49ers Sign Stokes To Long-Term Deal

The San Francisco 49ers made J.J. Stokes their top draft pick with the notion he might be the next Jerry Rice. They showed Thursday they’re willing to pay a lot to find out.

The record-breaking wide receiver from UCLA, the 10th player selected, signed a seven-year contract worth $8.4 million. The pact includes a $2.85 million signing bonus and a clause allowing Stokes to terminate the contract and become a free agent after four years provided he meets certain conditions.

Seattle signs cornerback

After losing five cornerbacks in the first five days of practice, Seahawks coach Dennis Erickson reached out and signed former Miami Hurricanes cornerback Dexter Seigler, who was cut three weeks ago by the Miami Dolphins.

Brown holds ground

Nearly six months after blasting Raiders owner Al Davis, Tim Brown says he has no regrets. It could be Brown’s harsh words were influential in causing change.

“I never have any regrets about anything I say - that situation was no different,” Brown said. “I definitely thought that situation through. In my mind, it was in the best interests of the team.”

Brown, an All-Pro receiver, reacted angrily to the firing of Art Shell as Raiders coach on Feb. 2.

“Nothing is going to change,” Brown said then. “They could bring in Superman, and he couldn’t coach this team if the hierarchy doesn’t change its philosophy.

“… I think Al should be the coach. Let him be the head coach. At least that way, we would get it from the horse’s mouth. … Give the coaches some control. Let us know that, when they say something, it’s what they are saying.”

From Brown’s perspective, things are different - for now - under new head coach Mike White and staff.

“There’s been some obvious changes,” Brown said. “The offense has been changed. Mike has said, ‘It’s my program, buy into it.’ Whatever Mike White says, I’m going to go with. I’m going to be positive.”

Brown said things just got to a point last season when “as big as Art was, he just became transparent. What he was saying weren’t his words. I love Art. It was time for him to move on.”

When asked how much the offense has changed, Brown said, “That’s really hard to say right now because we haven’t played a game. I think it’s going to be a tremendous change where the quarterback’s going to get rid of the ball quicker. It should be a lot of fun this year.”

Critical year for Shannon Sharpe

Broncos tight end Shannon Sharpe said he might call it quits after the 1995 season if his chronic ankle and knee pain doesn’t subside.

“It’s not a matter of how much longer I want to play - it’s how much more can my body take,” said Sharpe, who underwent surgery on both ankles this off-season.

“This year is a real key,” he said. “If I can come out and stay healthy this year, I like my chances to play further. But if I get banged up like I have been the last two years, I don’t really think I can continue to play.”