Saints, QB Carr agree on four-year contract
Former Raiders quarterback Derek Carr agreed to terms Monday on a four-year contract with the Saints, and multiple outlets said the deal might be worth up to $150 million. The Saints didn’t disclose financial terms.
Carr played nine seasons for the Raiders and holds team records for yards passing (35,222) and touchdown passes (217). But after struggling late last season, Carr was benched with two games to play.
The Raiders released Carr, who will turn 32 on March 28, on Feb. 14 after he declined to waive the notrade clause in his contract. They needed to trade or release him by that date or a combined $40.4 million of his contract in 2023 and 2024 would have become fully guaranteed.
The Seahawks agreed to terms with quarterback Geno Smith ona three-year contract that some outlets reported is worth $105 million, including $52 million in the first year.
Smith, 32, was one of the biggest surprises of the 2022 season, earning a Pro Bowl nod and the Comeback Player of the Year award after spending most of the last seven seasons as a backup. He led the NFL in completion percentage (69.8%) and finished fourth in touchdown passes (30).
ESPN, citing a source it didn’t identify, reported the Chiefs won’t use the franchise tag on four-time Pro Bowl offensive tackle Orlando Brown for a second consecutive season, opening the door for him to become a free agent next week.
The network also reported the Chiefs are expected to move on from defensive end Frank Clark after they and his agent were unable to agree on reworking his deal.
The NFL reinstated suspended receiver Calvin Ridley, clearing the way for him to join the Jaguars. The league said Ridley, who had been suspended indefinitely since March 2022 for violating the NFL’s gambling policy, is eligible to participate in all team activities, effective immediately.
The Vikings started their salarycap purge by terminating the contract of linebacker Eric Kendricks, ending his eight-year run with the team. The move saves the Vikings $9.5 million, with more trimming to come.
Multiple outlets reported 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy will have surgery Friday to repair the torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right (throwing) elbow he suffered in the NFC Championship Game.
NBA
More trouble for Morant?
Police in Colorado said they are investigating Grizzlies guard Ja Morant’s actions after he posted an Instagram Live video in which he displayed what appeared to be a gun while at a nightclub early Saturday in suburban Denver.
Colorado is an open-carry state, although there are exceptions to the law. It is a misdemeanor in Colorado, for example, to possess a firearm while under the influence of alcohol. It isn’t clear whether Morant is intoxicated in the video he livestreamed, but others are shown drinking.
Morant is away from the Grizzlies as the NBA conducts its own investigation of the incident.
MLB
Red Sox’ Turner hit by pitch in face
Red Sox infielder Justin Turner needed 16 stitches after being hit in the face by a pitch during a spring game against the Tigers. His wife posted to Instagram that he suffered no facial fractures and that concussion scans were clear.