Monday, Aug. 25, 2003 | 9:46 a.m.
After a year of maddening inconsistency and lackluster performance at quarterback, the Las Vegas Gladiators targeted the position as a top offseason priority.
They may not be far away from doing something about it.
Coach Frank Haege corroborated recent reports that Las Vegas is in discussion with Grand Rapids to acquire standout QB Clint Dolezel.
"We've been talking to Grand Rapids, trying to cover all our bases and get the best quarterback we can," Haege said.
The Gladiators' hot pursuit of both Dolezel and Arizona's Sherdrick Bonner signifies the end of the road for both Jay McDonagh and Todd Hammel. Haege told McDonagh as much after Las Vegas' blowout loss to Arizona in the first round of the AFL playoffs.
"At the end of the season, I told Jay McDonagh we're going to shop around a little bit and probably go in a different direction," Haege said.
About a week ago, the Grand Rapids Press first reported that the Rampage put Dolezel on the trading block because of a salary between $100,000 and $150,000 that places him atop the team's cap. Dolezel's contract runs through 2005 and the Press reported that a deal is all but done. Haege did not confirm any deal being in place.
Dolezel, 33, led the league with 89 touchdown passes in 2003 and directed the Rampage to ArenaBowl XV. He ranks in the AFL career top five in numerous passing categories.
The prospect of upgrading his team's most glaring weakness excites Haege.
"He's definitely one of the top three quarterbacks in the league," Haege said. "He's a tall, drop-back guy, and he'll pick you apart with passing."
The Press reported that the deal could happen anytime and was being delayed by changes within the Rampage organization.
Las Vegas needs an offensive boost as it faces the prospect of losing star wideout Mike Horacek to the NFL. Horacek signed with Green Bay before training camp and may not return to the AFL.
"You've got to be happy for him," Haege said.
Haege said the team is in contact with about 20 free agents, with the hope of nabbing up to 10 of them when the free agent signing period begins Oct. 15. The Gladiators are also hoping to upgrade their offensive and defensive lines through free agency.5ARENA FOOTBALL LEAGUE
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