Free Agency

The New York Jets have announced that they will be parting ways with running back Thomas Jones on March 5.

With the Jets releasing Jones, the leader of the NFL's top-ranked rushing offense will become a free agent. On Monday, general manager Mike Tannenbaum said the team has already informed Jones and his representatives that they would be cutting ties with him once free agency opens.

According to ESPN.com, Sebastian Janikowski and the Oakland Raiders have agreed to a four-year, $16 million deal on Tuesday which will be the richest contract for a kicker in NFL history.

Janikowski was eligible to be an unrestricted free agent if the Raiders did not place a franchise tag on him by February 25 or sign him to a contract. Oakland decided to lock Janikowski up with the same contract their All Pro punter Shane Lechler received last year so he can stay out of free agency.

The Houston Texans with a 9-7 record this season almost made the NFL postseason and in a way to reward their head coach Gary Kubiak, owner Bob McNair and the organization have given the coach a contract extension.

The Texans announced Wednesday that the coach has signed a contract extension that runs through the 2012 season. With Kubiak leading the Texans to their first winning season and record in franchise history, there really is no need for the organization to let go of a successful and a possibility of building on what they had this year.

NFL players have gone after the aid of congress to prevent the NFL owners from inflicting a lockout after next season. The players are hoping lawmakers in Washington D.C. can help overturn a possible victory in the Supreme Court antitrust case which would affect free agency amongst other things like ticket prices.

“We want Congress to know that management is pushing us toward a lockout,” said Tennessee Titans center Kevin Mawae who is also the union president and part of the 30 current and former players who were on Capitol Hill to discuss the issue.

The Memphis Grizzlies have worked hard to bring in a lot of talent that have the opportunity to help the team win now and build for the future. Despite this, the Grizzlies are having trouble keeping players that have been a part of the team’s success happy and wanting to play in Memphis.

With starting quarterback Donovan McNabb on day-to-day status since he sustained a broken rib injury, the Philadelphia Eagles have not only signed former quarterback Jeff Garcia, they have also activated Michael Vick to their 53-man roster.

Oakland Raiders head coach Tom Cable has named JaMarcus Russell as the starting quarterback for the team heading into this NFL season.

Didn’t head coach Tom Cable just pull Russell for veteran Jeff Garcia during the two-minute drill to end the first half of their preseason game?

Well now Cable will start Russell in Week one against the San Diego Chargers when the big lights are on during the Monday Night Football double header.

After losing Dahntay Jones and Linas Kleiza to free agency, the Denver Nuggets were able to re-sign backup point guard Anthony Carter on Friday.

Carter signed a one-year deal worth $1.3 million to stay with the team that he says he would like to retire with. Everyone inside the Nuggets organization is thrilled to have Carter back, including head coach George Karl who expressed re-signing Carter as one of the top priorities on his wish list.

The Cleveland Indians and Philadelphia Phillies have agreed on a trade that will be bring pitcher Cliff Lee to the Phillies along with outfielder Ben Francisco for four minor leaguers, according to major league sources.

Triple-A right-hander Carlos Carrasco, Class A righty Jason Knapp, catcher Lou Marson -- the likely heir apparent to Victor Martinez -- and shortstop Jason Donald will be sent to Cleveland.

The trade is pending physical exams.

Michael Vick has been conditionally reinstated by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell today and can potentially become eligible to play in a regular season game come October 18-19.