Speaking to reporters after the Dolphins' first day of training camp, Chad Henne confirmed what The Oregonian reported earlier Friday: Matt Moore is headed to Miami.
According to the newspaper, Moore agreed to a two-year, $5 million contract with the Dolphins, and late in the evening, the team announced the quarterback had signed. Incentives could push the deal to $7.5 million for Moore, who leaves a crowded quarterback situation with the Carolina Panthers for a Dolphins team that was said to be in pursuit of Denver Broncos signal-caller Kyle Orton.
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Dolphins owner Stephen Ross told the South Florida Sun Sentinel on Friday that any deal for Orton "is dead."
If Orton is indeed out of the picture, Moore will compete with Henne for the starting job in Miami only one season after being named the starter in Carolina. Moore was unseated by rookie Jimmy Clausen as the season progressed after completing just 55.2 percent of his passes, tossing five touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
Dolphins coach Tony Sparano declined to confirm the acquisition of Moore before the team's official statement, but he did say, "Everybody knows I've wanted to bring in competition here."
Added Henne: "You know there is going to be a quarterback coming in. This league is all about competition. I'm here to compete. Nobody said who has the job yet. I'm just working to be that guy."
Sparano said he wants to see more assertive leadership from Henne, a fourth-year pro who showed signs of taking charge by leading informal offseason workouts during the NFL lockout.
"As far as I'm concerned, Henne is our quarterback until proven otherwise," Dolphins wide receiver Brian Hartline said. "And I'll be surprised if that can be proven otherwise."
Henne's only competition at the first practice were Pat Devlin, an undrafted rookie from Delaware, and second-year pro Tom Brandstater. Ranks also were thin at running back, where the newly acquired Reggie Bush is expected to share time with second-round draft pick Daniel Thomas.
Three picks -- fullback-tight end Charles Clay, cornerback Jimmy Wilson and defensive tackle Frank Kearse -- signed in time to participate in the first workout.
Also participating was wide receiver Brandon Marshall, who's fully recovered from a stab wound in the abdomen that he suffered during an April dispute with his wife. Prosecutors announced Friday that they would drop charges against Marshall's wife.
Sparano was pleased to finally have camp under way.
"There was a long period of hurry up and wait," he said. "Now we're in a little bit of a track meet. But everybody is playing by the same rules."
One indication the rules are different came after practice, when the Dolphins cut linebacker Channing Crowder. He had been a starter since his rookie season in 2005.
The most notable addition was Bush, who stood behind the offense, nodding as coaches and teammates pointed out wrinkles in the playbook he must learn. The Dolphins acquired Bush from the New Orleans Saints on Thursday, but because he signed a new contract with Miami, the post-lockout calendar requires he wait until Aug. 4 to practice.
Moore also must wait until that date. He'll compete for playing time with Henne, who regressed in his second season as a starter and was benched at one point as the Dolphins lost confidence that he was a long-term solution.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
