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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Seahawks Lose Corner

Compiled From Wire Services

Seattle didn’t significantly alter a oneyear contract offer to Terry Taylor, so Taylor signed a one-year, $250,000 deal with the Atlanta Falcons.

“I got a headache thinking about this,” the 33-year-old Taylor said. “I really wanted to stay, but the Seahawks didn’t want to give me any money. I don’t understand. The Seahawks will give you money if you’re not from here.”

Taylor, who lives in the Seattle area year-round, made two tours of duty with the Seahawks. He was a former firstround choice who was a starter for four of his five seasons. In the next five seasons, he played for three teams, but the Seahawks brought him back for the final five games of last season.

No longer a starter, the Seahawks offered him $20,000 to sign, a $200,000 salary and $30,000 in bonuses depending on the number of games he plays.

The Falcons, who have a more active role planned for him in their nickel defense, gave him a $72,000 signing bonus and a base salary of $178,000.

The Seahawks have made the best offer to date on 32-year-old wide receiver Vance Johnson, who is taking the weekend to make a decision. Johnson visited the Los Angeles Raiders on Friday and ran a 4.57-second 40-yard dash. The Raiders would only be able to pay him close to the minimum salary of $178,000.

The Seahawks are believed to be offering approximately $215,000. Denver offered only a one-year, $178,000 contract.

Erik Williams will remain free on probation until the courts resolve his latest brush with the law.

Williams, the Dallas Cowboys lineman arrested Thursday on allegations he and a companion sexually assaulted a 17-yearold girl at his north Dallas home, has been serving two years probation for an Oct. 24 drunken driving accident.

The Giants agreed with Maurice Douglass, 31, on a two-year deal worth between $1.4 million and $1.6 million.

A fiery player known for his tough, consistent play, Douglass led the Chicago Bears in special-teams tackles the last three seasons. He has also played every position in the secondary.