Vikings Reward Moon

Despite spousal abuse charges against him last season and the passage of his 39th birthday, Warren Moon became the highest paid player in Minnesota Vikings history when he agreed to a three-year, $15 million contract extension.

Jury selection began in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., in the manslaughter trial of Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Brian Blades, charged in the shooting death of a cousin. A week has been set aside to pick a jury, and opening arguments are scheduled to begin next Monday.

Miami offensive tackle Ron Heller announced his retirement, and the Dolphins signed linebacker Jack Del Rio and quarterback Bernie Kosar.

Heller, a 12-year veteran, started seven games at right tackle in 1995. Del Rio was the starting middle linebacker the past four seasons for the Vikings. Kosar played in nine games and started two for the Dolphins last season.

The Denver Broncos waived veteran wide receiver Mike Pritchard, whose two years at Denver have been punctuated by injuries that limited his production.

Tom Newberry, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ starting left guard last season, said he is retiring after 10 years in the NFL. Newberry, 33, joined the Steelers in April 1995 as an unrestricted free agent from the Los Angeles Rams.

Dou Innocent, a rookie running back from the University of Mississippi, has been signed by the Seattle Seahawks.