The Seattle Seahawks signed All-Pro Bobby Wagner to a four-year, $43 million contract extension, making him the NFL’s highest-paid middle linebacker.
Wagner’s contract is the second megadeal completed by the Seahawks in two days. Quarterback Russell Wilson signed a four-year, $87.6 million contract before training camp began Friday.
Wagner, 25, has recorded 363 combined tackles and nine sacks in three NFL seasons.
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The Seahawks released defensive tackle Tony McDaniel. The move was made to help offset a salary-cap crunch after the Seahawks reached long-term extensions with Wilson and Wagner, according to ESPN.
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Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Michael Johnson was taken off the practice field in a cart after suffering an apparent knee injury. The severity of the injury has yet to be determined. Johnson agreed to a four-year, $20 million deal with Cincinnati in March.
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Carolina Panthers wide receiver Stephen Hill, who was carted off the practice field Saturday, was waived/injured by the team.
Hill tore the ACL in his right knee and will be out for the year, Panthers assistant head coach Steve Wilks said. Hill will be placed on injured reserve if he clears waivers.
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Philadelphia Eagles coach Chip Kelly is surprised by Brandon Boykin’s comments suggesting racial motivations in the decision to trade the cornerback to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Boykin, who was dealt to the Steelers on Saturday night for a conditional fifth-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, said Kelly is “uncomfortable around grown men of our culture” in a text message to Comcast SportsNet’s Derrick Gunn.
“I don’t know. In talking to him last night I think he was stunned, he was disappointed. He really liked it here,” Kelly said. “When he left here last night he shook my hand and gave me a hug, didn’t say anything. I like Brandon. I just don’t know. I really don’t know.”
Boykin clarified his comments later Sunday, saying his differences with Kelly were based on lack of communication.
“There were times he just didn’t talk to people,” Boykin said. “I’m not saying he’s a racist in any way.”
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The Pittsburgh Steelers signed rookie free agent running back Jawon Chisholm.
Chisholm was a tryout participant in the team’s rookie minicamp in May. He played at Akron.
The team also released tight end Michael Egnew and placed rookie running back Ross Scheuerman on the team’s waived/injured list.
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New York Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson left practice with a hamstring injury.
Head coach Todd Bowles said he did not think the injury was serious.