CHICAGO — The Bears agreed to a three-year deal with Orlando Pace on Thursday, adding a seven-time Pro Bowl tackle to their offensive line on the same day they acquired quarterback Jay Cutler in a trade with the Broncos.
Released by the Rams three weeks ago in a move to clear $6 million in cap room, Pace, 33, joins a team that suddenly has a different look on offense after going 9-7 and missing the playoffs for the second consecutive season.
“We really feel that it gives us a very good offensive line,” general manager Jerry Angelo said. “He expressed to us on his visit that he wants to continue to play, and he feels that his health is as good as it’s been in a while.”
Agent targets Vick’s return
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — An agent for suspended NFL star Michael Vick told a bankruptcy court he hopes the former Falcons quarterback could return to the league by September.
Joel Segal testified as part of a hearing to assess Vick’s plan to emerge from bankruptcy, which was designed with the goal of Vick returning to a professional football career. Vick, who left a federal prison in Kansas last week to travel to Virginia, was in court for the first time in the case. He is scheduled to testify today.
To return to a team, Vick still must apply to NFL commissioner Roger Goodell to be reinstated. He hasn’t yet done so, Segal said, and plans first to finish his 23-month sentence for bankrolling a dogfighting operation.
Segal said Vick “misses the game a lot” and has stayed in good shape.
Stallworth out on bail
MIAMI — Browns receiver Donte’ Stallworth surrendered in court on charges that he was driving drunk when he struck and killed a pedestrian while returning from a night of partying in Miami Beach on March 14. Stallworth, 28, was released a few hours later on $200,000 bail.
If convicted of DUI manslaughter, Stallworth faces a maximum of 15 years in prison. The judge set an April 23 arraignment date for Stallworth to enter a plea.
Footnotes.
Former Boston College lineman B.J. Raji, who is considered the top defensive tackle eligible for this month’s NFL draft, reportedly failed a drug test at the NFL combine.
• The Cardinals signed fullback Dan Kreider to a one-year deal.
• The Cowboys re-signed guard Cory Procter to a one-year contract.
• Defensive end Phillip Daniels signed a one-year contract to return to the Redskins. The Associated Press
