Associated Press
CHARLOTTE ó After not signing a single player from another team in free agency before the draft, the Carolina Panthers have loaded up their roster with undrafted rookies.
The salary cap-strapped Panthers on Tuesday released a list of 20 rookies and two veterans who agreed to terms ahead of this weekend’s minicamp.
The prize of the bunch may be jumbo tackle Gerald Cadogan of Penn State.
Predicted by many to go in the middle rounds, Cadogan (6-foot-5, 309 pounds) went undrafted last weekend, leading to a bidding war. The Panthers went the unusual route of giving Cadogan a three-year contract.
“We fielded offers from approximately 10 different teams on Gerald but determined that the Panthers presented the best opportunity,” agent Scott Smith said.
Smith indicated Cadogan was told he’d begin as left tackle Jordan Gross’ backup.
After releasing Jeremy Bridges and watching fellow backups Geoff Hangartner (Buffalo) and Frank Omiyale (Chicago) leave in free agency, the Panthers are looking for depth on the offensive line.
Joining Cadogan and fifth-round pick Duke Robinson will be undrafted rookie linemen Patrick Brown of Central Florida, C.J. Davis of Pittsburgh, Keith Gray of Connecticut and Garry Williams of Kentucky. The Panthers also signed former Washington Redskins lineman Justin Geisinger.
Carolina also reached terms with speedy running back Jamall Lee of Bishop’s University in Canada. He’s been listed as one of the top prospects for this weekend’s Canadian Football League draft.
Other players locked up by Carolina include quarterback Hunter Cantwell of Louisville, defensive tackle Marlon Favorite of LSU and safety Anthony Scirrotto of Penn State.
The Panthers also brought in speedy Larry Beavers of tiny Wesley College in Dover, Del. With Mark Jones signing with Tennessee and Ryne Robinson returning from a knee injury, Beavers could get a shot at the kick returning job.
Beavers holds the NCAA all-division records with 10 career kickoff returns for touchdowns and 13 total TD returns. He led Division III in kick return average (39.5) last season.
Carolina’s three-day minicamp begins Friday.
JETS
NEW YORK ó Brett Favre was released from the reserve-retired list by the Jets, making the quarterback a free agent if he decides to again come out of retirement.
When Favre was dealt to New York, there were conditions in the trade that required the Packers to be compensated if the Jets moved the three-time MVP. Those no longer apply if he signs elsewhere.
The 39-year-old Favre had requested the move several weeks ago through agent Bus Cook but insisted he has no plans to come out of retirement for a 19th season.
“Nothing has changed,” Favre said. “At this time, I am retired and have no intention of returning to football.”
CARDINALS
PHOENIX ó Arizona granted running back Edgerrin James’ wish to be released and cut two others.
While James’ move was anticipated, the release of cornerback Rod Hood and defensive end Travis LaBoy was not.
The moves clears significant salary cap space for the Cardinals, who want to sign new deals with linebacker Karlos Dansby and safety Adrian Wilson and eventually with unhappy wide receiver Anquan Boldin. James, Hood and LaBoy combined were to have made $10 million next season.
CHIEFS
KANSAS CITY, Mo. ó Atlanta-bound tight end Tony Gonzalez bid Kansas City farewell and promised that if he ever goes into the Hall of Fame, it will be as a Chief.
“The only regrets I have are things I didn’t do,” said Gonzalez, a 10-time Pro Bowl selection. “I really wish I could have been a part of something more special. I wanted to be a part of bringing a championship to this city.
“I’m going to go on record right now saying I’m going to retire as a Chief. If I am ever fortunate enough to go into the Hall of Fame, it’s going to be as a Chief.”
Gonzalez set up and paid for his own news conference at a downtown hotel.
“I wanted to come face-to-face with everybody and (say goodbye) the right way,” he said.
REDSKINS
ASHBURN, Va. ó Washington has been awarded running back Marcus Mason off waivers from the Jets.
Mason led the NFL in rushing during the preseason last year while with the Redskins, but he was cut and signed to the Baltimore Ravens practice squad. He then was signed by the Jets and was inactive for seven games.
n OMAHA, Neb. ó Redskins draft pick Cody Glenn admitted he lied when he told reporters that his suspension at Nebraska last season was for selling football tickets.
Glenn told The Associated Press on Tuesday he made up the story about selling his tickets, which would have been a violation of NCAA rules.
The fifth-round pick said he wanted to satisfy reporters and get them to quit asking him about the suspension. Glenn refused to disclose the real reason for his suspension.
CHARGERS
SAN DIEGO ó Running back Darren Sproles signed the $6,621,000 million contract he was tendered as the team’s franchise player.
BENGALS
CINCINNATI ó The Bengals have released two punters, clearing the way for fifth-round draft pick Kevin Huber to take the job.
Kyle Larson and Ryan Plackemeier were let go. The Bengals claimed Plackemeier off waivers on Feb. 13. He punted for Seattle and Washington last season.
* Texas receiver Quan Cosby has agreed to terms with the Bengals after going undrafted over the weekend.
SAINTS
METAIRIE, La. ó New Orleans released veteran defensive tackle Brian Young, who played only half of last season because of problems with his left knee that lingered into the current offseason.
EAGLES
PHILADELPHIA ó Unhappy cornerback Sheldon Brown says he’ll report to the Eagles’ mandatory minicamp this weekend so that he’s prepared to play somewhere this season.
BILLS
CLEVELAND ó Buffalo defensive back Donte Whitner has pleaded not guilty to charges he forced his way past police during an altercation at a Cleveland nightclub.
VICK
NORFOLK, Va. ó Michael Vick’s revised bankruptcy plan will incorporate many of the suggestions made by a judge who rejected his first proposal but will still be based largely on resuming his once-lucrative NFL career, a lawyer for the former Atlanta Falcons quarterback said.
Attorney Paul Campsen told U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Frank Santoro that Vick and his advisers have made substantial progress on drafting a new Chapter 11 plan. Santoro scheduled another hearing for June 9, which will allow attorneys to meet with Vick after his May 21 transfer to home confinement in Hampton, Va.
* ALBANY, N.Y. ó The Albany Firebirds, an arenafootball2 franchise, have offered Vick a one-year contract at the league standard: $200 a week plus a $50 bonus for a win.
The offer requires that Vick donate $100,000 to a local humane society.