Dave Waymer

Dave Waymer, the defensive back who played 10 seasons with the New Orleans Saints, signed Tuesday with the Super Bowl champion San Francisco 49ers. Terms of the contract, which Waymer agreed to last week, were not disclosed, but published reports say it is a three-year, $2-million deal. Waymer, 31, was a college teammate of 49ers quarterback Joe Montana at Notre Dame and came into the NFL as a second-round draft pick. He became a plan B free agent recently.

Raider defensive back David Waymer died suddenly Friday morning at his ranch in Mooresville, N.C., just outside Charlotte. He was 34. The official cause of death is not expected to be released for several days, but preliminary autopsy information said that traces of cocaine were found in Waymer's blood and urine. Pathologist Patrick Lance also discovered an artery leading to Waymer's heart that had narrowed, a hospital spokesman said. Waymer had always taken pride in his health and fitness.

Safety Dave Waymer of the Raiders was viewing a videotape of one of the AFC West rivals when a revelation hit him. "Honey, come in here and look at this," Waymer said, summoning his wife, Barbara Jean, who was sleeping in the next room. Although it was 3 a.m. and the first game was months away, Waymer was preparing for his 14th NFL season. "My wife really has to keep me under wraps about football because I watch so many films," Waymer said.

For the first time in his career, defensive back Dave Waymer is fighting for playing time. Waymer, who signed as a Plan B free agent from the San Francisco 49ers in April, is a 13-year veteran and third on the AFC interception list with 48. This season, however, Waymer has been in only on special teams and short-yardage plays.

For the first time in his career, defensive back Dave Waymer is fighting for playing time. Waymer, who signed as a Plan B free agent from the San Francisco 49ers in April, is a 13-year veteran and third on the AFC interception list with 48. This season, however, Waymer has been in only on special teams and short-yardage plays.

Dave Waymer, a veteran defensive back for the New Orleans Saints who was left unprotected under the NFL's Plan B free agent system, will sign with San Francisco unless the Saints want to match the 49ers' offer, he said today. "I told the Saints I wouldn't sign anything until I talked with them. They can't negotiate with me, but I'm going to see them today and if they want to match it, I'm staying," Waymer said.

It was pretty much business as usual Sunday in the first game after the NFL players strike--opportunistic offense and tough defense from San Francisco, self-destructive errors from New Orleans. New Orleans marched up and down the field, but never could crack the 49ers' goal line, and Morten Anderson, who kicked five field goals for the Saints, was wide on a 52-yard try with seven seconds left, allowing the 49ers to hold on for a 24-22 victory.

Raider defensive back David Waymer died suddenly Friday morning at his ranch in Mooresville, N.C., just outside Charlotte. He was 34. The official cause of death is not expected to be released for several days, but preliminary autopsy information said that traces of cocaine were found in Waymer's blood and urine. Pathologist Patrick Lance also discovered an artery leading to Waymer's heart that had narrowed, a hospital spokesman said. Waymer had always taken pride in his health and fitness.

Did someone say Max Montoya's reported $650,000-a-year contract makes him the highest-paid Raider offensive lineman ever? Actually, he'll make more than that. A source familiar with the details of the contract said it's a two-year, $1.45-million deal, composed of: --A $50,000 "relocation" bonus. --A $550,000 salary plus a $100,000 reporting bonus this season. --A $650,000 salary plus a $100,000 reporting bonus in 1991. On an annual basis, Montoya's contract beats the three-year, $1.

The Raiders need to upgrade their linebacking this season and recently acquired Joe Kelly is being counted on to step forward. Kelly, of Los Angeles Fremont High and the University of Washington, is in his eighth season in the NFL. He signed as a free agent from the New York Jets, with whom he played outside linebacker the last three seasons. "This is a great opportunity for me at this point in my career," Kelly said.

Safety Dave Waymer of the Raiders was viewing a videotape of one of the AFC West rivals when a revelation hit him. "Honey, come in here and look at this," Waymer said, summoning his wife, Barbara Jean, who was sleeping in the next room. Although it was 3 a.m. and the first game was months away, Waymer was preparing for his 14th NFL season. "My wife really has to keep me under wraps about football because I watch so many films," Waymer said.

Dave Waymer, the defensive back who played 10 seasons with the New Orleans Saints, signed Tuesday with the Super Bowl champion San Francisco 49ers. Terms of the contract, which Waymer agreed to last week, were not disclosed, but published reports say it is a three-year, $2-million deal. Waymer, 31, was a college teammate of 49ers quarterback Joe Montana at Notre Dame and came into the NFL as a second-round draft pick. He became a plan B free agent recently.

Dave Waymer, a veteran defensive back for the New Orleans Saints who was left unprotected under the NFL's Plan B free agent system, will sign with San Francisco unless the Saints want to match the 49ers' offer, he said today. "I told the Saints I wouldn't sign anything until I talked with them. They can't negotiate with me, but I'm going to see them today and if they want to match it, I'm staying," Waymer said.

It was pretty much business as usual Sunday in the first game after the NFL players strike--opportunistic offense and tough defense from San Francisco, self-destructive errors from New Orleans. New Orleans marched up and down the field, but never could crack the 49ers' goal line, and Morten Anderson, who kicked five field goals for the Saints, was wide on a 52-yard try with seven seconds left, allowing the 49ers to hold on for a 24-22 victory.

New Orleans Saint owner Tom Benson boogied on the sideline Sunday, the first time this season he has performed his victory dance as New Orleans snapped a four-game losing streak with a 29-14 victory over the New York Jets. Benson didn't dance after the opening-game victory over Dallas, but he was leaping and waving his arms after the Saints beat the Jets. "I love it. I hope he does it every week, because that means we're winning," said Saint safety Dave Waymer. The Saints are 2-4.

Quarterback Jay Schroeder completed 12 of 20 passes for 175 yards with one interception and one touchdown, a 70-yard play to tight end Ethan Horton, during a controlled scrimmage Saturday morning. After his first pass was dropped, Schroeder completed five passes in a row for 52 yards, all to Horton, who had a total of seven catches for 129 yards.