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 "There's just something about 18 years, 18 was a good number,"
Manning, fighting back tears, said while winding down his opening
statement, chronicling his rookie season and an on-field handshake
with childhood idol Johnny Unitas.
Manning thanked fans from two NFL cities -- Denver and Indianapolis
-- and the University of Tennessee, and quoted biblical scripture
from the Book of Timothy when he paraphrased, "I fought the good
fight. I've finished the football race. And it is time."
- -
If the Denver Broncos view quarterback Brock Osweiler as the future
of the organization, he expects to be paid like it.
Osweiler, 25, who started seven games last season and is scheduled
to become a free agent on Wednesday, was offered a three-year, $45
million deal including incentives to become the starting quarterback
of the Broncos with Peyton Manning retiring.
But Osweiler is set to test the market unless the Broncos make a
more competitive offer. Two lurking candidates to sign him to a deal
closer to market value -- $19 million to $21 million per year -- are
the Houston Texans and Cleveland Browns. The New York Jets would
have to maneuver to make room under the salary cap if they joined
the bidding.
- -
The Washington Redskins, as expected, released quarterback Robert
Griffin III. The Redskins informed Griffin of their decision on
Monday morning.
By releasing Griffin before Wednesday's start of the new league
year, the Redskins save $16.155 million. The Redskins had extended
Griffin his fifth-year option in April 2015.
- -
Seven-time Pro Bowl guard Logan Mankins informed the Tampa Bay
Buccaneers he plans to retire.
Mankins spent the past two seasons with the Bucs after playing nine
seasons with the New England Patriots.
- -
Atlanta Falcons assistant coach Marquand Manuel accepted full
responsibility and apologized for asking former Ohio State
cornerback Eli Apple if he liked men during an interview at the NFL
combine.
"I take full responsibility for the inappropriate question I asked
at the Combine. It was wrong and I apologize to Eli Apple, Mr.
Blank, the entire Falcons organization, my family, and our Falcon
fans for my insensitivity," Marquand said in a statement released by
the Falcons.
- -
The Atlanta Falcons issued second-round tenders to two restricted
free agents -- linebacker Paul Worrilow and right tackle Ryan
Schraeder.
The Falcons also tendered exclusive rights to free agent safety
Ricardo Allen.
- -
Rob Gronkowski is under contract with the New England Patriots
through the 2019 season after the remainder of a $10 million team
option was picked up.
The All-Pro tight end turns 27 in May and has 65 touchdowns
receptions in his first six seasons to go with 380 receptions for
5,555 yards. The Boston Herald first reported the Patriots picked up
the final $6 million option.
- -
[to top of second column] |
Markdowns from former head coach Chip Kelly's 2014 offseason binge,
cornerback Byron Maxwell and linebacker Kiko Alonso look to be
following Kelly out the door with the Philadelphia Eagles.
NFL Network and Philly.com reported the Eagles agreed to deal
Maxwell and Alonso to the Miami Dolphins, the latest in a string of
major trades involving Philadelphia.
- -
The Miami Dolphins are expected to release Pro Bowl cornerback Brent
Grimes after the nine-year veteran balked at restructuring his
contract.
- -
The Pittsburgh Steelers agreed to terms with wide receiver Darrius
Heyward-Bey on a new three-year contract. Financial terms of the
contract were not disclosed.
- -
The Steelers also agreed to terms with safety Robert Golden on a new
three-year contract.
- -
The Cleveland Browns re-signed linebacker Tank Carder, who was set
to become an unrestricted free agent.
- -
The Minnesota Vikings re-signed safety Andrew Sendejo. Terms of the
deal were not announced.
- -
The Houston Texans re-signed punter Shane Lechler and kicker Nick
Novak to one-year contracts.
- -
The Cincinnati Bengals re-signed backup center T.J. Johnson to a
one-year contract.
- -
The Baltimore Ravens re-signed cornerback Shareece Wright to a
three-year contract.
- -
The Indianapolis Colts released quarterback Josh Freeman.
The 6-foot-6, 248-pound Freeman was signed by the Colts as a free
agent on Dec. 29 with mounting injuries at quarterback. He started
in the season finale against the Tennessee Titans and completed 15
of 28 passes for 149 yards with one touchdown and one interception.
(Editing by Frank Pingue)
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