THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
PHILADELPHIA — 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. It reportedly is worth US$11 million, including $6.5 million guaranteed.
Weaver had a career-high 323 yards rushing, 140 yards receiving and four touchdowns in his first season with the Eagles. He spent his first four years with Seattle.
The Eagles released star running back Brian Westbrook last week, leaving Weaver as the lone veteran in the backfield.
Eagles cut linebacker Witherspoon, save $5 million
PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia Eagles have released linebacker Will Witherspoon.
The 29-year-old Witherspoon was acquired from St. Louis in a trade last October. He was scheduled to earn US$5 million this season. The move was announced Friday.
Witherspoon played 12 games for the Eagles, recording 56 tackles, one sack, one interception and one forced fumble.
Injuries forced Philadelphia to try numerous linebacker combinations last season, and Witherspoon started in the middle and at the weakside spot.
Free agent Foote to visit Redskins, Cardinals
DETROIT — Free agent linebacker Larry Foote says he has visits scheduled next week with the Washington Redskins and Arizona Cardinals.
Foote told The Associated Press on Friday night both teams are good fits for him, playing 3-4 defences with coaches he is familiar with from the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Foote says he will meet Monday with the Redskins and Wednesday with the Cardinals.
He led the Detroit Lions with 99 tackles last year despite missing two games with a foot injury.
The native of Detroit and former Michigan star signed a one-year deal with the Lions last year and had 70 solo tackles, his highest total since 2005.
Foote started every game for the Steelers from 2004-2008, helping them win two Super Bowls after they drafted him in 2002.
Source: Falcons reach agreement with CB Robinson
ATLANTA — A person familiar with the negotiations said the Atlanta Falcons agreed to terms on a six-year deal Friday with free-agent cornerback Dunta Robinson, who had 13 interceptions in the last six seasons with Houston.
The person spoke on condition of anonymity because no contract had been signed. Financial terms of the agreement were not immediately available.
Robinson is from Athens, Ga., about an hour from Atlanta. He visited the team Friday.
Robinson was the 10th overall draft pick in 2004. He had six interceptions as a rookie.
The Falcons ranked 28th in the league in pass defence last season. The team re-signed cornerback Brian Williams on Thursday.
