NFL Capsules: Texans lure unrestricted free agent Wade Smith
Comments 0HOUSTON — Offensive lineman Wade Smith, an unrestricted free agent courted for his versatility, has agreed to terms with the Houston Texans, his Nashville-based agent, Brian Parker, confirmed.
Smith's four-year deal includes $6.25 million in guaranteed money in the first year and averages about $3 million a season.
An eight-year veteran who started 16 games over the last two seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs, Smith is expected to challenge for a starting job at guard or center with the Texans.
He also was courted by the Buffalo Bills and Arizona Cardinals.
Attorney: Pa. officers with Roethlisberger at club
PITTSBURGH — Two off-duty Pennsylvania law enforcement officers were with Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger at the Georgia nightclub where a woman accused him of sexual assault, and the two men didn't see anything inappropriate, an attorney for one of them said Wednesday.
Anthony Barravecchio, an officer on the force in the Pittsburgh suburb of Coraopolis, and Pennsylvania Trooper Ed Joyner were among about eight people with Roethlisberger celebrating his birthday at the club, attorney Michael Santicola said. Santicola said the men were there because they are friends of the two-time Super Bowl winner.
"They were not there in their official capacity," said Santicola, who represents Barravecchio but said Joyner is also a longtime friend.
Police are investigating the 20-year-old college student's claim that Roethlisberger sexually assaulted her early last Friday at the club in Milledgeville, Ga. Roethlisberger has not been charged, and his attorney disputes the woman's claim.
Santicola, who's based in western Pennsylvania, said both of the law enforcement officers who were with Roethlisberger are cooperating fully with the investigation, but say they saw nothing inappropriate.
"They saw nothing inappropriate, no criminal activity and no inappropriate contact or behavior," Santicola said, adding that Barravecchio was "completely sober" during the evening.
Santicola also said the two do not remember meeting the woman who has accused Roethlisberger of assault.
"If they did meet the woman, they have no memory of it," Santicola said. "This was a crowded bar with people everywhere."
Ed Garland, an attorney for Roethlisberger, has said the quarterback is innocent of any crime and that no sexual assault occurred.
Two Atlanta-based attorneys for the woman who accused Roethlisberger have said that she did the right thing and asked for her family's privacy.
Milledgeville police have said they expect to interview Roethlisberger this week and are planning to take a DNA sample from him.
Roethlisberger, who owns a home about 30 miles north of Milledgeville on Lake Oconee, is also being sued by a woman who claims he raped her in 2008 at a hotel-casino in Lake Tahoe hotel and casino, an allegation he strongly denies.
Colon not a witness to alleged assault
NEW YORK — Pittsburgh Steelers tackle Willie Colon was with teammate Ben Roethlisberger on the night the quarterback was accused of sexual assault in a Georgia club, but did not witness anything, Colon's agent said Wednesday.
Colon was at the Capital City nightclub in Milledgeville, Ga., last Friday, for a birthday party for Roethlisberger. But Joe Linta, Colon's agent, said in a telephone interview that Colon was on the dance floor and not close by when Roethlisberger allegedly sexually assaulted a 20-year-old college student.
"Willie, although he was in the building, had no knowledge of the incident and his name should not be brought up about this incident again," Linta said. "The first knowledge he had was when he was stopped when leaving the place to be asked some questions."
Colon was part of a group of Roethlisberger's friends who went to Milledgeville to celebrate the quarterback's 28th birthday.
Colon's attendance at the party was first reported by the New York Daily News.
Authorities are still investigating the matter and Roethlisberger has not been charged. He is cooperating with authorities and Milledgeville police have said they expect to interview Roethlisberger in the next several days. They plan to take a DNA sample from him.
Roethlisberger, who owns a home about 30 miles north of Milledgeville on Lake Oconee, is also being sued by a woman who claims he raped her in 2008 at a hotel-casino in Lake Tahoe hotel and casino, an allegation he strongly denies. It is a civil matter as no criminal charges were filed.
Vikes player says he didn't know of banned drug
MINNEAPOLIS — Minnesota Vikings lineman Pat Williams echoed teammate Kevin Williams in telling a judge he didn't know an over-the-counter weight-loss supplement contained a substance banned by the NFL.
Pat Williams, a 13-year veteran, testified Wednesday that he first took StarCaps when he was with the Buffalo Bills, where a trainer told him it was a legal supplement. Williams also said he checked out StarCaps online and "everything looked legal."
The NFL is trying to suspend the Williams for four games each for testing positive in 2008 for the banned substance bumetanide, a diuretic that can mask steroids. Neither player is accused of taking steroids.
Both the Williams are suing the NFL, alleging it violated state labor laws in applying its anti-doping policy.
Wearing his right arm in a sling following elbow surgery, the 37-year-old Pat Williams testified he has high-blood pressure and gout, a painful joint inflammation. He said some of his medications are diuretics, which promote fluid loss, and that he took StarCaps for his gout.
Before the 2008 season, Pat Williams said he was "stressing out" over his mother's sickness and had stopped training. His ankles and knees were swollen, he said.
"It was real bad," said Pat Williams, who arrived overweight at training camp. But unlike Kevin Williams, who testified that one of the reasons he took StarCaps before a training-camp weigh-in was to make his weight target and earn a $400,000 bonus, Pat Williams said he took StarCaps to get excess fluid off his joints.
At the start of the Vikings' 2006 training camp, Pat Williams was placed on the physically unable to perform list.
Pat Williams testified that no one told him not to take StarCaps and that he would not have taken it if he had known it contained bumetanide. The NFL contends that players are ultimately responsible for what they put into their bodies.
Both Kevin Williams and Pat Williams acknowledged under cross-examination that their contracts barred last-ditch efforts to lose weight, including diuretics, a steam room or fasting.
"Your focus was making sure you made the weigh-in, correct?" NFL attorney Joe Schmitt asked Kevin Williams. The All-Pro said yes and later said the Vikings had withheld $60,000 of his bonus as a result of the case, an amount that Pat Williams also said the Vikings had withheld from him.
Attorneys for the Williams contend NFL officials knew StarCaps contained bumetanide — even though it was not listed as an ingredient on the label — and did not specifically notify players or the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The Williams' attorneys also argue that the NFL inconsistently applied its anti-doping policy and that some players who earlier tested positive for diuretics were not punished. NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said the league properly administered its anti-drug policy.
The Williams, who are not related, sued the NFL for unspecified damages and attorneys' fees. Among the issues to be settled at trial is whether the NFL has to follow Minnesota labor law when it comes to drug testing.
Agents for the Williamses are expected to testify Thursday.
-- Jeff Baenen
Anderson apologizes for remarks
CLEVELAND — Like one of his errant passes, quarterback Derek Anderson sent a rocket at Browns fans he wishes he could take back. Anderson apologized to Cleveland fans Wednesday after calling them "ruthless" and adding they "don't deserve a winner" following his release by the team.
The former Oregon State star was let go by the Browns on Tuesday, ending an uneven five-year stint. In an e-mail to The (Willoughby) News-Herald, a frustrated Anderson criticized Browns fans and said he will never forget that some of them cheered when he was injured.
"The fans are ruthless and don't deserve a winner," Anderson wrote. "I will never forget getting cheered when I was injured. I know at times I wasn't great. I hope and pray I'm playing when my team comes to town and (we) roll them."
When Anderson sustained a knee injury in a 2008 game against Indianapolis, some Browns fans cheered as he laid on the field in pain. Despite making the Pro Bowl in 2007, the majority of Cleveland fans wanted the club to start Brady Quinn, a first-round draft pick in 2007.
On Wednesday, Anderson sent an e-mail to Cleveland media members saying he regrets some of his comments.
"Those of you who got to know me personally from covering the Browns over the past five years, know this was out of character for me," Anderson said. "I wasn't taken out of context, but I was speaking out of frustration after my career with the Browns came to a close. I had some great times playing in Cleveland, especially during the 2007 season, and I met some great people and made many lifelong friends along the way.
"I'm looking forward to starting a new chapter in my life."
Anderson's release came one day after the Browns acquired backup Seneca Wallace in a trade from Seattle. Anderson was due a $2 million roster bonus on March 19.
The 26-year-old is expected to draw interest from several teams and will reportedly visit Arizona and Seattle this week.
-- Tom Withers
Business as usual in NFL free agency
NEW YORK — Business as usual.
The absence of a salary cap has caused little change in how NFL teams approach the early stages of free agency.
There still has been a spending spree, highlighted by the $42 million guaranteed the Chicago Bears gave defensive end Julius Peppers on the first day he became unrestricted. And, as always, backup quarterbacks have been on the move, following a money trail that led David Carr to San Francisco, A.J. Feeley to St. Louis and Jim Sorgi to the New York Giants.
Solid starters such as cornerback Dunta Robinson and defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch are landing solid deals. Proven veterans, even those coming off injuries such as DE Aaron Kampman and DT Jamal Williams, are getting lucrative contracts.
But the baseball-style bidding wars and stratospheric salaries some predicted simply haven't occurred.
"I see contracts being done as if there is a cap," says player agent Peter Schaffer, who represents Joshua Cribbs, Joe Thomas and Larry Johnson, among others. Schaffer just worked out a restructured deal with the Browns for Cribbs, who went from a six-year, $6.67 million contract to receiving $7.5 million in guaranteed money and could earn as much as $20 million by meeting incentives. Such an agreement would have looked the same in previous years.
"I see two things at work here. Instead of signing bonuses, teams are giving a roster bonus and when they kick in those bonuses under a salary cap, there will be no proration and their cap number won't be threatened. And I see teams preparing for a cap in the next CBA."
The current contract between the NFL and the players association expires after next season; there is no set date, although the league's business year normally begins in early March. When the owners opted out of the 2006 agreement two years ago, it meant not reaching a new deal before this month would trigger an uncapped season.
Aside from Peppers, there have been no astonishing eye-openers. Yes, Detroit gave Nate Burleson, normally a No. 2 or No. 3 receiver, $10 million guaranteed as part of a $25 million, five-year deal. Nice money for a second banana to Calvin Johnson, but not outrageous compared to deals for wideouts in recent years.
And Karlos Dansby, probably the top talent in this diluted crop, received $43 million in a five-year deal that nets him $22 million guaranteed; Dansby gets $27 million over the next three years.
Again, hardly outrageous for a playmaking 28-year-old linebacker in his prime.
"Free agency gives a team a chance to go to their fans and say, 'We stockpiled players and we're doing all we can to put a winning team on the field. Come support us, we might go to the playoffs.' Every team can legitimately say that," Schaffer said. "But the reality in terms of the cap and contract negotiations is teams are spending to a budget whether there's a cap or not."
What has changed, of course, is just who is available and the length of contracts being offered. Under the uncapped system, it takes six years in the NFL to become an unrestricted free agent rather than four. That left 212 players who would require compensation if they signed with another team, a market that has been virtually untapped so far.
The attractiveness of such players as Houston linebacker DeMeco Ryans, San Diego receiver Vincent Jackson and New Orleans guard Jahri Evans is unquestioned if they are completely free. They're not, and they aren't seeing any windfall.
"So many players have been taken off the market because of the extra years added to free agency," said Ralph Cindrich, agent for the Steelers' James Farrior, the Giants' Steve Smth and the Colts' Jeff Saturday among others. "There are less players available than last year and years before because of it."
Many of the contracts are front-loaded so teams aren't penalized down the road if a salary cap is included in a new CBA — something considered likely.
"It seems throughout the league that they're all doing the same thing — it feels like we're the NFL version of the Stepford Wives; all the teams are going with one year deals. Maybe it will open up."
Tom Condon, who along with partner Ben Dogra represents Ryans, Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman, Jets receiver Braylon Edwards and several other prime restricted free agents, thinks the market could open up in April.
"For the restricted guys, we've not seen anything so far," Condon said. "Nevertheless, potentially as we get closer to the draft maybe some of the final eight teams who are picking very late may see value in these guys, regardless if it's a first- or second-or third-rounder they have to give up (as compensation).
"There's absolutely no question that there are a lot of players who are in their prime and they got restricted, and right now it doesn't look they are going to move. We should know more closer to the draft."
-- Barry Wilner
Bengals try for deal with WR Antonio Bryant
CINCINNATI — Antonio Bryant's agent said the receiver and the Cincinnati Bengals were "very close" to an agreement on Wednesday, a move that would likely preclude the addition of Terrell Owens.
For the second year in a row, the Bengals are trying to find a complement for Chad Ochocinco, the only receiver with appreciable experience on the roster. Ochocinco has lobbied to get Owens, who was in town on Wednesday to meet team officials.
Instead, the Bengals appeared to be closing in on Bryant, who visited a day earlier and left without a deal in place.
Agent Lamont Smith didn't return a phone call on Wednesday, but told the team's Web site that the sides were "very close" to a deal. The Cincinnati Enquirer reported that Bryant would get a four-year, $28 million contract.
The 29-year-old receiver had career highs with 83 catches for 1,248 yards and seven touchdowns with Tampa Bay in 2008. He had torn cartilage in his left knee repaired during training camp last season, and knee problems limited him to 39 catches for 600 yards with four touchdowns.
Getting an experienced receiver was the team's top priority in free agency. The Bengals lost T.J. Houshmandzadeh to free agency a year ago, and signed Laveranues Coles to a four-year deal expecting him to fill the gap. Coles struggled to blend in and was released after only one season.
After meeting with Bryant on Tuesday, the Bengals welcomed Owens, who has the same agent as Ochocinco and was interested in being paired with his friend in Cincinnati. He wasn't their first choice, however.
The 36-year-old receiver's production has dropped each of the last two seasons in Dallas and Buffalo. He flew in from the West Coast on Tuesday afternoon and had dinner with coach Marvin Lewis. He met with owner Mike Brown and assistant coaches on Wednesday.
Ochocinco was excited about the possibility of adding Owens, tweeting to him that they would be like Batman and Robin in Cincinnati. When he heard of the Bengals' intensified negotiations with Bryant on Wednesday, Ochocinco tweeted congratulations and wondered if there was any way of still getting Owens.
After his visit, Owens thanked the team for its interest and tweeted Ochocinco: "I'm en route back 2 LA imagining wht WE could hv done 2gether!! Holy delta skymiles Robin! U talk about unstoppable!!"
The Bengals also need help at tight end. On Wednesday, they re-signed reserve tight end Dan Coats, who became a free agent when his contract expired at the end of the season. Coats played in all 17 games last season and caught 16 passes for 150 yards.
-- Joe Kay
Eagles sign free-agent DB Marlin Jackson
PHILADELPHIA — Marlin Jackson's surgically repaired knees didn't scare off the Philadelphia Eagles.
Still looking to replace Brian Dawkins, the Eagles are taking a chance on Jackson. They signed the free agent defensive back to a two-year contract on Wednesday.
A 2005 first-round draft pick by the Indianapolis Colts, Jackson is coming off a pair of season-ending knee injuries. He missed the second half of 2008 with a torn ACL in his right knee and returned in 2009 before tearing the ACL in his left knee in a November practice.
Jackson has played cornerback most of his career, but will get a chance to win the starting spot at free safety in Philadelphia.
"Nothing is promised," Jackson said. "I have to earn it. I played free safety my junior year at college and started eight games there my second year in the NFL. I'm very comfortable in it. I always played a physical corner. Physicality is nothing new to me. I'm very instinctive and aggressive. I can bring a lot of positives."
Since letting Dawkins, a potential Hall of Famer, leave for Denver in free agency last year, the Eagles had issues at free safety. They tried second-year pro Quintin Demps, rookie Victor Harris and veteran Sean Jones at that position in 2009.
The 6-foot, 196-pound Jackson has 306 tackles and four interceptions in 56 career games with the Colts. He visited Baltimore before coming to Philly and was scheduled to meet with the New York Jets.
"The most appealing thing is this is a winning franchise," Jackson said. "That's important to me. I came from a winning franchise. The opportunity to play free safety is very appealing. This defense is very aggressive."
Jackson joins a secondary that includes Pro Bowl cornerback Asante Samuel, Pro Bowl strong safety Quintin Mikell and longtime starting cornerback Sheldon Brown.
Despite the knee injury, Jackson expects to be ready for the season. The Eagles already have middle linebacker Stewart Bradley and tight end Cornelius Ingram returning from ACL surgeries. They gave free-agent offensive lineman Stacy Andrews a big contract last year after he had ACL surgery, but he couldn't crack the starting lineup.
"I'm a positive person and I know how hard I work each and every day," Jackson said. "I know what it takes to come back from an ACL. I've done it once already."
-- Rob Maaddi
Mason to return to Ravens; agrees on 2-year deal
BALTIMORE — After twice reaching outside the organization to enhance their wide receiving corps, the Baltimore Ravens secured one of their own Wednesday night: two-time Pro Bowl player Derrick Mason.
Mason, an unrestricted free agent, agreed to a two-year deal with the team he joined in 2005.
Mason's future with the Ravens appeared unclear after the Ravens obtained free agent wideout Donte' Stallworth and traded for Anquan Boldin. Mason hinted after the 2009 season that he might retire, and there was also a chance he would sign with another team.
But now he's set to end his career with Baltimore, and his return assures third-year quarterback Joe Flacco a familiar target to go with Stallworth and Boldin.
"This is outstanding, just great news for the Ravens," coach John Harbaugh said. "Our coaches are happy. Derrick's teammates are happy and you know Joe is smiling. ... We would have lost something special if Derrick had gone to another team. We have gotten better in the last couple of days."
The announcement comes just two days after Boldin signed a four-year contract with Baltimore. Boldin had 84 catches for 1,024 yards and four touchdowns last season with Arizona.
The 36-year-old Mason had 73 receptions for 1,028 yards and seven touchdowns in 2009. He started all 16 games and became the 23rd player in NFL history with 800 career catches.
Before the season, he announced his retirement and then returned during training camp. Then, after the Ravens were eliminated in the playoffs by Indianapolis, Mason indicated he would again consider ending his career.
Instead, he will spend the next few months preparing for his 14th NFL season.
"I'm getting myself ready to play football and help the Ravens win," Mason said. "But the first thing I am going to do is take my family on vacation. I'll see everybody back in Baltimore soon."
Baltimore entered the offseason intent upon improving at the wide receiver position. Running back Ray Rice led the team with 78 catches, and no wideout besides Mason had more than 34 receptions.
That should change in 2010 with addition of Boldin and Stallworth, along with the re-signing of Mason.
"We know exactly what we're getting with Derrick and that's production," general manager Ozzie Newsome said. "Every Ravens fan knows what Derrick brings to this team. It's reliability, toughness, leadership, the fight to win, the want of the ball in the clutch times. He has a two-year history with Joe that says 'we know how to produce together.' They are on the same page."
Mason played eight years with the Tennessee Titans before coming to Baltimore as a free agent. He made the Pro Bowl in 2000 and 2003, and has 863 career receptions for 11,089 yards and 59 touchdowns.
-- David Ginsburg
LT and Favre? Tomlinson to visit Vikes
MINNEAPOLIS — LaDainian Tomlinson is coming to Minnesota for a visit, and the Vikings believe he could be a good fit.
Tomlinson is scheduled to meet with coach Brad Childress and other members of the organization on Thursday. The 2006 NFL MVP was released by the San Diego Chargers last month after the least-productive season of his prolific nine-year career.
The Vikings are looking for another running back since Chester Taylor signed with the Chicago Bears.
Childress said Wednesday he wants "to see where his mind is at." Childress said he assumes the 30-year-old Tomlinson realizes he'd have to accept a reduced role as a backup to All-Pro Adrian Peterson.
"I would think he knows that, but I always want to over-communicate clarity so we won't hopscotch around that," Childress said. "We'll have to show him what his role will be."
The coach said he had a "great conversation" on the phone with Tomlinson on Tuesday.
"Interrupted him on the golf course. Looking out my window I said, 'Well, I can't lie to you. It's not a tropical paradise here or anything like that,'" Childress said, referring to the Metrodome. "But that's why we've got a roof on the place."
Typical for an oft-used NFL running back his age, Tomlinson has been on the decline since totaling more than 2,300 yards from scrimmage and 31 touchdowns in his MVP season in 2006. Last year was the first time since he was drafted fifth overall by the Chargers in 2001 that he didn't reach 1,000 yards rushing.
Tomlinson had 12 touchdowns and 730 yards on 223 carries for a paltry 3.3-yard average in 2009. His experience, sure hands and usefulness in the passing game, however, are important parts of the job description. Peterson, who turns 25 later this month, has had a problem with fumbling. He frequently was replaced by Taylor on third downs.
Childress dismissed the notion of Tomlinson as a possible tutor for Peterson.
"That's not in the equation," the coach said. "We're kind of measuring him more as a football player and as a person, as a man, as a competitor — and how much he has left to be able to contribute to this team."
Tomlinson's agent, Tom Condon, declined to comment about visits for Tomlinson with other teams.
At his farewell to San Diego news conference last month, Tomlinson said he thinks he can play for as many as four more seasons. He ranks eighth on the NFL's all-time rushing list with 12,490 yards. His 138 career rushing touchdowns rank second.
He doesn't have a Super Bowl ring, a goal the Vikings came close to reaching themselves last season before an overtime loss in the NFC championship game in New Orleans to the eventual champion Saints.
"You don't really want to go somewhere and get your brains beat out," Childress said. "You want to go and have a chance to win and compete and win that ultimate prize."
-- Dave Campbell
Witherspoon: Nearly 30 but healthy
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Will Witherspoon says Tennessee Titans fans need not worry about his age or his production.
Witherspoon, who turns 30 in August, said he still has plenty of skills left as he joins his third team in the past year, agreeing to a three-year, $11 million contract with the Titans that was finalized Tuesday night.
"In eight years, the best thing about it, my only issue ever is that I had one minor scoping. In eight years, I've only missed four games," Witherspoon said Wednesday.
"I feel like I've got a lot of good years left in me. If you had asked me eight years ago how long I thought I would play, I wouldn't know. But if you ask me the same question today, I feel like I've got plenty more left in the tank. I don't think people should be worried about me. If I get the choice, there's a good possibility I'd like to finish my career here."
The deal is the team's first signing since free agency began Friday, and the first toward revamping the linebacking corps.
Ten-year veteran Keith Bulluck is an unrestricted free agent coming off surgery for a torn ACL in his left knee suffered last December. Also, David Thornton recently had pectoral surgery and was bothered by shoulder and hip problems throughout the 2009 season. He has just one year left on his deal.
Middle linebacker Stephen Tulloch was offered a one-year tender worth a first-round pick if another team tries to sign him. Gerald McRath also started five games in Thornton's place as a rookie.
Of Witherspoon, Titans general manager Mike Reinfeldt said: "He has been a quality starting linebacker in this league for a number of years and shown the ability to play all three spots. His final landing spot will be sorted out as the roster is formed, but I would expect him to be in the mix for us at outside linebacker."
Witherspoon was released last week by the Philadelphia Eagles, who would have owed him $5 million for the 2010 season. The Eagles acquired Witherspoon from the St. Louis Rams during the 2009 season.
"My release in Philly was kind of a surprise to everyone. That just kind of came about, but the opportunity to come here arrived, and I said I definitely have to take a look at this," Witherspoon said.
Witherspoon, who had 92 tackles last season, not only fits a need for the Titans, he also has ties to the Nashville area. His father, Cordell, a retired military officer, was born in nearby Franklin, and Witherspoon still has uncles and cousins in the vicinity.
"And knowing the organization and knowing coach (Jeff) Fisher and (linebackers) coach (Dave) McGinnis and kind of getting a better idea of what's going on, all that kind of came into play," Witherspoon said. "I'm going to do my best to make sure everybody knows what I've brought to the table here."
Redskins sign NT Kemoeatu for 2 years, $6.975M
ASHBURN, Va. — Free-agent nose tackle Maake Kemoeatu signed a two-year, $6.975 million contract with the Washington Redskins on Wednesday.
The 6-foot-5, 345-pound Kemoeatu spent last season on injured reserve with the Carolina Panthers after tearing his Achilles' tendon in training camp.
His agent, Ken Vierra, said in a telephone interview that the tendon is "structurally sound" and Kemoeatu is able to walk and jog but not run yet.
"He's got to really work it from a physical therapy standpoint. He's on schedule. He should be ready for training camp, but you never know," Vierra said.
Kemoeatu has 291 tackles and four sacks in 107 NFL games, including 61 starts, with Carolina (2006-09) and Baltimore (2002-05). The Redskins are expected to shift from a 4-3 alignment to a 3-4 under new defensive coordinator Jim Haslett, and Kemoeatu's presence could allow tackle Albert Haynesworth to move outside.
The 31-year-old Kemoeatu's signing represents the latest low-key move in a relatively quiet free agency period so far for Washington under new coach Mike Shanahan and new general manager Bruce Allen. The Redskins signed offensive lineman Artis Hicks on Saturday.
"It's a new regime there," Vierra said. "I think that was appealing."
He said the deal includes various bonus provisions, and while it represents a step down from the free-agent deal Kemoeatu had with the Panthers, they recognize he is coming off a serious injury.
"This is clearly a move by the Redskins to say, 'We like you. We believe you can be a guy for us. So we're willing to make an investment and take a risk,'" Vierra said. "And that says a lot."
Faulk to return to Patriots
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — The New England Patriots have agreed to terms with running back Kevin Faulk. The versatile 11-year veteran has spent his entire career with the Patriots, helping them win three Super Bowls.
He was an unrestricted free agent, but the team announced Wednesday night on its Twitter page that he would be returning. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
The 33-year-old Faulk ran for 335 yards and caught 37 passes for 301 yards and scored three touchdowns last season.
Faulk has 3,505 yards rushing and 418 receptions for 3,605 yards in his career and has also been a steady contributor returning kicks and punts.
Wilfork: ready to work harder after new contract
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Two-time Pro Bowl nose tackle Vince Wilfork says he is ready to push himself harder and ask others to work harder on the field after he signed a long-term contract that will keep him with the New England Patriots.
Wilfork said Wednesday that team leaders and other players need to regain confidence they lost last season that each can count on the other on the field.
Wilfork has just 5 1/2 sacks in his career but is primarily concerned with occupying more than one blocker so his teammates can get at the quarterback or ball carrier.
Wilfork had 65 tackles last season, most among Patriots defensive linemen and fifth on the team, in 13 games. He missed the last three games with a foot injury and returned for the team's only playoff game, a 33-14 loss to the Baltimore Ravens.
Arizona Cardinals re-sign TEs Becht, Spach
TEMPE, Ariz. — The Arizona Cardinals on Wednesday re-signed tight ends Anthony Becht and Stephen Spach to one-year contracts and announced defensive end Jeremy Clark has signed an exclusive rights contract with the team.
The 6-foot-6 Becht had seven catches for 61 yards and one touchdown last season, his first with Arizona. The 11-year NFL veteran has played in 152 consecutive games, the third-longest streak among offensive players behind Peyton Manning and Brett Favre.
Spach, signed by the Cardinals as a free agent in October 2008, had four catches for 38 yards last season.
The Cardinals signed Clark on Jan. 5. He was inactive for both postseason games.
Chiefs sign defensive tackle Shaun Smith
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Chiefs have signed free agent defensive tackle Shaun Smith, who played last season for Cincinnati.
The Chiefs announced the deal Wednesday but declined to disclose terms.
The 6-foot-2, 325-pound Smith has played in 63 games, including 27 starts, with New Orleans, Cincinnati and Cleveland. He has 196 tackles and two sacks during a career that began with the Saints in 2004.
Smith began his NFL career as a rookie free agent in 2003 with Dallas, where he was a member of the practice squad. After one year with New Orleans, he played for the Bengals from 2004 through 2006 and the Browns for two years before returning to Cincinnati last year.
Jets re-sign TE Hartsock to 2-year deal
NEW YORK — The New York Jets have re-signed tight end Ben Hartsock, a major part of the league's top-ranked rushing offense last season, to a two-year deal worth $3.2 million.
Hartsock, signed as a free agent last August, had one catch — a 2-yard touchdown in Week 3 — but was used mostly as a blocking complement to Dustin Keller.
He helped pave the way for an offense that averaged a league-leading 172.2 yards per game behind Thomas Jones, now with Kansas City, Shonn Greene and Leon Washington.
Hartsock, 29, played his first two seasons with Indianapolis, and spent two seasons with Tennessee and one with Atlanta. He has 28 catches for 275 yards in six seasons.
Detroit Lions sign free agent CB Jonathan Wade
ALLEN PARK, Mich. — The Detroit Lions have signed free agent cornerback Jonathan Wade to a one-year contract.
Terms were not disclosed Wednesday.
St. Louis selected Wade in the third round of the 2007 draft. In 47 games through three seasons with the Rams, including six starts, he has 67 tackles and two interceptions.
The Lions within the past week have signed two veteran free agents in defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch and wide receiver Nate Burleson. They've also acquired defensive Corey Williams and cornerback Chris Houston in trades with Cleveland and Atlanta, respectively.
Bears sign FB Eddie Williams
LAKE FOREST, Ill. — Fullback Eddie Williams has signed a one-year contract with the Chicago Bears.
Drafted in the seventh round by Washington last year, he spent most of the season on the Redskins' practice squad before being elevated to the active roster Nov. 2. He was inactive for three games before being placed on injured reserve with a broken leg in late November.
The 6-foot-1, 249-pound Williams caught 100 passes for 1,205 yards and 11 touchdowns in four seasons at Idaho, while carrying 19 times for 195 yards and three TDs.
Broncos release defensive lineman Peterson
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — The Denver Broncos have released defensive lineman Kenny Peterson and waived guard Mitch Erickson.
Peterson is an eighth-year player who joined the club as a free agent in November 2007 and had 94 tackles, including five sacks, in 42 games for the Broncos. He started 15 games in his time in Denver.
Erickson joined the club as an undrafted free agent out of South Dakota State in 2008 and spent two years on the Broncos' practice squad.
Jurors in Williams' slaying trial to go to 2nd day
DENVER — Jurors deliberating the case against a man accused of firing the shots that killed Denver Broncos cornerback Darrent Williams went home Wednesday without reaching a decision.
Jurors deciding the Willie Clark case will return to the Denver courthouse Thursday morning.
Clark is charged with first-degree murder in the New Year's Day 2007 shooting.
Prosecutors say Clark went into a murderous rage after a confrontation at a nightclub, and that he later told friends he fired the fatal shots.
Defense attorneys say Clark wasn't in a vehicle that pulled up besides Williams' rented limousine when someone inside fired the shots. They say Clark is being made a scapegoat.
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