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Brunell will receive an $8.6 million signing bonus, according to agent Leigh Steinberg, who wrapped up several weeks of negotiations with Redskins owner Dan Snyder.
Brunell is expected to displace Patrick Ramsey as the starter, giving head coach Joe Gibbs the veteran he sought in the his first season back in Washington after an 11-year retirement.
It had been widely reported in recent days that Gibbs and Brunell have spoken every day for the past week, a fact Steinberg confirmed Thursday night.
"Mark and Joe Gibbs have been talking every day, sometimes multiple times," the agent told White. "Mark's comfort level and excitement level with coach Gibbs has grown every day. He became convinced throughout the process that the ability to play for a Hall of Fame-caliber coach that had been to four Super Bowls was unique and too good to pass up."
The deal cannot become official until the offseason trading period begins March 3. The Redskins will give the Jaguars a third-round draft pick for Brunell, White, citing a source familiar with the negotiations who spoke on condition of anonymity, reported.
Brunell became Jacksonville's starter in the franchise's inaugural season in 1995. He threw for 25,698 yards and 144 touchdowns over nine seasons. He became expendable when rookie Byron Leftwich emerged as the starter last season.
Brunell had one year left on his contract and was due to count $10.5 million against the salary cap this year -- including a $2 million bonus due March 3. The Jaguars were expected to cut him before paying the bonus, but the Redskins expressed interest in a trade during Super Bowl week.
The Jaguars will not have to pay the bonus because the new contract will supersede Brunell's old one, Steinberg said.
At least three other teams -- Miami, San Diego and Dallas -- also expressed interest in Brunell, but the Jaguars allowed him to negotiate only with the Redskins. Gibbs first flew to Florida to meet with Brunell on Feb. 9.
Brunell wanted to go where he could start and maintained he didn't want to become part of a quarterback controversy, although that could happen in Washington. Ramsey has become a popular player in his two years with the team, and his agent recently suggested Ramsey might request a trade if Brunell were signed.
In an article published earlier Thursday, Washington Times staffer Jody Foldesy suggested that Brunell is not concerned about the possibility of a quarterback controversy.
But according to White, Steinberg did not say Brunell received any guarantees from Gibbs about the starting job.
"Obviously Mark's been a starter since 1995 and is confident of his ability to lead a team," Steinberg said. "But he looks forward to the ability to compete for a starting job in training camp. ..."
For what it's worth, Gibbs has stressed that Ramsey won't be traded and that he will have a chance to compete for the starting job. It's also safe to say Ramsey doesn't have the leverage necessary to force such a move.
On the other hand, Ramsey's presence will open the door for fans and the media to call for a switch if Brunell struggles early next season.
Whatever the case, Gibbs is said to be dead set on having two quality passers on his roster.
And in an article published Monday, Richmond Times beat man Paul Woody conceded that Gibbs' pursuit of Brunell means the coach doesn't think Ramsey is ready, but he advised the former Tulane star to be patient.
According to Woody, Gibbs made Mark Rypien a Super Bowl MVP, and Ramsey, who is more talented than Rypien was at the same stage in his career, has much to learn about defenses, critical decisions and toughness. ...
And finally, in a related note. ...
According to Miami Herald staffer Armando Salguero, in losing Brunell to Washington, the Dolphins must adjust their offseason quarterback search. Brunell would have been Miami's certain starter. He was the only quarterback currently available that would have commanded such status.
Miami's inability to get Brunell improves Jay Fiedler's chances of starting in 2004.
The Dolphins still can add to their quarterback corps but the players likely available do not have Brunell's experience.
Salguero went on to suggest the Dolphins will be interested in Ramsey -- if Gibbs has a change of heart when it comes to dealing the youngster. The Dolphins also are interested in Drew Henson, have worked out CFL prospect Ricky Ray and could look at Philadelphia restricted free agent A.J. Feeley.