Sapp’s New Stats: 6 Years, $36 Million

Warren Sapp, rarely at a loss for words, answered with a $36 million-plus smile.

That’s how good it felt Wednesday to have the richest deal for a defensive player in NFL history.

“It was a long time coming for me and my family,” the 25-year-old Pro Bowl tackle said. “Now, maybe I can send my kids to college.”

The six-year agreement, which includes a signing bonus of more than $8 million, eclipses the total value of a contract free agent Dana Stubblefield received from the Washington Redskins by $50,000.

It makes Sapp the second highest-paid defensive player in average annual salary behind Minnesota’s John Randle, another free agent tackle who got $32.5 million over five years to remain with the Vikings.

Those deals did nearly as much for Sapp in his pursuit of a contract extension as did 10-1/2 sacks in 1997 when he helped the Bucs to their first playoff berth in 15 years and winningest record (11-7) since 1979.

Agent Drew Rosenhaus said Sapp will receive about $20 million in the first three years of the contract, including base salaries of $1.95 million for 1998, $2.5 million in 1999 and $5.5 million in 2000.

Sapp’s base salary slips to $4.2 million in 2001 before rising to $5.2 million in 2002 and $6.65 million in 2003.

Replay gets another look

Instant replay will be the centerpiece at the NFL meetings this year in Orlando, Fla. Once again, chances for approval seem marginal.

Joe Browne, the league’s chief spokesman, said the competition committee, which met in Tampa last week to prepare for the meetings that start Sunday in Orlando, Fla., will recommend a replay proposal to the owners.

But Browne noted that the recommendation would not be unanimous.

And people familiar with the situation note that it would be difficult to reach an agreement.

Last year, the annual attempt to restore instant replay was rejected when it got 20 votes from the 30 teams, three short of the 23 votes needed.

Around the league

The Panthers will allow safety Chad Cota to join the Saints in a deal that will pay him $5.4 million over three years. New Orleans signed Cota to an offer sheet last week… . Chicago signed guard Mike Zandofsky, a University of Washington product, to a $1.3 million, two-year deal… . The Redskins’ Sean Gilbert, who sat out last season in a contract dispute, has received offers from three teams - each worth $6 million per season, his agent confirmed. The teams were not identified… The Colts matched the Bears’ offer to offensive tackle Tony Mandarich. Financial terms were not disclosed… . Cincinnati running back Corey Dillon the former UW star, has pleaded innocent to driving under the influence, negligent driving and driving with a suspended license after a March 3 pullover in Seattle.