EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Less than two weeks after putting a franchise tag on him, the Giants signed bruising halfback Brandon Jacobs to a four-year, $25 million contract Wednesday.
The signing came less than two days before the start of the NFL free-agency period.
“I was confident all along that this was going to get done. I didn’t panic one bit,” Jacobs said. “I know the reason we did it the way we did; I knew I was going to be here. I was super confident and I am here. I’m happy about it.”
The deal includes $13 million in guarantees. Jacobs will earn $15 million over the first two years.
The franchise tag on Jacobs this month guaranteed him a $6.6 million salary in 2009.
Despite missing three games with a knee injury, Jacobs ran for 1,089 yards and a team-leading 15 touchdowns in helping the Giants win the NFC East last season.
Jets’ Coles to become free agent
NEW YORK — The Jets restructured Laveranues Coles’ contract, allowing the veteran wide receiver to become an unrestricted free agent when the signing period begins Friday.
Coles, 31, was heading into the final year of his contract, but was looking for a long- term deal. Because of the compromise between the sides, the Jets are off the hook for the guaranteed $6 million Coles was due this upcoming season.
Crowder signs multiyear deal
MIAMI — Linebacker Channing Crowder signed a multiyear contract to remain with the Dolphins, a surprising move after negotiations appeared at a stalemate only a few days ago.
Commissioner takes pay cut
NEW YORK — Commissioner Roger Goodell is taking a 20-25 percent pay cut from the $11 million salary and bonuses he was to receive in the 2008 fiscal year, and the NFL staff has been trimmed by 15 percent (169 jobs lost) because of the reeling economy. Goodell and other league executives are freezing their salaries for 2009 as well.
Footnotes.
The Rams released veteran quarterback Trent Green and wide receiver Drew Bennett.
• Offensive lineman Kynan Forney, who was inactive for every game last season re-signed with the Chargers.
• The Texans released defensive end Anthony Weaver, safety Will Demps and offensive tackle Ephraim Salaam.
• The Panthers released wide receiver D.J. Hackett, offensive lineman Jeremy Bridges and running back Nick Goings.
The Associated Press
