NFL notebook

Report: Cowboys cut T.O.

Associated Press / March 5, 2009

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The Dallas Cowboys released controversial wide receiver Terrell Owens, sources told ESPN late last night.

A spokesman for Owens said he hadn't heard the news, and that Owens was traveling and could not immediately be reached.

There has been talk since the end of the Cowboys' 9-7 season that they would consider cutting Owens to improve morale in the locker room.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones did not deny the team was discussing the possible release of Owens in late February.

"There are several decisions on our roster we have to look at," Jones said at the time. "This is the time of year we do that. I'm not trying to be trite, but as you all know we're evaluating players in college, we're evaluating free agents, and we're evaluating our own roster. This is an ongoing thing, not any different than this time last year."

Not only did Owens have relationship issues with quarterback Tony Romo and tight end Jason Witten, but the receiver consistently criticized offensive coordinator Jason Garrett's play calling and his offensive schemes to the point that sources say Garrett does not believe they can coexist.

While the Cowboys were trying to downplay a possible rift between Owens and Witten during the season, the two reportedly came close to blows in mid-December, espn.com reported.

An incident occurred at the Cowboys' training facility when Witten tried to engage Owens in a conversation about a pass route. Owens told Witten to stay away from him and called him a name. They exchanged words before being separated, the website continued.

The confrontation came a day after a source told ESPN that Owens believed Romo and Witten - close friends and road roommates - hold private meetings and create plays without including Owens.

"You've got to realize that Bill [ Parcells] bought into Terrell joining our team and don't think Terrell didn't come to this team without Bill's blessing," Jones said in an interview with a Dallas TV station last week. "He wanted to win and use the talents of Terrell as much as anyone in this organization . . . the entire time Bill was coach they never spoke."

Dallas paid Owens a $12 million signing bonus last year, included as part of a new four-year, $34 million deal. Dallas will take a roughly $9 million salary cap hit with his release.

He caught 69 passes for 1,052 yards and 10 touchdowns last season.

Warner at home in Arizona

Kurt Warner wound up right where he wanted to be, with a hefty pay raise to return to the Arizona team he led to the Super Bowl.

The 37-year-old quarterback agreed to terms on a two-year, $23 million contract with the Cardinals.

The deal includes a $15 million signing bonus. Combined with a $4 million salary for the first year of the contract, $19 million is guaranteed.

Lewis stays a Raven

Linebacker Ray Lewis will finish his career with the Ravens after reaching agreement on a three-year deal.

"From beginning to end as a Raven . . . Wow! To be with the same team with the same fans for an entire career, that doesn't happen in the NFL," Lewis said after concluding negotiations on a deal worth nearly $22 million. "I don't think an athlete can have a greater legacy than to be able to stay in one place for an entire career."

Bengals tab Coles

The Bengals agreed to a four-year deal with former Jets receiver Laveranues Coles, a day after T.J. Houshmandzadeh left for Seattle as a free agent.

ESPN reported the deal with Cincinnati was worth $28 million.

Search continues

Family and friends refused to give up the search for two NFL players and a third man missing four days in the Gulf of Mexico, enlisting private boats and planes to comb the waters off the Florida coast. The Coast Guard called off the official search Tuesday for Raiders linebacker Marquis Cooper, free agent NFL defensive lineman Corey Smith, who played for the Lions last season, and former South Florida player William Bleakley. Bleakley's former South Florida teammate, Nick Schuyler, was rescued Monday. His doctor said it's a "miracle" Schuyler survived in the 63-degree water for nearly two days . . . Linebacker Takeo Spikes re-signed with the 49ers, who also signed veteran quarterback Damon Huard. Spikes got a two-year deal reportedly worth $6 million . . . The Giants signed former Texans safety C.C. Brown, who played in only three games last season after breaking his right forearm . . . Kicker Mike Nugent signed a one-year contract with the Buccaneers. He missed the final 15 games with the Jets last season after being injured (strained right thigh) in the opener . . . The Rams re-signed cornerback Ron Bartell to a four-year contract. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported Bartell gets $13.6 million in guaranteed money, with the overall deal reaching $28 million if incentives are met . . . The Broncos signed former Cardinals tailback/kick returner J.J. Arrington to a four-year deal worth about $10 million.