Mack stays in Cleveland
The Cleveland Browns matched the offer sheet made by the Jacksoville Jaguars for center Alex Mack. Mack, who got the transition tag from the Browns earlier in the offseason, signed a five-year offer sheet with the Jaguars on Friday.
Although the Browns had up to five days to match the offer, it took them less than a day to retain the Pro Bowl center that has started every game over the past five seasons. ESPN reports that the deal is worth $42 million, with $26 million guaranteed.
Mack’s deal includes a clause in which he can void his contract after two years if he chooses to do so. The deal also has a no-trade provision.
Carolina Panthers sign Thomas DeCoud
The Panthers were looking for a quality safety and found one in DeCoud, a Pro Bowler in 2012 with the Atlanta Falcons. The two sides agreed to terms on a two-year, $3.75 million contract.
DeCoud played behind a weak defensive front in Atlanta over the past six seasons, but Carolina will provide him with a quality defensive line. He caught 14 interceptions and recorded 507 tackles in his time with the Falcons. He had 65 tackles last season.
Eli Manning has ankle surgery
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning had arthroscopic surgery on his left ankle on Thursday, a procedure that will keep him out for about six weeks. The surgery comes months after Manning sprained his ankle in the season finale against the Redskins.
Manning tried to do without surgery by rehabbing the ankle, but eventually chose to go through with it before it affected offseason workouts.
Andre Roberts not happy with Jackson signing
Andre Roberts, the former reserve receiver for the Arizona Cardinals who signed with the Washington Redskins, is not applauding the team’s deal with DeSean Jackson. Roberts signed with the Redskins with the hope that he would be the team’s No. 2 receiver.
Now, Roberts will likely play behind Jackson and Pierre Garcon on the Redskins depth chart. Although it will be a much improved team from last year’s 3-13 season, Roberts is not satisfied.
His 471 yards and two touchdowns were good numbers for a No. 3 receiver, but he won’t be happy with those numbers this year.
Kapernick denies report
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick took to Twitter to deny a report that he was involved in a sexual assault in Miami on April 1. The report from TMZ alleges that Kaepernick, along with 49ers receiver Quinton Patton and Seattle Seahawks receiver Ricardo Lockette, brought a women into their hotel room.
The report alleges that the four drank and smoke marijuana that night, leading to the women ending up in a bedroom with Kaepernick. On Twitter, Kaepernick said the reports are “completely wrong.”
Merriman to try WWE
Shawn Merriman, former linebacker for the San Diego Chargers and Buffalo Bills from 2005-2012, will join World Wrestling Entertainment. The 2005 NFL Defensive Player of the Year finished his career with 258 total tackles 45.5 sacks.
Merriman’s career was riddled with injuries, including a stint on injured reserve in 2011 with the Bills. He also served a four-game suspension for steroid use in 2006 and was arrested in 2009 for battery of reality star Tila Tequila.