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Ricky Williams will keep running for the Miami Dolphins a little longer.

The running back signed a one-year contract extension with the NFL club, a deal posted as part of his salary information on the NFL Players Association's website on Tuesday.

Williams, 32, will earn a base salary of $3.4 million US this season and $4.35 million in 2010.

The former first-round pick told the Miami Herald he agreed to the deal with Dolphins vice-president of football operations Bill Parcells in talks he described as "quiet and easy."

The contract was mutually agreed upon without the help of an agent.

Williams, the 1998 Hiesman Trophy winner and the NFL's leading rusher in 2002, had a solid season playing with running mate Ronnie Brown last year.

A return to a productive career appeared unlikely only five years ago when Williams abruptly retired amid rumours he failed his third drug test.

Williams returned to the Dolphins in 2005, but missed the entire 2006 season for failing a fourth test.

After spending one season with the Toronto Argonauts, Williams was reinstated for the 2007 NFL season. He only carried the ball six times for 15 yards before fumbling, was stepped on and tore his chest muscle against Pittsburgh, ending his year.

Last season, Williams returned again and similarly negotiated his own contract extension, admitting he angered then-agent Leigh Steinberg.

He finished the year rushing for 659 yards and four touchdowns on 160 carries.

"There's very strong feelings about Ricky and what he's done for us — and certainly for me — since he's been here," Dolphins coach Tony Sparano told the Miami Herald on Tuesday night.

"From what he brings from a work-ethic standpoint, as a pro in the meeting rooms, he's a good ambassador of our message to the younger players."

Williams signs contract extension with Dolphins

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