Feb. 16, 2000 SportsLine wire reports

MIAMI -- Free agent quarterback

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Jay Fiedler, a journeyman who has one NFL start, could become Dan Marino's successor with the Miami Dolphins.

Miami has made a contract proposal to Fiedler, and the two sides will talk again Thursday, agent Brian Levy said.

By signing Fiedler, the Dolphins would all but eliminate the slim chance that Marino will stay with them in 2000. Marino, 37, became a free agent last week when he voided the final two years of his contract.

Fielder, 28, would likely compete with Damon Huard for Miami's starting job.

Fiedler was a backup last season to Jacksonville's Mark Brunell. He is scheduled to visit the Chicago Bears on Thursday, but the trip could be canceled, depending on what the Dolphins do, Levy said.

"They have made a sincere effort to get him signed," Levy said. "More than any other situation, this offers Jay the best opportunity to play football next year. His other opportunities are to be a high-paid backup."

In eight games last season, Fiedler completed 61 of 94 passes for 656 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. He started Jacksonville's final regular-season game and played extensively in a 62-7 playoff victory over Miami.

Fiedler was out of the NFL in 1996-97 and was Minnesota's third-string quarterback in 1998.

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