Nfl Budget Grows

Each NFL team will have $10 million more to spend when the 1998 free-agency period begins Friday.

The NFL has notified the 30 teams that the preliminary salary cap figure for 1998 will be $51.507 million per team, up from $41.5 million last season.

Former Buffalo Bills quarterback Jim Kelly has asked the Baltimore Ravens for a three-year contract to return to the NFL.

Dan Kelly, the agent and brother of the NFL star who retired after the 1996 season, said he recently presented the offer to the Ravens and hopes for an answer within the next few days.

Pittsburgh offensive coordinator Chan Gailey set a record fourth interview time with Jerry Jones Tuesday, underscoring how impressed the Dallas Cowboys owner has been with this longshot to succeed Barry Switzer.

“He’s not a household name but he’s shown he knows how to move the football,” said Jones.

Receiver Darnay Scott agreed to a five-year contract with the Cincinnati Bengals. He will get $15 million over five years, including a $3.5 million signing bonus.