Falcons Sign Top-Pick Kerney
UVa defensive end inks five-year contract worth about $1 million per year.
Patrick Kerney, who began his <BR>career at Virginia as a lacrosse <BR>player, had 15 sacks last season.

Patrick Kerney, who began his
career at Virginia as a lacrosse
player, had 15 sacks last season.

June 26, 1999

ATLANTA (AP) - The Atlanta Falcons moved quickly to sign their top draft pick, agreeing Friday to a five-year contract with defensive end Patrick Kerney of the University of Virginia.

Kerney, the 30th overall selection, received a contract averaging about $1 million a year in base salary plus incentive clauses, as well as a signing bonus of more than $1 million, according to his agent, Tony Agnone.

Neither Agnone nor the NFC champion Falcons would reveal the specific value of the deal.

Kerney, expected to be a backup for Chuck Smith and Lester Archambeau, was eager to work out a contract. He already has been participating in the Falcons' offseason program in preparation for training camp, which opens July 28 in Greenville, S.C.

"I didn't want to play games with this," Kerney said. "I wanted a contract that was fair for both sides so I could get on with football."