game against Denver which proved to be fatal in terms of him having a chance on the market.

Gadsden last got tested up in Jacksonville by the Jaguars which turned out to be a bribe for former San Francisco receiver J.J. Stokes to sign with the team. Gadsden was notified the next day after Stokes signed that the Jaguars were no longer interested.

Oronde started his NFL career in Miami in 1998 when Jimmy Johnson signed the receiver to compete out of the Arena League. During pre-season he proved to be a diamond in the rough and was assured a spot on the final roster. In his 5 seasons with the Phins, Gadsden has caught 223 balls for 3204 yards and 22 touchdowns. His roll in the offense has always been a clutch receiver who has made the essential third down grabs to keep the drive alive. His roll is very similar to O.J. McDuffie's prior to Gadsden.

Gadsden will most likely not be guaranteed a roster spot this year, and will most likely sign for the league minimum. He will have to compete with James McKnight, J.R. Tolver, Chris Jackson, and Derrius Thompson and various other new players for one of the final three spots behind Chris Chambers.

Robert Henderson can be reached by e-mailing webmaster@miamidolphinsbahamas.com.