March 2010 4for4 Player News Articles

Steve Smith no longer wants to be Carolina Panthers’ No. 1 wide receiver.

In a surprise unsolicited call to WFNZ-AM’s Mac Attack program on Monday morning, Smith said he hopes the team finds a player either through the draft or free agency who can take over that role and allow him to do other things in the offense over the next few seasons. Smith, entering his 10th NFL season, turns 31 later this year.

“I would like a younger guy to come in and eventually take my spot. I don’t want to be a number one anymore,” Smith told the show’s hosts Chris McClain and Jim Celania. “I don’t want to be a guy who can’t let go of something he’s going to have to let go of.”

An ESPN report Monday said that the Raiders are the leading candidate to land Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan Mcnabb in a much-rumored trade that could be consummated soon.

If so, that's news to the Raiders.

Two Raiders employees remain steadfast that the Raiders haven't even spoken with the Eagles about McNabb, who is in the final year of his contract.

Also, Eagles coach Andy Reid said last week that he isn't seeking to trade McNabb, just listening to offers.

That hasn't prevented the McNabb-to-the- Raiders angle from being explored from coast to coast, in the papers, on the Internet and across the airwaves.

Seahawks signed former Cardinals WR and special teams standout Sean Morey to a multi-year contract, the team announced.

The retirement of quarterback Kurt Warner should alter how the Cardinals approach their offense this season. Coach Ken Whisenhunt has cautioned that the Cards won’t suddenly run the ball all of the time, but it’s hard to believe that – given the production of both Wells and Tim Hightower – the running game won’t have a larger role.

“We have shown progress in the run game,” Whisenhunt said, “and it gives us optimism going forward that we can be more balanced.”

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Ed Bouchette spoke to a person close to Steelers RB Willie Parker and reported that Parker is so bitter toward the Steelers about his treatment last season that he would rather sit out 2010 than play there again.

Colts WR Adrian Gonzalez is on pace to make a full recovery, and should be ready when training camp opens in August.

Giants RB Ahmad Bradshaw said he feels "10 times better" after offseason surgery on both feet and right ankle.

St. Louis Rams general manager Billy Devaney said reports Wednesday by the Philadelphia media that St. Louis was offering its second-round pick and safety Oshiomogho Atogwe for Eagles quarterback Donovan Mcnabb: “Absolutely false.”

Devaney added: “It’s utterly ridiculous. I haven’t talked to Philadelphia about any of their players.”

Another Rams source said of the Eagles, “They may have a trade offer, but not from us. Why would we trade for McNabb and then go watch Bradford throw on Monday?”

Donovan Mcnabb could be in a Rams uniform by the end of the day, possibly by the end of the week.

The Eagles have an offer on the table that would give them St. Louis' second-round draft pick (33d overall) and free safety Oshiomogho Atogwe in exchange for McNabb. That deal, however, is "not yet completed," according to a league source.

McNabb would be willing to go to the Rams if he was given a contract extension, according to a source close to the situation. He would not be willing to play for Buffalo or Oakland, two moribund franchises that might be willing to take McNabb without an extension.

Chiefs HC Todd Hailey on the expectations of new running back Thomas Jones:

“I don't want to set a role for Thomas. Thomas first of all came in and really blew us all away just with his attitude and his commitment and love for the game and desire to keep playing and playing at a high level and to be part of something special. That was something big on his list. He had been a couple of different places where it turned around and he liked that feeling. He wanted to be a part of it here. We're all just really excited to get him on to the team and get him in the building. I know he's excited about getting going. I'm a big believer in letting these guys play and compete and that was a big part of getting Thomas in here was to bring the level of competition to what maybe we didn't have.”

On Jamaal Charles’ durability:

“In this day and age, it's a concern for everybody regardless of who it is because those guys talk a severe beating. If you don't have another quality back that you feel like if something happens to one or the other, there's a marked dropoff, then you're probably not doing yourself justice. I wouldn't say it's about Jamaal so much as it's about the way of the league right now. You need two quality backs.”

Texans TE Owen Daniels: "I started running on the field last week," Daniels said. "It feels great. No limping. ( Texans athletic trainers) Rolando Ramirez and Geoff Kaplan, all the guys in there, do an excellent job bringing me along and making sure I'll be on time for this season.".

Will the Cowboys consider making Felix Jones the starting running back? In an answer to that exact question, Jerry Jones said, "Yes. That has been a consideration."

He said he can see some "advantages" in starting Marion Barber, but that the decision in the past has been pretty tough for the coaches to make. Jones rambled on about the possibility of "two-back sets", but he made it abundantly clear that Felix will have a shot to win the starting job. He said he does not worry about Barber's tendency to get injured because of the "dynamic" players the Cowboys have at his position. The owner indicated that Felix's role in the offense has been a popular topic among the coaches. Reading between lines, I think there's a 95 percent chance the Cowboys will go ahead and make the change heading into 2010. Barber will obviously be disappointed, but perhaps being the closer will revive his career and help justify his large contract.

According to numerous front-office people from around the league, there is little-to-no market for Michael Vick as a starting quarterback, and teams are hesitant to trade for Vick, given his publicly stated ambition of wanting to start this season.

Seahawks HC Pete Carroll affirms that QB Matthew Hasselbeck is "our guy" and they intend to develop QB Charlie Whitehurst.

Bears HC Lovie Smith said Devin Hester will be a full-time receiver and also handle punt returns. So no kickoff returns for him.

Bears coach Lovie Smith said RB Matt Forte would be the starter initially at RB but that he will be in a competition with Chester Taylor.

Panthers coach John Fox says team is not interested in trading either of its top RBs, Deangelo Williams or Jonathan Stewart.

Daily News learns that Jets will announce they're on "Hard Knocks" this summer, sources say.

Andy Reid has said Donovan Mcnabb is his starting quarterback heading into the 2010 season.

But the trade rumors around the team's quarterback situation have persisted. And now Reid says offers are being made for all three of the Philadelphia Eagles' quarterbacks -- McNabb, backup Kevin Kolb and former Atlanta Falcons starter Michael Vick.

Reid said Tuesday and again Wednesday that the team is entertaining and evaluating the offers, according to published reports in Philadelphia. He has declined to offer details about the proposals.

"I'm listening [to offers] out there," Reid said Wednesday at the NFC coaches media breakfast, according to Philly.com. "I'm not saying I'm doing anything. But we're keeping our ears open.

"I don't worry about [what other people are saying]. It's an evaluation process right now," he added, according to the Web site. He also said he could see all three quarterbacks remaining with the team.

Reid broached the subject of trade offers on Tuesday.

"This is the truth: Our three quarterbacks are Philadelphia Eagles," Reid said Tuesday, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. "People are entertaining us with offers. Nothing's been done, but we're evaluating all of them. That's the truth. There's not a lot really going on other than entertaining."

A New Orleans Saints spokesman said Tuesday night that the team will not match the Philadelphia Eagles' offer to restricted free-agent running back Mike Bell.

The Saints had until midnight Tuesday to match the Eagles' one-year, $1.7 million offer, but vice president of communications Greg Bensel told The Associated Press in an e-mail that the team would not.

Jay Glazier on Twitter: There is not one league person at these NFL owners meetings I talked to who believe Brett Favre won't be coming back. Not one.

Raiders HC Tom Cable said Bruce Gradkowski and Jamarcus Russell will compete for the starting QB job - and the better one will play.

Denver Broncos coach Josh McDaniels says there's "no question" Kyle Orton is the team's starting quarterback, according to The Denver Post. But he's leaving room for newly acquired Brady Quinn to compete for the job.

Earlier this month, the Broncos acquired the former first-round draft pick from the Cleveland Browns for fullback Peyton Hillis, a 2011 sixth-round draft pick and a conditional pick in 2012. That raised questions in Denver about who would be the starter in 2010.

But McDaniels, speaking at the NFL owners' meetings in Orlando, said Orton has earned the right to begin camp as the Broncos' starter.

"He's a guy who made the most of an opportunity he was given last year," McDaniels said, according to the report. "Kyle started all but one game for us last year, and he's got the respect of his teammates and coaches and we look forward to him improving. Now Brady's here competing, and as always, players determine their roles by what they do on the field."

Drew Rosenhaus, the agent for wide receiver Terrell Owens, said Monday that he's in "active discussions" with three NFL teams interested in signing the 14-year veteran.

Rosenhaus said he's attending the NFL Annual Meeting this week to meet with interested teams but that they have "asked me not to identify them, on or off the record."

Rosenhaus did say that the Cincinnati Bengals, who brought in Owens for a visit but signed Antonio Bryant, likely are no longer a destination for his client.

"I don't think that's a realistic possibility," Rosenhaus said, given the salary and starting status that he believes Owens commands.

Rosenhaus reiterated several times that Owens is still a "starter," that they would "be patient" and a deal might not come together until "right before training camp", which some might take as an indication of the level of interest in the free-agent receiver.

Rosenhaus also said that despite some reports that Owens wouldn't play for less than the $6.5 million he made with the Buffalo Bills last season, there "is no set number" that they are seeking or demanding in negotiations.

"We're very flexible," Rosenhaus said.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell says he plans to meet with Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger about the star's off-field problems.

Goodell already has spoken with team owners about Roethlisberger, who is being investigated on allegations he assaulted a 20-year-old college student in a Georgia nightclub on March 5. Roethlisberger's attorney says the quarterback committed no crime. Roethlisberger has yet to be interviewed by police in Milledgeville, Ga., and charges have not been filed.

"We take this issue very seriously," Goodell said Monday at the NFL meetings. "I am concerned that Ben continues to put himself in this position.

"I spoke with the Steelers and [team president] Art Rooney about it and, at some point, I will be meeting with Ben at the appropriate time."

Jets WRs Braylon Edwards and Brad Smith sign RFA tenders, report to offseason program. Leon Washington, Lance Laury only no-shows.

Dolphins running back Ronnie Brown was arrested late Friday night for suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol during an offseason trip to his hometown outside of Atlanta this weekend, two sources told The Miami Herald.

Brown, who has no previous arrest record, was arrested after an officer pulled him over for making a lane change without signaling, sources said.

He was released from jail early Saturday morning.

The Dolphins are aware of the situation, and they are continuing to monitor the legal process. They are not believed to be overly upset with Brown because of his impeccable past as a player and a citizen.

Mike Holmgren says Cleveland Browns will definitely draft a QB, but probably not in the first couple of rounds.

TE Alge Crumpler's camp has informed the Tennessee Titans that they've come to an agreement with the New England Patriots, according to a source.

Crumpler likely comes to New England to primarily fill the in-line blocking role, with a receiving threat still needed at the position. That could be filled in the draft, or with a pass-catching threat like Chicago's Greg Olsen via trade.

Eagles cut WR Kevin Curtis.

Running back Quinton Ganther will sign with the Seahawks, according to his agent. Ganther is a free-agent running back from Washington who gained more than 200 yards last season.

He is an unrestricted free agent, and he comes to Seattle where Sherman Smith is on staff. Smith coached Ganther first in Tennessee and then last season in Washington.

Matt Leinart has changed for the better. Everyone says so. And while it's been two years since he's actually won a football game, the polarizing, pin-up quarterback just scored a huge victory.

He's won the trust of Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt.

"Matt's the starter," Whisenhunt said. "That's the way it's going to be."

Quarterback Charlie Whitehurst signed a two-year, $10 million offer sheet with the Seattle Seahawks and likely will join the team, pending his trade from the San Diego Chargers, a league source said Wednesday.

Former Browns QB Derek Anderson has agreed to terms with the Cardinals, according to a league source.

The move makes sense for the Cardinals, who had been in discussions with both Anderson and restricted free-agent QB Charlie Whitehurst as options to compete with “starter” Matt Leinart.

The Browns have re-signed RB Chris Jennings.

The Redskins have reached an agreement on a one-year deal with QB Rex Grossman, who will be reunited with OC Kyle Shanahan. Grossman is expected to compete for the backup job.

Running back Mike Bell, a restricted free agent, signed the Phildelphia Eagles' one-year, $1.7 million offer sheet, the team announced Tuesday.

Bell's current team, the New Orleans Saints, now have seven days to match the Eagles' offer or allow the four-year veteran to leave for Philadelphia without compensation.

Looking to bolster their pass rush, the Philadelphia Eagles traded a 2010 fourth-round draft pick and defensive end Chris Clemons to the Seattle Seahawks for defensive end Darryl Tapp on Tuesday.

The Jets have signed running back Ladainian Tomlinson to a two-year contract, adding an aging star to an offense that ranked No. 1 in rushing last season.

Tomlinson's agent, Tom Condon, confirmed the deal Sunday night.

He's expected to back up Shonn Greene, who became the starter after leading-rusher Thomas Jones was released last week.

The New York Daily News reported Tomlinson's two-year deal is worth $5.2 million, according to source, and can escalate to $5.7 million.

"He wanted to go a team that he thought had a chance to compete for the championship," Condon told the AP. "He wanted to go somehwere where he had a chance to have a significant role, and so with the Jets he also was going to be very familiar with the offensive system."

Brady Quinn will get a chance to start over in Denver. Whether he'll get to start is up in the air.

The Broncos acquired the former first-round draft pick from the Cleveland Browns for fullback Peyton Hillis, a 2011 sixth-round draft pick and a conditional pick in 2012.

The teams announced the trade Sunday and said the deal is pending physicals.

Ostensibly, Quinn will compete with Kyle Orton for the Broncos' starting job, although coach Josh McDaniels was unavailable Sunday to comment on the trade, according to a team spokesman.

The 49ers have agreed to trade quarterback Shaun Hill to the Detroit Lions for a seventh-round draft pick in 2011, according to a league source. Hill, who was 10-6 as the 49ers starter, finished the season behind Alex Smith on the depth chart.

The Lions offensive coordinator, Scott Linehan, is familiar with Hill having coached him in Minnesota. Linehan also was the Rams head coach in 2008. Hill and the 49ers swept the Rams that season.

The trade -- as all trades are -- is pending a physical for Hill. Carr also has yet to turn in his signed contract, which is

Hill will find himself playing behind Matthew Stafford, who was the Lions' top choice last season. Stafford suffered a shoulder injury late last season, and the Lions will be cautious as far as his workload this spring. That ought to provide more work for Hill, who is familiar with Linehan's offense.

Veteran quarterback Jake Delhomme agreed to a two-year deal with the Cleveland Browns on Saturday, a league source told NFL Network insider Jason La Canfora.

Delhomme, who visited with the Browns on Thursday, is going to be given every chance to be the starter, reports La Canfora.

Delhomme was released by the Carolina Panthers last week after seven seasons.

The Browns have been actively shopping for a quarterback, a position they haven't been able to adequately fill since their NFL expansion return in 1999. Earlier this week, the team acquired backup Seneca Wallace in a trade with the Seattle Seahawks and released Derek Anderson, who took a swipe at Cleveland fans on his way out of town.

The Browns' interest in Delhomme seems to indicate a reluctance to hand the starting job back to Quinn, who has struggled as a pro. Quinn is just 3-9 in 12 career starts with Cleveland, but some of the former Notre Dame star's inconsistency probably can be attributed to the Browns' lack of talent, as well as coaching and front-office changes in recent years.

Not content with just one aging, opinionated running back, the Redskins added a second one Friday night when they signed Larry Johnson to a three-year, incentive-laden contract.

Johnson agreed to a deal with a base value of $3.5 million, but he could make as much as $12 million if he meets certain incentives.

Johnson joins Clinton Portis in what should make for an intriguing backfield dynamic under new Redskins coach Mike Shanahan. Johnson is 30, Portis is 28 -- although Portis' body has been battered by 50 percent more carries. Both have been to two Pro Bowls. Both need to show some sort of resurgence rather than a steady decline toward retirement.

Wide receiver Hank Baskett has signed a one-year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles, the team said Friday.

Baskett returns to Philadelphia after spending most of the 2009 season with the Indianapolis Colts. He was released by the Eagles on Sept. 15 after playing one game for Philadelphia.

Browns coach Eric Mangini called upon an old familiar face to help upgrade the tight end position, and the Browns bid farewell to a longtime friend at the spot.

They signed unrestricted free-agent tight end Ben Watson, formerly of the New England Patriots, to a multiyear contract. Terms of the deal were undisclosed, but ESPN's Adam Schefter reported it was a three-year deal worth $12 million, including $6.35 million guaranteed. Hours later, the Browns released Steve Heiden, who had been with the team for eight seasons -- longer than anyone except kicker Phil Dawson.

Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum may get his man once again.

Two years after convincing Brett Favre that the Jets were the team for him, the GM was putting the hard sell on veteran running back Ladainian Tomlinson Friday night, and the former San Diego Chargers great and future Hall of Famer may just buy it.

Tomlinson, an unrestricted free agent, arrived at the Jets’ Florham Park facility Friday morning and went to dinner Friday night with Tannenbaum, coach Rex Ryan and other Jets personnel in New Jersey.

At the very least, it seems to be a two-horse race between the Jets and Vikings.

It’s unclear if Tomlinson was originally scheduled to fly home to the West Coast Friday night, but since there were no late-night flights following dinner, he spent the night in New Jersey. His itinerary for Saturday is yet to be determined but the fact that the Jets have kept him in town another night could bode well for them.

Tomlinson is reportedly intrigued with his potential role with the Jets and the idea of being reunited with offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer, who was quarterbacks coach in San Diego while Tomlinson was tearing up the NFL. The Jets like Tomlinson’s leadership ability and feel he can be a mentor to second-year running back Shonn Greene.

Reports were that the Vikings wowed Tomlinson during his visit there on Thursday and Minnesota could be willing to pay him more than the Jets, who are reportedly set to offer Tomlinson the same two-year, $5 million Thomas Jones signed with the Jones last week. The club is believed to have had a chance to match that deal and keep Jones.
But the Jets have Ryan’s dynamic personality, the presence of Schottenheimer and the fact they are Super Bowl contenders as selling points for Tomlinson.

Antonio Bryant has agreed to a four-year deal with the Bengals worth $28 million. With incentives the deal could go to $29 million.

The eight-year veteran was considered to be the top unrestricted free agent wideout. Last year with Tampa Bay, he was hampered due to two knee injuries that happened during training camp. He played 13 games and had 39 receptions for 600 yards, an average of 15.4 yards per catch, with four touchdowns. In 2008, he enjoyed a career year with 83 receptions for 1,248 yards and seven touchdowns.

After twice reaching outside the organization to enhance their receiving corps, the Ravens secured one of their own Wednesday night: two-time Pro Bowl pick Derrick Mason.

Mason, an unrestricted free agent, agreed to a two-year contract with the team that he joined in 2005.

Mason's future with the Ravens appeared unclear after the team obtained Donte' Stallworth in free agency and Anquan Boldin in a trade with the Arizona Cardinals. Mason hinted after the 2009 season that he might retire, and there also was a chance that he would sign with another team.

But now Mason, 36, is set to end his career in Baltimore, and his return assures third-year quarterback Joe Flacco a familiar target to go with Stallworth and Boldin.

"This is outstanding, just great news for the Ravens," Ravens coach John Harbaugh said of Mason's return. "Our coaches are happy. Derrick's teammates are happy, and you know Joe is smiling. ... We would have lost something special if Derrick had gone to another team. We have gotten better in the last couple of days."

The New England Patriots agreed to undisclosed terms with running back Kevin Faulk, an 11-year veteran who has spent his entire NFL career with the team.

The three-time Super Bowl winner was an unrestricted free agent, but the Patriots announced Wednesday night on their Twitter page that he would return next season.

Kent Babb of the KC Star notes that Jamaal Charles is still "THE running back" in Kansas City, and that the Thomas Jones signing will help Charles who was "on fumes" by the end of the '09 season.

Babb also speculates that the workload will be split 65-35 in favor of Charles. Regardless, Charles fantasy value takes a hit with the Jones signing.

The Chiefs signed free agent running back Thomas Jones, who helped the New York Jets reach the AFC Championship Game last season and was the NFL's third-leading rusher.

The team announced the deal Tuesday, but declined to disclose the terms. NFL.com's Steve Wyche learned Tuesday, from a source with knowledge of the situation, that Jones' deal is for two years.

Jones had career highs of 1,402 yards and 14 touchdowns last season, a year after being selected for the Pro Bowl following a season in which he ran for 1,312 yards and 13 touchdowns.

The 31-year-old Jones is expected to complement third-year running back Jamaal Charles, who was Kansas City's MVP last season with 1,120 yards rushing and seven touchdowns.

Derek Anderson's contract was terminated on Tuesday.

His parting message to Browns fans will ring long after his passing statistics from the past five years fade into obscurity.

"The fans are ruthless and don't deserve a winner," Anderson wrote Tuesday in a terse e-mail when asked for a reaction to being released. "I will never forget getting cheered when I was injured.

"I know at times I wasn't great. I hope and pray I'm playing when my team comes to town and (we) roll them."

Anderson was cut one day after the Browns traded an undisclosed 2011 draft choice to the Seahawks for quarterback Seneca Wallace.

Longtime San Diego Chargers running back Ladainian Tomlinson is expected to visit with the Vikings on Thursday, according to a person with knowledge of the situation, and if an agreement on playing time and money can be reached, he could be a Viking shortly thereafter.

Tomlinson, who will turn 31 on June 23, has been identified as the Vikings' top choice to take over the third-down role that Chester Taylor held until he signed with the Chicago Bears last week. Tomlinson was let go by the Chargers after nine seasons late last month and this will be his first known visit.

After visiting the Raiders and 49ers, TE Anthony Becht has decided to re-sign with the Çardinals on a 1-yr deal for $950,000.

KC re-signed WR Chris Chambers to a three-year deal worth up to $15 million that includes $5.9 million in guaranteed money.

Former Steelers WR Antwaan Randle el is returning to Pittsburgh, agreeing to a three-year deal with the team tonight.

The Eagles traded WR Reggie Brown to the Buccaneers on Monday. NFL Network insider Jason La Canfora reported that the trade is for a sixth-round pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, according to a league source.

The Bucs are looking for additional receivers after coach Raheem Morris told the St. Petersburg Times on Thursday that the team was moving on from Antonio Bryant, its leading receiver in 2008. Bryant will visit the Bengals on Tuesday.

Brown has been a disappointment for the Eagles over the past two seasons. After posting a career-high 61 receptions in 2006, he scored the most touchdowns in his career (nine) the following season. Since then, however, Brown has just 27 receptions.

The Eagles gave WR Jason Avant a five-year contract extension Monday.

The Browns acquired QB Seneca Wallace from the Seahawks on Monday, according to league sources.

The nature of compensation isn’t known.

The Browns still could make other moves for veteran quarterbacks, according to a source with knowledge of the situation. New Browns president Mike Holmgren is familiar with Wallace, a fifth-round draft pick by the Seahawks in 2003, given their six seasons together in Seattle.

The Houston Texans have resigned Kevin Walter.

The Miami Dolphins released two linebackers Friday and successfully courted a third, Karlos Dansby.

One of big prizes on this year's market, Dansby reached an agreement with Miami on a five-year deal after visiting the Dolphins in the opening hours of NFL free agency, a league source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter. Dansby's contract is worth $43 million with $22 million guaranteed, according to the source, which makes him one of the highest paid inside linebackers in the game.

The Dolphins terminated the contracts of disgruntled outside linebacker Joey Porter, inside linebacker Akin Ayodele and free safety Gibril Wilson.

Mike Holmgren didn’t talk specifics of the agreement, but the Browns restructured the final three years of Joshua Cribbs' old contract. NFL Network's Jason La Canfora reported the restructured deal is for $20 million, with $7 million guaranteed.

The Giants have signed safety Antrel Rolle to a five-year, $37 million contract with $15 million guaranteed and $22.5 million due in the first three years, according to a league source.

Rolle, who had 72 tackles and four interceptions last season with the Cardinals, becomes the highest-paid safety in NFL history.

Chad Pennington will return to the Miami Dolphins.

The two sides have reached an agreement in which Pennington will receive a one-year contract for $2.5 million but allow for another $1.515 million if he is traded, according to sources. A team interested in Pennington confirmed that it was informed of Pennington's renewed commitment to the Dolphins.

Pennington had requested a no-trade clause that was rejected by the Dolphins. If he's traded, he'll make $4.15 million in 2010 but his primary goal is to strengthen his surgically repaired shoulder throughout the year, mentor the team's young quarterbacks and provide insurance at the position if he's needed to play, a team source said.

Julius Peppers and the Chicago Bears finalized a six-year deal to bring the top free agent in 2010 to Chicago, and the defensive end feels he hit a home-run with his new deal.

According to sources, the contract totals $91.5 million and has $42 million in guarantees. Over the first three years of the contract, Peppers will make $40.5 million, but the number could be more if he makes the Pro Bowl, records a certain number of sacks or is Defensive Player of the Year.

Peppers and his representatives, according to a source, believe his contract compares favorably with the seven-year, $100 million contract Albert Haynesworth received last year from the Washington Redskins.

Arizona trades WR Anquan Boldin and a 2010 fifth-round pick to Baltimore for Ravens 2010 third and fourth-round picks.

Anquan Boldin lands three-year, $25 million extension, leaving him with four years and $28 million left. New deal includes $10 million guaranteed.

Julius Peppers is no longer a Carolina Panther.

The five-time Pro Bowl defensive end and top free agent prize agreed Friday to a six-year deal with the Chicago Bears, the biggest move on a day the team showed it's intent on contending again after missing the playoffs the past three seasons.

"I'm excited to be here and looking forward to doing big things," Peppers said during a news conference. "Being able to come to a place with a deep-rooted tradition in winning is a great thing for me. It's a wonderful thing. It's one thing to play football in this league and make a living. But it's a totally different thing to come to a place with a great tradition and rich football culture like the Bears."

Terms of Peppers' deal were not released, although NFL Network's Michael Lombardi, citing a source, reported the deal was for $79.8 million, with $40 million guaranteed in the first three seasons.

Veteran quarterback A.j. Feeley has agreed to terms on a two-year contract with the St. Louis Rams, according to a league source.

Chester Taylor reaches agreement with Bears on a four-year, $12.5 million deal that includes $7 million guaranteed in year one.

Eagles agree to a 3 year, $10-plus million deal with FB Leonard Weaver. It is the highest ever for a FB. More than half of the deal is guaranteed.

DE Kyle Vanden Bosch just confirmed 4-year deal with Lions.

The Indianapolis Colts and free agent linebacker Gary Brackett agreed on a five-year contract Friday, according to a league source. The deal is worth up to $33 million with $12 million guaranteed.

A few hours before the NFL's free-agency period began, the Jets agreed to acquire talented but troubled cornerback Antonio Cromartie from the San Diego Chargers in a trade Thursday night.

NFL Network's Jason La Canfora reported the trade, and the Jets later confirmed the deal to The Associated Press but didn't release specifics. According to La Canfora, the Chargers will receive at least a third-round selection in 2011, and it could become a second-round pick, depending on Cromartie's performance.

Cromartie was an All-Pro in 2007 and will team with Darrelle Revis in the Jets' secondary, making them possibly the best cornerback tandem in the NFL. Cromartie replaces Lito Sheppard, who was released earlier in the day after one disappointing season.

The Carolina Panthers cut longtime starting quarterback Jake Delhomme late Thursday, just over one year after they gave him a five-year, $42.5 million contract extension, only to watch him have his worst NFL season.

Delhomme's agent, Rick Smith, confirmed the move and said the quarterback would wait until Friday to address reporters. It signals that the Panthers intend to go with Matt Moore or someone new at quarterback for the first time since Delhomme burst onto the scene in 2003 and led the team to the Super Bowl.

The Panthers also released veteran defensive tackle Damione Lewis on Thursday in a move that sheds another $5 million in payroll after the decision not to place the franchise tag on defensive end Julius Peppers.

The first signing of free agency happened a little over two hours into the signing period early Friday morning, as WR Nate Burleson agreed to terms with the Detroit Lions, a league source told NFL Network’s Jason La Canfora.

NFL.com’s Steve Wyche reports that Burleson has agreed to a five-year, $25 million contract. The former Seattle Seahawks wideout will receive $11 million guaranteed, according to a source with knowledge of the situation.

Burleson drew significant initial interest, and Seattle, his former club, was interested in retaining him as well. He played in 13 games in 2009, finishing with 63 catches for 812 yards and three touchdowns. In seven NFL seasons with the Vikings and Seahawks, Burleson has 263 career receptions for 3,547 yards and 27 touchdowns.

Bengals release WR Laveranues Coles.

The Chargers have changed their minds.

The team is placing a first-and-third tender on running back Darren Sproles, sources said Thursday morning.

Sproles had been notified last week the Chargers would not tender him as a restricted free agent and would allow him to test the market as an unrestricted free agent.

The move guarantees Sproles a salary of $7.27 million if he stays with the Chargers, unless the club can sign him to a long-term deal. He made $6.62 million last season as the Chargers' franchise player and is entitled to a 10 percent raise.

The Denver Broncos have put a first-round tender on wide receiver Brandon Marshall, the team announced Wednesday.

The Broncos also placed first-round tenders on starting quarterback Kyle Orton and right guard Chris Kuper.

If another team makes a contract offer to a player with a first-round tender on him during the free-agency period beginning Friday, the player's current team has seven days to match it, or it will receive a first-round draft pick as compensation.

The Indianapolis Colts announced Wednesday that Manning had surgery in Chicago to fix a pinched nerve, a procedure that is not expected to interrupt Manning's offseason workouts or his availability for next season.

"This condition has existed intermittently for the past four years, but at no time did it interfere with his training, practice or playing regimen," the Colts said. "While it never has affected Peyton's activity on or off the field, the Colts' medical staff, after post-playoff examination, thought it best to resolve the situation now."

The Colts said Manning spent Tuesday night in the hospital and was released Wednesday.

"All medical personnel involved believe the issue has been resolved," the team said. "Peyton fully expects to participate in the Colts' offseason program this spring."

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick said on a weekend radio appearance that if he could choose to play for any team in the NFL, it would be the Carolina Panthers.

“If I could play for any team in the league, it would probably be two teams, but if I had to pick one, it would probably be the Carolina Panthers,” Vick said.

When asked why Carolina, Vick responded:

“Well, you know, it’s close to home. I like the uniforms. You get to play against Atlanta twice a year. Ain’t nothing better than playing against your former team, right? So, yeah, that would be a good look, it would be a good look.”

The Panthers weren’t interested in Vick last preseason when he was looking to sign with a team and are not expectetd to be interested now.

The New York Jets have informed running back Thomas Jones that they will release him Friday, when the new NFL year begins, general manager Mike Tannenbaum announced in a statement.

"Thomas joined us three years ago and has been a productive, passionate leader both on and off the field who has served as a positive influence for our younger players," Tannenbaum said Monday.

Jones rushed for 1,402 yards and 14 touchdowns last season as the Jets made the playoffs as a wild-card team. However, the team then leaned heavily on rookie Shonn Greene, who gained 304 rushing yards in three playoff games.