EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - Neil O'Donnell won't be joining the Giants as a backup to top draft pick Eli Manning.
O'Donnell, a 14-year veteran who once started for the Jets, plans to retire instead of play another season. The Giants are seeking a veteran to help mentor Manning this year after they cut incumbent quarterback Kerry Collins.
A native of New Jersey, O'Donnell finished his career with the Titans. He came out of a temporary retirement to lead the Titans 33-13 over Tampa Bay in the season finale in December.
Meanwhile, former Penn State quarterback Kevin Thompson was signed as a free agent.
RAMS: Marc Bulger agreed to a four-year contract, a deal that could affect whether two-time MVP Kurt Warner will be released next month. The Rams did not disclose terms of the deal with Bulger, who coach Mike Martz has said would enter the preseason as the team's starting quarterback.
Warner's agent, Mark Bartelstein, said Tuesday night his client expected to be released after June 1 and he doubted Warner would be willing to back up Bulger or take a salary cut to stay with the Rams.
TILLMAN HONOR: Former Cardinals player Pat Tillman received the All-American Football Foundation's Admiral Thomas J. Hamilton award and will be honored posthumously at a banquet this month. Tillman is the sixth college football player who died during wartime to receive the award. The 27-year-old died April 22 in Afghanistan.
