Rice Becomes Highest Paid WR

Sidelined most of last season by two major knee injuries, Jerry Rice is out to reclaim his lofty standing as the NFL's premier receiver. Financially, he's already back on top.

Rice signed a six-year, $36 million contract with the San Francisco 49ers on Wednesday in a restructuring that made him the league's highest-paid receiver while providing the team with some salary cap relief.

The deal for Rice, 35, who is set to return in Sunday's opener against the New York Jets after missing all but two games in 1997, runs through the 2003 season. It included an immediate return in the form of a $4 million signing bonus.

"It's well deserved," coach Steve Mariucci said. "Jerry has been and will continue to be the best receiver that's ever played the game, so a contract like this is certainly in line."

"He is truly our leader on this football team. His value goes far beyond scoring touchdowns and catching passes. He's a tremendoud asset to the 49ers and all of football."

Rice's new pact replaced a seven-year, $31.6 million deal reached two years ago.

His agent, Jim Steiner, said the $6 million annual average topped the league's previous high for a receiver, $5.875 million by Minnesota's Cris Carter.

The 49ers also gained about $500,000 in cap relief this season, and hope to work out long-term deals with Terrell Owens and J.J. Stokes, the youthful wideouts who came into their own in Rice's absence last season.

Owens, who can become a restricted free agent after this season, led the team with 60 catches for 36 yards and eight touchdowns. Stokes, who will be eligible for unrestricted free agency after this year, had a career-high 58 catches for 733 yards and four touchdowns.

Rice, an 11-time All-Pro and the league's career leader in touchdowns, receptions and receiving yardage, said he appreciated the organization's gesture in making the deal on the eve of his comeback from the first major injuries in his career.

"It's not about the money. It's a pride thing," Rice said. "I feel like I set the standard for receivers and it's very unique when you have an organization that's bent over backwards to accommodate you and make you feel welcome so I'm very excited about this situation."

"Now, I just have one more obstacle to really accomplish and after that, I can basically resume what I've been doing over the years, just playing football."

Rice, who is starting his 14th season, suffered torn ligaments and damaged cartilage in his left knee when he was hauled down while running a reverse in the season opener at Tampa Bay last year.

Initially thought to be out for the season, he worked his way back to play Dec. 15 against Denver only to fracture his left kneecap when he landed on it after catching a touchdown pass.

Mariucci said x-rays taken last week show his kneecap has healed perfectly and Rice said he's ready and anxious to play again.

"I'm excited. I'm nervous. I feel like all the hard work has paid off for me," he said. "At least I have an opportunity to go back out there and prove myself and prove that I can get the job done. When it's time to play Sunday, it's going to be great running on that football field with my teammates.

"Now, it's all about just taking a blow and after that, get back up and go back to the huddle and try to finish the game."

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