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Wednesday, March 14, 2001

Money talks
for Mili

The former Kahuku star is
negotiating for a bigger
NFL contract

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By Pat Bigold
Star-Bulletin

Seattle Seahawks backup tight end Itula Mili is expected to break into the ranks of NFL millionaires by next month.

The 6-foot-4, 265-pound former Kahuku High School and Brigham Young star is a restricted free agent who was drafted in the sixth round by Seattle in 1997.

Brian Treggs, Mili's agent, said the Seahawks tendered an offer of $512,000, but the Cincinnati Bengals have already weighed in with a much better one in the seven-figure range.

Treggs said he believes the 27-year-old, who outproduced starter Christian Fauria last season, is worthy of a million-dollar salary.

Mili said he wants more playing time and would be willing to relocate. Mili and Fauria each made 28 catches, but Mili gained 288 yards to Fauria's 237 and scored three touchdowns to Fauria's two.

Because Fauria will be an unrestricted free agent after next season, the Seahawks could make a long term offer to Mili.

Among the teams Treggs said he would contact are New England, New Orleans, San Francisco and Arizona.

Meanwhile, third-year Pittsburgh running back Chris Fuamatu-Ma'afala has also been tendered a $512,000 offer.