Shockey joins Panthers

Times wires
Thursday, March 3, 2011

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Panthers found a potential boost for the league's worst offense Thursday by signing four-time Pro Bowl tight end Jeremy Shockey to a one-year deal.

Shockey, 30, released by the Saints last week, had also received interest from the Dolphins. He signed the contract just before the collective bargaining agreement was to expire. Terms weren't available.

Shockey will be reunited with offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski, who was his position coach at the University of Miami.

"Time for the Next chapter," Shockey wrote on his Facebook page. "This is a great opportunity for me, and I am excited to play football. Lets hope we all have the chance to play this season."

Bears: Defensive end Julius Peppers' contract was restructured to create more cap room for this season, according to media reports. He signed a six-year deal worth potentially $91.5 million a year ago and was due a $10.5 million roster bonus for this season. Instead, the team exercised its right to convert that money into a signing bonus and prorate it over the remaining years of the deal, which runs through 2015. That saves roughly $8 million in cap space for this season.

Browns: Quarterback Seneca Wallace agreed to a new three-year deal. He's expected to be the backup to Colt McCoy, the Cleveland Plain Dealer reported, meaning a likely end to Jake Delhomme's stint with the team.

Chargers: Former Colts safety Bob Sanders plans to sign a one-year deal, ESPN reported. Since signing a five-year, $37.5 million deal with Indianapolis after being named the defensive player of the year in 2007, the oft-injured Sanders played in only nine regular-season games. He played in one last season, leaving the opener on the Colts' first defensive series with a torn left biceps. He was cut this offseason.

Jaguars: Receiver Jason Hill, who impressed in the final four games last season after being cut by the 49ers, signed a two-year deal, the Florida Times-Union reported, and Mike Sims-Walker said he was let go by the team.

Packers: Linebacker A.J. Hawk signed a five-year deal one day after he was released in a cost-cutting move. The No. 5 overall pick in the 2006 draft previously was scheduled to earn $10 million this year. When the team released him Wednesday, it hoped it could bring him back for less money. Terms of the new deal were not available.

Patriots: The team tendered a contract to restricted free agent running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis, who led the team with 1,008 yards and 13 touchdowns on 229 carries last season.

Redskins: Free agent safety O.J. Atogwe signed a five-year, $26 million deal, upgrading a defense that ranked 31st.

Saints: General manager Mickey Loomis said running back Pierre Thomas, the club's top rusher in 2008 and 2009, agreed to a four-year contract. Terms weren't available. … Kicker Garrett Hartley, one of the heroes of the Super Bowl title run in the 2009 season who was briefly benched last year after several short-range misses, agreed to a five-year contract.

Texans: Pro Bowl tight end Owen Daniels, a restricted free agent, agreed to a new contract. Houston TV station KRIV and the Houston Chronicle said it was for four years, and the newspaper said it was worth about $22 million. … Former Bucs running back Derrick Ward was re-signed to a one-year contract, the Chronicle reported.

arena league: Orlando defeated Tampa Bay 63-30 at the St. Pete Times Forum in the preseason finale for both teams. Storm quarterbacks Mike Potts and Grant Gregory each passed for a touchdown, both to receiver Michael Lindsey, who also had a 56-yard kickoff return for a touchdown.

Source: http://www.tampabay.com/sports/shockey-joins-panthers/1155194

Niclas Alexandersson The Ashes Obama administration Australia Biffy Clyro Dance music