Dan Marino’s 6-Year Deal ‘in the Range’ of $9 Million

Quarterback Dan Marino signed a six-year contract with the Miami Dolphins Saturday for what he said was “in the range” of $9 million--the largest total in National Football League history.

The New York Times reported that the contract includes a $2-million signing bonus and annual base salaries, starting this year, of $500,000, $500,000, $1.45 million, $1.45 million, $1.5 million and $1.6 million. It also provides for incentives that could provide another $100,000 a year.

The annual value of Marino’s package is not quite as lucrative as the $8-million, five-year contract that quarterback Jim Kelly signed last month with the Buffalo Bills.

But Marino’s contract is reported to be fully guaranteed, while Kelly’s agreement is guaranteed for the first three years and provides $150,000 toward an insurance policy against injury.