Washington’s Snyder to buy out partners
WASHINGTON — The NFL finance committee has approved a debt waiver that, once approved by fellow team owners, would enable Washington Football Team owner Daniel Snyder to buy out his three limited partners in the franchise.
The league confirmed through a spokesman that the owners on the finance committee, which reviews potential ownership transactions, have recommended ratification of a waiver that would enable Snyder to take on an additional $450 million in debt. The granting of the waiver is subject to final approval of the league's 32 franchise owners during their remote meeting scheduled for next Tuesday and Wednesday, the NFL said through a spokesman. Ratification requires the approval vote of at least 24 of the 32 owners.
Snyder plans to pay approximately $875 million to purchase the shares held by Dwight Schar, Fred Smith and Robert Rothman, according to a person familiar with the proposed transaction. The deal would put ownership of the team entirely in the hands of Snyder and family members.
Schar, Smith and Rothman currently own about 40 percent of the team.
Smith and Suh staying with Bucs
Tampa Bay has reached an agreement with veteran left tackle Donovan Smith on a two-year, $31 million contract extension through 2023.
Additionally, the club is finalizing a one-year, $9 million deal with 34-yearold free agent defensive end Ndamukong Suh.
Suh's return would mean the entire Bucs starting defense from Super Bowl 55 remains under contract for 2021.
Lions sign Anzalone, Ratley
The Detroit Lions have signed linebacker Alex Anzalone and receiver Damion Ratley.
The move reunites firstyear coach Dan Campbell with Anzalone. He played for New Orleans the past four seasons while Campbell was the Saints' assistant head coach.
Ratley has 29 receptions for 407 yards and one touchdown over two seasons in Cleveland and one with the New York Giants.
Colts bringing back Hilton
Longtime Indianapolis Colts receiver T.Y. Hilton will re-sign with the Indianapolis Colts after agreeing to a one-year contract.
Hilton and team owner
Jim Irsay both confirmed the deal on Twitter posts. The deal is for $10 million with $8 million in guaranteed money.
Odds and ends
The Cincinnati Bengals agreed to a one-year deal with safety Ricardo Allen. Allen was released in February by Atlanta. He was a fixture in the Falcons' secondary since he was selected in the fifth round of the 2014 draft. …
The Los Angeles Chargers have agreed to terms with outside linebacker Kyler Fackrell. Fackrell had four sacks in nine starts for the New York Giants last season. …
The Houston Texans have promoted Greg Grissom to team president. He previously worked as senior vice president of corporate development. He takes over for Jamey Rootes, who resigned in February to pursue other opportunities after serving as president since the team's inception.