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FOXBORO, Mass. - Dana Stubblefield, a one-time defensive player of the year, signed with the Patriots on Wednesday.
In 11 seasons, the defensive tackle has played for San Francisco, Washington and Oakland, winning a Super Bowl with the 49ers in 1994. He played with the Raiders last season.
Stubblefield, 33, will help fill the void caused when Ted Washington left as a free agent and help break in rookie nose tackle Vince Wilfork, the team's top pick.
Stubblefield was one of three players who last month was fined three games' salary for testing positive for the steroid THG last season. The fine will be based on last season's salary, which was not disclosed.
Stubblefield appeared before the grand jury investigating BALCO, a nutritional supplements lab at the center of a steroids controversy in several sports.
The 6-foot-2, 290-pounder has started 149 games and made 428 tackles, including 531/2 sacks. The three-time Pro Bowl pick was defensive player of the year after a career-best 15 sacks in 1997.
BENGALS: Former Gator cornerback Keiwan Ratliff, a second-round pick, agreed to a four-year deal. The team's Web site reported the deal includes a signing bonus of between $1.2-million and $1.5-million. Running back Chris Perry, the team's first-rounder, remains unsigned.
CHARGERS: Doug Flutie had arthroscopic knee surgery and will miss about two weeks. The 41-year-old quarterback had been bothered by soreness in his left knee and hasn't practiced since Saturday. With first-round pick Philip Rivers still unsigned, the only quarterbacks in camp are Drew Brees and Cleo Lemon, a member of the practice squad last season. But coach Marty Schottenheimer said Quincy Carter, released Wednesday by Dallas, won't be signed.
DOLPHINS: Chris Chambers signed a five-year extension worth $30-million, including $12-million in signing and roster bonuses, that keeps the team's top receiver under contract through 2009. Chambers' previous deal, which he signed as a rookie in 2001, was to expire after this season. Chambers caught 64 passes for 963 yards and an AFC-leading 11 touchdowns last season.
SEAHAWKS: Center Robbie Tobeck missed practice after straining his right calf Wednesday. Coach Mike Holmgren said the medical staff was encouraged by how Tobeck felt, "which leads me to believe it's not going to be (more than) two weeks."
Also, third-string quarterback Brock Huard missed practice after having back spasms Wednesday. Holmgrem said it will be a few days before his status is known.
TITANS: Prosecutors said they will seek to drop drunken driving and gun charges against quarterback Steve McNair because a judge ruled two weeks ago police didn't have sufficient cause to stop him. That excluded all police evidence, including a gun found in the car and the blood alcohol test. A hearing is scheduled for today.
"I went through the process, went through the system and today was finally a decision on it. It's been tough, and I'm just glad that it's over," McNair said.
Also, starting defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth sprained his right plantar fascia, a tight band of muscle just below the arch, while rushing the quarterback. The team hopes to know his status within 3-4 days.