Quarterback Kurt Warner has made a counteroffer to the Arizona Cardinals that could pave the way for his return to the team he led to the Super Bowl.
Warner's agent said he has offered a two-year deal worth $23 million, with $12 million guaranteed.
"We had a lot of talk [yesterday] and we conveyed what it means for Kurt to stay in Arizona," agent Mark Bartelstein said last night.
The Cardinals reportedly offered a two-year, $20 million contract with $10 million guaranteed. Warner had sought a deal that would rank with the top five paid QBs in the league: two years for some $29 million.
Bartelstein said Warner's counteroffer "is clearly below what his market value is out there and the Cardinals know that."
Warner's counteroffer came a day after he made a highly publicized trip to San Francisco for an interview and physical exam with the 49ers.
But with San Francisco expected to have a run-oriented attack, Warner seemed an unlikely fit.
Welcome mat out
Plaxico Burress could be welcomed back by the Giants - if the Super Bowl star can straighten out his legal problems stemming from a weapons charge and get his life back in order. "Right now he is still a Giant and if things work out and he's on board with what we want coming back, we'd love to have him back," general manager
Jerry Reese said . . . Free agent running back
Cedric Benson decided to stay with the Bengals, who gave him the chance to resurrect his career last season, on a two-year deal.
Jets sign Leonhard
The Jets signed safety
Jim Leonhard, the second player new coach
Rex Ryan has lured from the Ravens. The 26-year-old Leonhard had 69 tackles last season, his first with the Ravens. He joined linebacker
Bart Scott as ex-Baltimore players who have joined their former defensive coordinator in New York . . . The Bills agreed to terms with veteran free agent cornerback
Drayton Florence late last night. Florence was cut by Jacksonville last month after signing a six-year, $36 million deal - with $12 million guaranteed - in 2008 . . . The Vikings released linebacker/special teamer
Vinny Ciurciu, who played at Boston College . . . The Broncos insist Pro Bowl quarterback
Jay Cutler isn't on the trading block, and new coach
Josh McDaniels and Cutler are scheduled to meet next week to try to patch up their relationship. The team continued the rapid remake of its defense by signing tackle
Ronald Fields, who had spent four years with the 49ers, to a two-year deal.
McAllister files
Former Saints running back
Deuce McAllister has filed for bankruptcy protection for a car dealership he owns in Jackson, Miss. Nissan says McAllister owes more than $6.6 million and nearly $300,000 in interest . . . Former Vikings great
Carl Eller will not be released from a county workhouse in Minnesota while he appeals misdemeanor convictions for driving under the influence and assault.
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