Packers’ Jennings to be free agent

The Green Bay Packers declined to use their franchise tag on Greg Jennings, meaning the star wide receiver will become an unrestricted free agent next week.

The agent for the 29-yearold Jennings, who ranks in the top 10 on the all-time Packers reception list, can begin speaking with other teams as soon as Saturday, although no deal can be signed until March 12.

The Packers could have kept Jennings out of free agency by applying their franchise tag to him by Monday’s deadline, but then they would have had to offer him a one-year, $10.5-million contract. If Jennings signed the contract he’d be guaranteed the money, and even if the team released him, the salary would count against the team’s cap.

NFL linebacker Shawne Merriman is calling it “Lights Out” on his career.

The three-time Pro Bowl selection and 2005 NFL defensive rookie of the year said on his website that he intends to file retirement papers.

“I retire today not because I don’t feel I can go out there and still play the game at a very high level,” wrote Merriman, 28. “I am retiring because I want to retire on my own terms and leave while I know I can still physically play the game.”

Cristiano Ronaldo scored the decisive goal in his return to Old Trafford, rallying Real Madrid over Manchester United, 2-1, and into the Champions League quarterfinals with a 3-2 aggregate victory.