Raiders, Brooks agree on contract

The Oakland Raiders found their replacement for Kerry Collins, agreeing to terms yesterday with former New Orleans quarterback Aaron Brooks on a two-year contract worth more than $8 million.

The 29-year-old Brooks gives new Raiders coach Art Shell a proven starter to compete with veteran backup Marques Tuiasosopo and second-year pro Andrew Walter. Brooks was cut last week by New Orleans when the Saints signed Drew Brees, one of the most coveted free agents available this year.

''It was a win-win scenario," said Brooks's agent, Mason Ashe. ''They have a lot of potential, a lot of firepower. It looked like they were just missing the ingredient he adds -- a quarterback of his caliber who has his skills."

In 13 games last season, he completed 240 of 431 passes for 2,882 yards with 13 touchdowns and 17 interceptions.

At a hearing in Hennepin County (Minn.) District Court, a judge agreed that Daunte Culpepper and a former Minnesota Vikings teammate had made a case that they were treated differently than two white men who were not charged as part of a boat party sex scandal. Culpepper, who was traded to the Miami Dolphins last week, and running back Moe Williams are seeking dismissal of misdemeanor charges of lewd conduct . . . A Pompano Beach, Fla., judge increased jail time from six months to five years for the brother of Pittsburgh Steelers safety Tyrone Carter because he failed to report to prison on time for driving with a revoked license. Tank Carter went to the Super Bowl instead and said he had no regrets. ''Even knowing what I know now, I would do it again. It was the greatest game in my life," said Tank Carter, who watched the Steelers beat Seattle from the 50-yard line and partied with rapper Snoop Dogg after the game . . . Bengals receiver Chris Henry pleaded guilty in Covington, Ky., to marijuana possession, avoiding jail time after completing a drug rehabilitation program.

The New York Giants have signed Pro Bowl special teams player David Tyree to a five-year contract. The deal makes Tyree the highest-paid special teams player in the league . . . The Chicago Bears matched the four-year offer sheet defensive lineman Israel Idonije signed with the Buffalo Bills. They also scheduled a news conference for today with free agent cornerback and special teams standout Jerry Azumah . . . The Baltimore Ravens signed special teams ace Gary Stills and cornerback Corey Ivy. Stills made the Pro Bowl in 2003 with Kansas City . . . Former Texas quarterback Vince Young worked out for 30 minutes in Austin, Texas, in front of more than 100 NFL scouts, coaches, and executives.