NFL

Free agent Jake Delhomme, released last week after seven seasons with the Carolina Panthers, visited Thursday with the perpetually rebuilding Browns, who have been busy this week trying to improve their unstable situation at QB.

Matt Moore has signed his one-year, US$3.043 million tender with the Carolina Panthers, who have declared him the starting quarterback going into training camp.

The Buffalo Bills re-signed tight end Joe Klopfenstein on Thursday, a week after allowing him to become a free agent.

LaDainian Tomlinson has left the Minnesota Vikings facility without a deal in place and is on his way to New York to visit the Jets.

The Silverdome's new Canadians owners say they plan to host six-to-eight events this year in the stadium that has been quiet since the Detroit Lions left eight years ago.

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

Suspected gang member Willie Clark has been found guilty of murder in the shooting death of Denver Broncos cornerback Darrent Williams. A Denver jury returned the verdict Thursday after deliberating for a day and a half.

The Kansas Chiefs have signed free-agent wide receiver Jerheme Urban, who spent the last three seasons with the Arizona Cardinals.

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

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.

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.

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 US$42 million guaranteed the Bears gave Julius Peppers, but not the bidding wars and stratospheric salaries some predicted.

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.

The Bengals are trying to reach a deal with free agent receiver Antonio Bryant, the team's latest attempt to find a complement for Chad Ochocinco.

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

Nose tackle Jason Ferguson has been re-signed by the Miami Dolphins, even though he faces a suspension for the first eight games of this season.

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

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

The New England Patriots have re-signed cornerback Leigh Bodden to a four-year deal. Bodden's agent, Alvin Keels, made the announcement Tuesday on his Twitter account.

Quarterback Derek Anderson's uneven five-year stint with the Cleveland Browns is over. The team released the one-time Pro Bowl quarterback Tuesday, one day after the Browns acquired backup Seneca Wallace in a trade from Seattle.

Terrell Owens headed to Cincinnati on Tuesday to see if the Bengals are interested in adding him to their stalled-out passing game. The 36-year-old receiver tweeted on Tuesday that he was on his way to meet with team officials.

After six years backing up Peyton Manning in Indianapolis, Jim Sorgi will get a chance to do the same for Peyton's brother Eli. The New York Giants announced Tuesday that they have signed Sorgi to a one-year deal.

Minnesota Vikings All-Pro defensive tackle Kevin Williams testified Tuesday that he was under pressure to lose weight and earn a US$400,000 bonus when he took a weight-loss supplement two years ago -- a supplement he didn't know contained a substance banned by the NFL.

Aaron Schobel is in no rush to collect his US$2-million roster bonus because the Buffalo Bills defensive end still hasn't decided on whether he'll come back for a 10th NFL season.

The Minnesota Vikings have signed kickoff specialist Rhys Lloyd.

The Pittsburgh Steelers made a pair of surprise moves Tuesday by re-signing safety Ryan Clark and bringing back wide receiver Antwaan Randle El.

Mike Holmgren is already making deals with his former team. The Seattle Seahawks traded backup quarterback Seneca Wallace to the Cleveland Browns in exchange for a 2011 undisclosed draft pick. The Seahawks confirmed the deal Monday night.

An expensive steak dinner he couldn't finish and an offer he couldn't refuse were enough to convince veteran offensive tackle Cornell Green to sign with the Buffalo Bills.

The Oakland Raiders released wide receiver Javon Walker and defensive end Greg Ellis on Monday in their latest dumping of veteran players. The moves follow Saturday's decision to cut ties with longtime running back Justin Fargas.

The Kansas City Chiefs have re-signed unrestricted free agent wide receiver Chris Chambers, who provided spark to a lacklustre offence when he joined the team midway through last season.

Chad Pennington will be back with the Miami Dolphins for at least one more season. The quarterback signed a one-year deal with the team Monday.

A man accused of shooting and killing Denver Broncos cornerback Darrent Williams says he won't testify on his own behalf, citing threats against him and his family.

Donovan McNabb will be throwing passes to Terrell Owens again. McNabb and Owens are teaming up on a basketball court instead of a football field in the new season of Spike TV's "Pros vs. Joes."

The police chief in a Georgia college town says authorities hope to interview Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger in the next several days about a sexual assault accusation against him.

The Philadelphia Eagles and wide receiver Jason Avant agreed on a five-year contract Monday.

A closely watched trial challenging the NFL's anti-doping policy opened in a Minnesota courtroom Monday with a lawyer for two Vikings players saying the league failed to follow state law when it tested them for drugs two years ago and then decided to suspend them.

More than a year after two Minnesota Vikings sued the NFL over its anti-doping procedures, the closely watched case heads to trial Monday with sports leagues worried the outcome will hurt their ability to enforce drug policies across the country.

The Jacksonville Jaguars have signed free agent Aaron Kampman as a step toward solving their pass-rushing problems. The two-time Pro Bowl defensive end, who spent eight seasons with Green Bay, signed with the Jaguars on Sunday.

The NFL has suspended free agent Jason Ferguson for the first eight games of next season for violating league policy on performance-enhancing substances.

The New York Jets traded safety Kerry Rhodes to the Arizona Cardinals on Saturday for a fourth-round pick in this year's draft and a seventh-rounder in 2011.

Chad Pennington will remain with the Miami Dolphins in 2010, this time as a backup. Pennington has agreed to a one-year contract, and the deal is expected to be signed by Monday.

The Atlanta Falcons have signed free-agent cornerback Dunta Robinson, the Houston Texans' career interceptions leader, to a six-year, US$57 million contract.

New England Patriots have agreed to terms on a new contract with defensive lineman Vince Wilfork. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Wilfork was the team's top free-agent priority.

The New York Giants have made Pro Bowler Antrel Rolle the richest safety in the NFL after the former Cardinal signed a five-year, US$37-million contract that has $15 million in guaranteed money.

The New England Patriots re-signed unrestricted free agent linebacker Tully Banta-Cain on Friday, the first day of free agency, keeping their top pass rusher in the fold for another three years.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is being investigated in an allegation of sexual assault at a Georgia nightclub, police said Friday.

The Baltimore Ravens bolstered their receiving corps by obtaining Anquan Boldin from the Arizona Cardinals for two draft picks Friday.

Five-time Pro Bowl defensive end Julius Peppers joined the Chicago Bears, agreeing Friday to a six-year deal worth potentially US$91.5 million.

Pro Bowl return specialist Josh Cribbs finally has a new three-year contract with the Cleveland Browns.

Linebacker Karlos Dansby is cashing in on free agency with the Miami Dolphins. Dansby agreed to a US$43 million, five-year deal with Miami on Friday, a person familiar with the negotiations said.

The New York Jets have released running back Thomas Jones and defensive back Donald Strickland, as expected. The Jets announced earlier in the week they would let Jones go Friday despite his setting career highs by rushing for 1,402 yards and 14 touchdowns and helping New York to the AFC championship game.

The Philadelphia Eagles have agreed to a three-year contract with All-Pro fullback Leonard Weaver. Weaver's deal was announced Friday, the first day of the NFL's free agency period.

Washington Redskins fans woke up to a new routine on the first day of free agency. There was no dramatic overnight deal with a marquee name, the biggest indicator yet of a change of philosophy now that Mike Shanahan is in charge.

The Indianapolis Colts have re-signed middle linebacker Gary Brackett, the leader of their defence. A starter for the last five seasons, Brackett became an unrestricted free agent on Friday.

Defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch has agreed to a four-year deal with the Detroit Lions, while the club also acquired defensive tackle Corey Williams from the Cleveland Browns in a move that also involved a pair of late-round draft picks.

Carolina general manager Marty Hurney calls it the toughest decision he ever made. Panthers coach John Fox couldn't fight off tears while answering questions. The Panthers have officially parted ways with Jake Delhomme and declared that Matt Moore will be the starting quarterback going into training camp.

The Carolina Panthers cut Jake Delhomme late Thursday, just over a year after they gave him a lucrative contract extension only to watch him have his worst season as a pro.

The New York Jets have reached an agreement in principle with the San Diego Chargers to acquire cornerback Antonio Cromartie.

Brett Favre says he still hasn't decided whether he'll play again next season. Appearing on NBC's "The Tonight Show" Thursday, the Minnesota Vikings quarterback told Jay Leno he's not going to say anything anytime soon.

The Dallas Cowboys gave restricted free agent Miles Austin the highest possible tender offer Thursday, requiring any team that signs the Pro Bowl receiver to give up a first- and third-round pick as compensation.

A CFL source requesting anonymity says a player of particular interest to Toronto is Gibran Hamdan, the Buffalo Bills' third-string quarterback.

The Arizona Cardinals have released starting safety Antrel Rolle. Thursday's move had been expected because the Cardinals wanted to avoid paying him the US$4 million roster bonus and $8 million salary he is due.

The San Diego Chargers made two surprise moves in the hours before free agency began, deciding to keep speedy tailback Darren Sproles and releasing veteran defensive tackle Jamal Williams.

Safety Bryan Scott agreed to a two-year contract to re-sign with the Buffalo Bills on Thursday and avoid becoming a free agent.

The Indianapolis Colts won't offer cornerback Tim Jennings and safety Aaron Francisco new contracts, allowing them to become free agents. Agents for both players confirmed the decisions Thursday to The Associated Press.

Chris Samuels says he played his entire NFL career knowing he was at risk because of a spinal condition.

The New York Jets have placed a first- and third round tender on wide receiver Braylon Edwards, and tendered seven other restricted free agents.

The NFL is on the verge of an uncapped season. When the league and the players association reached a new collective bargaining agreement in 2006, a clause called for eliminating the salary cap in 2010.

The Oakland Raiders have tendered contracts to quarterback Bruce Gradkowski and six other restricted free agents.

A former inmate who was in jail with the man accused of killing Denver Broncos cornerback Darrent Williams testified that the suspect boasted about putting Williams "to sleep."

The Carolina Panthers made it clear Wednesday they didn't want to lose upstart quarterback Matt Moore, giving the restricted free agent the highest possible tender.

Two days after announcing they would release Thomas Jones later this week, the Jets placed a second-round tender on restricted free agent running back-kick returner Leon Washington.

A person familiar with the decision says the Washington Redskins have put a first-round tender on restricted free agent quarterback Jason Campbell.

Peyton Manning has spent 12 seasons being a pain in the neck of NFL opponents. Now the four-time league MVP is trying to alleviate the pain in his own neck.

Washington Redskins left tackle Chris Samuels, a six-time Pro Bowl player, will announce his retirement Thursday.

In their latest round of bickering, the NFL and its players' association have exchanged prickly statements disputing whether players will have to take pay cuts as part of a new collective bargaining agreement.

The Pro Bowl will be played before the Super Bowl when it returns to Honolulu next year. The Hawaii Tourism Authority and the NFL announced Tuesday that the game will be at Aloha Stadium on Jan. 30, the Sunday before the Super Bowl in Arlington, Texas.

The Buffalo Bills have signed free agent defensive tackle Marlon Favorite.

The Denver Post is reporting that a federally protected witness testified he saw the man who fired the shots that killed Denver Broncos cornerback Darrent Williams on New Year's Day 2007.

The Chicago Bears waived tackle Orlando Pace after one season in which the 34-year-old played little like the all-pro he once was with St. Louis.

A Pennsylvania judge has dismissed two charges against Steelers kicker Jeff Reed and postponed a decision on two offences stemming from a scuffle with police outside a bar.

The New York Jets will release running back Thomas Jones this week, allowing the leader of the NFL's top-ranked rushing offence to become a free agent.

Terrell Owens is on the market after the Buffalo Bills announced Saturday they do not plan to offer him a contract. The Bills also declined to offer a contract to wide receiver Josh Reed.

An NFL spokesman says the league could change its overtime format for playoff games at a meeting next month.

The San Diego Chargers have decided not to tender a contract to Darren Sproles, allowing the speedy running back to test the free agent market, a person with knowledge of the situation said Friday.

An angry Michael Irvin said Friday he was pleased but not surprised that Florida authorities won't file sexual assault charges against him.

Tom Coughlin isn't going to hand Osi Umenyiora a starting job to keep the two-time Pro Bowl defensive end happy. Speaking at the NFL combine on Friday, Coughlin said he has talked with Umenyiora since the season ended, but he was also a little disappointed the disgruntled veteran said he wanted to either be traded or retire if he does not start next season.

Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall testified in the trial of a man accused of killing teammate Darrent Williams and identified the suspect as the same man he saw outside a club in a confrontation before the shooting.

Mike Shanahan said that the Washington Redskins plan to tender Jason Campbell, their starting quarterback the past 3 1/2 seasons, before free agency begins on March 5.

Minnesota coach Brad Childress will give Brett Favre as much time as he wants to make up his mind about coming back for the 2010 season.

St. Louis Rams general manager Billy Devaney has not decided what to do with the first pick in April's NFL draft.

A man driving a limousine carrying Denver Broncos cornerback Darrent Williams and his entourage testified that he saw a white SUV pull up beside the vehicle just as shots rang out but couldn't see who was firing the shots.

The Oakland Raiders placed the exclusive franchise tag on defensive lineman Richard Seymour before Thursday's deadline. By choosing to use the exclusive designation, Seymour is prohibited from even negotiating with other teams when free agency starts next month.

The Arizona Cardinals have agreed to new contracts for coach Ken Whisenhunt and general manager Rod Graves that will run through the 2013 season.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have agreed to a deal with nose tackle Casey Hampton and placed the franchise tag on kicker Jeff Reed.

NFL draft hopefuls are undergoing more thorough exams for head injuries at this week's annual scouting combine.

Cornerback Dunta Robinson is bidding the Houston Texans farewell, declaring himself a free agent.

In each of the last two preseasons, the Seattle Seahawks decided to provide Olindo Mare some competition. And both times the veteran kicker came out ahead. Now, Mare is getting rewarded.

South Florida prosecutors said Wednesday they will not file rape charges against former Dallas Cowboys star Michael Irvin.

The Green Bay Packers have used their franchise tag on nose tackle Ryan Pickett, keeping the hefty centre of their 3-4 defence at a hefty sum.

Don't expect the Indianapolis Colts to keep middle linebacker Gary Brackett around with the franchise tag although they'd still like him back.

The NFL won't discipline Oakland Raiders coach Tom Cable after looking into allegations of domestic violence and his altercation with an assistant coach.

Robert Kraft insists the New England Patriots will pay whatever it takes to win.

The New England Patriots have re-signed veteran wide receiver David Patten, a key offensive contributor in the early part of the last decade when the team won three Super Bowls.

Mosi Tatupu, a fan favourite who played 13 seasons for the New England Patriots, has died. He was 54.

N-F-L Players Association executive director DeMaurice Smith sent a memo to players and their agents saying it is likely no new collective bargaining agreement will be reached, and the upcoming season will be played without a salary cap.

The San Francisco 49ers placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on nose tackle Aubrayo Franklin on Tuesday and hope to lock him up with a long-term contract.

Former Oakland Raiders assistant Randy Hanson has sued head coach Tom Cable and the team.

The New York Jets have signed former Dallas kicker Nick Folk and free agent offensive tackle Michael Turkovich.

The Detroit Lions have released defensive end Jared DeVries, who missed last season after surgery on a ruptured Achilles tendon.

The Tennessee Titans have re-signed veteran safety and special teams player Donnie Nickey to a one-year contract, his agent said Tuesday.

Chargers wide receiver Vincent Jackson has pleaded guilty to a DUI charge and was sentenced to four days in jail and five years of probation.

The Philadelphia Eagles have released two-time Pro Bowl running back Brian Westbrook.

The Carolina Panthers have decided the price is too steep to keep their all-time sacks leader. It means five-time Pro Bowl defensive end Julius Peppers is about to become one of the top prizes in free agency.

The St. Louis Rams are reducing ticket prices for next season the majority of seats at the Edward Jones Dome.

Miami Dolphins cornerback Will Allen has been released on bail after being arrested for drunk driving in Miami Beach. A Miami-Dade County Corrections spokeswoman says Allen was released on US$1,000 bail Saturday.

The slashing, dazzling runs came less frequently. The yards didn't pile up as easily as in previous seasons.

The New England Patriots have put the franchise tag on Pro Bowl nose tackle Vince Wilfork.

Miami Dolphins cornerback Will Allen has been arrested and charged with driving under the influence in Miami Beach.

Washington Redskins cornerback Byron Westbrook was arrested early Friday and charged with driving under the influence. Charles County Sheriff's Department spokeswoman Diane Richardson said Westbrook, 25, was pulled over about 2 a.m. on Route 5 at Lakewood Place after a deputy saw a Mercedes cross the centre line several times.

Carolina defensive end Julius Peppers, Buffalo wide receiver Terrell Owens and New Orleans safety Darren Sharper are among 235 NFL players scheduled to become unrestricted free agents next month.

The Minnesota state lawsuit over the NFL's suspensions of Vikings players Kevin Williams and Pat Williams will go to trial next month.

Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez says the surgery to repair the patella ligament in his left knee went "exceptionally well."

The Cleveland Browns have released running back Jamal Lewis.

The Tennessee Titans agreed to terms with veteran guard Eugene Amano on a multi-year contract, the team announced Wednesday.

The Carolina Panthers signed Ed Johnson to a one-year deal on Wednesday, adding a needed, run-stopping defensive tackle while taking a chance on a player with a checkered past.

Punter Craig Hentrich announced his retirement Wednesday after 17 NFL seasons.

The Baltimore Ravens say they have signed wide receiver Donte' Stallworth to a one-year contract. Stallworth was recently released by the Cleveland Browns after being reinstated by the NFL following a one-year suspension.

Attorneys say San Diego Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman and reality television star Tila Tequila have settled duelling lawsuits.

The Buffalo Bills released tight end Derek Fine and six other players.

Sebastian Janikowski and the Oakland Raiders agreed on a US$16 million, four-year deal Tuesday that is the richest contract for a kicker in NFL history.

A toxicology report shows defensive end Gaines Adams had marijuana and alcohol in his system when he died. But Greenwood County Coroner Jim Coursey says nothing found in the report contributed to Adams' death.

The Seattle Seahawks have signed long snappers Patrick MacDonald of Toronto and Matt Overton to address a recent problem.

Brett Favre is thanking his fans, though he's mum on whether he will return to the Minnesota Vikings next season.

Less than three hours after the Miami Dolphins announced the release of disgruntled linebacker Joey Porter they said the move was "determined to be an invalid termination," leaving Porter a member of the team.

The Cincinnati Bengals and receiver Matt Jones have agreed on a one-year deal, a source requesting anonymity told The Associated Press on Friday.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has been given a new five-year contract as the league heads into a key period of labour negotiations that could lead to a work stoppage in 2011.