New Orleans aqcuires Shockey for draft picks

Jeremy Shockey was traded to the Saints for two draft picks Monday, giving New Orleans a disgruntled star tight end who watched from afar while injured as the New York Giants surged to the Super Bowl title.

The Giants will get second- and fifth-round picks in the 2009 draft. The deal must be approved by the league and is contingent on Shockey passing a physical.

The deal reunites Shockey with Saints coach Sean Payton, who was the Giants’ offensive coordinator in 2002, when Shockey was Rookie of the Year.

The Saints report to training camp in Jackson, Miss., on Wednesday with several other tight ends on the roster, including last year’s starter, Eric Johnson, along with Billy Miller and Mark Campbell.

Shockey, a four-time Pro Bowl selection who spent six seasons with the Giants, broke his leg against the Washington Redskins late last season.

Taylor introduced as Redskin

Jason Taylor characterized his split from the Miami Dolphins as amicable as he was officially introduced as the newest member of the Washington Redskins.

The defensive end, who was acquired from Miami for two draft picks the day before, arrived in town Monday and underwent a physical.

The Redskins gave the Dolphins a second-round pick in 2009 and a sixth-round choice in 2010 for Taylor, who had been with Miami for all of his 11 NFL seasons.

Bears, Urlacher agree to deal

The Chicago Bears and linebacker Brian Urlacher agreed to a contract extension through the 2012 season, according to published reports.

The Chicago Tribune and Chicago Sun-Times reported that the extension is worth $18 million, including a $6 million signing bonus. The Bears declined to confirm the deal.

Urlacher, entering his ninth season, signed a nine-year, $57 million contract in 2003 that would have expired after 2011.

Last season, Urlacher played with an arthritic back condition and also had minor offseason neck surgery. Urlacher, 30, has been selected for the Pro Bowl six times.