Brees' pitch to Sproles: 'Come join us ... Win a championship'

METAIRIE, La. -- Drew Brees has a history with Darren Sproles and didn't hesitate to exploit it when it became clear that Reggie Bush wouldn't be back in New Orleans.

"I pulled out all the stops," Brees said of his effort to attract Sproles, a 5-foot-6 running back and return man who agreed to a four-year, $14 million free-agent deal with the Saints on Thursday.

Brees was the San Diego Chargers' quarterback in 2005, when Sproles was drafted by the team and had the first of his five seasons with more than 1,000 kickoff-return yards. The now-Saints signal-caller also maintains an offseason residence in San Diego and trained with Sproles earlier this year.

"I have his number," Brees said, grinning, as he described a series of calls and texts in which his message to Sproles was: "We need you baby. Come join us. You'll fit in great. Win a championship. Let's break some records. Let's do something special. Let's go."

Sproles planned to travel to New Orleans soon to sign his new contract, but he wouldn't be permitted to practice until sometime next week because of restrictions on free agents practicing before the NFL's new collective bargaining agreement has been ratified.

Brees called the addition of Sproles "awesome" and said the back's speed and versatility in the running, passing and return games would "absolutely" allow the Saints to run many of the same plays originally designed for Bush.

"When you look at those guys' skill sets, they're very similar in a lot of ways," Brees said. "As I look at our offense and the way we would plug them in, we'd plug him in the exact same way we would have Reggie and be able to do even more things with him.

"I'm very familiar with him as a person, his work ethic and the drive and competitiveness that he has," Brees continued. "He's going to fit in great with this team and this locker room and this offensive system. He's a guy who has exceptional skills in a lot of different ways, and we're going to be able to use him in a lot of different ways."

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Sproles will join a backfield that already includes Pierre Thomas, rookie Mark Ingram and short-yardage back Lynell Hamilton. Sproles, however, is different from the other three in that he primarily relies on his speed, agility and versatility in the passing game, whereas the others can run with tackle-breaking power and balance.

"He's going to bring a lot to the table for this team," Thomas said. "He also can help me show the ropes to these younger guys. I've seen a lot of his work; he's a great running back, a very fast guy, very low to the ground. ... He's going to be a great addition to our backfield."

For Brees, the Saints attracting a player such as Sproles within one day of trading Bush was about more than filling a void. It was about the team's increasing ability to project an image that attracts good players.

That wasn't the case, as Brees pointed out, just after Hurricane Katrina, when New Orleans was devastated and the Saints were piling up losses.

"What we've built here with our team, our organization is a culture guys want to be a part of," Brees said, offering credit to Saints coach Sean Payton and general manager Mickey Loomis for leading the way. "Put it this way. Back in '06, we were in a situation where you had to overpay or you really had to figure out creative ways to get guys here, because this place didn't have the best reputation. Guys weren't jumping to come to a city that had been under water for the last six months.

"I look at what we've been able to accomplish as a team and just the type of guys that we've brought in here and this family atmosphere that we've built. I think guys take notice of that around the league and guys want to be a part of that."

Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

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CJ2K unhappy with Titans, will be a contract holdout

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Tennessee running back Chris Johnson will not be reporting for training camp with the Titans until he gets a new contract, according to a person familiar with the situation.

The person spoke on the condition of anonymity Friday because the decision had not been publicly announced.

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Johnson, a Florida native, said in 2010 he wanted a new deal that included $30 million guaranteed. The Titans revised his contract last offseason by pushing some money from the final year into 2010 to convince the running back to report. He is scheduled to make $800,000 in salary this season. Johnson said on Twitter on Friday that "Imma just leave it in god hands."

The Titans are scheduled to report for camp Friday with the first practice Saturday.

Johnson can be fined $30,000 for each day of camp he misses, but the three-time Pro Bowl running back wants to be rewarded for his production. He became only the sixth player in NFL history to run for at least 2,000 yards when he ran for 2,006 yards in 2009 and set an NFL record for yards from scrimmage that season with 2,509.

He followed that up by running for 1,364 yards in 2010 despite finishing the season with a bruised thigh. Johnson has started 46 of the 47 games he has played in since being drafted 24th overall in 2008 out of East Carolina and has 4,598 rushing yards with an average of 5.0 yards per carry in his career.

By comparison, DeAngelo Williams got a new deal from Carolina earlier this week worth $21 million in guaranteed money. He played only six games in 2010 and ran for 361 yards while dealing with injuries.

Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

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Former Cowboys WR Williams appears headed to the Bears

One day after being cut by the Dallas Cowboys, wide receiver Roy Williams has agreed to terms with the Chicago Bears, NFL Network insider Jason La Canfora reported Friday, citing a source with knowledge of the situation.

Williams, who had a disappointing stint with the Cowboys after Dallas traded four draft picks to the Detroit Lions to get him, caught 37 passes for 530 yards and five touchdowns with the Cowboys last season. In his two-and-a-half seasons with Dallas, he had 94 catches for 1,324 yards and 13 touchdowns in 40 games.

In Chicago, Williams will be reunited with offensive coordinator Mike Martz, who was the Lions coordinator when Williams enjoyed his best years in Detroit. A first-round pick of the Lions in 2004, Williams joins a Bears receiving corps that featured only two receivers with more than 40 catches last season, Johnny Knox (51) and Earl Bennett (46).

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Harrison: I used 'inappropriate' words to describe Goodell

LATROBE, Pa. -- James Harrison is an emotional guy. Always has been. The Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker plays with an intensity few in the NFL can match.

Yet the four-time Pro Bowler knows that fury has its limits, and Friday he admitted he blew right past them in a magazine article earlier this month in which he used a gay slur when talking about NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and criticized teammates for their play in Pittsburgh's Super Bowl loss to Green Bay.

"The comments I made about Roger Goodell were inappropriate at the least and way out of line," Harrison said. "I was speaking out of anger and frustration at the time and any comments that I may have made that offended anyone with my careless use of words, I apologize."

Harrison used the slur while expressing his frustration over the league's new player safety rules. One of the NFL's fiercest hitters, the volatile 33-year-old drew $100,000 in fines for illegal hits last season. He thought he was venting about the new rules -- and not Goodell personally -- while calling him a "crook" and a "devil."

Only it didn't read like that, and Harrison allows he should have used a "better vocabulary" when talking about the issue and the commissioner.

The 2008 AP Defensive Player of the Year hasn't spoken to Goodell since the article was published and isn't sure whether he'll be disciplined by the league.

"I don't think (Goodell) is a guy that's going to hold something on a personal level (against me professionally)," Harrison said. "I attacked him on a personal level, which wasn't right. I don't expect anything to be done."

There's also the question on whether Goodell would even have the power to suspend or fine Harrison.

The comments were made during the NFL lockout, meaning technically Harrison wasn't working for the league at the time. Harrison said he wouldn't decide whether to fight any penalty until it is levied.

The team has not indicated it will discipline Harrison, though coach Mike Tomlin agreed with Harrison's assessment that his words were inappropriate. Harrison spoke to owner Art Rooney recently but hasn't been excluded from any team activities as the defending AFC champions opened training camp.

One place where the article didn't create a stir appears to be the locker room. Harrison reached out to running back Rashard Mendenhall -- whom Harrison called a "fumble machine" -- and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger -- whom Harrison said needed to "stop trying to act like Peyton Manning" -- after the article came out.

Both players said there were no hard feelings and are well aware that Harrison's temper can sometimes get the best of him.

"He called me that morning (the article came out) and left me a voice mail because he was sure I wanted to talk to him and I had no idea what he was talking about," Roethlisberger said. "So I called him and he explained everything and it literally was nothing, absolutely no linger effects whatsoever."

Roethlisberger threw a pair of interceptions in Pittsburgh's 31-25 loss to the Packers, with both picks leading to touchdowns. The way the quarterback looked at Harrison's outburst, all he was doing was stating the obvious.

"No one is going to be harder on me than I am and I told James, I told everybody that it was my fault we lost the Super Bowl anyway, so if he wants to reiterate what I said, that's fine," Roethlisberger said.

The players appear eager to put the incident behind them and move forward, though Harrison is hardly the only Steeler to make waves off the field during a bumpy offseason for one of the league's marquee franchises.

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Wide receiver Hines Ward won "Dancing With the Stars" then was arrested for DUI in Georgia, a charge that drew national headlines and took some of the shine off his image as a humble and hard-working team leader. He declined to talk specifics about his arrest, but understands why it was a big deal.

"That's what comes with it, the price of fame," Ward said. "Every little thing you do is in the media eye and the public's eye. For me it's a learning process. You can't be one of the boys and do things, you have to look at the big picture. I'm confident in the end that everything will work out."

Mendenhall, like Roethlisberger, shrugged off Harrison's jabs. He also declined to expound on his controversial tweets following the death of Osama bin Laden in April. He's only too anxious to move forward.

So is the rest of the team, which continued a flurry of activity by releasing veteran offensive tackle Flozell Adams early Friday morning. The 36-year-old Adams became expendable after the team agreed to terms with Willie Colon and Jonathan Scott late Thursday night.

Colon and Scott, along with the team's other signings, can't practice until next week, meaning things will be very much in flux as the Steelers begin the process of trying to get back to the Super Bowl.

The loss to the Packers has hung with Roethlisberger for months. Even his wedding last week to Ashley Harlan, a physician assistant, hasn't made him forget about his disappointment in Dallas.

"We can't dwell on the past," he said. "We have to focus on the future and what's to come."

Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

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Ochocinco receives warm reception, right at home as No. 85

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- It looks like Chad Ochocinco won't have to change his name again.

That was the colorful wide receiver wearing his usual number 85 at practice for the New England Patriots on Friday, one day after being traded by the Cincinnati Bengals.

Warren among New England's cuts

Ochocinco, a reference to the Spanish words for the numbers 8 and 5, legally changed his name from Johnson before the 2008 season. On Friday, he had the number worn last year by rookie tight end Aaron Hernandez, who hasn't practiced following hip surgery in February. Hernandez was on the field wearing shorts with the number 81.

Fans cheered when Ochocinco took the field for the afternoon session. Tom Brady connected on passes to him. Teammates went over play charts with him.

"I've watched him for a long time," Brady said. "He brings a lot of energy to the team."

The verbose Ochocinco didn't speak with reporters, although the Patriots officially announced the trade for undisclosed draft considerations on Friday. They also announced the trade for Washington Redskins defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth.

Haynesworth needed 10 days to pass the conditioning test with the Redskins before last year's training camp. Haynesworth passed his Patriots physical on the first day, according to the team.

"They're at different stages" of completing the work needed to get on the field, coach Bill Belichick said before the morning walkthrough. "One player has some things and another player has other things."

Ochocinco joins Wes Welker and Deion Branch in a strong, experienced receiver corps.

"He's been a very prolific receiver. I think he's had a bunch of production over the years," Brady said. "Hopefully, he can come in here and find a role on this team, as we're all trying to do."

During the walkthrough, a serious-looking Ochocinco spent considerable time talking with Brady and Branch as teammates ran through plays.

"I know he's excited," Brady said. "He's excited to be out here and I think he's excited to be a part of a new team.

"Everyone's really searching for a role for themselves. We're all trying to establish a role for ourselves, Chad, myself, Wes, Deion and all of us are trying to figure out what we can do to help this team win."

Brady had surgery in January for a stress fracture in his right foot but participated in three days of voluntary workouts with teammates at Boston College during the 4½-month lockout.

"I feel really good," he said. "I feel about as good as I can feel."

Brady was one of the plaintiffs in the players' lawsuit against the NFL lockout. That suit was dismissed as part of the settlement on a new 10-year collective bargaining agreement.

"I think that I'm just glad that we're back here playing. I haven't thought too much about 'ah, it's over,' " he said of the lockout. "It feels like football season to me. It feels like training camp to me. And it feels like we have a lot of work to do."

So does Belichick. He has to run practices while assembling a roster.

On Friday he released six veterans and one rookie free agent. They were defensive end Ty Warren, offensive tackle Nick Kaczur, tight end Alge Crumpler, linebacker Tully Banta-Cain, defensive lineman Marcus Stroud, cornerback Tony Carter and rookie free agent linebacker Ryan Coulson of Nevada.

Warren, a starter for six seasons, and Kaczur, a regular for five seasons, spent all last year on injured reserve. Those two plus Crumpler each carried salary cap numbers of at least $3 million.

The Patriots also signed two draft choices -- quarterback Ryan Mallett of Arkansas, a third-rounder, and offensive lineman Marcus Cannon of TCU, a fifth-rounder.

Haynesworth can be a dominant player but feuded all last season with Redskins coach Mike Shanahan. And he's had a number of legal troubles.

"Everyone starts at a clean slate" when they join the Patriots, Brady said. "You put the team first and come out here and do your job. So I don't think we say, 'aw, man, because you did this 12 years ago, I think I should have an opinion of you.' I think you develop relationships with players and I think they develop relationships with you, and you see as you go."

Brady last played against Haynesworth in a preseason game before the 2009 season and suffered what the Patriots called a sore shoulder after being crushed to the turf by the 335-pound tackle late in the first half.

He missed the rest of the game, but played all 16 regular-season games.

"I saw him this morning and I said, 'I still haven't forgiven you for that,' " Brady said. "He said, 'God, I've got a lot of friends up here,' and they've all given him a lot of grief over the years."

Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

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Falcons lock up Edwards, Clabo; Anderson, Jenkins cut

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- The Atlanta Falcons are still ticked off about their last game.

It's time to start making up for that ugly playoff loss.

With the NFL lockout settled, the Falcons opened training camp Friday amid a flurry of moves designed to set up another run at the team's first Super Bowl title.

In the span of 24 hours, the Falcons lured free-agent defensive end Ray Edwards away from the Minnesota Vikings, agreed to a new deal with Pro Bowl offensive tackle Tyson Clabo and locked up their entire draft class, including top pick Julio Jones.

The NFL free agency cycle is in full effect, with teams and players agreeing to terms fast as training camps open. Get the latest on all the news right here.

Last season, Atlanta won the NFC South title and claimed the top seed in the conference playoffs. But the Falcons were blown out at home in their first postseason game, losing 48-21 to the eventual Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers.

"I don't know how many times I got asked in the offseason, 'Hey, what happened in that game? Why didn't y'all make it further?"' center Todd McClure said. "I got tired of answering those questions."

The defense certainly has something to prove after getting shredded by Aaron Rodgers and the Packers. Green Bay never even had to punt in its playoff romp.

"As a defense, we played a lot better (last season) than we had in the previous three years," linebacker Sean Weatherspoon said. "But that last game leaves a sour taste in your mouth."

The Falcons made a major move to shore up the defense Friday, agreeing to terms with Edwards. He had 16.5 sacks the last two seasons in Minnesota and gives his new team a much-needed pass-rushing threat to complement John Abraham.

Atlanta also agreed to a five-year, $25-million deal with Clabo, the cornerstone of the offensive line. The contract includes about $11.5 million in guaranteed money.

Finally, the Falcons locked up their entire draft class, including a four-year, $16.2-million deal for Jones, the No. 6 overall pick.

The deals were made possible when Atlanta released two former first-round picks, receiver Michael Jenkins and defensive end Jamaal Anderson, clearing $7.8 million under the salary cap.

Addressing needs on both sides of the line, the Falcons made it clear they still intend to be a major factor in the NFC, even though the schedule -- especially in the first five weeks -- is much tougher than a year ago.

"If we can stay healthy and go out and play the type of ball we've been playing, we've got a shot," McClure said. "Obviously, you play 'em one game at a time, but with that end goal in mind."

Not everything went Atlanta's way during the hectic free-agent signing period, condensed into just a few days after the players approved a 10-year labor agreement that ended the 4-month-long lockout.

Another of the team's stalwart linemen, offensive guard Harvey Dahl, reportedly agreed to terms with the St. Louis Rams. The other starting guard from a year ago, Justin Blalock, is also a free agent.

Quarterback Matt Ryan is admittedly concerned about breaking in two new linemen.

"They've been kind of a staple of what we've done," Ryan said. "But we have to understand it's a business and different things are going to happen. ... We'll make the most of whoever is here."

The Rams also were talking with running back Jason Snelling, who had been Atlanta's main backup. He became expendable after the Falcons drafted diminutive Oregon running back Jacquizz Rodgers in the fifth round to provide a speedy replacement when 1,371-yard rusher Michael Turner needs a break.

Running back Jerious Norwood was also released. His agent, Bus Cook, tells The Clarion-Ledger that he expects Norwood to sign with another team. Cook says the Falcons wanted to go in a different direction with younger players.

A third-round pick out of MSU in 2006, the 28-year-old Norwood played in just 57 of 80 regular-season games over the last five years with the Falcons while dealing with injuries ranging from a concussion to a hip flexor to a torn knee ligament.

In addition, Atlanta lost punter Michael Koenen, who agreed to terms with division rival Tampa Bay. Matt Bosher, a sixth-round pick from Miami, appears the likely replacement, though the Falcons have two other punters in camp.

None of the losses dampened the mood at Falcons camp. Under general manager Thomas Dimitroff and coach Mike Smith, the team has put together three straight winning seasons and two trips to the playoffs.

Not bad for a franchise that had never even managed consecutive seasons above .500 before they arrived.

"Our expectations," Smith said, "are really high."

Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

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Kolb driven to quiet doubters, start work as Cardinals' QB

Kevin Kolb has arrived in Arizona as the new quarterback of a Cardinals team in desperate need of one, acknowledging the pressure he will be under to succeed but saying the situation simply "feels right."

"You just know when something feels right and this one feels right," he said, "all the way from flying in, driving through town, getting here to the facility, talking with everybody, meeting the players, it feels really good."

Kolb appeared at a news conference Friday and later appeared on NFL Network after undergoing his physical.

Later, he traveled north to the team's training camp in Flagstaff, Ariz., for an evening team meeting. The Cardinals hold their first practice on Saturday but, because he signed a new contract, Kolb won't be able to work out with his new team until next Thursday.

The Cardinals sent cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and a 2012 second-round draft pick to the Philadelphia Eagles for Kolb in a deal reached on Wednesday. Kolb also has agreed to a five-year contract worth just under $64 million, with $21 million guaranteed.

Kolb traced his interest in playing for Arizona to the NFC Championship Game in the 2008 season, when he watched from the Eagles sidelines as the Cardinals won 32-25.

"I just kind of always marked this one down as one of my favorites," he said, "kept it in the back of my mind."

What impressed him?

"To be quite honest, first it was the stadium. I mean, the stadium was tremendous," Kolb said. "I was shocked by it. The city alone, just how clean and nice the city looked. Granted, I was coming from Philadelphia, but it was just a great city."

That line drew a big laugh from the packed news conference.

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He went on to talk about the game itself, how the Cardinals answered every challenge.

Kolb was the Eagles' second-round draft pick in 2007 and won the starting job after Donovan McNabb's departure before the 2010 season. But after leaving the opener with a concussion, Kolb lost the job to Michael Vick. He comes to Arizona with just seven career starts, and he knows that he remains unproven. Now he must show that he is worth the high price the Cardinals paid for him.

"But there was a lot of pressure in every situation I've been thrown in so far," he said, "so it's nothing new for me. I look forward to the challenge. I look forward to answering a lot of critics and just playing my ball and settling in with this team and going and making a run."

Kolb came to Arizona earlier in the year and worked out with star receiver Larry Fitzgerald. It was, Kolb admits, an audition of sorts, a tryout he expects to go on for some time.

"But I think every day is going to feel like that, especially here for really the first year probably," Kolb said. "Week in and week out, it's going to be something different, every single day. But that's anywhere really, everywhere you go."

He is not pleased with the prospect of just watching practices for the first five days of camp.

"That's going to be a little difficult, watching the other guys practice and wanting to be out there in the heat of the battle," Kolb said. "That's how you earn respect. Forget the figures. Forget what we gave up, they gave up. You're ready to go in there and earn the respect on the field from your teammates."

He comes to a city still longing for the days of Kurt Warner. When Warner retired after leading Arizona to a second straight NFC West title in 2009, the drop-off at quarterback was a major reason the team fell to 5-11, the worst record in coach Ken Whisenhunt's four years with the Cardinals. The debacle set the stage for the franchise's willingness to give up so much to land Kolb.

"I've watched a lot of film on Kurt," Kolb said. "The things he does on the field are masterful in his mind. The mental game he has is unbelievable. That's something you can try to mimic. You'll never probably get there, but you can try to bring in more of that to your own game."

A football coach's son, Kolb said he has been a "gym rat" for as long as he can remember.

"Football has been a part of my life forever," he said.

Kolb was raised in North Texas, where he now owns a 2,500-acre ranch. Someone asked about stories that he went boar hunting with a knife, not a gun. The quarterback laughed.

"It's really not as dangerous as it sounds," he said, "but there is a kamikaze side, I guess, out there. I don't do it anymore. Once my hands started making me a little money, I stopped doing it."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Manning 'willing to take less' money to do deal, assist Colts

The Indianapolis Colts have made it known that they want to make Peyton Manning the NFL's highest-paid player when they complete a new contract with him. However, the quarterback is more concerned about winning than being atop the NFL's salary food chain.

"While I appreciate (Colts owner) Jim Irsay offering to make me the highest-paid player," Manning told The Indianapolis Star on Friday. "I told him I'd rather he save that money and keep whoever it is ... (running back) Joe Addai, (left tackle) Charlie Johnson, whoever that may be.

"I'm willing to take less than they've offered if they are going to take that money to keep players we need to keep and go get other players. All I want is for them to have the cap and the cash to keep the players they want to keep and to sign other players."

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady currently is the highest-paid player after agreeing to a record annual average salary of $18 million ($72 million over four years) in September.

At this point, Manning wants to end the speculation about any demands he might have and get a deal done.

"Today, tomorrow, definitely by Sunday," Manning said of when he wants to complete the contract.

Irsay has promised to make Manning the highest-paid player in league history, but even he acknowledges that's a very high price with a salary cap slated at $120.3 million. The Colts hope that by lowering Manning's salary-cap number, they will be able to sign more of their free agents.

"We've been in a lockout, and when you think about that, it's very difficult to get that (Manning's deal) done in two, three days," Colts coach Jim Caldwell said. "It's going to take a couple days, and it will be done at some point in time. When it is, we'll be ready to go."

In February, the Colts tagged Manning as their exclusive franchise player, meaning he would make about $23 million this season if he signed the one-year offer.

Contract aside, the pain in Manning's neck will keep him off the practice field early next week.

The Colts still aren't sure how long it will take to get the four-time league MVP back.

Caldwell said Friday that the Colts will be cautious with Manning, who had neck surgery in May, and will not push him too hard. Camp opens Monday at Anderson University.

"Obviously, he's not ready right now, but nobody works harder and is more dedicated than him," Caldwell said. "When he's ready, we'll turn him loose."

Caldwell didn't provide a timetable for Manning's return.

It's the second time in four years the Colts will open camp without Manning.

In 2008, Manning missed all of camp with an infected bursa sac in his left knee, which required two surgeries. He struggled during the first half of the season, but he led the Colts to nine consecutive wins to make it back into the playoffs.

Manning also had neck surgery in March 2010 but recovered and didn't miss any practices at camp.

The only other time Manning has missed even a portion of training camp was in 1998, when he was one week late before signing his first contract.

Teammates said they aren't concerned that Manning won't be throwing right away.

"I've told him to be as cautious as he needs to be because the last time I checked, we don't count preseason games," Pro Bowl center Jeff Saturday said. "I can tell you this, there's not a player that works harder than he does."

The questions about Manning's health have been increasing ever since he had the surgery.

In June, Archie Manning, Peyton's father, said his son's rehab wasn't going as quickly as expected. A month later, at the family's annual passing academy, Peyton Manning barely threw and said he was being cautious with his rehab because lockout rules prevented him from working out with Colts team trainers.

Last week, Irsay acknowledged Manning might not be ready when practices begin Monday, a position he reiterated just hours after the lockout ended.

"You don't want him doing too much too soon and you don't know on recoveries," Irsay said. "A lot of times eight weeks is enough. But to get a full recovery, it's going to be a little longer in this case."

Caldwell said the coaches haven't had a chance to see where Manning is yet, and he's not sure when they will.

Manning isn't the only player the Colts have been getting medical checks on.

The NFL free agency cycle is in full effect, with teams and players agreeing to terms fast as training camps open. Get the latest on all the news right here.

Pro Bowl tight end Dallas Clark has been cleared for full participation and will wear a splint on the wrist he injured last fall, the team said. Other key players cleared to practice are wide receiver Anthony Gonzalez (knee), tight end Brody Eldridge (knee), cornerback Kelvin Hayden (neck) and cornerbacks Jerraud Powers (foot, arm) and Kevin Thomas (knee).

The team also said that wide receiver Austin Collie hasn't shown any lingering symptoms of the two concussions that forced him to finish last season on injured reserve. He is expected to be a full participant in practice next week.

"I feel good, I'm excited to get back into it," Collie said. "At this point, everything is great."

Except, of course, the status of Manning.

"Whenever he's ready, he'll come back," Caldwell said. "He gets himself ready faster than most people."

The team confirmed Friday that it had agreed to new deals with kicker Adam Vinatieri and safety Melvin Bullitt. On Thursday, the Colts also lost linebacker Clint Session to the Jacksonville Jaguars, who signed him to a five-year deal worth more than $29 million.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Marshall's wife won't face assault charge in alleged stabbing

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- South Florida prosecutors have dropped charges accusing the wife of Miami Dolphins wide receiver Brandon Marshall of stabbing him.

The Broward County State Attorney's Office said Friday it wouldn't pursue an aggravated battery charge against 26-year-old Michi Nogami-Marshall. A charge of violating pre-trial conditions also is being dropped.

Nogami-Marshall was arrested in April after Marshall was stabbed in the abdomen during a domestic dispute. He was treated and released from the hospital the next day.

Nogami-Marshall would only say that she acted in self-defense. Marshall told police that he slipped and fell onto broken glass from a vase. Police found no blood on the broken glass and charged Marshall's wife with the stabbing.

Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

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Report: QB Moore to sign with 'Fins following Panthers stint

Quarterback Matt Moore was headed to Miami on Friday to sign a two-year, $5 million contract with the Dolphins, according to The Oregonian.

La Canfora: Dolphins still want Orton Don’t read too much into the Dolphins signing Matt Moore as it relates to Kyle Orton, says Jason La Canfora. Miami still wants Orton, and know he could beat out both Chad Henne and Moore to become the starter. More ...

The newspaper reports that incentives could push to deal to $7.5 million for Moore, who leaves a crowded quarterback situation with the Panthers for a Dolphins team that was said to be in pursuit of Denver Broncos passer Kyle Orton.

Dophins owner Stephen Ross told the Sun-Sentinel Friday that the Orton deal "is dead."

If Orton is indeed out of the picture, Moore will compete with Chad Henne for a starting role with the Dolphins just one season after being named starter for the Panthers. Moore was unseated by rookie Jimmy Clausen as the season progressed after Moore completed just 55.2 percent of his passes, tossing five touchdowns and 10 interceptions.

Moore started 13 games in three seasons in Carolina, going 7-6. In 2009, Moore led the Panthers to four wins in its final five games, setting the table for his starting opportunity in 2010.

His future in Carolina grew cloudy after the team finished 2-14 and drafted Cam Newton with the No. 1 overall pick in April.

Moore was signed by the Panthers in 2007 as an undrafted free agent out of Oregon State.

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Chargers lock up safety Weddle on five-year, $40M contract

San Diego Chargers coach Norv Turner believes Eric Weddle is on the verge of becoming an elite safety in the NFL.

The Chargers showed they mean it Wednesday, agreeing to a five-year, $40 million deal with Weddle, NFL Network insider Jason La Canfora reported, citing a league source. Weddle will receive $19 million guaranteed and a $13 million signing bonus.

"I'm on cloud nine," Weddle told The San Diego Union-Tribune. "This is the team I love. I feel we have unfinished business. I want to prove I was worth this deal. When this deal is done, I will be one of the best safeties out there."

Weddle also drew interest from the Jacksonville Jaguars, Houston Texans, Minnesota Vikings, Dallas Cowboys and Cincinnati Bengals, according to his agent, David Canter.

The NFL free agency cycle is in full effect, with teams and players agreeing to terms fast as training camps open. Get the latest on all the news right here.

"There was a very deep market for his services," Canter said.

But after working through counterproposals Wednesday morning, the deal with the Chargers was set.

"It's exciting to think of Eric as being a Charger for his entire career," Turner said.

A starter on AFC West championship teams in 2008 and 2009, Weddle led the secondary in tackles with 72 last season as part of a defense that led the NFL in fewest yards allowed. He has started 48 of the last 51 games.

Weddle has yet to make a Pro Bowl, which Turner believes might be a reflection of his career total of six interceptions.

"He would get a lot more recognition," Turner said, "(but) he probably dropped about six interceptions last year. He's been working on that."

Chargers general manager A.J. Smith moved up 22 spots in the 2007 draft to select Weddle No. 38 overall out of Utah.

The safety became an unrestricted free agent for the first time this offseason.

"I just know with Eric he's on the verge of taking that next step," Turner said. "Lining up next to (safety) Bob Sanders (who joined the Chargers in March) will help him and bring out some of his strengths also.

"He's a guy that's gotten better every year," Turner said. "He's got great leadership skills. He's got great understanding not only of our defense but of what people are doing. He's got great range. We need to get him to where he catches the ball better."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Asomugha a Jet? Fellow CB Revis would highly approve of that

The New York Jets already have one shutdown cornerback. Darrelle Revis says they should try to make it two.

Nnamdi Asomugha is considered the top player available among this year's free agents, and Rex Ryan surely would love to add another dominant player to his secondary. The Jets, who reached an agreement with wide receiver Santonio Holmes early Wednesday, also are in serious negotiations with Asomugha.

That would be fine with Revis, the New York Daily News first reported via Twitter on Wednesday.

"He's the best cornerback in the league," said Revis, who often has been labeled as such by others around the league. "Me and him as a tandem would be unbelievable. It would be awesome.

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"I would love to have him as a teammate."

Talk about a ringing endorsement. And talk about a nightmare for opposing offenses. Revis and Asomugha are considered by many to be the top cornerbacks in the league, and teams would have a difficult time challenging a secondary with those two roaming around.

Revis said if Asomugha signs with the Jets, "our pass defense is going to be sky high."

But New York isn't the only team hot after Asomugha, who will command a huge contract as he did while with the Oakland Raiders. If they can't land Asomugha, the Jets could turn their attention back to Antonio Cromartie, one of their own free agents who had a solid season in 2010 after being acquired from the San Diego Chargers.

"We all know this is a business," said Revis, who missed training camp last summer while embroiled in a bitter contract holdout before signing.

A few things working in the Jets' favor, though, are the facts that Revis and Asomugha are friends who have openly talked about how fun it would be to play together, and that Asomugha reportedly would like to get into acting after his playing career. New York could be attractive to him for that reason, too.

"Everybody would love to see him as a member of their team," Revis said. "I would want to see it. Hopefully, it happens."

Revis wouldn't bite when asked which of the two -- Asomugha or Cromartie -- he would prefer to play with if given the choice. He said he recently spoke to Asomugha but not to "recruit" him.

"We've always spoke as friends, but we even spoke about it at the Pro Bowl, about playing on the same team," Revis said. "Nnamdi, he knows where he wants to play and what's the best fit for him and what he wants to do with his career."

Revis also said he would accept wide receiver Randy Moss if the team went out and signed him. The two have made comments about each other in the past, especially while Moss was on the New England Patriots, and Revis called him "a slouch" for his lack of effort at times.

"Randy, you respect a guy like him," Revis said. "Words are words. We know sticks and stones may break your bones, but words will never hurt you."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Williams agrees to five-year, $43M deal to stay with Panthers

The Carolina Panthers promised they'd be aggressive in free agency, and they stayed true to their word Wednesday.

In perhaps the wildest day of transactions in franchise history, running back DeAngelo Williams agreed to a five-year, $43 million contract, NFL Network insider Michael Lombardi reported, and linebackers James Anderson and Thomas Davis also agreed to five-year deals, people familiar with the deals told The Associated Press.

Williams, who's guaranteed $21 million in his new deal, also drew serious interest from the New York Giants and Denver Broncos, Lombardi reported, but the Panthers were able to keep their all-time leading rusher.

Fantasy: Panthers RBs' stock down The reality of DeAngelo Williams re-signing with Carolina is that neither he nor RB Jonathan Stewart will be overly reliable in stats, Michael Fabiano writes. More ...

The Panthers also agreed to terms with seven free agents, including kicker Olindo Mare, defensive tackle Ron Edwards, tight end Ben Hartsock, fullback Rick Brockel, defensive backs Cletis Gordan, Devon Hall and Kevin Payne. Free agents can't officially sign until Friday.

The addition of Mare signals the end of the John Kasay era in Panthers history. Carolina is expected on Thursday to release the only player remaining from the 1995 expansion roster.

Going after Mare over Kasay was due in part to the NFL's new rule that moved kickoffs up 5 yards to the 35-yard line. Mare has more leg strength than Kasay, who ranks eighth on the career NFL scoring list with 1,823 points.

Mare, who'll receive a four-year, $12 million contract, is just three years younger than Kasay, 41, but still has good leg strength and converted 73 of 83 field-goal attempts the last three years with the Seattle Seahawks.

But keeping the 28-year-old Williams was the big news. A Pro Bowl selection in 2009, Williams decided to stay in Carolina to play alongside best friend and fellow running back Jonathan Stewart. Williams said Monday night during an online chat that his goal was to retire as a Panther.

Williams posted back-to-back seasons of more than 1,100 rushing yards in 2008 and '09 before sustaining a season-ending foot sprain during Week 7 of the 2010 campaign. The Panthers held out hope that Williams would recover before the end of the season, but they eventually placed him on injured reserve in mid-November.

The flurry of moves came one day after defensive end Charles Johnson agreed to a six-year, $72 million contact with the Panthers.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Breaston agrees to leave Arizona, play alongside Bowe in K.C.

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Kolb trade to Cardinals could be consummated by Friday

A trade that would send quarterback Kevin Kolb from the Philadelphia Eagles to the Arizona Cardinals isn't done yet, but multiple league sources told NFL Network insider Jason La Canfora on Wednesday that they believe it would occur within the next 48 hours.

The Cardinals appear to be the leading suitor for Kolb, with the Miami Dolphins the most likely destination for Denver Broncos quarterback Kyle Orton, who was placed on the trading block Tuesday.

The Kolb trade talks haven't advanced to the stage where his representatives are talking contract with the Cardinals, sources told La Canfora, but the sides were in contact before the NFL lockout started in March, and Arizona understands what the parameters of a new contract likely will entail. So completing a deal wouldn't be difficult.

Sources continue to say cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie could head to Philadelphia in a swap for Kolb. The Eagles had interest in free-agent cornerback Ike Taylor, but he agreed to return to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Tuesday.

A possible hitch could be a long-term deal that Kolb wants with a new team. He has a one-year contract with the Eagles. If Kolb signs a new contract as part of a trade with the Cardinals, he wouldn't be allowed to practice with the team until Aug. 4, the same day any incoming veteran free agents would first be allowed to work out.

NFL Network insider Albert Breer reported Tuesday that, according to team sources, the Eagles' plan all along was to be patient in exploring the Kolb trade market. That said, the four-year veteran passer didn't report to Eagles camp Wednesday. Technically, he wasn't required to arrive because of a one-day grace period, the result of the collective bargaining agreement being completed Monday.

The NFL free agency cycle is in full effect, with teams and players agreeing to terms fast as training camps open. Get the latest on all the news right here.

That said, under the new CBA, a lengthy holdout by Kolb, or any player, could be costly. Breer reported Wednesday that the fine allowable by teams has almost doubled, going up to $30,000 per day, and if a player doesn't report 30 days before the regular season, he doesn't accrue the year toward free agency.

Kolb has openly talked about his desire to play for Arizona, saying it would be a good fit. The quarterback, who turns 27 next month, has appeared in 19 games, with seven starts in the last two seasons. He has completed 61 percent of his passes for 2,082 yards and 11 touchdowns with 14 interceptions.

Poor play at quarterback was a major component in Arizona's dropoff from two-time NFC West champion to a 5-11 season last year. The team is set to release quarterback Derek Anderson on Thursday, and coach Ken Whisenhunt has emphasized that the Cardinals are aggressively seeking a veteran at the position.

Kolb began last season as the heir apparent to Donovan McNabb in Philadelphia, but he went down with a concussion in the opener, losing his job to Vick in the process. Kolb did have a couple of strong performances after that when Vick was hurt. Against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 6, Kolb completed 23 of 29 passes for 326 yards, three touchdowns and one interception.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Hasselbeck agrees to reported three-year, $21M deal with Titans

Veteran free-agent quarterback Matt Hasselbeck agreed to terms Wednesday on a multiyear deal with the Tennessee Titans, sources confirmed to NFL Network's Albert Breer.

The Tennessean reported the contract is for three years and worth $21 million.

NFL Network insider Jason La Canfora reported Tuesday that the Seattle Seahawks were unlikely to re-sign Hasselbeck. Later Tuesday, the team agreed to terms with former Minnesota Vikings quarterback Tarvaris Jackson.

Life after Hasselbeck in Seattle The Seahawks heavily relied on QB Matt Hasselbeck for so long. Now, with his departure to the Titans, they must find a way to fill the void left by their longtime leader. More...

Hasselbeck spent 10 seasons with the Seahawks, and the Titans hope he can bring stability to their quarterback position and work with rookie Jake Locker, the No. 8 overall draft pick.

Veteran Kerry Collins retired three weeks ago, and the Titans plan to trade or release Vince Young before training camp opens Friday.

"I think it's a good move," Titans wide receiver Damien Williams said Wednesday as news of the Hasselbeck deal leaked. "Obviously, we've got a bunch of young guys with Jake and Rusty (Smith, a second-year pro), and they're not quite acclimated. We've got a brand-new system, so to bring in a veteran that knows how to adapt quickly, I think that's a good move. Those guys can have someone to learn from."

Not every Titans player was enthused about the move. In a radio interview Wednesday, cornerback Cortland Finnegan praised Hasselbeck's accomplishments but questioned whether he's the right fit in Tennessee.

"He throws the ball with good checkdowns, good intermediate passing game. That's a West Coast offense they run, he throws the ball quick," Finnegan said on WGFX-FM, according to MusicCityMiracles.com. "I don't fear his deep ball. Don't get me wrong, he's great at what he's done. Pro Bowls, All-Pros, even playing in the Super Bowl, but for what we have going, what direction I want to go and the team wants to go, I don't know if he fits what we need, but I'm not the GM, I'm not the front office."

The NFL free agency cycle is in full effect, with teams and players agreeing to terms fast as training camps open. Get the latest on all the news right here.

Back in January, Seahawks coach Pete Carroll pronounced that re-signing Hasselbeck was his team's No. 1 priority, but the two sides couldn't reach an agreement before the 4½-month NFL lockout began.

The 35-year-old Hasselbeck played in 14 games last season, throwing for 3,001 yards and 12 touchdowns with 17 interceptions while completing 59.9 percent of his passes. Originally drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the sixth round of the 1998 draft, the three-time Pro Bowl selection has 29,579 passing yards, 176 touchdowns and 128 interceptions while completing 60.1 percent of his throws in 12 seasons.

Hasselbeck comes to Tennessee already familiar with general manager Mike Reinfeldt, who worked in the Seahawks' front office before joining the Titans in 2007, and Locker, who played at the University of Washington, which is located in Seattle.

"From college to the NFL is a big adjustment," Titans tight end Jared Cook said. "To have somebody to learn under, especially somebody as experienced as Matt Hasselback, I think is going to benefit all our quarterbacks."

In the post-lockout rush to complete rosters, the Titans needed to sign nine draft picks, work to keep some of their own free agents and possibly add a veteran defensive tackle, linebacker and safety. They agreed to terms with 14 undrafted rookies Tuesday.

The challenges don't end with signing players, either. The start of training camp will mark the first time players get to work out with first-year coach Mike Munchak and a staff of new assistants.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Vikings, McNabb work out contract to seal trade with 'Skins

Donovan McNabb's arrival in Minnesota has been a rumored scenario for at least five years, ever since Brad Childress left the Philadelphia Eagles to take over the Vikings in 2006.

Childress is long gone now, but another former Eagles assistant -- new Vikings coach Leslie Frazier -- helped make those rumors a reality Wednesday, just in time for McNabb to help bridge the gap from Brett Favre to rookie Christian Ponder.

The Vikings acquired McNabb from the Redskins for a sixth-round draft pick in 2012 and a conditional sixth-rounder in 2013, two people with knowledge of the transaction told The Associated Press.

In order to make the trade happen, McNabb had to agree to re-work the five-year, $78 million contract he signed with the Redskins because the Vikings didn't have enough salary-cap room for him with the way the deal is structured. NFL Network insider Michael Lombardi confirmed that a restructured deal was in place, but the terms weren't immediately available.

McNabb gives the Vikings a veteran quarterback while they groom Ponder, who was drafted 12th overall out of Florida State in April, to be the team's long-term answer at the position. The original preference for Frazier and the Vikings was to have Ponder start Week 1 in San Diego, with a capable veteran backup there just in case.

But that was before the NFL lockout prevented players from working out with coaches all summer and put Ponder behind schedule in his development. That made it more important for the Vikings to add an accomplished, experienced quarterback they believe can win games with a roster full of veterans while Ponder gets up to speed.

From the sounds of it, Ponder isn't conceding anything just yet.

"Excited to have McNabb join," Ponder wrote Wednesday morning on Twitter. "Will learn a lot from a Pro Bowler. But that doesn't mean I'm not still fighting to start week 1!"

The trade ends a tumultuous one-year run in Washington for McNabb. The 12-year veteran was benched twice last season and threw 14 touchdown passes and 15 interceptions in 13 games. He completed 58 percent of his passes for 3,377 yards, and his agent, Fletcher Smith, publicly sparred with coach Mike Shanahan and offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan.

The NFL free agency cycle is in full effect, with teams and players agreeing to terms fast as training camps open. Get the latest on all the news right here.

Even before the deal was completed, some Redskins players already were treating McNabb's departure as a foregone conclusion. The writing has been on the wall for some time in Washington, and news of the discussions with the Vikings only served to validate that feeling.

"You see a guy that's been a Pro Bowler six times," Redskins linebacker Lorenzo Alexander said. "He was going to come in and really help us win more games, but it didn't work out. Relationships broke down, and now he's not here, but you can't really focus on that. You've got to continue to move forward."

Childress coached McNabb in Philadelphia from 1999 to 2005 before leaving to become the coach in Minnesota. From the minute Childress arrived in the Twin Cities, it was assumed that McNabb would one day join him in purple.

But McNabb stayed put with the Eagles, and the Vikings coaxed Favre out of retirement -- twice. Favre led the Vikings to the NFC title game after the 2009 season, but he had a disastrous, injury- and scandal-plagued campaign in 2010 as Minnesota sunk to the bottom of the NFC North.

When Frazier took over as the full-time head coach in January, he said it was time for the team to end its penchant for bringing in retreads and past-their-prime veterans and develop a young quarterback from the start.

The Vikings surprised many when they drafted Ponder so early in the first round and immediately said he would compete for the starting job right away.

Ponder was billed as the most NFL-ready quarterback in the 2011 class, but not being able to work with new offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave and most of his teammates at various minicamps and organized team activities throughout the summer makes it a bigger challenge for him to be ready to start Sept. 11 in San Diego.

Ponder said last week during a workout at the University of Minnesota that he still was aiming to be the starter from Day 1.

"That's what I'm pushing for," he said. "That's what I'm hoping for. So we'll see what happens."

Bringing in McNabb does show veterans such as Adrian Peterson, Antoine Winfield, Jared Allen and Kevin Williams that the team is still in a "win now" mode, and it was unclear Wednesday night just how the pecking order at quarterback will play out.

"I would have loved to have him back here," Alexander said. "But things just didn't turn out the right way, and he'll go on and eventually be a Hall of Famer."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Miami nice? Broncos QB Orton appears headed to Dolphins

There wasn't any official word on a new address for Denver Broncos quarterback Kyle Orton on Wednesday, but several signs point to it being in Miami.

Sources close to the situation told NFL Network's Michelle Beisner, reporting from Denver, that a trade is very close to happening. Orton would compete with Chad Henne for the Dolphins' starting job.

Observations from Dolphins camp NFL Network reporter
Scott Hanson checks in from South Florida with the latest on Brandon Marshall, Karlos Dansby and a possible trade for Broncos QB Kyle Orton. More ...

NFL Network's Albert Breer reports the Dolphins' pursuit of a trade for the Broncos quarterback might hinge on Miami's ability to renegotiate Orton's contract. Orton has a salary-cap figure of $8.4 million for 2011.

The Broncos put Orton on the trade block Tuesday, and they are unlikely to deal him for less than a third-round draft pick, league sources told NFL Network insider Jason La Canfora. There is the possibility that the compensation will escalate based on Orton's performance and/or his new team signing him to an extended contract.

Orton is in the final year of his deal and has put up solid numbers in Denver after being a part of the Jay Cutler trade with the Chicago Bears in 2009, but apparently, new Broncos coach John Fox has decided to go with Tim Tebow, a first-round pick in 2010, as the starter.

Orton has made it clear that he doesn't want to back up Tebow, a former Heisman Trophy winner and national champion at Florida, who replaced Orton for the final three games last year.

Orton participated in Broncos player-led workouts during the lockout and, despite his hazy status, reported to Dove Valley on Wednesday for a physical and Fox's first team meeting.

The six-year veteran has started 28 games for the Broncos the past two seasons, passing for 41 touchdowns and almost 7,500 yards, along with 21 interceptions.

The Broncos' first practice is Thursday morning. Orton declined to comment to reporters as he left the facility Wednesday about 1 p.m. and again when he returned three hours later for the team meeting.

After saying early on in the offseason that Orton was the incumbent, the Broncos' new front office football chief, John Elway; general manager Brian Xanders and Fox haven't made any public comments about the quarterback's situation of late.

Pro Bowl wide receiver Brandon Lloyd, however, described Orton's presence at the facility Wednesday as awkward.

"Yeah, I didn't know what was going on," Lloyd said. "I didn't know all the rules and stuff, but there's obviously some logistical things about showing up to camp. Technically, he's still a member of the Denver Broncos football team, so it was normal after I saw him."

Lloyd and Orton made a great duo last season, but Lloyd has moved on, figuring it's Tebow's time now.

"I've been spending most of my brainpower in the offseason focusing on how to get Tebow better and what I can do to help him develop as a quarterback," said Lloyd, who spent a week with Tebow preparing for training camp.

"Kyle's going to be awesome, wherever he goes," Lloyd said. "There's a lot of vacancies in the NFL for really good quarterbacks, and Kyle's a really good quarterback, and he's going to be fine."

The NFL free agency cycle is in full effect, with teams and players agreeing to terms fast as training camps open. Get the latest on all the news right here.

Actually, those vacancies are starting to fill up, whittling the list of potential landing spots for Orton.

Tebow went 1-2 as a rookie, completing 41 of 82 passes for 654 yards and five touchdowns with three interceptions with six sacks. He also rushed for 227 yards and six scores.

"I think Tim's ready," Lloyd said. "And I think it's going to put a lot of pressure on us veterans to make him better. That's what it comes down to."

Star pass rusher Elvis Dumervil praised both quarterbacks.

"Man, I think both of those guys are good players. That's a decision the front office has to make. That's not really my area," he said. "Well, whoever the guy is we've got to rally around him because obviously he's the team captain being the quarterback."

Defensive captain Brian Dawkins said Tebow's trial run in 2010 showed he possessed "a lot of grit, a lot of determination, and he is as advertised as far as being a fiery guy."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Bengals pick veteran Gradkowski as rookie QB Dalton's tutor

CINCINNATI -- The Bengals reached an agreement with quarterback Bruce Gradkowski on Wednesday, giving themselves an experienced passer who knows their new offensive system and will help rookie Andy Dalton develop.

The 28-year-old quarterback was with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2008 and 2009, when he worked under Jay Gruden, who was hired as the Bengals' offensive coordinator in February. The Bengals drafted Dalton in the second round in April, but he has been unable to learn Gruden's system from the coaches because of the NFL lockout.

Teams aren't allowed to sign players until Friday. After agreeing to terms, Gradkowski tweeted: "BENGAL fans let's get ready to rock n' roll!!! Can't wait for this great opportunity!!"

Bengals owner Mike Brown indicated Tuesday that Dalton would have a chance to start, though the rookie has a lot of learning to do in just a few weeks.

Veteran quarterback Carson Palmer has told the team he would retire rather than play the last four seasons of his contract with Cincinnati, which has two winning seasons in the last 20 years. Palmer asked for a trade, but Brown insisted Tuesday that he won't deal the franchise quarterback as a matter of principle.

Palmer's younger brother, Jordan, is the only other experienced quarterback on the Bengals' roster. He became the offense's leader in the offseason, organizing workouts near his home in California and leading the unit through voluntary workouts for two weeks in Cincinnati.

The Bengals got Gruden's playbook during the one day the lockout was lifted in April, allowing players to have contact with coaches. Jordan Palmer learned the playbook and helped install the system during the voluntary workouts. Dalton participated in the workouts, giving him a taste of what to expect.

Gradkowski was Tampa Bay's sixth-round pick out of Toledo in 2006. He started 11 games as a rookie, his career high. He also played one season for Cleveland Browns in 2008 and the last two with the Oakland Raiders.

Two shoulder injuries limited Gradkowski to four starts last season. He completed 83 of 157 passes for 1,059 yards and five touchdowns with seven interceptions.

Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

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Jets receivers' salary grab could include some cash from their QB

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- Mark Sanchez is willing to put his money where his mouth is.

The New York Jets quarterback said Tuesday he has already spoken to his agent about looking into possibly restructuring his contract to help the team re-sign players, such as wide receivers Santonio Holmes and Braylon Edwards, as well as other free agents.

"Whatever we need to do to win, it's on," Sanchez said.

He is entering his third year and is due to make $14.75 million in base salary this season, but could make as much as $17.75 million with bonuses. Restructuring his deal could help relieve the Jets' salary cap with teams operating at a cap of $120 million this year.

"I think our whole team feels that way," Sanchez said, "(Darrelle) Revis, me, whoever, it doesn't matter."

Sanchez, who has helped lead Rex Ryan's Jets to the AFC championship game in each of his first two seasons, would love to have both Holmes and Edwards back after connecting with them on and off the field.

"It was such a luxury to have both of them last year," Sanchez said. "It's almost unrealistic to have that kind of a receiving corps again. Whichever guys we get back, it's going to be them playing really well, and me getting even better."

Holmes, who had 52 catches for 746 yards and six touchdowns last season after being acquired from Pittsburgh, was the go-to guy he established himself to be while with the Steelers. He appears to be the Jets' top priority in free agency and has received an offer from the team, according to the Newark Star-Ledger. He's also likely to get plenty of interest from several others teams, including the Washington Redskins.

Edwards caught 53 passes for 904 yards and seven touchdowns, and has said he wants to stay in New York but he is also dealing with some legal issues. Edwards recently pleaded guilty to drunken driving in New York, and a hearing in Cleveland Municipal Court initially set for Aug. 8 was moved up to Wednesday. He will find out whether he'll face a probation violation or possible jail time in Cleveland.

"We love them both," owner Woody Johnson said of Holmes and Edwards as Jets players arrived at their facility Tuesday. "We're going to have good wide receivers. I can promise you that, and obviously we want our guys back if we can get them."

Sanchez said he has spoken to both Holmes and Edwards, but preferred to keep those conversations private.

"No doubt, they're not the only ones who want to be here," he said. "There's plenty of free agents who would love to play here, and are probably calling Rex right now."

Sanchez said letting the team know he's willing to renegotiate his deal could be used as a selling point to help entice other free agents.

"Absolutely," he said. "I'll tell the guys upstairs this, too. They know that. Whatever it takes to win. If it's throwing the ball left-handed, I'll throw left-handed. It doesn't matter. We need to win and we'll get the right players."

In a 40-second recorded voice message left for all Jets season ticket holders, Ryan told fans the team plans to have Sanchez let the football "fly a little more than we have in the past." That declaration comes despite the fact Sanchez doesn't really know who he'll be throwing to just yet, other than veterans such as Jerricho Cotchery and Dustin Keller.

"We better," Sanchez said with a big grin. "No ... it could mean a million things, I have no idea. I think, for us to win, and take the next step, it's going to require me improving. That's a part of this whole learning process.

"That's Rex's deal: Just put a little more pressure on the quarterback."

Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

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Herzlich, who survived cancer, says he's signed with Giants

Mark Herzlich, the Boston College linebacker who survived cancer, has signed with the New York Giants as a free agent.

Herzlich announced his decision Tuesday morning via his official Twitter account.

"Decision is made I will be a #GIANT can't wait to get to #NYC. Thank you for everything." Herzlich wrote.

Herzlich was ranked No. 1 on NFL.com analyst Pat Kirwan's list of top undrafted free agents this week.

Speaking to NFL Network on Tuesday, Herzlich said the decision to sign with the Giants boiled down to two things.

"It's all about opportunity and fit," Herzlich said. "I felt like this was the best opportunity to not only make a team but grow, get a job, go from there, get great coaching."

Herzlich said he also considered two other teams.

"Two other teams I was high on were the Eagles and the Ravens," Herzlich said. "I talked a lot with the coaches and the staffs. Both are great organizations as well."

Herzlich was chosen ACC defensive player of the year after his sophomore season at BC. He was diagnosed with bone cancer and missed the 2009 season. He returned in 2010 and started all 13 games for the Eagles. He had 65 tackles, forced two fumbles and intercepted four passes.

"We are excited to give him the opportunity to see if he can make it in this league," said Giants chief executive and co-owner John Mara. "He's a great kid who had obviously been through a lot. I'm in favor of the signing and, in fact, I suggested it. We think of him as being a prospect."

Herzlich was struck by the condensed period in which to make his decision.

"The phone has been crazy, starting 7:30, 8 o'clock last night," he said Tuesday. "Different teams were contacting myself directly as well as my agent, just getting information out there that they were interested.

"Three months of recruiting wound down to 12 hours."

Herzlich, 23, was on everybody's watch list after his big season in 2008, when he had 97 tackles, including 12 tackles for losses, 1.5 sacks, four pass breakups, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.

However, he was diagnosed during the following offseason with Ewing's sarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer. Doctors said he might never play football again.

After hours of wondering "why," he said he focused on the future in a telephone interview with The Associated Press before April's NFL draft.

"You have to look past that and see that you have something that you want to live for, you want to beat the cancer for," Herzlich said. "That was my focus the whole time. You can't really look back over your shoulder and think what could have been. You have to kind of just push forward and see where I'm going to get to."

He had a tumor removed from his left leg and a titanium rod inserted. He underwent chemotherapy and radiation treatments.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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No trade for Eagles' Kolb imminent as window for deals opens

The Philadelphia Eagles hope to receive a first-round draft pick in exchange for backup quarterback Kevin Kolb, according to sources, but they might not be able to do so. As of Tuesday morning, there was no trade on the table, and this situation could take more time than most expected.

Any Kolb trade would have to include contract negotiations with his new team, and the market remains now as it was expected, with the Arizona Cardinals interested in the fifth-year pro.

Will Brett Favre come out of retirement for the third time? Is Ahmad Bradshaw bound for Miami? Find out where players might end up in NFL.com's free agency tracker. More...

The Seattle Seahawks were said to be interested in Kolb at one point, but they opted to go in a different direction because of reservations about how steep the Eagles' price would be in trade compensation and financial compensation paid to the quarterback.

The Seahawks have agreed to terms with quarterback Tarvaris Jackson, who played under offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell in Minnesota. Seattle also is expected to sign Matt Leinart, coach Pete Carroll's former quarterback at USC, to join Charlie Whitehurst as signal-callers on the roster.

Kolb also could end up remaining in Philadelphia if the team can't receive what it deems to be fair value. Furthermore, the Eagles could retain Kolb into the future with a franchise tag if need be, so it's not a foregone conclusion that he would become an unrestricted free agent in 2012, a possible leverage chip for the team.

Kolb was anointed the Eagles' starting quarterback entering the 2010 season, only to sustain a concussion and then watch Michael Vick take over the job.

Kolb recently stated that although he respects Eagles coach Andy Reid a great deal, he would like to move on to a team for which he could start.

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Market for Hasselbeck's services unlikely to include Seahawks

It appears increasingly unlikely that quarterback Matt Hasselbeck will be back with the Seattle Seahawks, sources said Tuesday, but the Tennessee Titans will be aggressive in their pursuit of the 13-year veteran.

The San Francisco 49ers and Minnesota Vikings also are interested in Hasselbeck's services, but the Titans are considered the front-runners.

Those aren't the only teams courting Hasselbeck. The Miami Herald reported Tuesday via Twitter that the Dolphins have "extended interest" in signing Hasselbeck to compete with Chad Henne.

The Seahawks have agreed to terms with quarterback Tarvaris Jackson, reuniting him with Darrell Bevell, his offensive coordinator in Minnesota. Seattle also is expected to sign Matt Leinart, coach Pete Carroll's former quarterback at USC, to join Charlie Whitehurst on the roster.

The Seahawks also are making a play for free-agent wide receiver Sidney Rice, who played for Bevell in Minnesota.

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Contract no concern: Peterson ready to roll, Vikes' Frazier says

Contract concerns won't keep All-Pro running back Adrian Peterson away from Vikings training camp, Minnesota coach Leslie Frazier said Monday, via The Star Tribune.

"Oh yeah, we had a good conversation. And that's not an issue, and he's looking forward to camp like all of our guys are," Frazier said.

Peterson is in the final season of his rookie contract and has a salary cap hit of $12.775 million. The Vikings and Peterson both would like to re-sign him to a long-term extension that includes a lower cap figure.

Frazier said he spoke with Peterson and cornerback Antoine Winfield almost as soon as the lockout was lifted.

"Both of those guys, there was tremendous excitement in their voice," Frazier said. "Both feel like they're in the best shape of their lives."

Frazier also said he would not rule out rookie quarterback Christian Ponder starting in the season opener, though he added Joe Webb and Rhett Bomar also will compete for the starting job.

"Our coaches feel very comfortable in doing whatever's necessary to put us in the best position to be successful when we open the season against San Diego, and that may mean a young quarterback being in that role," Frazier said.

The Vikings also have been linked to several veteran quarterbacks, including Donovan McNabb and Kyle Orton.

Ponder planned to report as soon as the doors to the Vikings facility open Tuesday.

"It's the first place I'm heading in the morning," Ponder said, "so I'll be up there to meet with [offensive coordinator Bill] Musgrave and talk some ball and finally to get to catch up to what we've been missing all summer."

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Williams says he understands Cowboys' decision to cut him

Roy Williams has heard the verdict from Jerry Jones, and he understands the decision.

The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported Tuesday that Williams was at home when he received word from Jones, the Dallas Cowboys' owner, that he would be released. Teams officially can cut their own players Thursday.

The wide receiver told the newspaper that Jones said the move was being made for salary-cap reasons.

"It is a business. It is what it is," Williams said. "It's a business. I would have done the same thing."

The decision will end Williams' disappointing 2½-season Cowboys tenure that began in the middle of 2008, when Dallas traded away four draft picks -- including a 2009 first-rounder -- to acquire the receiver. Williams signed a five-year extension worth $45 million, including more than $20 million guaranteed, on the day of the trade, but he never quite lived up to expectations. He hauled in 94 catches for 1,324 yards and 13 touchdowns in 40 games with the team.

The Star-Telegram reported that Williams was scheduled to make $5.1 million in base salary and would have counted $9.5 million against the cap.

Williams expressed regret for the way his time in Dallas turned out.

"It wasn't even close to what I thought it was going to be," Williams said. "I appreciated the opportunity Mr. Jones gave me. I just got a chance to play with three of the best players I have ever seen in Jason Witten, Jay Ratliff and DeMarcus Ware. It was a great opportunity. But it's over."

The tenures for several other Cowboys also appears to be over.

Right guard Leonard Davis was told he will be released once teams are allowed to do so, a person familiar with the decision told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the team hadn't made an announcement. Right tackle Marc Colombo said he was told that he, too, could be gone.

Running back Marion Barber came and went from team headquarters within an hour, and he likely also received a farewell from Jones. Barber honked twice as he left in his car, but he didn't stop to speak with reporters.

Jones arrived at team headquarters about 40 minutes before the official start of the post-lockout flurry of activity and proclaimed that he would clear enough space under the salary cap to sign anyone he wants. He added that, "Before the day is over, we will have contact with any player we have an interest in."

Part of the money being cleared is to re-sign left tackle Doug Free. A four-year veteran, Free went from a restricted free agent to unrestricted under the terms of the lockout.

Dallas also spent its top draft pick on Tyron Smith. He was expected to replace Colombo at right tackle but could be forced to the left side if Free gets away.

Free was among the first players at team headquarters, perhaps so Jones could tell him he's the team's top priority.

Colombo said he expected to find out whether or not he's sticking around "in the next day or so."

"My goal is to play here," said Colombo, who was among the veterans who helped run offseason practices. "If it doesn't (happen), it's been a great six years here with the Dallas Cowboys and I appreciate it."

These cuts could be an indication that the Cowboys are, in fact, players in the Nnamdi Asomugha sweepstakes, as has been rumored all offseason.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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'Thanks for great 8 years': Barnett says time with Pack is over

Jim Prisching / Associated PressNick Barnett's time in Green Bay appears over after eight seasons with the team.

GREEN BAY, Wis. -- Nick Barnett waved as he drove out of the parking lot, marking what appears to be the fiery linebacker's last time at Lambeau Field as a player for the Green Bay Packers.

Barnett was among the first Packers to return to Lambeau when the doors to team facilities re-opened to players on Tuesday morning. He didn't stay long and then posted a series of messages on his Twitter account making it clear he had been told his time with the Packers is over.

"Just met with Ted," Barnett posted, presumably referring to Packers general manager Ted Thompson. "Thanks for the great 8 years."

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Barnett said he was "very blessed" to be a part of "such a great tradition and great fans."

Barnett, who finished last season on injured reserve after hurting his right wrist Oct. 3, said he was happy to be part of the team's run to the Super Bowl championship last season and "will always keep a special place in my heart for this team and city."

Barnett did not speak to reporters as he left Lambeau. He did stop on his way in earlier Tuesday morning, saying he was ready to play.

"We could start right now, man," Barnett said. "I'm ready to go. My wrist should be cleared. I saw 'doc' about a couple months ago, he said it was fine. We'll see what happens. Physically, I'm ready to go. Mentally, I'm ready to go. Emotionally, I'm ready to go."

Before heading into Lambeau, Barnett shrugged off recent speculation that he would be traded or cut.

"To be honest, a lot of the talk hasn't come from anybody in here, it's come from (the media)," Barnett said. "So I'll wait for them to come talk to me, I'm sure my agent will talk to them, I'll let them handle that business. But for me, I just prepare, (get) ready to play and see what happens. I've got two years left on my contract, so I'm not really focused on the rumors."

Barnett has been a cornerstone of the defense since the Packers took him in the first round of the 2003 draft. He has started 107 regular season and six playoff games in eight seasons.

But his relationship with the team was strained during last year's Super Bowl run. When Barnett found out that injured players wouldn't be a part of the Packers' team photo taken a few days before the Super Bowl, Barnett voiced complaints on his Twitter account. The team eventually relented and allowed injured players to participate in the photo, but the issue became a distraction as the team prepared for the game against the Steelers.

Barnett also has finished two of the past three seasons on injured reserve, including a season-ending right knee injury in 2008.

And given that the team signed Desmond Bishop to a contract extension late last season, and reworked A.J. Hawk's deal in March, Barnett's $5 million-plus salary may have been prohibitive for a player who would be expected to be a backup at inside linebacker.

Packers officials are not commenting on Barnett's status. Teams can trade players beginning Tuesday and cut players Thursday.

Several other Packers players were at Lambeau, including Donald Driver, wide receiver Brett Swain and tight end Tom Crabtree. The Packers open training camp Friday and have their first practice Saturday.

"It's good to be back, get everything over with and just come back and feel welcome again," Swain said. "Get back in the roll of things and get camp started."

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Swain said he wanted to work out and see assistant coach Edgar Bennett, who is making the transition from coaching running backs to wide receivers this season.

"For sure, I'm going to go up and see him and see most of the coaches," Swain said. "Just get off on a good foot and start camp in a good light. Just look forward to everything."

Swain said it will be a challenge to get ready for the season after not having any offseason workouts.

"It's going to be very challenging," Swain said. "That's where the coaching staff comes in, and they're going to set us on a good schedule and we're going to roll with it. I think everything's going to come together well."

Rookie Randall Cobb, a second-round wide receiver from Kentucky, said he isn't sure how far behind he'll be once camps starts.

"I have no clue," Cobb said. "That's why I'm here so early, trying to get in as much as I can right now."

Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

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Owner: Bengals won't trade Palmer, consider QB to be retired

CINCINNATI -- Bengals owner Mike Brown insisted on Tuesday that he won't trade quarterback Carson Palmer, who wants to leave one of the NFL's least-successful franchises.

Palmer, who has four years left on his contract, told the team in January that he would retire if he's not traded. The Bengals have only two winning seasons in the last 20 years, one of the worst stretches of futility in league history.

Brown said the club will move on without its franchise quarterback. The Bengals plan to hold their first training camp workout Saturday in Georgetown, Ky.

"I honestly like Carson Palmer," Brown said. "He was a splendid player for us. He's a good person. I wish him well. And he is retired. That is his choice. ... I'm not expecting him to be back."

Asked why he wouldn't trade Palmer and get some draft picks in return, Brown said it was a matter of principle.

"Carson signed a contract. He made a commitment. He gave his word," Brown said. "We relied on his word. We relied on his commitment. We expected him to perform here. He's going to walk away from his commitment. We aren't going to reward him for doing it."

Brown has traditionally taken a hard line on players trying to leave. Receiver Chad Ochocinco unsuccessfully lobbied for a trade three years ago, but Brown refused. Ochocinco has one year left on his deal, but is hoping to be released during the next few weeks.

Brown and coach Marvin Lewis declined to say anything about Ochocinco on Tuesday other than that he's under contract. The Bengals picked receiver A.J. Green in the first round of the draft, giving themselves his eventual replacement.

The Bengals drafted Andy Dalton in the second round of April's draft. Brown indicated on Tuesday that he will be the starter heading into camp, even though he hasn't been able to work with coaches because of the NFL's lockout. Jordan Palmer -- Carson's younger brother -- is the only experienced quarterback on the roster.

Brown said the team will look for another veteran, but it will give Dalton a chance to win the job.

"We think he is promising for our future," Brown said. "Yes, he'll have teething problems. It won't be altogether easy for him all the time. But we're going to put him in there. If he can do it, we're going to go with him. And I hope he can manage it."

The Bengals are coming off a 4-12 season that included 10 consecutive losses. Carson Palmer told the team he wouldn't be back after Lewis decided to return even though Brown promised no significant changes in how the organization is run.

The Bengals originally planned to have players report at Georgetown College -- a 90-mile drive south of Cincinnati -- on Wednesday and have their first practice a day later. They pushed the schedule back by two days.

Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

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Broncos want to trade QB Orton to clear way for Tebow

The Denver Broncos are willing to deal starting quarterback Kyle Orton, league and team sources said, and spent Tuesday assessing that market. Minnesota, Arizona and Miami are among the teams expected to engage in trade talks with them.

The Broncos value Orton and are unlikely to deal him for less than a third-round pick, sources said, with the possibility that the compensation escalates based on Orton's performance and/or his new team signing him to an extended contract.

Orton is in the final year of his deal and put up solid numbers in Denver after being a part of the Jay Cutler trade with the Bears in 2009, but apparently new coach John Fox has decided to go with Tim Tebow, a first-round pick in 2010, as the Broncos' starter.

Orton, who participated in Broncos player-led workouts during the lockout, has made it clear he does not want to back up Tebow. Orton has started 28 games for the Broncos the past two seasons, passing for 41 touchdowns and almost 7,500 yards.

The Denver Post, which first reported that Orton was on the trading block, listed the Tennessee Titans as another possible trade destination for Orton. Trades were able to be announced as of 10 a.m. ET on Tuesday.

The Post also reported that the Broncos plan to release 11-year veteran running back Correll Buckhalter, 32, who is scheduled to make almost $2 million this season.

After starting seven games and rushing for 642 yards in 2009, Buckhalter gained just 147 rushing yards and 240 receiving yards this past season.

The Broncos spent the day negotiating with their draft picks, including No. 2 overall selection Von Miller, who said he planned to be ready to practice when training camp starts.

"I want to come in and just learn. I don't want to put myself anymore behind than I already am," Miller said.

Miller stands to make much less money in the new labor accord, with a four-year deal likely worth about $25 million or so, some $45 million less than he could have gotten under the old setup.

"I've been playing football all my life for free. So, whatever it is, whatever my contract may be, I'm good with whatever," Miller said. "You really can't be possessive over something you didn't have."

On top of that, Miller figures he will simply make it up during his career.

"I plan on getting three, four, five contracts," Miller said, smiling. "I don't plan on just getting this one. I just want to play football. I'm not really worried about all that other stuff."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Patriots G Mankins reportedly will sign his franchise tender

New England Patriots guard Logan Mankins will sign his franchise tag tender and report to training camp this week, The Boston Globe reported, citing ESPN.

Mankins, one of the 10 plaintiffs in the Brady et al v. the National Football League et al lawsuit, held out for the first seven games of the 2010 season after refusing to sign a restricted free-agent tender by the June deadline. He returned in early November and started the final nine games, making the Pro Bowl in the process.

Mankins' franchise tag will cost the Patriots more than $10 million, increasing the possibility the team will try to negotiate a long-term contract to provide it some salary cap relief and Mankins some security.

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Veteran receiver Moss set to re-sign with Redskins

The Redskins and Santana Moss have agreed to terms on a deal that will keep the veteran wide receiver in Washington, according to a league source.

Moss' deal is for three years and is worth $15 million ($6 million guaranteed), with a $5 million signing bonus.

Moss, who just completed his 10th NFL season, finished with a career-high 93 catches for 1,115 yards and six touchdowns in 2010.

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O'Hara, Seubert -- two stalwarts of Giants O-line -- expected to be cut

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- The New York Giants have told center and player representative Shaun O'Hara and guard Rich Seubert that they will be released.

A source close to each veteran told The Associated Press on Tuesday that the team told the players they would be cut on Thursday in what are salary-cap moves.

The Giants are roughly $10 million over the NFL's new $120.4 million salary cap. The releases of O'Hara ($3.45 million in 2011) and Seubert ($2.25 million) will reduce the problem by roughly $6 million.

O'Hara, 34, who was the starting center since 2004, was limited to six games last season because of ankle and foot injuries. He had surgeries on both in the offseason.

O'Hara, who played at Rutgers and is a local fan favorite, has been the Giants' player representative in recent years and he voted in Washington on Monday on the agreement that ended the 4 1/2-month lockout.

The 32-year-old Seubert probably was the Giants' most valuable lineman last season. He moved from guard to center after both O'Hara and backup Adam Koets were sidelined.

However, Seubert suffered a major knee injury against Washington in the final game of the season when he dislocated his right knee. It was his second major injury. He broke his right leg in a game against Philadelphia in 2003 and did not return until the 2005 season. He needed five surgeries to repair the leg.

It was uncertain whether either O'Hara or Seubert would have been ready for the season, anyway. The Giants could re-sign them, but it is not known, at this point, if either wants to come back.

The moves leave Koets as the only returning center with starting experience, and he also is coming off a major knee injury.

O'Hara, Seubert, guard Chris Snee and tackles David Diehl and Kareem McKenzie once had a streak of starting 32 consecutive games in a run that made them one of the NFL's top offensive lines.

The Giants open the preseason on Aug. 13 at Carolina.

Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

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Panthers, LB Johnson agree to six-year, $72 million contract

Free-agent defensive end Charles Johnson agreed to a six-year, $72 million deal to return to the Carolina Panthers, a source with knowledge of the situation said Tuesday.

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Johnson's contract, which he can't sign until Friday, comes with $32 million guaranteed, the source said. Johnson opted to re-sign with the Panthers after the NFC South rival Atlanta Falcons hotly pursued him.

The Panthers made Johnson a top priority after he shined last season in place of Julius Peppers, who left for the Chicago Bears in free agency.

"The Panthers told me the whole time they were going to come after me hard," Johnson said Tuesday after the team announced it had come to undisclosed financial terms with the player. "I had to see it to believe, but they did."

Johnson said he was "blown away" by Carolina's offer, and the money convinced him to choose the team over the Falcons and Denver Broncos, who also expressed interest.

"Could you have turned that down?" Johnson said with a laugh.

The Panthers put the full court press on Johnson. General manager Marty Hurney, coach Ron Rivera and several members of the defensive staff flew to Miami on Monday night in an effort to make sure Johnson wouldn't get away.

"A lot of people in my family were rooting for me to sign with Atlanta because it was closer to home and they could come see me play," said Johnson, a native of Hawkinsville, Ga. "But I think they understand."

Johnson had a breakout season for the Panthers in 2010, with 11.5 sacks in his first year as a starter. He had a combined 10 sacks in his previous two seasons playing behind Peppers and Tyler Brayton.

Johnson said he was impressed at how important the Panthers made him feel by bringing a good portion of the coaching staff on the trip.

"They showed so much respect for me; I wanted to show it back," Johnson said.

Aside from the money, Johnson said his love of the Charlotte community played a role in his decision.

"Once you are settled in somewhere you get comfortable," Johnson said. "Money aside, it wasn't a hard decision for me to leave because I am tied into Charlotte."

NFL Network insider Jason La Canfora and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Lawyers: NFL, players settle antitrust suit, two other cases

The NFL and its players already had let the world know they worked out their differences. On Tuesday, they formally gave word of the settlement agreement to a pair of federal judges overseeing three pending court cases.

In separate conference calls Tuesday, lawyers for both sides in pro football's labor dispute spoke to U.S. District Judges Susan Richard Nelson and David Doty to say they've settled, contingent on a new collective bargaining agreement being finished by Aug. 4.

The leadership of the NFL Players Association voted unanimously Monday to agree to a deal to end the 4 1/2-month lockout. Owners OK'd an agreement last week.

Nelson was the judge in the federal class-action antitrust lawsuit filed by Tom Brady and nine other players March 11, the day that federally mediated negotiations in Washington broke down, allowing the old CBA to expire. The NFLPA said it was dissolving the union and becoming a trade association, which allowed players to sue under antitrust law.

Now, as part of Monday's deal, the NFLPA will re-establish the union this week. The sides then will negotiate areas that only a union can bargain in a CBA, including drug testing, player discipline and disability and pension programs.

The pact requires that those issues be resolved and a full CBA be done by Aug. 4; no one involved believes that will be a problem.

Doty has oversight for the "lockout insurance" case and a separate collusion claim by players.

On March 1, Doty ruled that the NFL failed to maximize TV revenues for the players, essentially leaving money on the table for the last two years to gain leverage in the labor fight. At a hearing in May, the players asked Doty to make $4 billion in disputed broadcast revenue off-limits to owners; the NFLPA also asked him to award players more than $700 million in damages.

In January, the union accused teams of conspiring to restrict players' salaries last offseason.

Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

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