San Francisco 49ers 03/01/2008 9:28 AMESPN’s Michael Smith reports the San Francisco 49ers and DE Justin Smith agreed to a six-year, $45 million contract that included $20 million in guarantees. Smith, who had played all of his seven previous seasons in the NFL in Cincinnati, was given the franchise tag by the Bengals in 2007. Smith was the fourth overall pick in the 2001 draft out of Missouri. He has 43 ½ career sacks but managed only two last season. Smith has played in 16 games every season except his rookie campaign when he made 15 appearances.Read more
Denver Broncos 02/29/2008 9:20 PMAP reports WR Javon Walker got his wish Friday when the Broncos released the oft-injured wide receiver. Upset with his contract in Green Bay and public criticism by Brett Favre of his threatened holdout, Walker came to Denver from the Packers in a draft day trade in 2006. His two-year stay in Denver was marked by a brilliant first season and the tragic shooting death of teammate Darrent Williams, who died in his arms. Walker started last season with two 100-yard games before missing two months following a third operation on his right knee. He was supplanted by Brandon Marshall as the team’s top receiver and finished with just 26 catches for 287 yards and no touchdowns.Read more
Cincinnati Bengals 02/29/2008 9:14 PMESPN.com reports the Detroit Lions on Friday traded DT Shaun Rogers to the Cincinnati Bengals for third- and fifth-round selections in the NFL draft. Detroit had been fielding offers for the talented but inconsistent defensive tackle. On Friday, the Lions settled on the Bengals' offer of two picks in the middle of the NFL draft in April. Rogers is often among the most dominant defensive players in the league. But he failed to live up to expectations at times because of weight and off-the-field problems.Read more
Jacksonville Jaguars 02/29/2008 9:08 PMESPN’s Len Pasquarelli reports the Jacksonville Jaguars, who have been searching for a No. 1 wide receiver since Jimmy Smith retired, reached a contract agreement Friday with WR Jerry Porter, one of the top wide receivers in the unrestricted free agent market. Porter, 29, was expected to sign a six-year, $30 million contract later on Friday. He played the first eight years of his career with the Oakland Raiders.Read more
