Kurt Warner is being courted by an eager division rival of the Arizona Cardinals.
The San Francisco 49ers sent a private jet yesterday for the two-time MVP quarterback, who traveled from Phoenix to the 49ers' training complex in Santa Clara, Calif., for a physical and a meeting with top brass.
Warner led the Cardinals to the Super Bowl last season but became a free agent when he didn't re-sign with the club. Arizona has offered a two-year, $20 million contract to Warner, who will be 38 when training camp opens.
But Warner is said to be seeking a deal worth at least $14 million per season.
T.J. a Seahawk
Multiple media outlets reported that free agent wide receiver
T.J. Houshmandzadeh has chosen to play with the Seahawks rather than sign with the Vikings or return to the Bengals. The outlets all said
the deal was more than $40 million for five years, with more than $15 million guaranteed . . . A league source told
ESPN.com that Giants running back
Derrick Ward has reached agreement on a four-year, $17 million contract with the Buccaneers. The bruising 228-pound Ward gained 1,025 yards last season for New York despite only starting three games.
Taylor is cut
After a year of "Dancing With the Stars" and struggling with the Redskins,
Jason Taylor wanted some family time. He got it.
The former NFL defensive player of the year's disappointing turn in the nation's capital came to an end when he was cut by the Redskins for refusing to commit to their offseason workout program.
The Redskins wanted to add a workout clause to Taylor's hefty contract, but the 34-year-old defensive end declined. The clause would have required Taylor to take part in 25 days of offseason workouts.
"He just kind of chose family over going up there," said Taylor's agent, Gary Wichard.
Broncos stay busy
The Broncos signed linebacker
Andra Davis as they continue to revamp their defense. He fits in with new coach
Josh McDaniels's plans to convert to a 3-4 scheme, since Davis played in a similar alignment with Cleveland . . . Broncos receiver
Brandon Marshall faces a possible league suspension even though a disorderly conduct charge stemming from a fight with his fiance was dismissed in an Atlanta court yesterday.
Lions sign receiver
The Lions signed free agent receiver
Bryant Johnson to a three-year contract, adding the former first-round draft pick to complement rising star
Calvin Johnson. Bryant Johnson had 45 receptions for 546 yards and three touchdowns last year, his only season with the 49ers, after five seasons with the Cardinals . . . Defensive end
Vonnie Holliday was released after four seasons with the Dolphins. At 33, Holliday was Miami's second-oldest player and he was scheduled to make $2.8 million in base salary in 2009 and was due a $1.5 million roster bonus today . . . The Titans agreed to terms with receiver
Nate Washington of the Super Bowl champion Steelers . . . The Cardinals signed free agent safety
Keith Lewis to a two-year contract, re-signed punter
Ben Graham to a two-year contract, and got backup quarterback
Brian St. Pierre's name on a one-year deal. Terms of the deals weren't disclosed . . .
Deidra Lane, convicted of fatally shooting her estranged husband, NFL running back
Fred Lane, in 2000, is scheduled to be released from prison in Raleigh, N.C., today. The 33-year-old served about six years in prison for voluntary manslaughter.
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