|
 The nature of Sam's departure on Friday still is unexplained.
Sam, who signed in May with the Alouettes, was the first openly gay
player drafted by an NFL team when he was selected in the seventh
round by the St. Louis Rams last year.
- -
The Carolina Panthers signed linebacker Thomas Davis to a two-year
contract extension.
Davis, 32, is now under contract with the Panthers through the 2017
season.
- -
The Panthers also signed cornerback Chris Houston to a one-year
contract.
The 5-foot-11, 180-pound Houston has played in 99 regular-season
games with 91 starts for his career, splitting time between the
Atlanta Falcons (2007-09) and Detroit Lions (2010-13).
- -
The Atlanta Falcons released former first-round offensive tackle Sam
Baker.
The 6-foot-5, 301-pound Baker missed all of last season after
suffering a knee injury in the preseason. He has not returned to the
practice field from the injury.
- -
New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul is likely to skip
the team's three-day mandatory minicamp starting Tuesday
The Giants placed the franchise tag on Jason Pierre-Paul in March,
but he has not signed his one-year tender. He would earn close to
$15 million if he signs the franchise tender.
- -
Tight end Martellus Bennett reported to the Chicago Bears and is
expected to participate in the team's mandatory minicamp that begins
Tuesday, according to the Chicago Tribune.
Bennett had skipped organized team activities while seeking a
contract extension. Sitting out the mandatory camp, however, would
have subjected him to fines.
- -
[to top of second column] |
The Buffalo Bills have sold more than 57,500 season tickets for the
highest total in the team's 55-year history.
The increase of more than 10,000 tickets likely is linked to the
hiring of head coach Rex Ryan in January and his bombastic
personality. Last season the team sold 47,482 seasons tickets.
- -
The Super Bowl spoils were distributed Sunday night when New England
Patriots owner Robert Kraft hosted the championship ring ceremony at
his home in Chestnut Hill, Mass.
According to the team, more than 70 Patriots players and coaches
were receiving their first Super Bowl title ring.
- -
The Minnesota Vikings' new $1.1 billion stadium, set to open next
July, reportedly has a name after U.S. Bank agreed to pay $220
million.
Sources told the Sports Business Journal that the entitlement deal
with Minneapolis-based U.S. Bank was completed in March but will be
officially announced June 22.
- -
The Philadelphia Eagles signed offensive lineman Jared Wheeler to a
one-year contract.
Wheeler, who was signed after working out for the team Monday, adds
depth in the wake of veteran guard Evan Mathis' release last week.
- -
With the retirements of Justin Blalock and Mike Pollak, the market
for free-agent guards thinned out.
The 31-year-old Blalock, a longtime Atlanta Falcon who was released
earlier this offseason, announced his retirement via Twitter.
Pollak, 30, joined him later in the day, according to NJ.com.
(Editing by Frank Pingue)
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