GREEN BAY, Wis. — The Packers signed first-round draft pick B.J. Raji on Friday, ending the defensive lineman’s nearly two-week holdout.
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, citing two sources it did not identify, reported Raji signed a five-year, $28.5 million deal that included about $18 million in guaranteed money.
“To be honest with you, it was tough. I love football,” Raji said, faulting neither Packers’ management nor his agent. “The money obviously is good, but football-wise, it doesn’t mean too much.”
Jacksonville signs Monroe
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — First-round draft pick Eugene Monroe ended his holdout, agreeing to a five-year contract with the Jaguars.
Monroe, a 6-foot-5, 320-pound left tackle taken No. 8 from Virginia, could join his teammates today but probably won’t play in Monday night’s preseason opener at Miami.
Footnotes.
Giants quarterback Eli Manning finally signed the six-year extension that will make him the NFL’s highest-paid player with an average salary of roughly $15.3 million.
• Panthers receiver Steve Smith made a surprise return to practice, four days after suffering a right shoulder injury.
• Giants rookie running back Andre Brown tore his Achilles tendon and will be lost for the season.
