NFL notebook: Colts sign QB Brissett to two-year extension

[September 03, 2019]  The Indianapolis Colts agreed to a two-year, $30 million contract extension with new starting quarterback Jacoby Brissett, according to multiple reports on Monday.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport added that Brissett will earn $20 million guaranteed at signing.

Brissett was in the final year of his four-year rookie contract and was set to earn $2 million in 2019. He was named the Colts' starting quarterback following the retirement of Andrew Luck on Aug. 24.

Brissett is 5-12 as a starter, including 4-11 with the Colts in 2017, when Luck was out for the season with a shoulder injury. He has 3,500 yards passing in his career with 13 touchdowns and seven interceptions.

--The Colts signed former New England Patriots quarterback Brian Hoyer to back up Brissett, according to reports on Monday.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that Hoyer agreed to a three-year, $12 million contract with $9 million in guarantees.

The Patriots released Hoyer, 33, opting to have rookie Jarrett Stidham as Tom Brady's backup and potential heir apparent. Hoyer started his career with the Patriots as an undrafted free agent from Michigan State and has spent time with five other teams.

--Andy Reid coached the younger version of LeSean McCoy over four seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, but the Kansas City Chiefs coach likes what he sees of the older version, too.

The Chiefs open the season on Sunday at Jacksonville, and Reid said he expects McCoy to see action behind starter Damien Williams. The Buffalo Bills released the six-time Pro Bowl back on Saturday, and the Chiefs quickly snapped him up.

--The Patriots brought back wide receiver Demaryius Thomas two days after he was released as rosters were cut to the NFL-mandated 53, Schefter reported.

He'll take the spot of N'Keal Harry, a first-round selection in the 2019 draft who will be placed on injured reserve due to an ankle injury.

Harry will be eligible to return to the active roster later this season.

--The Minnesota Vikings signed former Washington Redskins wideout Josh Doctson to a one-year deal, according to a report from ESPN.

Last season, Doctson caught 44 passes for 532 yards and two touchdowns, but it wasn't enough for the Redskins to pick up his fifth-year rookie option earlier this offseason.

--Whenever Ezekiel Elliott ends his holdout and joins the Dallas Cowboys, don't expect the team to spend much time getting him up to speed before getting him back on the field.

Speaking to the media in advance of his team's season opener against the New York Giants on Sunday, Cowboys coach Jason Garrett said he has no set timeframe for how long Elliott would have to wait to play after joining the team.

"He's an experienced player, he's been a really good player for us, he knows our system of football," Garrett said.

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) watches against the Cincinnati Bengals during the second half at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports

--The Cowboys released linebacker Rolando McClain several days after the NFL conditionally reinstated him from suspension, according to multiple reports.

Drafted by the Oakland Raiders in 2010, McClain was suspended indefinitely in 2016 after he repeatedly failed drug tests. The 30-year-old last played in 2015 with the Cowboys, who maintained his rights.

--Two days after trading away Jadeveon Clowney and adding Laremy Tunsil and Kenny Stills in a pair of deals that included numerous other players and draft picks -- and garnered plenty of outside criticism -- Houston Texans coach Bill O'Brien on Monday explained the team's logic behind the moves.

In the simplest of terms, O'Brien said, "In the end, we just could not come to an agreement on a long-term deal" with Clowney, the three-time Pro Bowl pass rusher who was dealt to the Seattle Seahawks.

--Retired NFL wide receiver Hines Ward has joined the New York Jets as a full-time offensive assistant coach.

Ward, 43, was a coaching intern with the Jets during training camp, assisting wide receivers coach Shawn Jefferson. He'll continue to help Jefferson.

--The Jacksonville Jaguars canceled Wednesday's practice and are working to make sure players and staff are safe as Hurricane Dorian approaches the Florida coast.

Coach Doug Marrone told reporters that he is focused on helping those who live in evacuation areas to find safe housing.

--The Philadelphia Eagles signed cornerback Cre'Von LeBlanc to a one-year contract extension.

The team followed up the move by placing the 25-year-old on injured reserve. LeBlanc is recovering from a foot injury sustained during training camp and can return to action after Week 8.

--The Dolphins continued their roster overhaul by releasing long snapper John Denney, a fixture in Miami since 2005.

Denney, 40, made 224 consecutive appearances for the Dolphins, not missing a game in his 14 seasons.

--The Atlanta Falcons signed fullback Keith Smith to a one-year contract, according to multiple reports.

The 27-year-old started his career with the Cowboys (2014-17) and was on the Raiders' roster in 2018.

--Field Level Media

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