Bill Tobin has reached back to his past as he continues to give a new look to the Indianapolis Colts.
Hired to rebuild a team that finished 4-12 last year, the former Chicago Bears executive decided former Chicago quarterback Jim Harbaugh can help get the job done.Harbaugh, 30, was headed to Indianapolis today to take a physical and sign a contract. Coach Ted Marchibroda wants him signed early so that he can participate in next month's mini-camp and be familar with the offense when training camp begins.
Meanwhile, the Colts released veteran quarterback Jack Trudeau on Thursday.
"He's the type of individual we want in this organization," said Tobin, who in 1987 made Harbaugh the Bears' first-round draft pick. "He's had a lot of good years and we believe he brings all the ingredients we want in our quarterback. He has the athletic skills, the understanding of the game and can move the football."
Harbaugh accepted a contract that included a $200,000 signing bonus and a $700,000 salary for 1994, said his agent, Leigh Steinberg.
"The contract includes incentives which could greatly enhance its value," Steinberg said.
The 6-foot-3, 215-pound Harbaugh started 15 games last year. He became an unrestricted free agent on March 16 when he was waived by the Bears.
Harbaugh posted a 35-30 record as a starter in seven seasons with Chicago and ranks second to Sid Luckman in Bears history with 11,567 passing yards. His 74.2 quarterback rating is the third-highest in Chicago history.
The release of Trudeau, who was scheduled to receive approximately $1.2 million in 1994, and the recent trade of Jeff George to Atlanta leaves Don Majkowski as the only other quarterback on the team's roster.
Tobin said acquiring Harbaugh gives the Colts the luxury of not having to rush a young quarterback into action if they draft one on April 24. The Colts have the second and seventh picks in the draft.
Fresno State's Trent Dilfer and Heath Shuler are two quarterbacks the Colts might take with the No. 2 pick. But, the availability of running back Marshall Faulk to a club that averaged a league-worst 80.5 yards per game rushing also might be tempting.
Elsewhere, in a strong move to keep their Super Bowl-winning team together, the Dallas Cowboys signed fullback Daryl Johnston and offensive guard Nate Newton to multiyear contracts, using a $1.8 million signing bonus to beat out the Washington Redskins for Johnston's services.
Johnston, who signed a three-year, $4.2 million contract, becomes the highest-paid fullback in NFL history. The club signed Newton to a three-year, $3.46 million contract that includes a $1 million signing bonus.
The two-time defending champions now have seven of their eight offensive Pro Bowl players from last season under contract - all but center Mark Stepnoski.
The San Diego Chargers signed two players, including Stan Brock, who has made 80 straight NFL starts at right tackle. Brock signed a two-year contract, while tight end Duane Young was inked to a three-year deal.