NFL News Blog

The San Diego Chargers made two surprise moves in the hours before free agency began, deciding to keep speedy little Darren Sproles and releasing veteran defensive tackle Jamal Williams. The Chargers placed the maximum first- and third-round tender on Sproles on Thursday, offering him a contract for $7,283,000 for next season.
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The NFL has lost a last-minute bid to have a federal court hear a lawsuit by two Minnesota Vikings facing suspension for using a banned substance. U.S. District Judge Paul Magnuson on Thursday denied the league’s request to move the lawsuit filed by defensive tackles Kevin Williams and Pat Williams out of state court, where [...]

The New England Patriots have released tight end Chris Baker, who had 14 receptions and two touchdowns last season. The team announced the move on Thursday. New England signed the eight-year NFL veteran as a free agent in March 2009. He played in all 16 games last season, with seven starts. He had 142 receiving [...]

The Kansas City Chiefs say they’ve signed a contract extension with veteran linebacker Mike Vrabel. No details were released on the deal announced Thursday. Vrabel would have become an unrestricted free agent Friday. The 13-year veteran started 14 games for the Chiefs in 2009, with 65 tackles and two sacks.
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The Arizona Cardinals have released starting safety Antrel Rolle. Thursday’s move had been expected because the Cardinals wanted to avoid paying him the $4 million roster bonus and $8 million salary he is due. General manager Rod Graves has indicated the team would be interested in re-signing Rolle.
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The agent for Darren Sproles says the speedy little running back is staying with the San Diego Chargers. Gary Wichard says the Chargers notified him Thursday that they have decided to tender the restricted free agent a contract, which will be worth approximately $7.3 million. Another team would have to give the Chargers first- and [...]

The Bengals released receiver Laveranues Coles on Thursday, exactly one year after they signed him to a four-year deal hoping he could replace T.J. Houshmandzadeh. Coles had only 43 catches for 514 yards and a touchdown last season, when the Bengals’ passing game was a big disappointment. The Bengals hoped that Coles could take over [...]

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. Jennings and Francisco on Friday will become unrestricted free agents who can sign with any team and the Colts will not be compensated [...]

The New York Jets placed a first- and-third round tender on wide receiver Braylon Edwards, and tendered seven other restricted free agents Thursday. Edwards, acquired from Cleveland in a trade last October, is likely to remain with the Jets after being tendered at the highest possible level. He had 35 catches for 541 yards and [...]

Chris Samuels says he played his entire NFL career knowing he was at risk because of a spinal condition. The six-time Pro Bowl left tackle for the Washington Redskins formally announced his retirement Thursday. He says it’s hard to walk away from the game, but doctors have advised him he shouldn’t play again.
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