Hours before free agency began, the spotlight, for once, was on linemen.
Colts star center Jeff Saturday, a three-time Pro Bowler, agreed to a three- year deal to remain in Indianapolis.
Agent Ralph Cindrich didn’t disclose financial details, but said the deal will make Saturday one of the highest-paid centers in the NFL.
The move came a day after the NFL salary cap increased from $123 million to $127 million. It was also a day after the Colts officially released receiver Marvin Harrison, freeing up $6 million under the salary cap.
Getting the opposite treatment was Derrick Dockery, who was released by Buffalo. Two years ago, Dockery, a guard, left the Redskins for a seven-year, $49 million deal with Buffalo. He was one of several interior linemen who got record-breaking deals that season. When he was cut by the Bills, Dockery was $28 million short of fulfilling the contract. He was a casualty of both his mediocre play and the current economic climate.
L.T. still with Chargers
SAN DIEGO — Running back LaDainian Tomlinson remained with the Chargers in the hours leading up to NFL free agency and the reopening of the trading period.
General manager A.J. Smith said the team was still working to restructure the star running back’s contract in an attempt to lower his base pay for 2009.
“All I can tell you is everything’s ongoing,” Smith said. “I’ve got nothing more to add at this time. But I will add this: We’d love to have him. We hope he returns.”
While his 1,110 yards were the lowest of his brilliant eight-year career, Tomlinson still finished fourth in the AFC and 10th in the NFL last season. Tomlinson is due $6,725,000 in 2009. His cap number is $8.8 million.
Dolphins sign Bell, Wilson.
The Dolphins are set at safety after they re-signed Yeremiah Bell and acquired Gibril Wilson.
Wilson, a five-year veteran released last week by the Raiders, signed a $27.5 million, five-year deal. He’ll receive $8 million guaranteed and $16.5 million in the first three years of the contract.
Bell, who has spent his five-year career with Miami, signed a $20 million, four-year contract rather than test free agency. His deal is worth $10 million guaranteed.
Hawaii rejects Pro Bowl proposal
HONOLULU — The Hawaii Tourism Authority board rejected the NFL’s second proposal to return the Pro Bowl to the islands in 2011 and 2012.
The 10-member board, however, approved a motion to renegotiate with the NFL, if the league is willing. The board voted 6-4 against the proposal. The 2010 game will be played in Miami.
Footnotes.
The Cowboys released quarterback Brad Johnson, who went 1-2 while replacing starter Tony Romo during the 2008 season.
• Cornerback DeAngelo Hall has agreed to a six-year, $54 million deal to remain with the Redskins.
• The Jaguars signed special-teams standout Brian Iwuh to a contract extension and said they will release defensive end Paul Spicer today.
• The Vikings signed defensive end Jayme Mitchell to a two-year deal and also re-signed defensive back Charles Gordon.
• The Jets released Brandon Moore, a starter at guard for the past five seasons.
The Associated Press
