NFL

Pats let two-way player walk

By wire services
Published March 2, 2005

FOXBORO, Mass. - The Patriots declined an option on receiver-turned-cornerback Troy Brown on Tuesday, allowing the 12-year veteran to become a free agent. Brown was scheduled to earn $2.5-million next season with a $2.5-million bonus.

Once one of the Patriots' most dependable receivers, Brown's biggest contribution last season was on defense. With the secondary weakened by injuries, he filled in as a defensive back.

Working mainly in passing situations, Brown had three interceptions, broke up five passes and made 17 tackles last season.

Brown is the third high-profile player the Patriots have released in the last week. Veteran linebacker Roman Phifer was released on Monday, and four-time Pro Bowl cornerback Ty Law, who missed the second half of the regular season and the playoffs with a broken foot, was released last week.

BENGALS: Running back and franchise player Rudi Johnson will sign the one-year tender of $6.3-million. Last season, he rushed for a team-record 1,454 yards and scored 12 touchdowns.

BROWNS: The team is close to a trade that would send defensive tackle Gerard Warren to Denver for a fourth-round pick, the Associated Press reported. Warren, taken No.3 overall in 2001, has been a disappointment during his four seasons in Cleveland.

COWBOYS: Three-time Pro Bowl linebacker Dexter Coakley was released. He was scheduled to make $3.3-million next season. The third-round pick in 1997 missed only one game and is fourth all-time in franchise history with 1,046 tackles.

JAGUARS: Safety and franchise player Donovin Darius re-signed for the one-year tender of $4.97-million. The franchise player for the third consecutive season, Darius started every game last season and was third on the team with 125 tackles.

RAIDERS: Offensive lineman Frank Middleton, safety Ray Buchanan and tight end Roland Williams were released. Buchanan, due to make $1-million this season, likely will be re-signed for less money after he started all 16 games last season. Middleton ended last season on injured reserve with a torn left quadriceps. Williams was again limited by injury last season.

REDSKINS: Tackle Chris Samuels will receive the largest signing bonus in team history, AP reported. He was scheduled to count $9.5-million against the cap. But a multiyear deal will include a signing bonus of $15.75-million, which exceeds the $15.5-million linebacker LaVar Arrington got in December 2003.

STEELERS: Linebacker Larry Foote agreed to a five-year deal. He had 78 tackles and three sacks last season for Pittsburgh.

[Last modified March 2, 2005, 00:47:18]