Merlin Olsen, an inductee in the Pro Football Hall of Fame and a former television actor, has died at the age of 69 after a battle with cancer.

A Denver man was found guilty of murder in the shooting death of Broncos cornerback Darrent Williams on Thursday.

Defensive tackle Tank Johnson has signed a four-year deal to stay with the Cincinnati Bengals.

Hamilton Tiger-Cats head coach Marcel Bellefeuille completed his staff Thursday, hiring veteran Steve Buratto as the club's offensive line coach and Tim Kearse as receivers coach.

Free-agent running back LaDainian Tomlinson is scheduled to meet with Minnesota Vikings management on Thursday.

Workers will start ripping up the grass at Commonwealth Stadium next week after council unanimously approved a deal Wednesday to split the cost of installing artificial turf with the Edmonton Eskimos.

The Saskatchewan Roughriders on Wednesday signed quarterback Darian Durant to a contract extension after he led the CFL team to its second Grey Cup appearance in three years in 2009.

The Toronto Argonauts made their second quarterback move in as many days, signing Gibran Hamdan to a one-year contract plus an option.

Free-agent running back Thomas Jones, the third-leading rusher in the NFL last season, signed Tuesday with the Kansas City Chiefs.

The woman who has accused Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger of sexual assault did the right thing by going to police, her attorneys said Tuesday.

Free-agent wide receiver Terrell Owens travelled Tuesday to Cincinnati to see whether the Bengals might be interested in his services.

Michael Vick says the Philadelphia Eagles exercised their 2010 option on him, meaning the quarterback will receive a $1.5 million US roster bonus sometime this week.

The B.C. Lions began clearing up their logjam at quarterback by releasing Buck Pierce on Tuesday, one day after Casey Printers agreed to a contract extension.

The Toronto Argonauts traded for Saskatchewan reserve quarterback Dalton Bell on Tuesday, surrendering a fifth-round pick in this year's CFL Canadian draft.

Canadian Football League officials and players descended on Moncton, N.B., to drum up excitement about the first regular season CFL game to be played in Atlantic Canada.

Pro Football Hall of Famer and former television actor Merlin Olsen has died. He was 69.

LaDainian Tomlinson is in Minnesota meeting with the Vikings about joining Adrian Peterson in what would be a big-name backfield.

Attorneys for the woman who accuses Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger of sexual assault said that she did the right thing by going to police and asked for privacy in a statement Tuesday.

Defensive tackle Tank Johnson has signed a four-year deal to stay with the Cincinnati Bengals.

Former Browns quarterback Derek Anderson has apologized after saying Cleveland fans "don't deserve a winner" following his release.

The Houston Texans have a new offensive lineman in the fold. Eight-year veteran Wade Smith has signed a four-year, $12 million contract with $5.25 million guaranteed, a source told FOXSports.com.

The Philadelphia Eagles and free agent defensive back Marlin Jackson have agreed to a two-year contract.

The Kansas City Chiefs have signed free agent running back Thomas Jones, who led the New York Jets to the AFC championship game last season and was the NFL's third-leading rusher.

The Tennessee Titans have agreed to a three-year contract with Will Witherspoon as they revamp their linebacking corps.

Should the St. Louis Rams select former Nebraska monster-truck defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh or menacing, havoc-wreaking former ...

The Cleveland Browns are hosting Jake Delhomme and maybe dangling Brady Quinn. Released last week after seven seasons with ...

Suspected gang member Willie Clark has been found guilty of murder in the shooting death of Denver Broncos cornerback Darrent ...

After twice reaching outside the organization to enhance their wide receiving corps, the Baltimore Ravens secured one of their ...

The NFL has finally found the answer to the question: 'Where's the beef?' It's at the top of this year's draft, where huge, talented ...

Minnesota Vikings lineman Pat Williams echoed teammate Kevin Williams in telling a judge he didn't know an over-the-counter weight-loss ...

Coming off the bench in a backup role would hardly represent the only key adjustment for LaDainian Tomlinson, should the free ...

Pittsburgh Steelers tackle Willie Colon was with teammate Ben Roethlisberger on the night the quarterback was accused of sexual ...

Retired Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner was mulling a return to football Tuesday as a network analyst in the fall. ...

Kansas City Chiefs general manager Scott Pioli and head coach Todd Haley landed a desired complement for quarterback Matt Cassel ...

A man accused of firing the shots that killed Denver Broncos cornerback Darrent Williams lived in a gang culture where an insult ...

While the Ben Roethlisberger investigation hangs over the Pittsburgh Steelers, they have been unusually busy in the NFL free ...

Terrell Owens is headed to Cincinnati to see if the Bengals are interested in adding him to their stalled-out passing game. The ...

Michael Vick says the Philadelphia Eagles exercised their 2010 option on him, meaning the quarterback will receive a $1.5 million ...

New contracts signed in 2009 by strong-armed passers Eli Manning, Philip Rivers and Jay Cutler have undoubtedly raised the bar ...

The might have scored big by adding Antonio Cromartie to Revis Island. Now the aggressive Jets can focus on finding an impact wideout and more depth as they keep closing on the Patriots, Clark Judge says.

Who needs pass-rushers, run-stuffers, backfield-crashers? Who doesn't? Frank Cooney begins our position draft previews with a loaded group of D-line crop starting with Ndamukong Suh and Gerald McCoy.

Talk about your major losses: Kurt Warner, Anquan Boldin, Karlos Dansby, Antrel Rolle. Sounds bad, right? Pete Prisco says the well-run Cardinals will not only be OK but will continue to rule the NFC West.

Pro football Hall of Famer and former television actor Merlin Olsen dies at age 69.

LaDainian Tomlinson is in Minnesota meeting with the Vikings about joining Adrian Peterson in what would be a big-name backfield.

Defensive tackle Tank Johnson signed a four-year deal to stay with the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday.

A Pittsburgh TV station reported Wednesday that Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger told police he had consensual sexual contact with the woman who accused him of sexual assault, but there was no intercourse.

Free agent quarterback Jake Delhomme, released last week by Carolina, is visiting the Cleveland Browns.

Like one of his errant passes, quarterback Derek Anderson sent a rocket at Browns fans he wishes he could take back.

Free-agent receiver Antonio Bryant agreed to a four-year, $28 million contract with the Bengals, the 'Cincinnati Enquirer' reported Wednesday.

Pittsburgh Steelers tackle Willie Colon was with teammate Ben Roethlisberger on the night the quarterback was accused of sexual assault in a Georgia club, but did not witness anything, Colon's agent says.

Wide receiver Derrick Mason has agreed to re-sign with the Baltimore Ravens after accepting terms on a two-year deal.

The Philadelphia Eagles and free agent defensive back Marlin Jackson have agreed to a two-year contract.

Alabama linebacker Rolando McClain has the incurable intestinal disorder Crohn's disease, but Chad Reuter says the condition isn't expected to prevent McClain from remaining a top prospect for the NFL Draft.

Merlin Olsen, a Pro Football Hall of Fame defensive lineman who was part of the Los Angeles Rams' famed "Fearsome Foursome" of the 1960s, has died after a lengthy battle with cancer. He was 69.

A jury has found defendant Willie Clark guilty of murder in death of Denver Broncos cornerback Darrent Williams.

LaDainian Tomlinson is coming to Minnesota for a visit, and the Vikings believe he'd be a good fit.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger told police in Milledgeville, Ga., no sexual intercourse took place between himself and his accuser, a television station in Pittsburgh reported on Wednesday.

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

Free agent quarterback Jake Delhomme, released last week by Carolina, is visiting the Cleveland Browns.

While former Florida quarterback Tim Tebow wowed evaluators with his on-field performance at the NFL combine last month, Tebow scored a 22 out of 50 on the 12-minute Wonderlic test, the Palm Beach Post reported, citing an NFL source.

The agents for Minnesota Vikings players Kevin Williams and Pat Williams say negative publicity from their violation of the NFL's anti-doping policy has unfairly hurt them.

Wide receiver Antonio Bryant has agreed to four-year deal with Cincinnati Bengals, his agent, Patrick Brougham, told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter on Wednesday.

Jurors deliberating the case against a man accused of firing the shots that killed Denver Broncos cornerback Darrent Williams went home Wednesday without reaching a decision.

The Washington Redskins market search for a veteran running back has brought them to Larry Johnson, a league source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.

Kevin Faulk, Patriots reach 1-year deal

The agent for Greg Ellis said the veteran pass rusher is open to returning to the Dallas Cowboys.

Two-time All-America nose guard Terrence Cody weighed in at 348 pounds at Alabama's pro day on Wednesday, with representatives from all 32 NFL teams present.

Kansas City signed running back Thomas Jones to a two-year deal worth $5 million, a league source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.

MyFantasyLeague.com follows up their 2008 Best League Management Product and Best Print Ad awards with yet another industry award (PRWeb Mar 10, 2010)

Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2010/03/prweb3701004.htm

Thousands of dollars raised by school booster clubs and intended to build new school playgrounds, fund field trips and other activities is being stolen. Parent Booster USA recently published new guidelines to assist school support organizations develop and use proper financial procedures to safeguard school funds. (PRWeb Mar 10, 2010)

Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/booster_club/PTO/prweb3705134.htm

At Contact Football Camps (http://www.ContactFootball.com) each camper practices with and learns from NFL pros and coaches, as well as college coaches from top football schools across the country including camp director E.J. Mills. (PRWeb Mar 9, 2010)

Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/football/camps/prweb3702554.htm

The leading athletic recruiting service combines with Hobsons to provide users with the leading college research resource for potential student-athletes. The Colleges section within beRecruited allows registered users to research the most comprehensive data set for athletic and academic information available. (PRWeb Mar 9, 2010)

Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2010/03/prweb3700254.htm

From Extreme Makeover Home Edition to medians and futsal, Greensboro-based GreenCreation delivers TigerTurf sport field, landscape and play solutions throughout the Southeast. (PRWeb Mar 9, 2010)

Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/synthet-grass/turf/prweb3702144.htm

Bo Hanson, 4x Olympian and Coaching Consultant, says there has been a loud call for leadership accountability with the most recent resignation of the president of the Russian Olympic Committee. This lack of leadership support is not just a Russian problem. In recent surveys conducted by Athlete Assessments, a staggering 47% of American coaches and 52% of Australian coaches surveyed reported they didn’t have a mentor or anyone they could look to for coaching support. (PRWeb Mar 5, 2010)

Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2010/03/prweb3685104.htm

David Beckham joined a host of great British Sporting Stars at the launch of the Jaguar Academy of Sport in London. In a packed ceremony and news conference, Jaguar unveiled their new Academy and were joined on stage by the likes of Chris Hoy, Steven Redgrave, Colin Jackson and Ian Botham. The Jaguar Academy will celebrate, inspire and recognise the best of British sporting talent. (PRWeb Mar 5, 2010)

Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/Jaguar_Academy/David_Beckham/prweb3680444.htm

It's two tickets to the "gun show" as WheyProteinCompare.co.uk officially launches its website today, aimed at men who need advice on sports nutrition supplements. To celebrate their launch WheyProteinCompare.co.uk are giving away two free tubs of Maximuscle Promax! (PRWeb Mar 4, 2010)

Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2010/03/prweb3670344.htm

Rising to the challenge of a complex economy separated the winners from the also-rans in 2009. In the sports industry, it earned a select group of retailers—including The DawgDen of Seattle, Washington— the Rising Star Award from the Sports Licensing and Tailgate Show in Las Vegas. (PRWeb Mar 4, 2010)

Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2010/03/prweb3682014.htm

Team Cowboy now offers photo sharing with commenting, slide shows and team albums, which enables collaboration and sharing for recreational sports teams. (PRWeb Mar 4, 2010)

Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/manage_sports_team/teamcowboy/prweb3683104.htm

LaDainian Tomlinson told the Minneapolis Star Tribune that he'd be fine with playing third downs with the Vikings, if signed to a contract there. Tomlinson has played on thirdd downs for all but one year of his career, so he's familiar with it. "I don't [have a problem with it]," Tomlinson said. "I know I can catch the ball really well out of the backfield, can run routes and that's something that I've always looked for as I got older in my career. Being able to fall back on that. Not having to carry the ball as much. I think that's what was lost in San Diego because I was the only guy that could really carry the ball 20 times. So my third-down role was reduced. So now I'm looking for that. It's something I can do and I can fit in well."

The Rams have re-signed tight end Daniel Fells, who caught three touchdown passes in 2009. Fells was signed off of Tampa Bay's practice squad in October 2008 and emerged as a surprisingly effective second tight end for St. Louis. He played in 14 games with four starts in 2009 before missing the final two games with a knee injury. Fells had 21 catches for 273 yards. Two of his touchdown catches came in a game against Green Bay.

Free-agent tight end Sean Ryan has signed with the Washington Redskins. Ryan caught 14 passes for 135 yards and two touchdowns for the Kansas City Chiefs last season. He has 26 catches for 240 yards and those two TDs in six NFL seasons with six teams.

Fullback Eddie Williams has signed a one-year contract with the Chicago Bears. Drafted in the seventh round by Washington last year, he spent most of the season on the Redskins' practice squad before being elevated to the active roster Nov. 2. He was inactive for three games before being placed on injured reserve with a broken leg in late November.

The Cardinals re-signed tight ends Anthony Becht and Stephen Spach to one-year contracts. The 6-foot-6 Becht had seven catches for 61 yards and one touchdown last season, his first with Arizona. The 11-year NFL veteran has played in 152 consecutive games, the third-longest streak among offensive players behind Peyton Manning and Brett Favre. Spach, signed by the Cardinals as a free agent in October 2008, had four catches for 38 yards last season.

The Denver Broncos have released defensive lineman Kenny Peterson. He is an eighth-year player who joined the club as a free agent in November 2007 and had 94 tackles, including five sacks, in 42 games for the Broncos. He started 15 games in his time in Denver.

The New England Patriots have agreed to terms on a one-year deal with running back Kevin Faulk. The versatile 11-year veteran has spent his entire career with the Patriots, helping them win three Super Bowls. The 33-year-old Faulk ran for 335 yards and caught 37 passes for 301 yards and scored three touchdowns last season.

Nothing has changed as far as Ray Rice's role in the Ravens' offense, but the Ravens' offense has added some new players that could change how they operate. The additions of Anquan Boldin and Donte Stallworth to their receiving corps along with the re-signing of veteran Derrick Mason hint that Baltimore won't hesitate to throw in situations this season that it might have run in last season. The Ravens threw more than ran in 2009, but it was close (510 passing attempts vs. 468 rushing attempts); the difference could be larger between the two sides now that the receiving corps has been improved.

After twice reaching outside the organization to enhance their receiving corps, the Ravens secured one of their own, signing two-time Pro Bowler Derrick Mason to a two-year deal. Mason's future with the Ravens appeared unclear after the Ravens obtained free agent wideout Donte' Stallworth and traded for Anquan Boldin. Mason hinted after the 2009 season that he might retire, and there was also a chance he would sign with another team. But now he's set to end his career with 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," coach John Harbaugh said. "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 Cincinnati Enquirer reports that the Bengals have signed free agent WR Antonio Bryant to a four-year deal worth $28 million. Bryant had a smashing campaign in 2008 with the Bucs, catching 83 passes for 1,248 yards and seven touchdowns, but was hampered by knee injuries and poor quarterback play in 2009, finishing with 39 catches for 600 yards and four touchdowns.

The Jets have re-signed tight end Ben Hartsock, a major part of the league's top-ranked rushing offense last season. Hartsock, signed as a free agent last August, had one catch - a 2-yard touchdown in Week 3 - but was used mostly as a blocking complement to Dustin Keller. He helped pave the way for an offense that averaged a league-leading 172.2 yards per game behind Thomas Jones, now with Kansas City, Shonn Greene and Leon Washington.

The Detroit Lions have signed free agent cornerback Jonathan Wade to a one-year contract. St. Louis selected Wade in the third round of the 2007 draft. In 47 games through three seasons with the Rams, including six starts, he has 67 tackles and two interceptions.

Free-agent nose tackle Maake Kemoeatu signed a two-year, $6.975 million contract with the Redskins on Wednesday. The 6-foot-5, 345-pound Kemoeatu spent last season on injured reserve with the Carolina Panthers after tearing his Achilles' tendon in training camp. His agent, Ken Vierra, said in a telephone interview that the tendon is "structurally sound" and Kemoeatu is able to walk and jog but not run yet. The Redskins are expected to shift from a 4-3 alignment to a 3-4 under new defensive coordinator Jim Haslett, and Kemoeatu's presence could allow tackle Albert Haynesworth to move outside.

The Philadelphia Eagles and free agent defensive back Marlin Jackson have agreed to a two-year contract. Jackson is coming off back-to-back season-ending knee injuries: He missed the second half of 2008 with a torn ACL in his right knee and returned in 2009 before tearing the ACL in his left knee in a November practice. Jackson has 306 tackles and four interceptions in 56 career games with the Colts. The 6-foot, 196-pound Jackson can play cornerback and safety, and it is believed he will play free safety for the Eagles.

Terrance Copper re-signed with the Chiefs earlier this offseason. He spent 2009 with the club but had just four catches for 68 yards.

The Kansas City Chiefs have signed free agent defensive tackle Shaun Smith, who played last season for Cincinnati. The 6-foot-2, 325-pound Smith has played in 63 games, including 27 starts, with New Orleans, Cincinnati and Cleveland. He has 196 tackles and two sacks during a career that began with the Saints in 2004.

The Titans have agreed to a three-year contract with Will Witherspoon as they revamp their linebacking corps. The $11 million deal was announced Wednesday. General manager Mike Reinfeldt says Witherspoon likely will play outside linebacker, likely replacing Keith Bulluck.

Saints GM Mickey Loomis says the club has agreed to re-sign reserve defensive back Leigh Torrence to a one-year contract. Torrence has been with the Saints since being claimed off waivers in November 2008. He played in five games for New Orleans in 2009 before injuring his shoulder and finishing the year on injured reserve.

The Patriots have kept another free agent from leaving, re-signing cornerback Leigh Bodden to a four-year deal. Bodden had five interceptions last season - three of them against the New York Jets on Nov. 22, including one he returned 53 yards for a touchdown.

Nose tackle Jason Ferguson has been re-signed by the Miami Dolphins, even though he faces a suspension for the first eight games of this season. The Dolphins announced the signing Tuesday in a news release that made no reference to Ferguson's suspension last week for violating the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing substances. At 35, Ferguson improves the Dolphins' roster depth, but they remain in the market for a starter at the position. Ferguson was sidelined by a season-ending quadriceps injury in November that required surgery and has contemplated retirement.

Injury-plagued running back Kevin Jones has been released by the Bears after signing running back Chester Taylor away from Minnesota last Friday. Jones missed last season after tearing ligaments in his left ankle in the preseason finale against Cleveland. He appeared in 11 games and ran for 109 yards with Chicago in 2008 while trying to come back from foot and knee injuries that plagued him the previous two years in Detroit, years that saw him work with offensive coordinator Mike Martz, who is now on the staff in Chicago.

The Minnesota Vikings and cornerback Benny Sapp have agreed to terms on a new contract. Sapp started a total of seven games last season while filling in for injured starter Antoine Winfield, totaling 25 tackles, two passes defensed and two forced fumbles during a particularly strong six-game stretch. He finished the regular season with 55 tackles, the most in his NFL seasons.

The Colts have claimed defensive end J.D. Skolnitsky off waivers from the Redskins. Skolnitsky was on the Redskins' practice squad last season after being signed as an undrafted free agent. The 6-foot-5, 255-pound defensive end played at James Madison and fits the Colts' model for defensive linemen: undersized and quick.

The Denver Broncos continued beefing up their defensive line, signing unrestricted free agent Jamal Williams. Williams, a 12-year veteran, was the run-stuffing anchor of the San Diego Chargers' defensive line. He injured an arm in last season's opener and missed the rest of the year. The 6-foot-3, 348-pound Williams will turn 34 next month and also has a history of knee injuries.

The Chargers kept one of their backup tight ends but lost another on the first day of free agency. Kris Wilson, the team's third tight end the past two years, has apparently moved up the depth chart. He re-signed with the Chargers, agreeing to a two-year deal. His ascension to No. 2 behind Antonio Gates owes more to Brandon Manumaleuna signing a five-year deal with the Bears.

The Bears signed free agent TE Brandon Manumaleuna on the first day of free agency. Manumaleuna, who was with San Diego in 2009, signed a five-year deal.

Terrell Owens is headed to Cincinnati to see if the Bengals are interested in adding him to their stalled-out passing game. The 36-year-old receiver tweeted on Tuesday that he was on his way to meet with team officials. Receiver Chad Ochocinco has been lobbying for the Bengals to sign Owens. Cincinnati needs at least one proven receiver after releasing Laveranues Coles. It's unclear whether they have much interest in Owens, whose production declined each of the last two seasons with Dallas and Buffalo.

On the same day the Chiefs signed RB Thomas Jones to a two-year deal, head coach Todd Haley lauded 2009 rushing sensation Jamaal Charles. While Haley is concerned about Charles holding up for 16 games and figures to use both backs to the point where both will be happy, he's ultimately confident that his young rusher will still deliver. "I don't believe we've seen the best from Jamaal," Haley told the Kansas City Star. "He's acclimated himself to what we expected from him. He's a real good offseason guy and saw that all pay dividends for him last year. ... I'm not going to set a bar on Jamaal because each time we did that last year he kind of broke through that bar and raised it. We're going to continue to push him hard and coach him and see how good he can be."

The Chiefs signed free agent RB Thomas Jones, who led the Jets to the playoffs last season while posting career-best numbers with 331 carries for 1,402 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns. It is believed that he signed a two-year, $5 million contract. Coach Todd Haley told the Kansas City Star he believes Charles will still be a great back for them, but indications are that the team is concerned about him holding up for 16 games. Haley thinks both Charles and Jones will be happy. "That's part of being a good coach,'" Haley said. "I don't think you can have enough good football players who want to win and want to be part of something special. Thomas fits that bill. It's just a chance to add another good football player to the mix in addition to the ones we have, Jamaal being one of those guys for sure."

The Broncos continued beefing up their defensive line with the signing of unrestricted free agent Jarvis Green, who spent his first eight NFL seasons in New England. Green, who packs 285 pounds on his 6-foot-3 frame, is well versed in the 3-4 alignment that coach Josh McDaniels implemented in Denver. Last season, Green had 47 tackles in 13 games, including 12 starts.

With the Cardinals trading WR Anquan Boldin to the Ravens, all signs point to WR Early Doucet landing the slot role and being the third receiver for the team in 2010. Doucet came on for the Cardinals in the playoffs with Anquan Boldin sidelined and figures into the Cardinals' plans for the upcoming season. "One of the main reasons we really explored [a Boldin trade] was because of the ascension of younger players, like Steve Breaston and Early Doucet," Cardinals GM Rod Graves told NFL.com. "We really felt like those young guys stepped up and that there is still a lot more potential there."

With the Cardinals trading WR Anquan Boldin to the Ravens, all signs point to WR Steve Breaston taking over his spot on the field and being the wideout opposite Larry Fitzgerald. Breaston has done well in the past replacing Boldin, so the move should be fairly seamless for him. Breaston is currently a restricted free agent but with first-round compensation due for him if he signs elsewhere, chances are he's staying. "One of the main reasons we really explored [a Boldin trade] was because of the ascension of younger players, like Steve Breaston and Early Doucet," Cardinals GM Rod Graves told NFL.com. "We really felt like those young guys stepped up and that there is still a lot more potential there."

The Minnesota Vikings have signed kickoff specialist Rhys Lloyd. He handled kickoffs for the Carolina Panthers the last two seasons, leading the NFL with 30 touchbacks in 2008. He had 21 touchbacks last year, tied for fourth-most in the league. But Ryan Longwell remains the regular kicker for the Vikings.

The Steelers re-signed safety Ryan Clark, keeping their secondary in tact. Clark was rumored to head out of town but signed a four-year deal to stay in Pittsburgh instead. Clark had an up and down season as the Steelers went 9-7 and didn't make the playoffs after winning the Super Bowl during the 2008 season. With star safety Troy Polamalu missing most of the season with two knee injuries, Clark struggled in coverage at times and, displaying a bit of late-season frustration, criticized Steelers fans for being more demanding than those in other cities.

The Steelers re-signed wide receiver Antwaan Randle El, reuniting him with the team he helped win a Super Bowl with in 2005. But after that game he signed a $31 million, seven-year deal with the Redskins, where he essentially floundered for four seasons. He was released despite being Washington's second-leading receiver last season with 50 receptions, although none were for touchdowns.

Aaron Schobel is in no rush to collect his $2 million roster bonus because the Bills defensive end still hasn't decided on whether he'll come back for a 10th NFL season. The two-time Pro Bowl player was due the roster bonus on Tuesday, but there's a provision in his contract that he must first pass a physical. Schobel failed his end of season physical because of an elbow injury, which was surgically repaired this offseason. Schobel told The Associated Press by phone Tuesday that he's "not stressing over the money," or in any hurry to travel to Buffalo to take a mandatory physical because he's not yet made a decision on his future.

After six years backing up Peyton Manning in Indianapolis, Jim Sorgi will get a chance to do the same for Peyton's brother Eli. The Giants announced that they have signed Sorgi to a one-year deal. Sorgi will compete with second-year man Rhett Bomar for the Giants' backup quarterback job.

The Browns announced the release of veteran QB Derek Anderson, ending his tenure with the team. Anderson's release wasn't a surprise considering the exorbitant salary he was going to make in 2010. He's best known for pioneering the Browns to a 10-6 record in 2007, then flopping in stints as the starter in 2008 and 2009. "I want to thank Derek for everything that he gave to the Cleveland Browns organization over the last five years," said Browns head coach Eric Mangini. "He did everything we asked of him and it was a pleasure to coach such a competitive person. I want to wish him all the best in the future."

Free agent defensive tackle Tank Johnson posted on Twitter that he's staying in Cincinnati after agreeing to a four-year deal. He had written previously that he didn't think he'd be back.

The Seattle Seahawks traded backup quarterback Seneca Wallace to the Cleveland Browns in exchange for a 2011 undisclosed draft pick. Wallace's best season was 2008 when he started eight games in now-Browns President Mike Holmgren's last season and threw for 1,532 yards and 11 touchdowns. Wallace started two games last season while starter Matt Hasselbeck was injured. "This will give Seneca a chance for a fresh start," Seattle GM John Schneider said in a statement. "The Browns front office's familiarity with his abilities will give him an opportunity to compete for playing time. We wish him nothing but the best."

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have acquired wide receiver Reggie Brown from the Philadelphia Eagles for a sixth-round pick in the 2011 draft. The 29-year-old Brown has 177 career receptions and 17 touchdowns but failed to score in 2009, grabbing nine passes for 155 yards.

The Panthers inked receiver Wallace Wright, who was mostly a special teams player the past four seasons with the Jets. Wright grew up in Fayetteville, N.C., and started as a walk-on at North Carolina. He had just eight catches for 108 yards in his career with the Jets, but has 73 special teams tackles in 53 games.

Free agent safety Darren Sharper says he had minor arthroscopic surgery on his left knee, but is feeling good and planning to play somewhere next season. Sharper attended a premier Monday night of an NFL Films championship video being released this week by Warner Home Video. He arrived using crutches, but described the procedure as a minor cleanup and assured that he's feeling "real good."

The Chargers have claimed running back Marcus Mason off waivers from the Washington Redskins, beginning the process of restocking their backfield. Mason spent most of his first two NFL seasons on the practice squads of the Redskins and Baltimore Ravens. He played in nine games last season for the Redskins, gaining 127 yards on 32 carries.

The Oakland Raiders released defensive end Greg Ellis in their latest dumping of veteran players. Ellis signed a two-year contract with Oakland last June after being released by Dallas and provided a strong veteran presence on the line. He was tied for the team lead with seven sacks last season but was hampered the second half by chronic knee problems. He was due $2.5 million next season.

The Browns announced the release of veteran QB Derek Anderson, making Brady Quinn the likely starting quarterback for the 2010 season. But that's if Quinn lasts on the roster -- the team has already traded for QB Seneca Wallace and could add other quarterbacks to challenge for the starting role before training camp.

The Oakland Raiders released wide receiver Javon Walker in their latest dumping of veteran players. Walker was a disappointment right from the start after signing a $55 million contract that included an $11 million signing bonus two years ago. He caught 15 passes for 196 yards and one touchdown in two injury-plagued seasons in Oakland, while being paid $14 million. The Raiders were hoping to have added a No. 1 receiver when they signed Walker. He had 89 catches for 1,382 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2004 for Green Bay and 69 catches for 1,084 yards and eight scores in 2006 in Denver. He injured his knee in 2007 and never was the same player again. He was criticized almost from the start in 2008 by former Raiders coach Lane Kiffin for being out of shape in offseason workouts and then was seriously injured in June during a robbery in Las Vegas. He contemplated retirement in his first training camp before being talked out of it by Raiders owner Al Davis. Walker played eight games his first season in Oakland before being sidelined by a season-ending ankle injury. He had knee surgery last offseason out of the country without telling the team and barely played in 2009. He appeared in only three games and caught no passes, fumbling on his only punt return chance.

Following knee surgery in early December, Aaron Kampman's goal was to walk without a limp in seven days. He did it. If the rest of his rehab continues at the same pace, the Jacksonville Jaguars could end up with one of the best free agent signings of the offseason. Kampman, a two-time Pro Bowl defensive end who signed a four-year contract worth $26 million with Jacksonville, expects to be on the field when training camp begins in July and give his new team a much-needed boost to its pathetic pass rush. "I anticipate being ready to get after it," Kampman said Monday. "My knee is great. I'm very encouraged by it."

The Panthers added to their purge of veterans on Monday with the release of longtime fullback Brad Hoover, leaving Carolina with only three players on the roster older than 30. Letting 33-year-old Hoover go saves the Panthers close to $1 million in payroll for the 2010 season and ends his 10-year stay in Carolina. "I want to thank the organization for 10 great years and the fans that supported me," Hoover said in a statement released by his agent, Tim Irwin. "I leave with a heavy heart, but I will be trying to play somewhere else." The Panthers will likely turn to second-year pro Tony Fiammetta as his replacement as they rapidly get younger and thriftier.

The Chiefs re-signed WR Chris Chambers to a three-year deal, keeping him with the team after claiming him off waivers last season. Chambers withered with the Chargers before getting released, and when he came to the Chiefs he immediately paid off dividends.

The Detroit Lions have re-signed tight end Will Heller to a three-year deal and signed free agent wide receiver Brian Clark to a one-year deal. They also saved some cap room by releasing veteran DE Dewayne White, who was owed some significant money.

Receiver Kevin Walter has been re-signed by the Houston Texans. Walter started 14 games opposite Andre Johnson last season and had 53 receptions for 611 yards and two touchdowns. He joined the Texans in 2006 and has 195 receptions for 2,470 yards and 15 touchdowns since arriving in Houston. There was some concern that he'd land elsewhere but ultimately re-signed.

The Rams have made their second free-agent signing of the offseason, reaching a deal with veteran defensive tackle Fred Robbins. Robbins is 32 and has played 10 seasons with 116 starts for the Vikings and Giants. He has 28.5 career sacks and was a Pro Bowl alternate in 2008. Most importantly, Robbins was a key member of the 2007 New York team that won the Super Bowl. Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo was defensive coordinator for the Giants at the time.

The Steelers have announced the signing of FS Will Allen and WR Arnaz Battle. Allen is expected to battle for the starting safety job opposite of Troy Polamalu while Battle is likely headed to special-teams duty.

The Eagles and wide receiver Jason Avant agreed on a five-year contract. Avant had a career-best 41 receptions for 587 yards and three touchdowns last season as Philadelphia's slot receiver. He has 103 catches and eight TDs in four seasons. "Jason Avant has developed into one of our most dependable and productive players on offense," head coach Andy Reid said. "He's physical, he's tough and he has the respect of all of his teammates. Jason plays the game of football the right way; he competes on a daily basis, whether it's in the game or in practice."

Michael Vick is getting one more big check from the Eagles as a person with knowledge of the contract said the Eagles will pay Vick a $1.5 million roster bonus due Tuesday. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the move hasn't been announced. Paying Vick the bonus doesn't preclude Philadelphia from trading the former Pro Bowl quarterback. Vick is under contract for $5.2 million this year. The Eagles are buying themselves more time - and possibly a draft pick - by giving Vick the bonus. The alternative was to release him and not get anything in return.