The San Francisco 49ers have signed linebacker Marques Harris to a one-year contract. Harris spent his first four seasons with San Diego before signing with San Francisco on Thursday. He played in 56 games for the Chargers, getting eight sacks, four fumble recoveries and forcing three fumbles. The Niners also signed 12 undrafted rookie free agents before the start of minicamp Friday. Comments Off
B.J. Raji and Clay Matthews are in for some culture shock in the NFL's smallest market. At least they were smart enough to prepare for it. The Green Bay Packers picked them in the first round of Saturday's draft. Raji, a defensive tackle from Boston College, was selected No. 9 overall, and Matthews, a linebacker from Southern California, was No. Comments Off
The Seattle Seahawks and starting outside linebacker Leroy Hill have reached agreement on six-year contract worth a guaranteed $15.5 million. The deal could potentially be worth $38 million. Hill became a free agent last weekend after the team dropped its franchise tag on him and Hill refused to sign an $8.3 million tender offer. Comments Off
Sheldon White has been promoted to vice president of pro personnel by the Detroit Lions. White has served as director of pro personnel since 2000. In that position, he headed a team of scouts responsible for evaluating all NFL players, including current Detroit players, and consulted with others in the front office on free agency and draft issues. Comments Off
The Denver Broncos' crowded backfield has become a bit clearer with the release of third-year tailback Selvin Young. The Broncos released Young on Thursday. They used the 12th overall pick in last weekend's draft to take Georgia running back Knowshon Moreno, and will have a half-dozen tailbacks competing for playing time. Comments Off
The New England Patriots have obtained tight end Alex Smith from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Patriots gave up an undisclosed pick in next year's NFL draft for the four-year veteran, who was drafted by the Buccaneers in the third round in 2005. Smith had 129 receptions for 1,252 yards and 11 touchdowns in 58 games. Comments Off
The Cincinnati Bengals have signed kicker Shayne Graham to a one-year contract. The Bengals said Thursday that Graham exercised his option to sign for one year at a salary equal to the average of the top five place kickers in the NFL in 2008. Graham became a free agent after last season and was designated the team's franchise player in February. Comments Off
Gov. Bobby Jindal and Saints owner Tom Benson said Thursday they need lawmakers and residents to back their plan to keep the NFL team in New Orleans through 2025 and revitalize a part of downtown that has been abandoned since Hurricane Katrina. "I got a lot of confidence in our city and our state and the old saying is, I'm putting my money where my mouth is, OK?" Benson said following the formal...
Comments Off
Bob Oates, a sportswriter who covered 39 consecutive Super Bowls and was the last surviving member of the original Pro Football Hall of Fame selection panel, has died at 93. Oates died Monday from age-related causes at his home in suburban Baldwin Hills, his son, Bob Jr., told The Associated Press on Thursday. Comments Off
Without a last-minute agreement, Thursday will be the last day for Comcast cable-TV customers to view the 24-hour NFL Network. Comcast and the National Football League are in a court battle over how the nation's largest cable provider carries the network. Their agreement expires at 11:59 p.m. Thursday. Comments Off
