Dismissed by the New Orleans Saints after three seasons, quarterback Danny Wuerffel gambled this spring he could resurrect his career playing in the NFL Europe League, and SportsLine.com confirmed Friday morning that the 1996 Heisman Trophy winner has succeeded.
Wuerffel, who led the Rhein Fire to the World Bowl championship last weekend, on Friday signed a one-year contract with the Green Bay Packers. The agreement was confirmed for SportsLine.com by agent Michael Moye and a Packers source.
The contract, which was faxed back to Green Bay officials Friday morning, is believed to be for a base salary of $385,000 and also includes an incentive package.
"We had discussions with other NFL teams, but after talking to folks in Green Bay and (offensive coordinator) Tom Rossley, the Packers seemed the best fit," Moye told SportsLine.com. "Danny made the decision (Thursday) night and is very comfortable with the situation."
The San Diego Chargers were the other team that demonstrated considerable interest in Wuerffel.
The three-year NFL veteran is expected to vie with second-year pro Aaron Brooks, the Packers' fourth-round draft choice in 1999, for the No. 3 job behind starter Brett Favre and primary backup Matt Hasselbeck.
Brooks was listed as the No. 3 "emergency" quarterback for all 16 games in '99 and did not play a single snap in the regular season. A terrific athlete, Brooks is still regarded by the Packers as a project-type player.
Wuerffel, 26, was selected by the Saints in the fourth round of the '97 draft. In three seasons, he played in 16 games, with six starts. He completed 126 of 258 passes for 1,404 yards, with nine touchdowns and 16 interceptions and a passer rating of 51.2. The Saints declined to make him a qualifying offer in February, making him a free agent.
With the Fire this spring, he completed 161 of 260 passes for 2,042 yards with 25 touchdown passes and only seven interceptions. His 107.2 passer rating was second best in the NFL Europe League.