Atlanta Falcons 05/20/2008 6:31 PMESPN’s John Clayton reports QB Matt Ryan officially became the face of the Atlanta Falcons when he was selected as the third pick in the NFL draft. On Tuesday, the Falcons rewarded him with plenty of green. Ryan became the second top draft choice to sign when he accepted a six-year, $72 million contract that included $34.75 million in guarantees. Less than a week before the draft, OT Jake Long signed a five-year, $57.75 million deal with the Miami Dolphins.Read more
Dallas Cowboys 05/20/2008 6:29 PMESPN’s John Clayton reports using the salary cap loopholes created by Tuesday's decision to have a possible uncapped year in 2010, the Dallas Cowboys locked up two of their key young players -- CB Terence Newman and RB Marion Barber. Newman received a six-year extension worth $50.2 million, similar to the deal Marcus Trufant received from Seattle. He will receive $22.5 million guaranteed over the first three years of the contract. Barber agreed to a seven-year, $45 million deal that included $16 million in guarantees.Read more
Kansas City Chiefs 05/19/2008 8:42 AMThe Kansas City Star reports any doubt about RB Larry Johnson’s value to the Chiefs disappeared last year when they lost all eight games after his season ended prematurely because of a broken foot. That’s why the Chiefs intend to go easy on Johnson when offseason practice begins today. The Chiefs have 15 practice sessions planned over the next four weeks, including their June 6-8 minicamp. “We’ll bring him along slowly,” coach Herm Edwards said. “We’re not going to beat him up. We’re not going to rush him a whole lot. We want to see where he’s at. “He’s been running straight and he’s been doing all of that for a long time, but as far as cutting and football things like that, we want to limit him some.”Read more
Miami Dolphins 05/19/2008 8:33 AMThe Palm Beach Post reports when veteran OL Steve McKinney visited the Dolphins two weeks ago, he didn't detect a franchise in shambles. He met with the front office, took a hard look at the roster and saw a place he wanted to be. McKinney signed a one-year contract with the Dolphins today, two months after the Houston Texans released him. McKinney, coming off season-ending knee surgery, can play both center and guard.Read more
