Brunell’s Pay, Expectations Rise

The numbers suggest Mark Brunell is a young quarterback with still plenty to prove - 26 years old, a 12-14 record as a starter and 6,630 career passing yards.

The new contract he signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars suggests otherwise.

Brunell, who took the Jaguars to the AFC championship game in his first full season as a starter, signed a five-year contract that makes him one of the highest-paid players in the game.

“There is some increased pressure with a contract like this,” Brunell said Monday. “I’m ready to face that.”

The new contract is for $30.5 million and includes a $10 million signing bonus. Brunell signed Sunday night, just three days after Brett Favre signed a seven-year contract worth $42 million with Green Bay.

Favre was named the league’s Most Valuable Player last year after leading the Packers to victory in the Super Bowl.

“I don’t think Brett signing had anything to do with it,” Brunell said. “I don’t compare myself to other quarterbacks. I don’t say, ‘Well, I’m making this and I should be making this.’ If you play long enough, those things take care of themselves.”

Brunell blossomed into one of the more dangerous quarterbacks in the league last year, becoming the first player since Johnny Unitas in 1963 to lead the NFL in passing yards and rushing yards among quarterbacks.

Bills’ Smith arrested on DUI charge

Buffalo Bills defensive end Bruce Smith was arrested and charged with driving under the influence after police in Virginia Beach, Va., his hometown, said they found him sleeping at the wheel with his car running.

Smith, holding out in a contract dispute, was slumped behind the wheel, in a traffic lane, at an intersection at 6:21 a.m. Sunday, police spokesman Mike Carey said Monday.

Smith was released on a $750 personal recognizance bond and is due to appear in traffic court on Sept. 2.

Chiefs release veteran defensive lineman

The Kansas City Chiefs released veteran defensive lineman Dan Saleaumua in an attempt to open more room under the salary cap.

“We tried to exhaust all possible means by which we could retain him under the present agreement and it became very evident that it was not going to be possible,” Chiefs coach Marty Schottenheimer said.

Saleaumua, 32-year-old, 11-year veteran, joined the Chiefs as a free agent in 1989. He became a key member of the Chiefs’ defensive line, earning a starting Pro Bowl spot in 1995.

Rams DE indicted on drug charges

St. Louis Rams defensive end James E. Harris has been indicted on charges of being the “money man” behind a cocaine purchasing and distribution ring.

Harris, 29, was named in a suppressed indictment released Monday afternoon in East St. Louis, Ill., his hometown. Officials said Harris appeared in federal court in Peoria, Ill., where he was released on bond pending a hearing before a federal judge on Aug. 8.

Sanders nets teammate Moore a quick million

Some of the fallout from Barry Sanders’ $34.56-million contract has fallen receiver Herman Moore’s way.

Because the Lions had to make some last-minute adjustments to fit Sanders’ deal under the salary cap, Moore will pick up an additional $1 million in 1997.

The Lions have gone to Moore several times during his six seasons to upgrade his contract with bonus money while adjusting his salary-cap number.

Around the league

The Vikings, looking to make their tight end position more involved in the passing game, signed free agent Andrew Glover, who spent the last six seasons with the Raiders. “Sometimes guys just slip through the cracks,” Vikings vice president Jeff Diamond said. “We hope he turns out to be one of those guys.” … Jacksonville linebacker Tom McManus, who injured his right knee Saturday, had arthroscopic surgery to find out the extent of the damage, which was initially believed to be a partial tear of the ACL… . Kendall Lang, the No. 17 overall selection from Miami, signed a five-year, $5.78 million contract with the Redskins. He is likely to start, especially since Chris Mims is out with a knee injury, Dexter Nottage is bothered by back spasms and Sterling Palmer, last year’s starter, has been released.