RAIDERS: The Oakland Raiders and star cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha failed to agree on a long-term contract before Tuesday’s deadline for franchised players. The Raiders placed the exclusive franchise tag on Asomugha in February, which guaranteed Asomugha more than $9 million in 2008 and did not allow him to negotiate with any other team. Asomugha has not signed the tender and has been unable to practice with the team during offseason workouts. With no deal in place, Asomugha will be guaranteed $9.765 million for this season as soon as he signs.
COWBOYS: Dallas Cowboys safety Ken Hamlin won’t have to wait until after the season for a long-term contract. The Cowboys and Hamlin agreed Tuesday on a $39 million, six-year deal that includes a $9 million signing bonus and guarantees the Pro Bowl safety about $15 million. After coming to Dallas on a $2.5 million free-agent deal following four years in Seattle, the 27-year-old Hamlin set career highs with five interceptions and 102 tackles for the Cowboys last season. He was a starter for the NFC in his first Pro Bowl.
BEARS: The Chicago Bears signed running back Kevin Jones to a one-year deal on Tuesday. During four years with Detroit, Jones rushed for 3,067 yards and 24 touchdowns on 761 carries. Jones, who played for Virginia Tech, was drafted by Detroit in 2004. Terms of Jones’ deal were not disclosed.
TITANS: All Pro defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth doesn’t have the security of the long-term contract with the guaranteed money he wanted. What he does have is a one-year deal paying him $7.25 million and a season to make his case that he deserves what he’s asking. The Tennessee Titans and Haynesworth failed to reach an agreement on an extension by Tuesday’s deadline for franchised players. Now Haynesworth must decide when to sign the tender the Titans say makes him the highest-paid defensive tackle in the NFL.
COLTS: Peyton Manning’s streak of 160 straight starts doesn’t appear in serious danger after minor knee surgery. But the superstar quarterback’s medical problems — an infected bursa sac in his left knee — only adds to the long injury list the Indianapolis Colts will face when they open training camp July 25. Not only will Manning be unavailable, but so will defensive end Dwight Freeney, wide receiver Marvin Harrison and safety Bob Sanders, the NFL’s defensive player of the year last season.
RAVENS: The Baltimore Ravens were unable to sign franchise player Terrell Suggs to a contract extension before Tuesday’s NFL deadline after a late round of negotiations the past two days. Suggs is scheduled to play under a new defensive end-linebacker designation with an $8.5 million salary after a compromise between the two sides.
Associated Press
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