Ravens' Ogden will call it a career
Jonathan Ogden will announce his retirement today, ending a stellar career with the Baltimore Ravens in which the left offensive tackle garnered 11 Pro Bowl invitations and a Super Bowl ring.
Ogden, who turns 34 next month, told friends he won't return for a 13th season. The 6-foot-9-inch, 345-pounder has been bothered by an hyperextended toe since December 2006.
Ogden arrived at the team's training complex in Owings Mills, Md., yesterday to confirm his decision and solidify plans for a news conference this morning.
"I'm all right. I'm good with it," Ogden said of his retirement before meeting with team officials.
Ogden played in a career-low 11 games last year and did not participate in the Pro Bowl because of the bothersome big toe on his left foot.
"That toe injury, I had it once. I know it's got to be emotionally draining on him," quarterback Kyle Boller said. "That big toe, as big as he is, you've got to have that thing. I'm sure he got very frustrated with the whole situation."
Burress sits out
Plaxico Burress isn't going to practice with the New York Giants until the Super Bowl champions give him a new contract. Burress reported to the Giants' mandatory minicamp but refused to work out because he was not happy with contract negotiations between the team and agent Drew Rosenhaus. Coach Tom Coughlin had indicated after practice that Burress did not work out because of a knee injury, but the receiver said he was healthy. "Me and my agent are trying to get a deal done so I can stay a New York Giant for a long time," Burress said. Burress, who caught a game-winning 13-yard touchdown pass with 35 seconds remaining in the Super Bowl to give the Giants a 17-14 win over the previously unbeaten Patriots, has three years remaining on his six-year, $25 million deal. He will earn $3.25 million this year, $3.5 million in 2009, and $3.75 million in 2010 . . . The Patriots waived rookie free agents Tyson DeVree (tight end), Henry Smith (nose tackle), and Casey Tyler (defensive end), all of whom were longer shots to make the roster. Also, linebacker Eric Alexander officially signed his exclusive rights free agent tender offer, which was expected, and means he now officially counts against the 80-man roster limit.
Reid won't go to jail
Former Patriots and Indianapolis Colts defensive back Dexter Reid had his driver's license suspended six months for a felony drug conviction in Virginia Beach, Va. Circuit Judge Thomas Padrick Jr. also ordered Reid to attend drug treatment. Reid, 27, had faced up to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty in January to possession of marijuana with intent to distribute. The Patriots drafted Reid in the fourth round in 2004. He was part of the Patriots' Super Bowl-winning team in 2005 and earned another ring in 2007 with the Colts, who released him shortly after the Super Bowl victory . . . LeCharles Bentley's agent, Jonathan Feinsod, says the center has asked for and received his release from the Cleveland Browns. Bentley practiced with the Browns Tuesday for the first time in two years in his return from a major knee injury and a life-threatening infection. Feinsod says his client wants to resume his career elsewhere . . . Dallas Cowboys defensive end Chris Canty signed a $2 million restricted free agent tender.
Saints sign Smith
New Orleans Saints defensive end Will Smith signed a contract extension that will make him one of the NFL's highest-paid defensive players. Smith signed a six-year deal worth about $70 million, according to a person familiar with the deal. The deal makes Smith the NFL's third-highest-paid defensive end, behind Kansas City's Jared Allen and Indianapolis's Dwight Freeney . . . Coach Mike Holmgren returned to the Seahawks' practice field after missing two days with what the team emphasized was a minor medical issue . . . John Rauch, 80, the former Georgia quarterback who coached the Raiders to a berth in the second Super Bowl, died Tuesday at his home in Oldsmar, Fla.
Mike Reiss of the Globe staff contributed to this report.
